Should We Run Phishing Simulations in a Startup?
Phishing simulations can be useful, but only if they are designed as learning tools. If they are used to embarrass people, they can damage trust and make employees less likely to report real incidents.
For startups, the question is not simply whether to test people. The question is whether a simulation will improve reporting, judgement and resilience.
Startups can run phishing simulations if they are no-blame, clearly governed, proportionate, followed by learning and measured by behaviour trends rather than individual shame.
Simulation decisions to make
- Decide the purpose: Define whether you want to improve reporting, recognition or response speed.
- Avoid shame-based testing: Use simulations as learning, not punishment.
- Start simple: Begin with common phishing patterns the team is likely to face.
- Explain the reporting route first: Make sure everyone knows how to report suspicious messages.
- Measure trends, not humiliation: Track reporting rate, repeat themes and improvement areas.
In this guide
Should We Run Phishing Simulations in a Startup?
Use this as a practical founder checklist. Each section turns the question into a behaviour, record, owner or action your team can actually use.
1. Decide the purpose
A simulation should have a learning objective, not just catch people out.
What to do: Define whether you want to improve reporting, recognition or response speed.
2. Avoid shame-based testing
Shaming reduces trust and may discourage future reporting.
What to do: Use simulations as learning, not punishment.
3. Start simple
Overly complex simulations can feel unfair or confusing.
What to do: Begin with common phishing patterns the team is likely to face.
4. Explain the reporting route first
Testing before teaching can frustrate people.
What to do: Make sure everyone knows how to report suspicious messages.
5. Measure trends, not humiliation
The value is in understanding patterns across time.
What to do: Track reporting rate, repeat themes and improvement areas.
6. Follow up quickly
A simulation without learning is a missed opportunity.
What to do: Share the red flags and safer action after the exercise.
7. Protect trust
Employees should believe security is there to help the business, not trap them.
What to do: Keep messaging respectful and transparent.
8. Include leadership carefully
Founders and leaders should not be exempt from awareness.
What to do: Include leadership in a way that models learning and accountability.
9. Use real examples carefully
Realistic examples help, but avoid causing unnecessary panic.
What to do: Choose scenarios that are plausible and proportionate.
10. Document the activity
Simulations can support due diligence evidence when handled well.
What to do: Record date, audience, topic, results summary and follow-up action.
How to Turn This Into Evidence
Security awareness becomes easier to prove when every topic has an owner, a simple action, a review date and a record of what was communicated.
| Awareness Area | Action to Take | Evidence to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Decide the purpose | Define whether you want to improve reporting, recognition or response speed. | Owner, date, reminder/training record and supporting evidence |
| Avoid shame-based testing | Use simulations as learning, not punishment. | Owner, date, reminder/training record and supporting evidence |
| Start simple | Begin with common phishing patterns the team is likely to face. | Owner, date, reminder/training record and supporting evidence |
| Explain the reporting route first | Make sure everyone knows how to report suspicious messages. | Owner, date, reminder/training record and supporting evidence |
| Measure trends, not humiliation | Track reporting rate, repeat themes and improvement areas. | Owner, date, reminder/training record and supporting evidence |
| Follow up quickly | Share the red flags and safer action after the exercise. | Owner, date, reminder/training record and supporting evidence |
Which Next Step Fits?
If you need clarity
Use the quiz to identify visible security gaps across awareness, access, vendors, risk and evidence.
Take the quiz →If you need awareness structure
Use the toolkit to turn awareness into onboarding, reminders, scenarios, records and repeatable team behaviours.
View the awareness toolkit →If you need judgement
Book a consultation if awareness is connected to audit readiness, customer pressure or unclear security ownership.
Book a consultation →Security awareness next step
Turn security awareness into behaviour your team can repeat.
Use practical prompts, onboarding, phishing guidance, evidence records and reminders so awareness becomes part of how your startup works.
Get the Security Awareness ToolkitFind the gaps first
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Take the security quiz to identify gapsFrequently Asked Questions
Should startups run phishing simulations?
They can, but only if the simulation is no-blame, proportionate and followed by learning.
What should a phishing simulation measure?
Measure reporting, recognition, response speed and trends rather than humiliating individuals.
What CTA fits this page?
The Security Awareness Toolkit fits because phishing simulations need guidance, reminders and follow-up.