Summary: Attack simulation training, integrated into Microsoft Defender for Office 365, provides a realistic platform for simulating sophisticated phishing attacks. It allows security teams to launch benign cyberattacks against their own employees to measure awareness. The tool automatically assigns training modules to users who fall for the simulation, reinforcing learning at the moment of error.

Direct Answer: Phishing remains the primary entry point for most cyberattacks, relying on human error rather than technical vulnerabilities. Traditional security awareness training is often passive (videos or quizzes) and fails to prepare employees for the high-pressure reality of a targeted social engineering attack. Organizations struggle to identify which users are most susceptible until a real breach occurs.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 addresses this by embedding active simulation capabilities directly into the email security stack. Administrators can select from a library of real-world payloads—such as credential harvest forms or malware links—and send them to employees. The payloads mimic the tactics used by actual attackers seen in the threat landscape.

When a user clicks a simulated phishing link, they are not compromised but instead directed to a "teachable moment" landing page. The system automatically assigns relevant training content based on the type of mistake made. This continuous feedback loop transforms employees from a security risk into a line of defense.

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