Phishing Metrics Tool for Dynamic Security Awareness Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information security training methods are inadequate in addressing evolving social engineering threats, particularly phishing attacks, as they fail to provide consistent user awareness and are not targeted towards susceptible users.
Innovation Solution
The STAR*Phish system employs a service-oriented design for continuous phishing awareness training, using a Phishing Metrics Tool (PMT) and Phishing Training Tool (PTT) to provide tailored, live exercises that exploit 'teachable moments' and track metrics, offering customizable training for specific user groups and adapting to evolving threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional static presentations or test events are used for information security training, then training can be implemented periodically, but user awareness of evolving threats is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The training system transitions from static periodic presentations to dynamic simulated phishing attacks that adapt to user interactions in real-time. The simulation evolves based on user decisions, providing customized training scenarios that reflect current threat landscapes rather than predetermined static content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying susceptible users through behavioral analysis and pre-targeting them with customized phishing simulations before actual attacks occur. This allows organizations to address security vulnerabilities before they are exploited by real attackers.
2Reliability
If traditional annual data security training is provided, then all users receive training, but training is not targeted to susceptible users and consistency in awareness is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user behavior, clicks, and interactions with security-related content to identify susceptible users. This feedback loop enables dynamic targeting of training efforts to specific individuals who demonstrate vulnerability to phishing attacks, rather than applying uniform training to all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes training parameters such as simulation frequency, complexity, and content based on individual user susceptibility levels. Susceptible users receive more frequent and targeted simulations, while less susceptible users receive reduced training intensity, optimizing resource allocation and training effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If live phishing exercises are conducted, then realistic training is provided, but users who fall victim need immediate training intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system has pre-prepared training modules and intervention protocols ready to be immediately deployed when a user fails a phishing simulation. This preliminary preparation ensures that training intervention occurs without delay, capitalizing on the teachable moment while the user's susceptibility is fresh.
Solution Approach 2:
The training process continues uninterrupted by seamlessly transitioning users from the phishing simulation directly into targeted training modules without breaking the learning flow. This continuous action ensures immediate reinforcement of correct behaviors while the security lesson is still relevant to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for Sustained Testing and Awareness Refresh against Phishing threats (STAR*Phish™) are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method assigns schemes and unique identifiers to target e-mail addresses associated with a user accounts. The method delivers e-mail messages to the targeted e-mail addresses, the e-mail messages comprising an HTTP request and a unique identifier associated with each of the user accounts. The method then receives, at a Phishing Metric Tool (PMT), a response including the unique identifier. The PMT logs training requirements for the user accounts, tracks response metrics for the training requirements, and redirects the respective HTTP requests to a phishing training tool (PTT). The PTT sends a notification of the user account identities and the unique identifiers to the PMT and returns a status for the training requirements for the user accounts. Upon completion of the training, the PMT sends completion notifications for the user accounts.