What Is Attack Simulation Training and Why Every Australian Business Needs It

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and many of today’s attacks are designed to bypass technical defences by targeting people directly.

From phishing emails to impersonation scams, attackers rely on deception to gain access to sensitive systems or data. In this context, technical controls alone are not enough. Employee training plays a critical role in protecting your business.

One of the most effective ways to build that capability is through attack simulation training.

This approach gives employees the opportunity to practise identifying threats in a safe, controlled environment. By replicating real-world tactics used by cybercriminals, businesses can strengthen awareness, improve decision-making, and reduce the risk of security incidents caused by human-targeted attacks.

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What Is Attack Simulation Training?

Attack simulation training involves the controlled delivery of fake cyberattacks to test employee responses and organisational defences. The goal is to simulate what a real-world attack might look like — without any actual risk — so your team can learn to recognise and respond appropriately.

These simulations mimic the most common tactics used by cybercriminals, such as:

• Phishing emails pretending to be from banks, clients, or executives
• Malicious file attachments that appear to be invoices, CVs, or project files
• Fake login portals designed to steal usernames and passwords
• Social engineering attempts such as impersonation or fake tech support calls

Unlike traditional training, which often involves passive learning (e.g. presentations or videos), simulations place users in real-world scenarios to practise identifying threats and making decisions under pressure.

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Why Is Attack Simulation Training Essential for Australian Businesses

Last year in Australia, phishing emails alone received by Australians surged by 30%, new research by security firm Abnormal Security has found. In addition Australian businesses being a target for bad actors, Australian businesses also face growing cybersecurity obligations under the Cyber Security Act 2024, including requirements to report ransomware payments and significant incidents within strict timeframes.

Prevention is the most effective defence against modern cyber threats, and that starts with people. Training employees to recognise and respond to attacks is one of the most practical ways to reduce risk and avoid costly incidents.

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4 key reasons attack simulation training is essential:

1. Attackers target people first: Most breaches start with tactics that aim to exploit trust - urgent emails, convincing impersonations, or well-timed distractions. Simulations help staff recognise these manipulative techniques before real attackers get through.‍
2. It builds confidence and awareness: Simulations provide a safe space for employees to learn, practise, and improve. This leads to stronger habits and a culture of awareness across the business.‍
3. It creates measurable insights: Simulation programs provide visibility into who is being targeted, how staff respond, and where additional support is needed. This makes your training program more strategic and effective.‍
4. It supports compliance efforts: Demonstrating regular simulation training and measurable improvements can support your compliance obligations and cyber insurance requirements.

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How Attack Simulation Training Works

A professional simulation program goes beyond basic demos. It is a structured, strategic initiative that improves resilience over time.

A typical program includes:

• Risk-Based Scenario Design: Simulations are tailored to reflect your business environment, including industry-specific risks and common software tools. Examples include:
  • Fake supplier updates targeting finance teams
  • Impersonated SharePoint links sent to operations staff
  • CEO impersonation targeting executive assistants
• Realistic, Unpredictable Delivery: Simulations are delivered at varied times and use different formats, so users learn to spot threats without relying on patterns.
• Real-Time Feedback and Coaching: If a user interacts with a simulated attack, they receive structured education on what the red flags were and how to respond differently next time.
• Centralised Reporting and Insights: Dashboards show how different teams perform, which types of attacks are most successful, and how behaviour is changing over time.
• Ongoing Support: Follow-up training and reinforcement are provided where needed, focusing on empowering employees — not blaming them.

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The Cost of Doing Nothing

The Australian government has committed $15–$20 billion to 2033–34 to enhance the countries cyber domain capabilities as part of the 2024 Integrated Investment Program. This investment comes at a time when cybercrime continues to surge across Australia in 2025, with critical infrastructure increasingly targeted by sophisticated threat actors. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) reports that phishing remains one of the top causes of data breaches — often enabled by sophisticated social engineering.

Without proper simulation training, your business may face:

• Extended operational downtime
• Regulatory penalties for late or incomplete reporting
• Loss of client trust and damage to your businesses reputation
• High recovery costs, including forensic investigation and system rebuilds
• Increased cyber insurance premiums or denied claims

Prevention is almost always more cost-effective than remediation, especially when considering the hidden costs of business disruption and reputation loss.

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Build Cyber Resilience with Practical, People-Focused Training

Attack simulation training should be part of a broader, proactive cybersecurity strategy. It equips your team with the practical skills and awareness needed to recognise threats like phishing, impersonation, and credential harvesting.

This approach focuses on empowering employees to detect and respond to modern attacks with confidence. In today’s landscape, where attackers continuously evolve their tactics, your staff must be prepared to do the same.

To get the most value, look for a provider that offers:

• Customisable phishing and social engineering scenarios
• Data residency compliance for Australian businesses
• Real-time, non-disruptive coaching for employees
• Integration with broader awareness tools and reporting systems
• Dashboards that support executive oversight and compliance tracking

Attack simulation training is available as part of DefenderPro and DefenderElite, as well as an optional add-on to any DefenderSuite plan.‍

Speak with our team to turn your employees into your strongest defence.

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Need help training your team?

Superior IT helps Australian businesses strengthen their cyber security strategy with tailored simulation programs, coaching, and compliance-aligned reporting catered to your industry and business needs.

Call Us To Get Set Up: 1300 93 77 49

Email: info@superiorit.com.au

Website: www.superiorit.com.au