October's Sneaky Scams: 5 Templates to Keep Your Team’s Phish-Spotting Spirits Up
This month, we're unveiling five chilling phishing simulation scenarios that exploit common workplace scenarios to test your team's vigilance. Use these in your security awareness training to illuminate the dangers that lurk in the digital darkness and empower your team to defend themselves against cyberattacks.
Download these phishing templates for your in-person security awareness training materials!
The "Vanishing Messages" Threat
This template preys on our fear of missing important information. It warns that secure messages in your inbox will be deleted soon and urges you to click a link to review or save them. But that link could be a trick, leading to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
In the wild, this could give attackers access to your confidential messages and sensitive information. This simulation reminds employees to be wary of emails urging immediate action to prevent data loss and to always verify the legitimacy of such messages through official channels.
The "Newbie Needs Help" Nudge
This template exploits our natural inclination to assist new colleagues. It appears to be from a recently hired employee who needs your help reviewing a document. But that attached file could be a trick, concealing malware that could compromise your entire system.
In the wild, this could lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, or the spread of malware throughout your company's network. This simulation reminds employees to be cautious when opening attachments from unfamiliar senders and to always verify the legitimacy of such requests through other communication channels.
The "Package Payoff" Problem
This template capitalizes on our excitement for package deliveries and offers a settlement for a supposedly lost package. It claims the compensation has been settled and provides a link to view the offer. However, that link could lead to a phishing site designed to steal your personal and financial information.
In the wild, this could result in identity theft, financial fraud, or malware infections. This simulation reminds employees to be cautious of unsolicited emails promising settlements or compensation and to always verify such claims through official company channels or by contacting the relevant service provider directly.
The "Curious Conversation" Clickbait
This template piques our curiosity by claiming we've been mentioned in a Slack huddle. It offers a link to listen to a recording of the conversation, supposedly to keep us in the loop. However, that link could lead to a phishing site designed to steal our Slack credentials or infect our device with malware.
In the wild, this could give attackers access to your Slack workspace, sensitive conversations, and confidential files. This simulation reminds employees to be cautious of emails claiming they've been mentioned in conversations and to always verify such claims through official Slack channels before clicking on any links.
The "Restricted Access" Ruse
This template triggers our fear of being locked out of essential tools. It claims your Teams account has been restricted due to an unexpected login location and urges you to click a button to lift the restrictions. But that button could lead to a phishing site designed to steal your Teams credentials or infect your device with malware.
In the wild, this could give attackers access to your Teams workspace, sensitive conversations, and confidential files. This simulation reminds employees to be cautious of emails claiming account restrictions and to always verify such claims through official channels before clicking on any links.
Cybersecurity awareness isn't a one-time event – it's a year-round necessity. By incorporating these five phishing scenarios into your training program, you'll help your team stay vigilant against the ever-evolving tricks of cybercriminals. Remember, a well-informed and alert team is your strongest defense against phishing attacks.
Looking for more ideas for phishing templates? Check our blog for additional examples to keep your security awareness training fresh and engaging!
Ready to launch your next phishing campaign? Register now for a free 10-day trial of Wizer Boost to explore all of Wizer’s Phishing Simulation Templates and Phishing Exercises.
- Interactive Phishing Response Game
- Short, Randomized Challenges
- Encourage Proactive Responses
- Go Beyond A Typical Simulation