12 Best Phishing Simulation Tools on the Market Right Now

Your employees receive hundreds of emails every week. Some are critical to your business, many are spam or unsolicited business offers, and some are dangerous phishing attacks. 

Phishing attacks are emails, texts, and calls that appear to come from a trustworthy organization or person. They attempt to trick the user into providing sensitive information, clicking on a malicious link or opening a file containing malicious software. 

Defending against phishing attacks requires education and persistent reminders. One of the most effective forms of training is phishing simulations. 

Phishing simulations safely mimic real attacks and are designed to test employees’ susceptibility to phishing attacks. 

Here’s a look at the best phishing simulation tools available today.

1. Defendify

Defendify has been providing phishing simulation tools for a long time — and it shows. 

Their phishing simulation tool goes beyond just sending test emails. It automates the entire process and integrates training when reinforcement is required. Defendify allows busy IT and security personnel to choose one of the stock programs or modify a program to meet their organization’s unique needs. 

Each of the programs automates selecting content (including requests and invitations from real peers), scheduling sends and randomizing delivery times, and tracking results. 

If a worker errs and clicks on a suspicious link or enters their credentials, they are delivered point-of-failure spot training content videos to explain what they did wrong and how to spot suspicious content.

This real-time feedback loop helps improve user awareness. Automated and intuitive reporting includes historical activity for open rates, click-through rates, repeat click offenders, and more. Defendify’s ease of use and high customer support scores equip administrators with the tools and confidence needed to improve an organization’s phishing defense.

Key features of Defendify

• Effortless campaign management: Run automagically! Defendify selects phishing content, schedules campaigns, and delivers emails at random times, all on autopilot. 
• Content selection on demand: No need to build your own simulations. Defendify automatically selects phishing email content, ensuring a steady stream of fresh, relevant attacks that keep your users on their toes.
• Dynamic & real-world relevancy: Realistic phishing simulations with dynamic, real-world style phishing campaigns. Defendify generates emails that mimic the latest tactics.
• Event-driven training: Brief, point-of-failure spot training video content for those users who fall for the simulations.
• Track engagement and sharpen skills: Defendify’s automated reporting tracks user engagement across every campaign. Identify high-risk team members and use these insights to target regular simulations that build muscle memory. The more they see these attacks, the better equipped they’ll be to recognize and evade them in the real world.
• Point of failure spot training: Short, effective training content is provided to users who fall for the simulated phishing emails. Engaging awareness videos are updated regularly.

Why do companies choose Defendify?

Compared to competitors, Defendify stands out as a superior option due to several key factors:

• Fully automated simulations: IT and security teams are already busy. Defendify eliminates the time-consuming task of creating phishing content. The platform automatically selects phishing email content, ensuring a steady stream of simulations without burdening your IT team.
• Real-world relevance: Defendify uses dynamic, real-world-style phishing campaigns that mirror the latest tactics used by attackers. This includes emails leveraging:
• Requests and invitations from real peers: This creates a sense of urgency and familiarity, making them more believable.
• Dynamic date-driven notifications: Increases the realism of the emails by incorporating real-time elements.
• Messages from familiar organizations and brands: Exploits brand trust to bypass suspicion.
• Automated video training & reminders: Defendify goes beyond simulations. Those who click on phishing attempts are automatically enrolled in on-the-spot training with reminders. Short, informative video content clarifies the mistake and reinforces best practices. Automated notifications ensure both users and administrators stay on top of training completion.
• Actionable insights at your fingertips: Defendify provides automated, intuitive reports that detail campaign performance. Gain insights into open rates, click-through rates, repeat offenders, and historical trends. This data empowers you to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and effectively measure the impact of your security awareness program.
• Full suite of security awareness tools: In addition to phishing simulation, Defendify offers a comprehensive set of security awareness training solutions designed for midsized organizations, including courses and graphics and videos to keep security top of mind every day..
• Best in class customer satisfaction: 99% G2 Rating for “quality of support” with 98% rating for “ease of administration” and “ease of doing business with”. 

Who is Defendify a good fit for?

IT and security teams that need high quality, easy to administer phishing simulations and user training without adding administrative overhead. 

Pricing

Defendify’s Phishing Simulation starts at $250 per month and includes its Security Awareness Training, Awareness Videos and Graphics, and Technology Acceptable Use Policies.

Examples of what real-world users are saying:

• “Ultimately, after using other products for security training and phishing campaigns, the combination of Defendify’s Awareness Video training paired with Defendify’s Phishing Campaign, our company is more vigilant than ever.”
• “We are very impressed with monthly phishing awareness campaigns, they are very realistic and the subjects are always up-to-date with the latest real world cyber attacks.” 
• “Defendify is my cybersecurity assistant — The simulated phishing campaigns have proven very valuable.” 

