Using Phishing Simulation Testing to Analyse and Improve Efficacy of Security Awareness Training

Smyth, Caroline (2024) Using Phishing Simulation Testing to Analyse and Improve Efficacy of Security Awareness Training. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

Preview	PDF (Master of Science) Download (770kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (Configuration Manual) Download (994kB) | Preview

Abstract

Phishing is a significant issue in cybersecurity, with an estimated 3.4 billion spam emails sent daily, and the prevalence of new phishing methods increasing year on year, with callback phishing, QR code use and smishing all of significance. Phishing is multifactorial and requires a multifactorial defence, employing both technical and social means, comprising both training and phishing simulation tests. Phishing simulation tests are a way to assess the effectiveness of training. Current research shows that security awareness is related to recency of training and familiarity with recognising phishing emails. The effect of training duration and recency of training was compared using training data and new and recent phishing simulation tests but was found to have no correlation with results. A QR code included was not scanned by any recipients. In two of the tests, failure of the test was found to have a dependence on recipient training language setting.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mustafa, Raza Ul UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Awareness; cybersecurity; phishing; simulation; training
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Training and Development
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	17 Jul 2025 16:43
Last Modified:	17 Jul 2025 16:43
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8181

Actions (login required)

View Item