This project utilizes Microsoft Defender’s Attack Simulation Training to enhance end-user security awareness. The simulation was designed to educate users about phishing risks and evaluate their readiness to identify and report phishing attempts.
Accessed the Microsoft Defender for Office 365 portal and initiated a new attack simulation.
Chose the “How-to Guide” technique.
This technique sends a phishing email containing a step-by-step guide instructing users on tasks like reporting phishing messages.
Named the simulation: “Phishing Awareness Campaign – How-to Guide.”
Added a description: “This simulation aims to assess and improve end-user understanding of phishing attempts through hands-on guidance on recognizing and reporting threats.”
Selected a realistic phishing payload, mimicking a common corporate notification.
Used a convincing login page template to emulate phishing scenarios while ensuring no real credentials were compromised.
Targeted specific user groups across various departments, ensuring coverage of high-risk individuals based on prior security assessments.
Created tailored notification messages to be sent after the simulation.
These messages provided immediate feedback, highlighting potential red flags in the phishing email.
Scheduled the simulation with the following parameters:
Start Date: [Insert Date]
End Date: [Insert Date]
Ensured timelines aligned with organizational workflows to avoid disruptions.
Conducted a thorough review of all configurations, including payloads, notifications, and timelines.
Submitted the simulation for execution.
The attack simulation provided valuable insights into the organization’s current security posture. Key metrics included the number of users who:
- Opened the phishing email.
- Clicked on the link.
- Reported the phishing attempt successfully. Post-simulation feedback sessions were held to discuss findings, enhance user awareness, and implement further training.
- Proficiency in leveraging Microsoft Defender for attack simulation.
- Designing and executing phishing awareness campaigns.
- Assessing organizational resilience against phishing threats.
- Enhancing end-user security awareness through hands-on education.