2. Infosec IQ

Infosec IQ phishing simulations automatically provide personalized education according to the simulated emails that employees click on, prompting them to report any suspicious emails to your security team. This extends training beyond merely raising awareness about phishing to engaging in action-based learning.

Key features of Infosec IQ

• Variety of templates: Choose from over 1,000 phishing email templates modeled after real-world attacks
• Reporting tools: Metrics measure effectiveness of phishing simulations and training
• Industry frameworks: Infosec IQ training is mapped to industry frameworks like NIST

Who is Infosec IQ a good fit for?

Organizations requiring more formal training formats where integration with internal Learning Management Systems is important.

Pricing

Enterprise annual pricing starts at $20 per user with a minimum contract value of $1,500.

3. KnowBe4

KnowBe4 aims to help organizations train their employees to recognize and resist various cybersecurity threats, including phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, and malware. The platform provides interactive training modules, simulated phishing campaigns, security awareness resources, and metrics to track progress and measure the effectiveness of training efforts.

Key features of KnowBe4

• Simulated phishing attacks: Fully automated simulated phishing campaigns to test employees’ susceptibility to phishing attacks 
• Customizable attacks: In addition to standard templates, teams can create custom phishing attacks and landing pages.
• Unlimited use: Unlimited access to training and phishing simulations based on your subscription level.

Who is KnowBe4 a good fit for?

Enterprise security teams looking to customize phishing emails for a variety of internal departments.

Pricing

A license for 100 seats ranges from $19.20 – $33.00 per seat depending on which options are selected

4. ProofPoint

Proofpoint solutions are designed to safeguard enterprises and government agencies from a variety of cyber threats. Their phishing simulation tool enables users to execute targeted phishing campaigns closely resembling real-world attacks. 

The tool offers templates covering key testing aspects: embedded links, requests for personal information, and attachment downloads. Security teams can view average failure rates aggregated from assessments conducted by all users for each template, aiding in assessing test difficulty prior to campaign creation.

Key features of ProofPoint

• Wide range of customizable templates: Teams can select one of the standard templates, modify a template, or create custom phishing emails.
• Intervention messages: When an employee fails a test they are presented with an explanation of what occurred and advice on avoiding future attacks.
• Random scheduling: Reduces the chance that employees will discuss when a phishing simulation is occurring.

Who is ProofPoint a good fit for?

Existing ProofPoint customers seeking to consolidate offerings.

Pricing

You can learn more about their pricing plans by contacting ProofPoint sales. 

5. IronScales

IRONSCALES offers Phishing Simulation Testing, which allows IT and security teams to conduct phishing simulations and customized, one-click training based on real-world attacks such as BEC and ransomware. The platform features a large library of real-life situations to create phishing test campaigns for employees, with the ability to launch optimal campaigns with minimal effort.

Key features of IronScales

• Autogenerated content: Generate automated content tailored to match the awareness levels and susceptibility scores of employees.
• One-click campaigns: IT and security teams can launch campaigns with minimal effort.
• Real world examples: Train team to identify, report, and address phishing, BEC, and ransomware threats through phishing tests created from authentic real-world instances.

Who is IronScales a good fit for?

Organizations already using IronScales email platform wishing to add phishing simulations.

Pricing

A free version is available. Pricing plans have to be discussed via call.

6. Gophish

Gophish is an open-source phishing framework that makes it easy to test your organization’s exposure to phishing.

Key features of Gophish

• Free to use: Gophish is an open source application licensed under the MIT license.
• Full HTML editing: The web UI includes a full HTML editor, making it easy to customize templates.
• Cross platform support: Gophish binaries are provided for most platforms, including Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux.

Who is Gophish a good fit for?

Organizations with development resources who wish to customize and manage their phishing campaigns.

Pricing

GoPhish is distributed under MIT license.

7. Usecure – uPhish

uPhish by usecure is a phishing simulation solution that aims to identify and eliminate vulnerability to sophisticated phishing scams. The platform includes features such as realistic templates, automated regular simulations, in-depth reporting, spear-phishing tests, and follow-up training for compromised users. 

Key features of Usecure’s uPhish phishing simulation tool?

• Deploys quickly: Cloud-based solution with simple configuration options.
• Realistic templates: Use templates impersonating well-known brands or use a custom template builder.
• Follow up training: Compromised users are automatically enrolled in micro-course training. 

Who is Usecure a good fit for?

Teams that prioritize micro-training and reporting analytics.

Pricing

Pricing can be discussed by contacting Usecure’s sales team.

