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Adaptive Phishing

Fundamentals and logic behind adaptive phishing simulation campaigns

Overview

The concept of adaptive phishing simulations is user-focused phishing simulations based on ability rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This means that users who are more versed in cybersecurity threats, such as phishing, will receive more challenging phishing simulation templates. On the other hand, users who need more guidance will receive easier-to-catch phishing simulation templates with additional training where applicable. 

How does it work, and how will my users get the right phishing templates?

When selecting from our library of templates, if you haven't chosen a wide enough variety of phishing template difficulties, a message will pop up advising you to select more. This is instructional and can be skipped at any time. 

What do the simulation levels mean? 

You'll notice that your users have a level assigned to them; all users start at level one, and their performance in those simulations will either increase or decrease their level. 

  • Reporting a phish that's part of a simulation will increase your level by 1.

  • Opening a phish and not reporting it will keep you at the same level.

  • Clicking on or entering credentials will reduce your level by 1

Simulation template difficulty based on level:

  • Level 1 - 1 & 2 difficulty
  • Level 2 - 3 difficulty
  • Level 3 - 4 & 5 difficulty
Screenshot 2026-01-27 at 15.16.16

Why does this new system matter?

Not all users are at the same level of proficiency when it comes to phishing simulations, and that's okay! This new system is designed to match users' abilities with the complexity of the phishing simulations they receive.

Highly proficient users who are well-versed in the correct report methods for phishing will receive less obvious phishing simulations, and users who need more assistance will receive more obvious simulations with additional training assistance where required.

What's next for adaptive phishing?

We'll be adding more features to adaptive phishing in the future, allowing you to toggle it on and off as an option, view a user's level over time and, of course, more simulation templates to keep the simulations fresh.