Phishing Simulation Frequency

How often should you test your team with phishing simulations? It’s a common question, and while there’s no single "perfect" answer, one thing is clear: consistency is everything.

The Common Patterns

• Monthly (Recommended): Most mature security programs run tests every month. This keeps security top-of-mind and helps your team build a habit of spotting suspicious emails.
• Quarterly: A good starting point for smaller teams. It provides useful data without requiring too much setup time, though the "learning effect" may fade between tests.
• Yearly: Usually not enough. Security threats change every week, and testing only once a year means your team likely won't remember their training when it matters most.

Why Frequency Matters

Think of security training like a gym workout. You don't get fit by going once a year. Regular, short tests help your team:

• Build Muscle Memory: Spotting a fake email becomes second nature.
• Stay Alert: Attackers love to strike when people are busy or distracted.
• See Progress: You can actually watch your company's risk score improve as the months go by.

Our Advice

Start with what you can manage. If monthly feels like too much, start with every two months. The goal is to make security a normal part of your company culture, not a scary event that only happens once a year.

Related Learning

• How to run a phishing simulation
• What is a phishing resilience score?
• How to reduce employee phishing click rates