“Our click rate is down to 4%. We’re safe now.”
If this sounds like your internal security review, it’s time for a rethink.
While click rate has long been the go-to metric for phishing simulation programs, it’s also one of the most misleading when taken in isolation. And for many organisation leaders, relying too heavily on this single number can create a false sense of security that opens the door to real-world breaches.
In this blog, we’ll unpack why click rates can’t be your only success metric—and what more meaningful indicators you should track instead.
The Problem with Click Rates
Click rate simply tells you how many users clicked on a simulated phishing link. But what it doesn’t tell you is:
- Did they report the email afterward?
- How quickly did they take action?
- Did they enter credentials on a spoofed page?
- Have they repeated this mistake in the past?
Click rate reduction looks good in a report, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, we’ve seen organizations with low click rates but high rates of credential submission—making them just as vulnerable.
What You Should Be Measuring Instead
To build true resilience, here’s what your phishing simulation reports should also include:
1. Report Rate (a.k.a. Vigilance Rate)
How many employees actually reported the phishing email using tools like ProPatrol?
High report rates show awareness AND action—a critical combo.
2. Repeat Offender Index
Are the same people clicking every time? Tracking repeat offenders helps you identify high-risk individuals who need targeted intervention, not just company-wide training.
3. Time to Report
Speed matters. The faster a phishing email is reported, the quicker your SOC can respond.
Measuring the average time between click and report tells you how “alert” your users really are.
4. Credential Submission Rate
Clicking is bad. But entering credentials? That’s game over in a real attack.
Track how many users fall for credential harvesting—and act fast.
5. Risk Score per Department or Role
Some departments (e.g., finance or HR) are more frequently targeted.
Segment your results by department and role to identify target-rich zones.
The Human Firewall Isn’t One Number
IT security leaders must reframe how they talk about employee cyber risk. The goal isn’t just to “reduce clicks.” It’s to create a culture of resilient, alert, and proactive users.
When boards ask for metrics, don’t just show a declining click rate. Present a multi-dimensional report:
- Highlight report rates as proof of proactive behavior
- Showcase time-to-report trends over time
- Call out high-risk users and improvement plans
- Provide department-level risk heatmaps
This approach not only makes your case stronger—it aligns cyber awareness with overall risk management strategy.
How ProPHISH Helps You Go Beyond Click Rates
At Progist, we built ProPHISH to go far beyond vanity metrics. Our platform:
- Tracks vigilance through integration with ProPatrol
- Maps user risk scores across simulations
- Highlights repeat offenders and credential submissions
- Provides actionable insights for training personalization
In short, it’s designed to help you measure what matters.
Final Takeaway: Upgrade Your Metrics, Upgrade Your Defense
As phishing attacks grow in sophistication, your simulation strategy must evolve too. Don’t fall into the Click Rate Trap.
Start measuring:
- Action, not just reaction
- Speed, not just outcome
- Risk, not just numbers
Because in cybersecurity, what you measure defines what you prioritize—and ultimately, how well you defend your people and data.
Not Sure Where Your Organization Stands?
Let’s find out—no strings attached.
📞 Call us today at +91 9820116312 / +91 9819256263
📧 Or email us at info@progist.net
💬 Our team will walk you through a free consultation on how ProPHISH can help you:
- Uncover hidden user risks
- Customize training based on behavior
- Build a culture of vigilance, not just awareness
👉 Don’t wait for the next breach attempt—contact us now and take the first step toward a more resilient workforce.