8. Phishing Box

The PhishingBox Phishing Simulator allows organizations to conduct realistic phishing attacks to test employees’ security awareness. It features a customizable template editor and a library of phishing templates. Users can manage targets and groups, sync databases through API integrations, and use LDAP support. 

Key features of Phishing  Box

• Customizable Phishing Templates: Users can create and edit phishing email templates tailored to specific scenarios, enhancing the realism of phishing simulations.
• Advanced Reporting: Phishing Box provides detailed analytics and reports on phishing campaign results, tracking user interactions and identifying vulnerable employees.
• Database Sync and LDAP Support: The Phishing Box simulator can sync with existing databases and supports LDAP integration, making it easier to manage user groups.

Who is Phishing Box a good fit for?

IT and Security Teams that need robust tools for assessing and improving cybersecurity practices, including detailed reporting.

Pricing

Phishing Box is priced at $16.50 – $31.25 per user per year, depending on the selected plan.

9. Phished

Phished AI is a phishing simulation platform designed to improve an organization’s cyber resilience. It emphasizes the use of optimized phishing simulations, localized content, AI-driven methods, and a Behavioral Risk Score™ to enhance security awareness.  

Key features of Phished

Automated attacks: Teaches employees skills to spot and handle real-life cyber threats without manual intervention  

Training and Checkpoints: Phishing simulations combined with trainings, checkpoints, reporting and threat intelligence improve security awareness

Link theory and practice: Simulations integrated into broader approach linking theory and practice to improve security

Who is Phished a good fit for?

The Phished Phishing Simulator is a good fit for organizations looking to leverage AI-driven simulations.

Pricing

Pricing plans can be discussed by contacting their sales team.

10. Hook Security

Hook Security offers a Phishing Simulator platform with features such as phishing testing and security awareness training. 

The platform includes automated phishing testing and instant training for vulnerable employees and offers a variety of features such as a phishing template library, automatic enrollments, active directory sync, API integrations, and instant training moments. 

Key features of Hook Security

Automated phishing simulations: Tests users in their own environment and trains them at the point of infraction.

Instant training moments: Provides effective micro-learning to employees who click phishing tests.

Deploys quickly: Cloud-based platform deploys instantly and integrates with Active Directory.

Who is Hook Security a good fit for?

Hook Security is good for teams looking for customizable phishing templates and the ability to share data and analytics through an API and webhooks.

Pricing

Hook Security costs $18 – $24 per user annually.

11. Phish Maestro 

Phish Maestro helps organizations train staff to identify and report phishing emails that by-pass technical defenses. It provides teams with unlimited regular and advanced simulated phishing tests to evaluate the extent of phishing vulnerability within an organization. Phish Maestro is a SaaS-based platform hosted in Azure for scalability.

Key features of Phish Maestro

Customizable templates: Simulate attacks using impersonations of internal or external contacts for BEC, ransomware, and CEO fraud.

Burst mode: Deploy multiple templates when launching a simulation to minimize risk of employees tipping others off.

Management reporting: Every user interaction is recorded. Repeat offenders and high risk groups are highlighted.

Who is Phish Maestro a good fit for?

Phish Maestro will be valued by organizations looking for customizable phishing templates and real-time user interaction tracking.

Pricing

Pricing plans can be discussed by contacting their sales team.

12. Jericho Security

Jericho Security’s phishing simulation offering is designed to train employees to defend against emerging threats, particularly new AI threats. The platform allows security teams to generate attacks using AI based emails. 

Key features of Jericho Security

• Varied scheduling: Teams can create and schedule campaigns or follow training templates.
• Customize attack emails: Craft emails from internal contacts, external suppliers, and dark web data.
• Personalize training: Train employees to identify threats and course correct with engaging resources.

Who is Jericho Security a good fit for?

Jericho Security is a good fit for organizations that will prioritize AI-based phishing simulations and personalized training based on results.

Pricing

A free trial is available. Pricing plans can be discussed by contacting their sales team.

Phishing Simulation Tools FAQs

What is phishing?

Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers try to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details. They typically use emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as your bank or a well-known company.

What are the different types of phishing scams?

CEO fraud 

Malicious hackers impersonate a high-level executive (CEO, CFO) urging employees to transfer funds or perform tasks urgently.

Spear phishing 

Targets specific individuals within a company with personalized information to make the email appear more believable.

Smishing

Phishing attempts via SMS text message, often used to trick users into clicking malicious links.

Email phishing attack 

The most common type, using deceptive emails to lure victims into clicking links or opening attachments that compromise their data.

Whaling 

A high-stakes spear-phishing attack targeting senior executives or high-profile individuals within a company.

Vishing 

Phishing attempt conducted over the phone, where attackers impersonate a trusted source to trick victims into revealing personal information.

Business Email Compromise

Fraudulent emails impersonating company vendors or partners to redirect payments or steal data.

