# How to Run Multi Channel Phishing Simulations: A Step-by-Step Guide Source: https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/how-to-run-phishing-simulations-a-step-by-step-guide Published: 2024-11-21 Updated: 2026-10-04 Author: Ozan Ucar, Founder and CEO of Keepnet Category: Phishing Simulation > Step‑by‑step guide to running phishing simulations: plan, design, launch and measure email, SMS, voice, QR & MFA tests, avoid whitelist issues, and boost employee vigilance. Did you know **60 % of all data breaches occurred due to human error**, according to [the 2025 Verizon DBIR report?](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/2025-verizon-data-breach-investigations-report) Despite advancements in technology, cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, making employee training and awareness critical. Phishing simulations are one of the most effective ways to empower your workforce to identify and combat these threats. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essentials of running multi channel phishing simulations and explore various types, including **email phishing, QR phishing, SMS phishing, voice phishing, MFA phishing, and callback phishing simulations**. If the voice channel is the part you are least sure about, our [comparison of vishing simulation tools](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/best-vishing-simulation-tools) covers what separates a real conversation from a recorded message. ## How to Run Multi Phishing Simulation Campaigns Phishing attacks come in a variety of forms, ranging from emails and phone calls to text messages, QR codes, and beyond. By understanding each different approach, organizations can create more realistic training exercises that reflect real-world threats. Here are the types of **phishing simulations** you can start to equip your team with stronger, more versatile defenses. ### Email Phishing Simulation Email phishing is one of the most prevalent cyberattack methods, involving deceptive emails designed to steal credentials, install malware, or manipulate recipients into taking harmful actions. Phishing simulations help employees recognize these threats by examining suspicious links, attachments, and sender information. ![Keepnet Email Phishing Scenarios Dashboard](https://timely-benefit-e63d540317.media.strapiapp.com/image4_c7a19ef095.png) *Picture 1: Keepnet Email Phishing Scenarios Dashboard* #### How to Launch an Email Phishing Simulation - Run the campaign from a [phishing simulator](https://keepnetlabs.com/products/phishing-simulator) so every click and report is recorded per employee. - Design scenarios that mimic real-world phishing attempts relevant to your organization. - Analyze results with metrics such as click-through rates and report rates to measure employee performance. If you are new to the topic, start with [what a phishing simulation is](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/what-is-phishing-simulation). Also, watch the YouTube video below to learn how to create an email phishing campaign. Video: ### QR Code Phishing Simulation (Quishing) Quishing leverages malicious QR codes to trick users into visiting fraudulent websites or downloading malware. These codes are often embedded in posters, emails, or other physical and digital materials, making them harder to detect. ![The Quishing Scenarios dashboard](https://timely-benefit-e63d540317.media.strapiapp.com/image2_aaccf6bbba.png) *Picture 2: The Quishing Scenarios dashboard* #### How to Launch QR Code Phishing Simulation - Use the [Keepnet Quishing Simulator](https://keepnetlabs.com/products/quishing-simulator) to design realistic scenarios. - Test employee reactions by placing QR codes in different formats, such as posters or email attachments. - Analyze user interactions to identify vulnerabilities and provide targeted training. Discover more in our guide: [How to Launch a QR Code Phishing Simulation](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/how-to-launch-a-qr-code-phishing-simulation-using-keepnet-quishing-simulator). Watch the Keepnet video tutorial on YouTube and learn how to start a quishing campaign for your organization. Video: ### SMS Phishing Simulation (Smishing) Smishing leverages text messages to deceive users into sharing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. ![Keepnet SMS Phishing Simulation Template Sample](https://timely-benefit-e63d540317.media.strapiapp.com/public_1_3d6c82171c.jpg) *Picture 1: Keepnet SMS Phishing Simulation Template Sample* #### How to Launch SMS Phishing Simulation - Use the [Smishing Simulator](https://keepnetlabs.com/products/smishing-simulator). - Send fake SMS messages mimicking real-world phishing attempts. - Measure response rates and provide feedback to employees. Discover more in our guide: [How to Launch an SMS Phishing Simulation](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/how-to-run-an-sms-phishing-simulation-to-strengthen-mobile-security). Also, watch this Youtube video to learn how to start your Smishing test campaign. Video: ### Voice Phishing Simulation (Vishing) Vishing involves cybercriminals making fraudulent phone calls to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information by impersonating trusted entities. This tactic often relies on urgency and psychological manipulation to catch employees off guard. ![Keepnet Vishing Templates Dashboard](https://timely-benefit-e63d540317.media.strapiapp.com/image1_556a0de3d1.png) *Picture 3: Keepnet Vishing Templates Dashboard* #### How to Launch Vishing Simulation - Use the [Vishing Simulation Tool](https://keepnetlabs.com/products/vishing) to replicate realistic vishing scenarios. - Design scripted calls that mimic common vishing tactics used in real-world attacks. - Train employees to identify warning signs, such as urgency or requests for confidential information, and respond appropriately. For a complete guide, visit [How to Run a Voice Phishing Simulation for Your Organization](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/how-to-run-voice-phishing-simulation-for-your-organization). Watch the video below to see how you can run a vishing simulation campaign: Video: ### MFA Phishing Simulation MFA phishing targets vulnerabilities in multi-factor authentication systems, exploiting methods like fake push notifications or intercepted codes to gain unauthorized access. Simulating such attacks helps employees recognize and respond to these sophisticated tactics. ![Keepnet MFA Phishing Scenario Sample](https://timely-benefit-e63d540317.media.strapiapp.com/image5_2456c108c7.png) *Picture 4 Keepnet MFA Phishing Scenario Sample* #### How to Launch MFA Phishing Attack Simulations - Build scenarios around the MFA methods your employees actually use. - Simulate common MFA phishing techniques, such as fake authentication prompts or credential harvesting pages. - Monitor user responses to understand weaknesses