Think Your Team Can Spot a Phishing Email? Put Them to the Test
Checklist:
“Hey, did you mean to send me this invoice?”
That’s how it started.
Our client, a mid-sized retail business in Orillia, nearly wired $12,000 to a fraudulent account—all because of one email that looked like it came from the CEO. It was urgent, well-formatted, and completely fake.
The employee did what most people would: they clicked. And in doing so, they unknowingly gave cybercriminals the access they were waiting for.
It Only Takes One Click
Phishing emails are no longer riddled with spelling errors and bad grammar. These days, they’re smart, targeted, and designed to blend in.
- A Dropbox link from “IT support”
- A fake Amazon refund
- A password reset you didn’t ask for
- Even an internal HR notice that looks legit
The real danger? Most employees think they can spot phishing attempts—until they can’t.
At ComputerWorks, we’ve seen it happen too many times. From local dentists to logistics firms, one wrong click can mean lost data, halted operations, and even legal risk.
So how do you truly know if your team is prepared?
Simple: You put them to the test.
Why Simulated Phishing Tests Work
Simulated phishing tests are like fire drills for cybersecurity. Instead of assuming your team knows what to do, you measure how they respond to real-world phishing scenarios.
These mock attacks don’t cause harm. They’re designed to educate:
Who clicked a suspicious link?
Who reported it?
Who ignored it?
Who gave up credentials?
You’ll get answers. And more importantly, you’ll know where the gaps are—before the real hackers find them.
What a Phishing Test Looks Like (In the Real World)
Let’s say you manage a team of 25 employees.
You decide to test them with a fake “Microsoft 365 Password Expiry” email. It looks identical to the real thing. A few of your employees click the link. One even enters their login details on a fake login page.
Guess what?
That’s not a failure—that’s a teachable moment.
At ComputerWorks.ca, we help businesses across Ontario run phishing simulations that don’t embarrass but instead empower. These campaigns are discreet, non-punitive, and designed to build awareness and resilience.
The Shocking Stats Behind Employee Clicks
Still wondering if it’s worth testing your team?
- 91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email (source: KnowBe4)
- 1 in 3 employees will click a phishing link without training
- 60% of SMBs that experience a cyberattack go out of business within 6 months
Those aren’t scare tactics—they’re real numbers we’ve seen play out in the field.
We once worked with a law firm that had top-tier antivirus and firewalls—but no phishing training. After a mock phishing test revealed 40% of staff clicking malicious links, they quickly upgraded their employee awareness efforts.
How to Get Started: Testing Your Team the Right Way
Running a phishing simulation isn’t about tricking people or placing blame. It’s about building a culture of cybersecurity in your organization.
Here’s how to begin:
1. Partner with a Local Expert
A trusted IT partner like ComputerWorks can set up a safe, customized phishing simulation based on your industry and employee roles.
2. Tailor the Scenarios
Not all phishing attacks are equal. A fake invoice might fool accounting, while a fake HR policy update might trick operations. We help design realistic scenarios that match your daily workflow.
3. Analyze the Results
You’ll get clear reports: who clicked, who submitted info, and who ignored. But more importantly, we turn that data into personalized training that helps your team improve.
4. Re-Test Regularly
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort. Regular phishing tests—monthly or quarterly—help reinforce awareness and improve long-term behavior.
Bonus: What Makes a Team Truly Resilient?
It’s not just about catching the phish. A resilient team:
- Thinks before clicking
- Questions urgency in emails
- Knows how to verify internal messages
- Feels safe reporting suspicious activity (without fear of blame)
Don’t Wait for the Real Attack
Most business owners don’t take phishing seriously—until it’s too late. But testing your team now could save you thousands later.
At ComputerWorks, we’re more than just IT support. We’re a cybersecurity service provider to businesses across Orillia, Barrie, and beyond. Our team helps you train, test, and protect—so your business stays one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Ready to See If Your Team Can Spot a Phish?
Let’s put it to the test—safely.
Get in touch with ComputerWorks today and ask about our custom phishing simulation services. We’ll help you protect what you’ve worked hard to build—with training that clicks before your team does.