How phishing attacks impact your business

Phishing attacks can have a devastating impact on your business, including:

• Data breaches: Compromised login credentials can lead to the theft of sensitive data which can be sold to data brokers to perpetuate identity theft. 
• Financial losses: Ransomware attacks resulting from successful phishing attacks can cost millions to resolve. Business email compromise and CEO fraud focuses on tricking victims into transferring money or making fraudulent purchases.
• Disrupted operations: Malware downloaded through phishing emails can cripple critical systems.
• Reputational damage: A successful phishing attack can erode customer trust.
• Regulatory penalties: Data breaches that expose sensitive data like personally identifiable information or personal health information can result in regulatory fines.

What is a phishing simulation?

Phishing simulation is a controlled exercise that mimics a real phishing attack. Employees receive emails or messages designed to look legitimate asking them to enter their corporate credentials, open a document, or connect to a web site. When a user does so rather than deleting or reporting the email they “fail” the test and are presented with remedial training.

Why do companies use phishing simulations?

• According to Comcast Business, criminals begin 80% – 95% of all cyber attacks with phishing on organization’s employees. Building and testing employee awareness of phishing tactics is critical in defending against these attacks.
• As attacks evolve, it is important to test a variety of scenarios to identify employees who need additional cyber security awareness training.
• Lessons from annual training events are quickly forgotten. Phishing simulations reinforce best practices for recognizing social engineering attacks and reporting suspicious messages.

How does a simulated phishing attack work?

The process typically involves:

• Campaign design: Security teams create phishing emails or messages that mimic real-world attacks. These can be from standard templates provided by phishing simulation vendors or customized to meet the needs of individual organizations.
• Employee targeting: Employees, including senior executives, fare enrolled in the program without advance notice. Different departments may be enrolled, with varying levels of difficulty in the simulations.
• Simulation launch: Phishing emails are sent to employee inboxes or mobile devices.
• Training and reporting: Those who click on links or engage with the simulation receive security awareness training.
• Campaign analysis: Security teams assess the results to identify areas for improvement in phishing training and the organization’s overall security posture.

How do phishing simulations contribute to cyber security?

Phishing simulations offer a multi-layered approach to enterprise data protection by:

• Preventing data breaches: By training employees to identify phishing attempts, they’re less likely to click malicious links or attachments that could compromise an organization’s security or result in a ransomware attack or breach of sensitive data.
• Monitoring your attack rate: Simulations provide a baseline for how susceptible your employees are to phishing. Repeated campaigns can track progress in reducing click-through rates on simulated attacks.
• Ensuring employees complete training: Simulations can be tied to security awareness training programs. Those who fall for simulations can be automatically enrolled in additional training to address their knowledge gaps.
• Cultivating a strong culture of security: Regular simulations keep cybersecurity top-of-mind for employees, fostering a culture of vigilance and best practices when handling emails, text messages, and web browsing.
• Regulatory compliance and meeting cyber insurance requirements: Many regulations and insurance policies require organizations to have employee security awareness programs in place. Phishing simulations demonstrate a proactive approach to security, potentially reducing costs and improving insurance coverage.

What features should you look out for in phishing simulation software?

• Mirrors real-world cyber threats: the best tools offer a variety of phishing templates and scenarios that mimic the latest tactics used by attackers.
• Easy to use interface: a user-friendly interface allows busy IT or security teams to easily schedule and manage campaigns, track results and analyze data.
• Customizable phishing scenarios: the ability to create custom scenarios with company-specific details makes simulations more realistic and impactful for employees.
• Smooth training program integration: integration with existing security awareness training programs ensures a cohesive learning experience for employees who fall for simulations.

How much does a phishing simulator cost?

The cost of phishing simulation software varies depending on features, number of users, and deployment options (cloud-based vs. self-hosted).  Pricing models typically use a per user per flat annual fee.

How often should you do phishing simulations?

Security best practices recommend monthly simulations,  but some organizations conduct them even more frequently to keep employees attentive. The optimal frequency depends on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Defendify — The #1 Phishing Simulation Training Platform for Resource Strapped IT Teams

Email filters simply cannot stop all malicious emails. Phishing emails are increasingly sophisticated with files or malicious links built into them. They present an easy, effective method for criminal hackers to trick unsuspecting recipients into clicking links, opening files, and other activities that allow the hacker to steal credentials or commit financial fraud. 

With the average employee potentially receiving hundreds of emails each week, defending against phishing emails is difficult. Training your employees to identify email-based attacks is an essential preventative measure that everyone must undertake. Phishing simulation tools enable you to send carefully crafted phishing emails to your employees and observe their actions. Try Defendify to bolster your organization’s data security and prevent phishing attacks.