Phishing is still the #1 way small businesses get breached — and the fix isn't a 60-minute webinar nobody remembers. It's small, repeated habits.
Make reporting the easy default
Teach one reflex: "when in doubt, report it." A visible "Report phishing" button in email, and a no-blame culture, beats any policy doc. People who fear getting in trouble stay silent — and that's when you get hit.
Use real examples
Once a month, forward a (sanitized) real phishing attempt that's been circulating and point out the tell: urgency, odd sender, mismatched link, gift-card requests. Our email security guide lists the top patterns.
Run a tiny test
Send a harmless internal fake-phish quarterly. Anyone who clicks gets a 2-line coaching note, not a lecture. Our security quiz is a gentle way to start.
Five-minute onboarding
New hires should learn: never reuse passwords, enable MFA, and report weird messages. Tie it to your password policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I do phishing simulations?
Conduct phishing simulations quarterly. Start with basic phishing emails, then progress to more sophisticated spear-phishing attempts. Track click rates and report rates over time. Use the data to identify departments or individuals who need additional training. Share aggregate results (not individual scores) to maintain a non-punitive culture.
What should I do when someone falls for a phishing test?
Don't punish - educate. Immediately provide real-time feedback explaining what to look for. Send a follow-up training module. Track this as a learning moment, not a failure. The goal is improvement, not shame. Consider it a teaching opportunity to strengthen overall security awareness.