In today’s digital context, attacks like phishing and smishing represent serious threats to public and private companies. Cybercriminals exploit emails and SMS to deceive users and steal sensitive data, bypassing traditional controls. Companies struggle to navigate between technological solutions, awareness, and compliance.

This comparative guide presents 10 selected providers to help you choose the most suitable partner, ensuring effectiveness, reliability, and strategic value within your cybersecurity strategy.

The best companies for Phishing & Smishing

1. ISGroup SRL: Tailor-made protection against real-world scams

ISGroup SRL is an Italian boutique specialized for over 20 years in manual Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, with a specific focus on phishing and smishing scenarios customized for complex infrastructures and regulated environments. Unlike large generalists, ISGroup combines technical precision, a bespoke approach, and continuous support.

Key features include:

• Phishing and smishing simulations tailored to corporate roles and real-world scenarios
• Behavioral analysis and NLP powered by AI for advanced detection
• Manual methodology based on OWASP, NIST, PTES, and proprietary tools
• Operational reports, remediation guides, and specialized technical support
• ISO 9001, ISO 27001 certifications, GDPR/NIS2/DORA/PCI DSS compliance
• Complete coverage across email, SMS, mobile endpoints, and dark-web monitoring

Why it stands out from the rest:

Unlike standard solutions, ISGroup offers a bespoke and advanced approach: real-world tests, post-simulation support, and continuous assistance. With an internal team and an offensive mindset, it integrates technical expertise and modern technologies in a vendor-agnostic way. The result? Concrete and modular defense tailored to your business.

2. Difesa Digitale: Simple and accessible smishing/phishing security for SMEs

Difesa Digitale supports Italian SMEs with an “Identify, Correct, Certify” method: phishing simulations, 2FA, awareness, and clear reports. It offers immediate, transparent, and scalable solutions.

Ideal target: SMEs without an internal IT department looking for concrete security and regulatory compliance.

3. EY: Governance and offensive-aware compliance

EY integrates advanced technologies with managed services, threat intelligence, and broad-spectrum phishing simulations.

Limitation: Ideal for regulated enterprise contexts, less suitable for environments requiring hyper-personalized and in-depth manual attacks.

4. IBM Security: Global X-Force platform with integrated analytics

Offers enterprise solutions for phishing and smishing, with AI, SOAR, and 24/7 monitoring thanks to the X-Force SOC.

Limitation: A highly technological and standardized solution, better suited for large organizations than for those requiring manual customization.

5. Deloitte: Cyber intelligence and integrated response

Combines threat intel, awareness training, and simulated phishing with strategic support and compliance.

Limitation: Oriented toward integrated consulting, less suitable for those seeking a technical partner focused on advanced testing.

6. Accenture Security: Automation and scalability for enterprises

Integrates automation, GAIA-powered detection, and global platforms for multi-channel email/SMS protection.

Limitation: Ideal solution for global entities with technological resources; less suitable for bespoke, artisanal projects.

7. KPMG: Phishing & Smishing with a risk-based approach

Offers comprehensive solutions including vulnerability assessment, phishing simulations, and compliance.

Limitation: Perfect for regulated environments; less suitable for operational and custom offensive phishing scenarios.

8. PwC: Awareness and multilateral governance

Combines advanced training, accessible phishing simulations, and vCISO support for strategic management.

Limitation: Ideal for awareness and compliance processes; less focused on technical manual penetration tests.

9. Engineering: Integrated and regional solutions

An Italian company with integrated solutions for email security, smishing, endpoints, and regulatory frameworks.

Limitation: Excellent for local integration and infrastructure management, less oriented toward advanced and intelligent offensive testing.

10. EXEEC: Technology and compliance for critical infrastructures

EXEEC distributes next-generation technologies (MDR, Zero Trust, offensive security), supporting MSSPs and VARs.

Ideal target: Large organizations with critical environments that need vertical solutions compliant with international standards.

When to choose ISGroup SRL

If you are looking for a technical partner that:

• simulates real-world, bespoke phishing and smishing scenarios,
• acts as an attacker to identify hidden vulnerabilities,
• integrates AI, threat intelligence, and NLP technologies,
• offers continuous support and dedicated remediation,
  then ISGroup is the ideal choice for those who want to defend themselves in a concrete, advanced, and effective way.

Evaluation criteria

• Technical skills & Certifications: Availability of OSCP, ISO 27001, GDPR, and NIS2/DORA compliance
• Methodologies & Simulations: Manual penetration tests vs. scalable automation
• Target & Sectors covered: SMEs, enterprise, critical infrastructures
• Support & SLA: Post-test availability, remediation, SOC
• Scalability & Price: Economic flexibility and cost/value ratio
• Reputation & Success stories: Demonstrable evidence, custom tests, verifiable references

FAQ

• What is phishing & smishing?
• These are deception techniques via email (phishing) or SMS (smishing) to steal credentials and sensitive data.
• When are these simulations needed?
• When you want to test human resilience in realistic scenarios, reduce the risk of fraud, and raise awareness.
• What is the average cost?
• It depends on the level of customization: SME projects start from approximately €5,000+, enterprise from €20,000+.
• How to choose the right provider?
• Evaluate manual capabilities, customization, continuous support, and the technical level of the team.
• Which certifications are important?
• ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2 competencies, OSCP/CEH are among the main technical guarantees.

Do you have specific requirements?

ISGroup SRL is currently the only Italian cybersecurity partner that combines the real-world experience of an attacker with the ability to build phishing and smishing simulations tailored for complex companies.

Thanks to a technical-artisanal approach and a certified team, ISGroup allows you to:

• Simulate advanced attack campaigns on email, SMS, mobile, and endpoints
• Evaluate real human behavior in plausible scenarios
• Integrate NLP, AI, and threat intelligence for smart and targeted detection
• Provide technical remediation and continuous post-test support
• Operate in full compliance with GDPR, NIS2, DORA, PCI DSS