The Numbers Don't Lie: How End User Cyber Security Training Slashed Phishing Success Rates by 80%
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, one question remains constant for business owners: "How do we protect our organisation from human error?" After all, even the most sophisticated security systems can be bypassed by a single employee clicking the wrong link.
At Pro-Networks, we've long been firm believers that “the first line of defence against cyber threats is user common sense”, and to support this, we offer comprehensive end-user cybersecurity training. But we know that business leaders need more than our word – you need proof. That's why we're sharing real data from one of our recent training programs that demonstrates just how effective proper cybersecurity education can be.
The Challenge: Employees Falling for Phishing Attacks
Like many organisations, our customer was unaware of how susceptible their employees were to falling victim to phishing attempts. Despite having robust technical security measures in place, they were still vulnerable to the most common attack vector: human error.
We implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity training program paired with regular phishing simulations to track progress. The results speak for themselves.
The Results: From Vulnerability to Vigilance
Over a six-month period from January to June 2025, we tracked how many employees clicked on simulated phishing emails. Here's what we discovered:
- January: 14 employees clicked on phishing simulations out of 33 recipients and 5 employees entered their credentials (email address and password)
- May: 0 employees clicked on phishing simulations out of 24 recipients
- June: June’s testing isn’t complete yet, but so far only 1 employee has fallen for the simulation
- Overall improvement: An 80% reduction in phishing susceptibility
This wasn't a one-time fluke. The data shows consistent month-over-month improvement, demonstrating that the training created lasting behavioural change rather than temporary awareness.
Why This Matters for Your Business
This dramatic reduction in phishing susceptibility translates directly to reduced business risk:
Financial Protection: With the average cost of a data breach in the UK reaching $4.53 million USD (approximately £3.6 million) in 2024 according to Statista, preventing even one successful phishing attack can save substantial costs.
Operational Continuity: Ransomware attacks often start with phishing emails. By reducing successful phishing attempts by 80%, organisations significantly lower their risk of operational disruption.
Reputation Management: Data breaches don't just cost money – they damage customer trust and brand reputation, effects that can last for years.
Compliance Confidence: With GDPR and other regulations requiring organisations to demonstrate adequate security measures, documented training programs with measurable results provide crucial evidence of compliance.
Key Elements of Effective Cyber Training
Our successful program incorporated several critical components:
Regular, Realistic Simulations: We didn't just train once and hope for the best. Monthly phishing simulations kept cybersecurity awareness top of mind and allowed us to track progress over time.
Immediate Feedback: When employees clicked on a simulation, they received instant education about what to look for, turning each mistake into a learning opportunity.
Varied Attack Scenarios: We rotated between different types of phishing attempts – from fake invoices to compromised colleague emails – ensuring employees could recognise threats in various forms.
Leadership Engagement: Training wasn't just for end users. When leadership participated and championed the program, it reinforced the importance throughout the organisation.
The Bottom Line: Training Works
The data is clear: comprehensive cybersecurity training with regular reinforcement can dramatically reduce your organisation's vulnerability to phishing attacks. An 80% improvement in six months isn't just impressive – it's transformative for your security posture.
But here's the crucial point: this kind of success requires more than a one-off training session. It demands ongoing commitment, regular testing, and expert guidance to ensure your program remains effective against evolving threats.
Your Next Steps
If you're ready to transform your organisation's cybersecurity awareness, we're here to help. Our proven training programs have delivered measurable results for our customers, and we can design a program tailored to your specific needs.
Don't let your employees remain your weakest link – make them your strongest defence.
Ready to see similar results in your organisation? Contact us today to discuss how our cybersecurity training programs can protect your business from the human factor in cyber threats.
Pro-Networks has been protecting businesses across Chester, Cheshire and North Wales, providing comprehensive IT support and cybersecurity solutions for over 20 years. Our data-driven approach to cybersecurity training has helped dozens of organisations dramatically improve their security posture while maintaining productivity and user satisfaction.