Keep it Locked
Recognizing Phishing Emails Before It’s Too Late
This microlearning module was developed to enhance employees' ability to identify phishing attempts in emails, thereby strengthening organizational cybersecurity.
Audience: Corporate employees across departments with varying levels of technical experience. The module was designed to be accessible and relevant for all staff, regardless of their role or familiarity with cybersecurity.
Responsibilities: Instructional design, e learning development, visual design, storyboard, and mockups
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Figma, GIMP, ChatGPT
The Challenge
Employees often struggle to recognize phishing emails, leading to potential security breaches. The challenge was to create an engaging and effective training solution that could be completed in a short time frame.
Why it Matters
Employees are often the last line of defense against cyber threats. This module helps reduce vulnerability by giving them the practical skills to pause, check, and report suspicious messages.
The Solution
The training utilized a simulated phishing email where learners identified three key red flags. Interactive hotspots and variables were incorporated to provide immediate feedback, reinforcing learning.
Results
This microlearning module was designed to help employees quickly recognize common phishing tactics by walking them through a realistic email scenario. While the project hasn’t been deployed in a live company setting yet, it reflects best practices in cybersecurity training — especially for busy corporate learners who need just-in-time support. Throughout the project, I focused on keeping the content short, visual, and actionable. I learned how to translate technical security concepts into everyday language and highlight key warning signs such as urgent language, spoofed addresses, and unsafe links to help users recognize potential threats. The project also strengthened my skills in pacing for microlearning and designing with a focus on engagement.