Traditional security awareness training (SAT) often falls short in preparing employees for today’s sophisticated cyber threats. Recognizing this gap, Huntress has launched its innovative Threat Simulator, a cutting-edge feature of its Managed Security Awareness Training (SAT) platform. This new approach immerses users in the tactics, techniques, and mindset of cyber attackers, transforming passive learning into active, hands-on experience.
Why Traditional Security Awareness Training Falls Short
Most existing security awareness training programs rely heavily on passive content such as videos, quizzes, and generic modules. However, these methods often fail to engage employees effectively, leading to complacency and a false sense of security. As Huntress points out, oversimplified training does little to prepare users for real-world threats like spear phishing, social engineering, or open-source intelligence (OSINT) attacks.
Data from 2024 reveals that human error contributed to 60% of all data breaches, underscoring the critical need for more impactful training solutions. The gap between awareness and action remains wide, mainly because employees rarely experience the tactics used by actual hackers.
Introducing Huntress Threat Simulator: An Immersive Approach
Huntress’ Threat Simulator flips the traditional model by offering short, game-like simulations that mimic hacker tradecraft. Unlike passive videos, these simulations allow users to carry out mock attacks, such as spear phishing, OSINT gathering, or social engineering scenarios, in a controlled environment.
“By adopting the attacker’s perspective,” explains Dima Kumets, Principal Product Manager at Huntress, “users learn to recognize subtle signs of cyber threats, understand attacker tactics, and develop the critical thinking needed to defend themselves. This experiential learning is what makes Threat Simulator a gamechanger.”
The platform is designed with collaboration from Huntress’ security researchers, ensuring scenarios are realistic and reflect current threat landscapes. As a result, employees not only learn about cyber threats but also practice how to respond effectively in real-time.
The Impact of Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity
Research shows that people learn best through active participation. Threat Simulator harnesses this principle by providing engaging, scenario-based training that keeps users focused and motivated. For example, employees might be tasked with identifying a spear-phishing email or using open-source tools to gather publicly available information—skills crucial for recognizing social engineering attempts.
Eric Nush, Director of Technology at Homer School District 33Ct, shares his experience: “The OSINT training helped my staff understand how hackers can gather information from social media and websites. It made us rethink what we share online and prompted new procedures to limit data exposure.”
Early usage data supports the effectiveness of this approach. In just a few months since its release, users spend an average of 7.5 to 12 minutes per session—significantly longer than traditional training modules—and 90% report gaining new insights into cyber threats.
Why Engaged Employees Are Your Best Defense
Engagement is critical to building a strong security culture. The gamified nature of Threat Simulator makes training more enjoyable and less of a chore. As Zvonimir Petric, Director of Managed Services at Campfire Technology Inc., notes, “It’s engaging, focused, and actually fun. The more employees enjoy the training, the more likely they are to retain the lessons and outperform their peers.”
This proactive approach empowers employees to recognize and report threats, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful attacks like phishing or social engineering. Furthermore, it helps organizations foster a security-aware mindset that extends beyond compliance, into everyday decision-making.
