When it comes to phishing, there is a big difference between simulation and attack. Phishing simulations are designed to help employees learn how to identify and avoid phishing attacks.
Phishing attacks, on the other hand, are designed to trick employees into giving up sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.
Simulations are typically conducted by IT or security teams, and involve sending fake phishing emails to employees. These emails look like real phishing emails, but they don’t actually lead to anything malicious. Instead, employees are given the chance to click on the link and report it as a phishing email. This helps them learn what to look for in a phishing email, and how to avoid falling for one.
Phishing attacks, on the other hand, are conducted by real attackers. These emails are designed to trick employees into giving up sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers. They may look like they’re from a trusted source, like a bank or a website, but they’re actually fake. If an employee falls for a phishing attack, they may unwittingly give the attacker access to their accounts or sensitive data.
So, to recap, the difference between phishing simulation and phishing attack is that simulations are designed to help employees learn, while attacks are designed to trick them. Simulations are usually conducted by IT or security teams, while attacks are conducted by real attackers. If you receive a suspicious email, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and report it to your IT team.