What is a phishing test?
A phishing test is a simulated scam message that an organization sends to its own staff to see who clicks a suspicious link or shares information. It is a training exercise meant to teach employees how to spot real phishing attempts, which are fake messages that try to trick people into giving up passwords or other data.
Why it's in the news
Reports say the Knicks sent a fake championship ring offer to Madison Square Garden employees as a phishing test, and that some assistant coaches did not receive rings at the ring ceremony. The team called the phishing plan "an unfortunate mistake."
- Knicks Game Tonight — Knicks ring controversy follows title-celebration night against 76ers
Background
Phishing is a type of online scam in which someone sends a fake email, text, or message that pretends to come from a trusted source. The goal is usually to get the reader to click a link, open a file, or enter a password. Many companies and other organizations run phishing tests to measure how well their staff would handle a real attack. The test is usually framed as a learning exercise, and employees who click may be shown a warning or lesson afterward.
In the Knicks story, a fake championship ring offer was sent to Madison Square Garden employees as part of a phishing test, according to multiple reports. Some assistant coaches did not receive their rings at the ceremony held on the night the team faced the Philadelphia 76ers. A Knicks spokesperson called the phishing plan "an unfortunate mistake" and said rings and jewelry would be given to players, coaches and employees. One report, citing a league source, said assistant coaches would receive their rings soon and that 275 rings had always been planned.
The story has drawn criticism of the organization's treatment of its staff, with fans and commentators questioning the use of a ring offer as the lure. The episode shows how a security exercise can backfire when the bait is something employees value and the test is seen as a betrayal of trust. Owner James Dolan has faced backlash over the episode, according to reports.
What people are asking
Phishing test Knicks: what happened?
Multiple reports say a fake championship ring offer was sent to Madison Square Garden employees as part of a phishing test. The reports also say some assistant coaches did not receive their rings at the ceremony. A Knicks spokesperson called the plan an unfortunate mistake and said rings and jewelry would be given to players, coaches and employees.
Is a phishing test the same as a real phishing scam?
No. A phishing test is run by an organization on its own staff, usually as training. A real phishing scam is sent by criminals to steal passwords, money, or data.
Why did the phishing test draw criticism?
Critics said using a championship ring as the lure was unfair to staff. Reports describe fans questioning how the organization treated its employees.
How many championship rings were planned?
One report, citing a league source, said 275 rings had always been planned.