Security Policy Errors

Fix Microsoft Defender Phishing Simulation Showing Ping Successful

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter a "ping successful" message instead of the expected credential-harvesting simulation page when clicking a Microsoft Defender phishing simulation link.

How to Fix Microsoft Defender Phishing Simulation Showing 'Ping Successful'

Product: Microsoft Defender
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Executing a simulated phishing campaign in Microsoft Defender.
Observed behavior: The phishing link unexpectedly redirects to a "ping successful" page across various browsers, networks, and devices, preventing the credential-harvesting simulation from displaying.

Before you start

Ensure you have global administrator or security administrator privileges in your Microsoft 365 tenant to verify network configurations and domain settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Firewall, DNS, and Proxy Settings

Network security filters might be intercepting or blocking the simulation domains before they can load properly.

Organizations often use firewalls, DNS filtering, and proxy servers that preemptively scan or block unknown or suspicious domains. If the phishing simulation domain is not properly whitelisted, these security layers may trigger an incomplete connection or a "ping successful" response.

Access your network security portal

Review blocked connections

Check your recent logs to see if the specific domain used in your Microsoft Defender phishing campaign is being blocked or intercepted.

Whitelist the simulation domains

Add the Microsoft Defender simulation URLs and IP addresses to your network's allowlist or bypass list to ensure the traffic routes directly to the credential-harvesting page.

Review Firewall, DNS, and Proxy Settings

Third-Party Security Software: Link-scanning features in third-party endpoint protection software can also preemptively "click" the link, causing unexpected behavior. Ensure exceptions are added in these applications as well.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Backend Verification

If the issue persists across all networks and devices (including external ones), the simulation campaign may be misconfigured on the backend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the phishing simulation page show 'ping successful'?

This error typically occurs when network security software, web proxies, or DNS filters intercept the link before it reaches the user's browser, or when there is a backend misconfiguration in the Microsoft Defender simulation campaign.

Do I need to whitelist Microsoft Defender simulation URLs?

Yes. To ensure the phishing simulation pages load correctly and accurately track user interactions, you must bypass or whitelist the specific simulation URLs and IP addresses in your organization's firewalls and security software.

What if the issue persists on external networks and personal devices?

If the error happens on external networks outside your corporate firewall, it strongly indicates a backend misconfiguration in your Microsoft 365 tenant. In this case, contacting Microsoft Support is the best course of action.

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