Phishing Simulation Platform for User Awareness - Technical & Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This guide details the development and implementation of a Phishing Simulation Platform designed to educate users on recognizing and avoiding phishing attacks through simulated scenarios.
1.2 Scope
The platform is aimed at cybersecurity teams, IT administrators, and educators to train individuals in recognizing phishing attempts. It simulates phishing campaigns, tracks user responses, and provides feedback to improve awareness.
1.3 Definitions & Acronyms
|
Acronym |
Definition |
|
Phishing |
A cyber attack where users are tricked into revealing sensitive information. |
|
URL |
Uniform Resource Locator - the address of a web page. |
|
SIM |
Simulation - a tool or program that imitates real-life scenarios. |
2. System Architecture
The Phishing Simulation Platform consists of the following
components:
- **Campaign Manager**: Allows administrators to design and launch phishing
simulations.
- **Email and Landing Page Simulator**: Sends phishing-like emails and tracks
user interactions.
- **Data Analytics and Reporting**: Provides detailed metrics on user
performance and areas for improvement.
- **User Feedback System**: Educates users after simulations by explaining
phishing indicators.
3. Key Features
3.1 Customizable Phishing Scenarios
Supports creating various phishing emails and landing pages to mimic real-world threats.
3.2 User Tracking and Reporting
Tracks user interactions, such as clicking on links or submitting information, to assess susceptibility.
3.3 Awareness Training
Provides immediate feedback and training material to educate users on phishing red flags.
4. Implementation Steps
1. **Platform Development**: Build the platform using web
technologies such as Django/Flask (backend) and React/Angular (frontend).
2. **Email Simulation**: Integrate email sending services (e.g., SMTP, AWS SES)
to simulate phishing emails.
3. **Landing Page Creation**: Design templates for phishing pages and include
tracking scripts.
4. **Data Analytics**: Develop a module to analyze user responses and generate
reports.
5. **Feedback Mechanism**: Create user-specific feedback and training content.
6. **Testing and Deployment**: Test the platform for functionality and deploy
it on a secure server.
5. Security Considerations
1. Ensure ethical use of the platform and avoid targeting
users without prior consent.
2. Protect user data and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
3. Regularly update the platform to include new phishing techniques.
6. Tools and Technologies
- **Backend Frameworks**: Django, Flask
- **Frontend Frameworks**: React, Angular
- **Database**: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- **Email Services**: AWS SES, Gmail API
- **Visualization**: D3.js for interactive charts
- **Hosting**: AWS EC2, Azure, or local servers
7. Testing and Validation
1. Validate email delivery and ensure emails pass spam
filters.
2. Test tracking mechanisms on landing pages to ensure accurate data
collection.
3. Simulate campaigns on a small group to verify the feedback and reporting
modules.