and provide focused training. Learn more with our step-by-step guide: [How to Run an MFA Phishing Simulation](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/how-to-run-an-mfa-phishing-simulation-a-simple-guide-for-it-professionals). Also, watch the Youtube video below and learn how to start an MFA Phishing Simulation: Video: ### Callback Phishing Simulation Callback phishing (or reverse phishing) involves tricking employees into calling a fake support line. ![Keepnet Callback Phishing Scenario](https://timely-benefit-e63d540317.media.strapiapp.com/image6_20e6f97e5e.png) *Picture 1: Keepnet Callback Phishing Scenario* ### How to Launch Callback Phishing Simulation - Use the [Callback Phishing Simulation](https://keepnetlabs.com/products/callback-phishing). - Set up fake customer service scenarios targeting employees. - Measure how they handle suspicious requests during the call. Check out [How to Run a Callback Voice Phishing Test](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/running-a-callback-phishing-simulation-a-guide-for-cybersecurity-professionals) for a detailed step-by-step guide. Also, watch the Youtube video below to learn how to start a callback voice phishing simulation campaign. Video: ## Best Practices for Running Phishing Simulations By employing best practices in these simulations, companies can ensure that their workforce is well-equipped to recognize and respond to potential phishing threats effectively. Here are essential guidelines that can help you implement impactful phishing simulations tailored to your business's unique needs: ### 1. Tailor Simulations to Your Business Needs Choose phishing scenarios that align with your organization's risks and industry trends. ### 2. Use Realistic Scenarios Authenticity increases the effectiveness of the simulation, helping employees relate the experience to potential real-world attacks. ### 3. Incorporate Training Post-Simulation Follow up with immediate feedback and targeted training based on the results of your simulations. ### 4. Leverage Data Insights Use platforms like [Keepnet's secure behaviour management platform](https://keepnetlabs.com/) to analyze results and baseline performance. ## Bringing the Channels Together Running these simulations as one program, instead of one channel at a time, shows which employees fall for more than one attack type and where follow-up training should start. For the cultural side of this, see how [adaptive phishing simulations](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/the-role-of-adaptive-phishing-simulations-in-building-a-secure-culture) build a security-aware workforce. Watch the YouTube video below and **learn how to run phishing simulations step by step** to strengthen your organization’s cyber defense! Video: ## What Better Program Design Looks Like Run Multi Channel Phishing Simulations: A Step-by-Step Guide works best when the content reflects how people actually make decisions. Strong programs do not try to teach everything at once. They focus on the few behaviors that create the most risk, then reinforce them with current examples, timely reminders, and clear reporting paths. That is also what makes training easier to defend internally. When a program changes behavior, reduces repeat-risk patterns, or improves reporting quality, leaders can see how awareness supports real business outcomes instead of acting like a standalone compliance activity. Keepnet teams usually see the biggest gains when training is tied to a reporting path and a follow-up workflow. For most organizations, the common mistake is treating run multi channel phishing simulations: a step-by-step guide as content delivery instead of behavior design. ### Program Checklist - Choose the user decisions that matter most instead of covering every possible topic. - Use short modules, current examples, and realistic follow-up after incidents or simulations. - Measure reporting, repeat risk, and remediation behavior, not only completions. - Give managers and team leads a role in reinforcing the habits you want to build. Before you lock a vendor, map which channels you must simulate in year one. [KnowBe4 alternatives (2026)](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/keepnet-a-modern-multi-channel-knowbe4-alternative) lists email-only vs multi-channel paths. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What types of multi channel phishing simulations can organizations run? Organizations can run various phishing simulations, including: - **Email phishing** (fraudulent emails) - **QR code phishing (Quishing**) - **SMS phishing (Smishing**) - **Voice phishing (Vishing**) - **MFA phishing** (exploiting multi-factor authentication systems) - **Callback phishing** (fake customer service calls). Each type tests different vulnerabilities in employee awareness and response. ### How do phishing simulations help improve cybersecurity? Phishing simulations provide employees with hands-on experience in recognizing phishing tactics, increasing awareness and reducing human error. They also help organizations identify high-risk individuals or departments, enabling targeted training and a stronger overall defense against cyberattacks. ### How can I measure the effectiveness of a phishing simulation? Effectiveness is measured using metrics such as: - Click-through rates: Percentage of employees who click on phishing links. - Report rates: Percentage of employees who report the phishing attempt. - Response times: How quickly employees recognize and act against simulated threats. Tools like Keepnet provide detailed insights for comparing performance. ### How frequently should phishing simulations be conducted? Phishing simulations should be conducted regularly, ideally quarterly, to ensure employees remain vigilant against evolving threats. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on the organization's risk profile and training objectives. ### What should I do if employees fall for phishing simulations? If employees fall for a simulation, provide immediate feedback to help them understand their mistake. Use targeted training sessions to reinforce key lessons, such as recognizing suspicious links, emails, or requests for sensitive information. ### Can phishing simulations be customized for different roles or departments? Yes, phishing simulations should be tailored to match the specific risks associated with various roles or departments. For example, HR teams can be tested with fake job applicant emails, while finance teams can be targeted with invoice scams. ### How do multi channel phishing simulations align with compliance requirements? Phishing simulations often help organizations meet regulatory compliance standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001, which require regular employee training and risk assessments. Simulations demonstrate proactive efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks.