Running a phishing test is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your organisation’s human firewall. But not all phishing simulators are created equal. The right tool can help you accurately measure user risk, deliver meaningful training, and create lasting behavioural change — while the wrong one can generate noise, frustration, or unrealistic results.
If you’re evaluating phishing simulation platforms or looking to upgrade your current approach, here are the essential features that make a phishing simulator truly effective for user testing.
1. Realistic, high-quality phishing templates
A phishing test only works if it reflects what users will see in the real world. Effective simulators offer:
- Up-to-date templates based on current attack trends
- Brand-mimicking emails (parcel scams, MFA prompts, HR requests, finance approvals)
- Sector-specific templates tailored to your industry
Realistic templates help you measure behaviour accurately and prepare staff for genuine threats.
2. Easy-to-use campaign builder
A powerful phishing test shouldn’t require a security engineer to run it. The best simulators include:
- A wizard-based campaign setup
- Pre-built template recommendations
- Simple scheduling and reporting options
- No complex configuration or months of onboarding
If the tool takes longer to configure than the actual phishing test, it’s not fit for purpose.
3. Custom landing pages and data capture
To understand user behaviour, you need visibility into how they interact with the phishing test. Look for:
- Custom landing pages (training, warnings, branded content)
- Credential capture options for safe, controlled testing
- Form capture for realistic simulations of login portals or surveys
These features help create immersive scenarios and drive better learning outcomes.
4. Reporting that tells a clear story
An effective phishing simulator turns raw data into actionable insight. Strong reporting should include:
- Click rates, report rates, and credential submissions
- Exportable reports for management and compliance
- Evidence for ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, SOC 2 and NIST audits
Clear reporting helps you track progress, justify investment, and improve your security posture.
5. AI-powered insight and campaign suggestions
Attackers now use AI to generate convincing phishing emails at scale — so your phishing test platform needs to keep up. Modern simulators offer:
- AI-driven recommendations based on threat trends
- Behaviour-based suggestions (for example: “Finance team needs targeted approval-style tests”)
- Automatic template updates as new threats emerge
These features ensure your phishing test stays relevant as cyber risks evolve.
6. Support for unlimited users, clients, and campaigns
Scalability matters — especially for MSPs. An effective platform should include:
- Unlimited customers without extra cost
- Flexible pricing without per-user fees
- Pay-as-you-go campaign credits
- White-label options for MSPs delivering phishing tests as a service
This makes it easy to run regular testing across multiple environments without managing complex licensing.
7. Works with your existing email and security stack
Your phishing test platform should integrate easily with:
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
- SPF/DKIM/DMARC configurations
- Security gateways or filters
The best platforms guide you through allowlisting to ensure deliverability.
8. Zero-commitment pricing and transparent costs
Many legacy tools lock businesses into long contracts. More effective modern platforms offer:
- No annual agreements
- Flat, transparent pricing
- Campaign-based credits
- Simple billing with no hidden add-ons
A phishing test should be easy to run and easy to budget for — not tied to complex licensing.
Final Thoughts
A truly effective phishing test platform goes beyond simply sending mock emails. It should simulate real threats, measure genuine behaviour, provide instant learning, offer clear reporting, and integrate seamlessly into your security workflow.
By choosing a simulator with the right features, you can build a stronger human firewall, reduce real-world incidents, and improve your organisation’s overall security resilience.
If you want help choosing the right phishing test approach — or want to see how RapidPhish delivers all of the above without contracts or per-user fees — get in touch for a demo