Phishing is the most significant cyber threat to businesses today, with over 90% of successful breaches starting from a phishing email. Attackers only need to succeed once to cause devastating consequences like data breaches or ransomware infections. That’s why organisations must focus heavily on stopping phishing emails from reaching inboxes.
But since no solution can block 100% of malicious emails, training staff to recognise and report phishing is equally important. This is where affordable phishing simulation services in Australia play a vital role, helping teams remain vigilant while strengthening technical defences.
Why Phishing Simulation Matters for Google Workspace
For Google Workspace users, Gmail is a common target. While Google provides built-in spam and phishing filters, our research shows they are not always enough. That’s why Phishing Simulation & Awareness Training is critical. It helps:
- Teach employees to recognise suspicious messages
- Provide hands-on learning through real-world phishing scenarios
- Track improvements with measurable reporting
- Create a culture of ongoing cyber awareness
Simulations not only highlight vulnerabilities, they actively build resilience.
Research: Comparing Phishing Simulation Providers in Australia
We tested several phishing simulation vendors for the Australian market, including Cofense, Phriendly Phishing, PhishingBox, Guardz, Perception Point, Trustifi, Proofpoint, BullPhish ID and IronScales.
The standout was IronScales, which combined phishing simulation with a Secure Email Gateway (SEG), outperforming other providers in both detection and user training.
Why IronScales Stood Out
- Detection accuracy: They claim to stop 99.7% of malicious emails, using AI learning, community intelligence, and user reporting.
- API-based filtering: Unlike traditional mail relay filters, IronScales integrates directly with Gmail inboxes, protecting both desktop and mobile users.
- User-driven defence: With a “Report Phishing” button (via API), users contribute directly to detection, improving results over time.
- Training templates: IronScales had the most Google Workspace-specific phishing templates, such as fake Google Calendar invites or Drive-sharing requests.
Effective awareness training: After a failed simulation, users are shown an educational video explaining what to look for, turning mistakes into learning opportunities.
API-Based Filtering vs Mail Relay Filtering
Traditional email filters often rely on mail relays, where emails are first redirected through a third-party provider’s servers before being forwarded to Google via MX records. This has weaknesses, such as:
- Delay in delivery compared to direct inbox filtering
- Limited visibility of threats once emails enter Google Workspace
- Vulnerability to spoofing attacks
In fact, Proofpoint was impacted by an “Echospool” attack that exploited flaws in relay-based filtering, allowing phishing emails to bypass protections thehackernews.com/2024/07/proofpoint-email-routing-flaw-exploited.html
By contrast, API-based solutions like IronScales integrate directly with Google Workspace, filtering threats inside users’ inboxes without rerouting emails. This modern approach provides stronger protection against advanced phishing attacks.
Phishing vs Spearphishing – What’s the Difference?
- Phishing: Broad campaigns, often sent to thousands of users, designed to trick anyone into clicking.
- Spearphishing: Highly targeted attacks crafted for specific employees or organisations, often impersonating known contacts or services.
IronScales makes it easy to customise phishing simulations into spearphishing attempts, which better prepares staff for the attacks most likely to hit their organisation.
How to Secure Google Workspace from Phishing
To build strong defences, combine technology with training:
- Deploy API-based email filtering for advanced phishing detection.
- Run phishing simulations regularly to test staff awareness.
- Deliver awareness training immediately after a failed simulation.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) across accounts.
- Monitor Google Workspace activity logs for suspicious behaviour.
This layered approach helps stop most phishing attempts while preparing staff for those that slip through.
Affordable Phishing Simulation Services in Australia
At Sentry Cyber, we offer phishing simulation services tailored to Google Workspace environments. Our package includes:
- Setup using IronScales with Google Workspace API integration
- A targeted spearphishing campaign based on the apps your organisation uses
- Awareness training videos for staff who click phishing links
- A detailed report at the end of the campaign
Pricing: $699 ex GST for a one-month phishing simulation covering your entire organisation.
We recommend running simulations at least annually, but monthly training delivers far better results.
Learn more about our Phishing Simulations & Cyber Awareness Training
Additional Cybersecurity Services to Strengthen Your Defences
These services add further layers of protection alongside phishing prevention.
Conclusion
Phishing simulation services in Australia are essential for any organisation using Google Workspace. Our research shows that solutions combining phishing simulation with API-based secure email gateways, like IronScales offer the best protection.
By investing in both technical filtering and awareness training, your business can stop the majority of phishing attacks while preparing staff for the few that get through.
Don’t leave your business exposed, book a phishing simulation with Sentry Cyber today.
FAQs
Q1 – Why is phishing such a big threat today?
A1 – Over 90% of cyber breaches begin with a phishing email, making it the top attack method for criminals.
Q2 – Why choose API-based filtering over mail relay filtering?
A2 – API-based filtering works inside Gmail inboxes, while mail relays redirect traffic through third parties, leaving gaps like those seen in the Proofpoint “Echospool” attack.
Q3 – How effective is IronScales?
A3 – : They claim to block 99.7% of malicious emails, with ongoing AI-driven improvements and user reporting.
Q4 – What’s included in Sentry Cyber phishing simulation package?
A4 – A one-month campaign, awareness training, and a final report – all for $699 ex GST.