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A unique approach to phishing training involves sending real phishing emails manually without simulations or automation. Employees who click are added to a Google Doc titled “weak links,” and a quarterly leaderboard is presented. The method, dubbed “Survival of the Phishest,” claims to improve awareness and morale through direct exposure.
You Should Know:
How to Simulate Phishing Attacks Manually (Linux/Windows Commands)
1. Setting Up a Burner Domain (Linux)
Use `postfix` to configure a temporary email server:
sudo apt-get install postfix mailutils sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf
Add:
myhostname = burner.example.com mydestination = burner.example.com, localhost relayhost =
Restart Postfix:
sudo systemctl restart postfix
2. Sending Phishing Emails via Command Line
Use `swaks` (Swiss Army Knife for SMTP):
swaks --to [email protected] --from [email protected] --server burner.example.com --body "Urgent: Click here to reset password!" --header "Subject: Security Alert"
3. Tracking Clicks with a Simple Web Server
Spin up a Python HTTP server to log clicks:
python3 -m http.server 80
Check access logs:
tail -f /var/log/nginx/access.log
4. Automating Weak Links Tracking (Bash Script)
!/bin/bash echo "$(date) - $1 clicked the link" >> weak_links.txt
5. Windows Equivalent (PowerShell Phishing Test)
Send-MailMessage -From "[email protected]" -To "[email protected]" -Subject "Action Required" -Body "Verify your account now!" -SmtpServer "smtp.burner.com"
What Undercode Say:
Manual phishing tests can be effective but carry risks—accidental exposure to real threats, legal concerns, and morale damage. For safer alternatives, consider tools like:
– Gophish (Open-source phishing framework)
– King Phisher (Simulation tool with reporting)
– Microsoft Attack Simulator (For Office 365 environments)
Always ensure ethical and legal compliance before testing employees.
Prediction:
As AI-driven phishing grows, manual methods may become obsolete. Future training will likely integrate behavioral analytics and AI-powered simulations for hyper-realistic attacks.
Expected Output:
A structured phishing training program combining manual testing with automated tools, ensuring employee readiness without compromising ethics.
Relevant URLs:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Harleysugarman I – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
