How is a user's IP address tracked within phishing simulations?

We use IPAPI, a third-party provider, to capture the source IP of the user. For an IP to be tracked, the user must reach our landing page. This occurs when they fall victim to a phishing simulation and are taken to the landing page to view a policy, survey, or Learning Experience.

We have investigated the reliability of IP capture and have been advised that several factors may prevent an IP address from being recorded. These include:

  • Firewalls
  • Browser extensions
  • Use of an incognito/private browsing mode

Anyone who clicks on the phish should have their IP tracked unless one of the above factors is blocking it.


Actions that count as a click include:

The following actions are considered a click for tracking purposes:

  • Clicking a link within a phishing simulation
  • Opening an HTML attachment in a phishing simulation and enabling macros
  • Scanning a QR code included within a phishing simulation

 ⚠️ Please note: 

  • Opening a Word attachment alone will not populate an IP address. An IP is only captured when the end user proceeds to load the Learning Experience.
Back to all articles