Last updated: March 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Best Cybersecurity Awareness Training at a Glance
| Provider | Best For | Phishing Sims | Compliance Content | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KnowBe4 | Dedicated security awareness with deepest phishing simulation | Advanced | Broad but secondary | ~$18/user/yr |
| CompliQuest | Combined cybersecurity + full regulatory compliance (US + EU) | Included | Comprehensive (GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA) | Custom quote |
| Proofpoint | Enterprise email security with integrated training | Advanced (email-integrated) | Limited | Custom quote |
| Cofense | Phishing-specific detection and response training | Advanced (reporting-focused) | Very limited | Custom quote |
| SANS Security Awareness | Technical organisations wanting SANS-quality content | Included | Limited | ~$25/user/yr |
| Ninjio | Organisations wanting Hollywood-quality storytelling | Basic | Very limited | ~$3-5/user/mo |
| EasyLlama | SMBs needing cybersecurity + harassment compliance | Basic | Strong US compliance | ~$12,499/yr |
| Infosec IQ | Mid-market organisations wanting training + skills development | Included | Moderate | Custom quote |
| Hoxhunt | AI-powered adaptive phishing training for enterprises | AI-adaptive | Very limited | Custom quote |
Table of Contents
- The Cybersecurity Training Imperative
- How We Evaluated These Providers
- 1. KnowBe4
- 2. CompliQuest
- 3. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
- 4. Cofense
- 5. SANS Security Awareness
- 6. Ninjio
- 7. EasyLlama
- 8. Infosec IQ
- 9. Hoxhunt
- Full Comparison Table
- How to Choose the Right Provider
- Expert Perspective
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Reading time: 26 min read
The Cybersecurity Training Imperative
The numbers are unambiguous. Human error remains the dominant factor in data breaches, and the cost of getting cybersecurity wrong continues to climb.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Breaches involving human element | 68% | Verizon DBIR 2024 |
| Average data breach cost | $4.88 million | IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 |
| Phishing as initial attack vector | 36% of all breaches | Verizon DBIR 2024 |
| Breach cost reduction with training | $232,867 less per breach | IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 |
| Average initial phishing click rate | 32.4% | KnowBe4 Benchmarking Report 2024 |
| Click rate after 12 months of training | Below 5% | KnowBe4 Benchmarking Report 2024 |
| BEC losses since 2013 | $55+ billion | FBI IC3 Report 2024 |
| Time to identify a breach | 194 days (average) | IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 |
The regulatory landscape is also pushing organisations to formalise security training. The EU NIS2 Directive, which became enforceable in October 2024, explicitly requires cybersecurity training for management bodies (Article 20) across all "essential" and "important" entities in the EU. In the US, frameworks including NIST CSF 2.0, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and various state-level regulations (New York DFS 23 NYCRR 500, California CCPA) mandate or strongly recommend security awareness training.
Yet the market for cybersecurity awareness training is fragmented. Providers range from pure-play phishing simulation tools to broad compliance platforms that include security modules. Choosing the wrong provider means either overpaying for capabilities you do not need, or leaving critical gaps in your security posture.
This guide evaluates nine leading cybersecurity awareness training providers to help you find the right fit for your organisation's specific needs, budget, and risk profile.
How We Evaluated These Providers
We assessed each provider across six dimensions:
| Criterion | What We Assessed |
|---|---|
| Phishing simulations | Template variety, customisation, difficulty progression, real-time feedback |
| Training content | Depth, engagement, update frequency, topic coverage |
| Compliance alignment | Coverage of regulatory requirements (GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2) |
| AI and adaptive learning | Personalised risk scoring, adaptive difficulty, behavioural analytics |
| Reporting and analytics | Dashboard quality, executive reporting, benchmarking, integration options |
| Pricing and scalability | Transparency, per-user economics, contract flexibility |
We also referenced independent reviews from Gartner, Forrester, and G2, along with vendor-published data and direct product evaluation.
1. KnowBe4
Website: knowbe4.com
KnowBe4 is the largest dedicated security awareness training provider in the world, serving over 65,000 organisations. Founded by Stu Sjouwerman in 2010, the company has built its reputation on a simple but powerful premise: test employees with simulated phishing attacks, provide immediate training when they fail, and measure improvement over time.
The platform's phishing simulation engine is the most sophisticated in the market. Organisations can choose from thousands of phishing email templates -- ranging from basic "Nigerian prince" scenarios to highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns mimicking real-world threat actor tactics. Templates are categorised by difficulty level, attack type (credential harvesting, malware attachment, BEC, smishing), and industry. KnowBe4 also allows fully customised phishing campaigns tailored to an organisation's specific threat landscape.
Beyond phishing simulations, KnowBe4 offers a content library of over 1,000 training modules covering topics from password hygiene and social engineering to ransomware response and mobile device security. Content comes from both KnowBe4's in-house team and licensed third-party providers, including Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training (the late Kevin Mitnick was KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer).
KnowBe4's benchmarking data is a valuable industry resource. The KnowBe4 Phishing Industry Benchmarking Report 2024 -- based on data from over 60 million simulated phishing tests -- found that the average initial phishing click rate across all industries is 32.4%, which drops to approximately 17.6% after 90 days of training and below 5% after 12 months. This data provides a credible baseline for measuring programme effectiveness.
Pros:
- Industry-leading phishing simulation platform with thousands of templates and full customisation
- Largest security awareness content library (1,000+ modules)
- Best-in-class benchmarking data based on 60M+ simulated phishing tests
- Sophisticated analytics including individual risk scoring (Virtual Risk Officer)
Cons:
- Compliance content is secondary to security -- not a substitute for dedicated regulatory compliance training
- EU regulatory coverage (GDPR training, NIS2 compliance content) is present but not as deep as specialised providers
- Platform complexity can be overwhelming for smaller organisations without dedicated security admin
- Acquired by Vista Equity Partners in 2023 -- some customers report concerns about contract terms and pricing changes
Best for: Organisations where cybersecurity awareness and phishing prevention are the primary training objectives and where a dedicated security team will manage the platform.
Pricing: Tiered plans: Diamond ($18/user/yr base), Platinum ($24/user/yr), Gold ($36/user/yr). Minimum contract sizes apply. Enterprise pricing negotiable.
2. CompliQuest
Website: compliquest.com
CompliQuest approaches cybersecurity awareness training from a different angle than pure-play security vendors. Rather than building a platform around phishing simulations that adds compliance as an afterthought, CompliQuest delivers cybersecurity awareness as part of a comprehensive compliance training programme that covers the full regulatory landscape -- GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA, anti-bribery, harassment prevention, workplace safety, and more.
This integrated approach is particularly valuable for organisations that need to address cybersecurity and regulatory compliance together, which -- in practice -- is most organisations. A company subject to GDPR does not just need generic "phishing awareness" training; it needs employees to understand how cybersecurity failures create data protection violations, what constitutes a personal data breach under Article 33, and how to report incidents in accordance with the 72-hour notification requirement. CompliQuest's cybersecurity content is built with this regulatory context embedded throughout.
CompliQuest's cybersecurity courses cover phishing recognition, social engineering, password and authentication best practices, data handling and classification, incident reporting procedures, remote work security, mobile device security, and emerging threats. The content is developed by subject-matter experts with direct experience in cybersecurity compliance -- not recycled from template libraries or auto-generated.
The platform's custom training capability is a significant differentiator for cybersecurity awareness. CompliQuest's expert team can develop bespoke cybersecurity training that incorporates an organisation's specific threat landscape, security policies, incident response procedures, and industry-specific risks. This is especially relevant for organisations in critical infrastructure, financial services, and healthcare where generic security awareness content is insufficient.
Pros:
- Cybersecurity awareness integrated with full regulatory compliance training (GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA, SOX, and more)
- Expert-built content by compliance and cybersecurity professionals -- not template-based
- Strong EU coverage including NIS2-aligned training for management and staff
- Custom training tailored to organisation-specific threats, policies, and regulatory requirements
Cons:
- Phishing simulation capabilities are not as deep as KnowBe4's dedicated platform (fewer templates, less granular campaign management)
- Smaller pure-cybersecurity content library than dedicated security awareness providers
- Less benchmarking data than established providers with larger customer bases
Best for: Organisations that need cybersecurity awareness training integrated with broader regulatory compliance -- especially multinational companies operating across US and EU jurisdictions where NIS2, GDPR, and other regulations create overlapping cybersecurity and compliance obligations.
Pricing: Custom quotes based on organisation size and training requirements. Contact CompliQuest for pricing.
Explore CompliQuest cybersecurity courses -- security awareness built into comprehensive compliance training.
3. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
Website: proofpoint.com
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training (formerly Wombat Security, acquired by Proofpoint in 2018) is uniquely positioned as a security awareness solution integrated with enterprise email security infrastructure. Proofpoint is one of the world's largest email security companies, and its awareness training benefits from direct integration with real threat intelligence data.
The platform's core differentiator is its ability to connect security awareness training with actual threat data. Proofpoint's Targeted Attack Protection (TAP) identifies real phishing threats targeting the organisation, and the awareness training module can use this data to create simulated phishing campaigns that mirror genuine attacks. This means employees are trained on the specific types of threats they are most likely to encounter -- not generic scenarios.
Proofpoint's training content library covers phishing, ransomware, BEC, insider threats, physical security, and data protection. The content is well-produced and regularly updated, with a mix of interactive modules, videos, and knowledge assessments. The platform also includes Proofpoint's CyberStrength assessments for measuring employee knowledge.
Pros:
- Unique integration with real email threat intelligence (Proofpoint TAP)
- Phishing simulations based on actual threats targeting the organisation
- Well-established enterprise email security vendor with deep threat expertise
- Strong integration with Proofpoint's broader email security suite
Cons:
- Most valuable when combined with Proofpoint's email security products -- less compelling as a standalone training tool
- Compliance training content is very limited -- primarily a security tool
- Enterprise pricing and sales process -- not accessible for SMBs
- Content library is smaller than KnowBe4's
Best for: Enterprise organisations already using Proofpoint for email security that want integrated awareness training driven by real threat intelligence.
Pricing: Custom enterprise quotes. Typically sold as an add-on to Proofpoint's email security suite.
4. Cofense
Website: cofense.com
Cofense (formerly PhishMe) focuses specifically on phishing detection and response. While other providers offer broad security awareness training with phishing simulations as one component, Cofense has built its entire platform around the phishing problem -- from simulation and training to real-world phishing detection and incident response.
Cofense's key differentiator is the phishing reporting ecosystem. The platform includes the Cofense Reporter plugin (installed in employees' email clients), which gives employees a one-click button to report suspicious emails. When employees report emails, they are automatically analysed by Cofense Triage, which uses a combination of AI and human intelligence (through the Cofense Intelligence network) to determine whether the reported email is a genuine threat.
This creates a virtuous cycle: employees are trained through simulations, they develop the habit of reporting suspicious emails through the Reporter button, and reported emails feed into the organisation's actual phishing detection capability. Cofense's data shows that organisations using their platform achieve median report-to-remediation times of under 5 minutes -- a dramatic improvement over traditional SOC-driven response workflows.
Pros:
- Best-in-class phishing detection and response ecosystem (simulate, train, report, analyse, remediate)
- Cofense Reporter plugin creates a human-sensor network for real threat detection
- Strong phishing intelligence network for identifying emerging threats
- Focused approach -- does one thing (phishing) exceptionally well
Cons:
- Very narrow scope -- phishing only, with minimal broader security awareness or compliance content
- Requires integration with other tools for comprehensive security training
- Enterprise-focused with enterprise pricing
- Not suitable as a standalone security awareness solution
Best for: Enterprise security teams that want a dedicated phishing detection and response platform to complement their broader security awareness programme.
Pricing: Custom enterprise quotes. Modular pricing based on components (PhishMe simulations, Reporter, Triage, Intelligence).
5. SANS Security Awareness
Website: sans.org/security-awareness-training
SANS Institute is the world's most respected cybersecurity training and certification organisation. Their security awareness training programme brings SANS-quality content to the end-user training space. For organisations that value technical credibility and depth, SANS Security Awareness offers a level of content authority that few competitors can match.
SANS Security Awareness provides a managed training programme that includes an annual training plan, monthly newsletters, reinforcement materials, and phishing simulations. The content is developed by SANS instructors and industry experts, ensuring technical accuracy and relevance to current threat landscapes. The programme is designed to be turnkey -- SANS provides the content calendar, training materials, and programme management guidance, which is valuable for organisations without dedicated security awareness staff.
Content is available in over 30 languages and covers standard security awareness topics with a depth that reflects SANS's technical heritage. The training modules tend to be more detailed and technically substantive than competitors' offerings, which is a strength for technically literate workforces but can be less engaging for non-technical employees.
Pros:
- SANS brand credibility and technical authority -- the gold standard in cybersecurity education
- Content developed by SANS instructors and industry experts
- Turnkey managed programme with annual content calendar and reinforcement materials
- Available in 30+ languages
Cons:
- Content can feel more technical and less engaging than modern platforms (less gamification, fewer interactive elements)
- Phishing simulation capabilities are less sophisticated than KnowBe4 or Cofense
- Limited compliance content beyond cybersecurity
- Higher price point than many competitors
Best for: Organisations that value SANS's technical credibility and want a turnkey managed security awareness programme, particularly those with technically literate workforces.
Pricing: Approximately $25/user/year. Enterprise pricing available with volume discounts.
6. Ninjio
Website: ninjio.com
Ninjio takes a radically different approach to security awareness training: Hollywood-style animated storytelling. Rather than slide-based modules or talking-head videos, Ninjio produces 3-4 minute animated episodes based on real-world cyber attacks, using professional voice actors and cinematic production techniques. Each episode tells the story of an actual breach (anonymised) and teaches specific security lessons through narrative.
This approach to engagement is genuinely unique in the market. Ninjio's content is memorable in a way that conventional security training often is not. The company claims that their storytelling approach leverages the "Hollywood effect" -- people remember stories far better than facts, and emotional engagement drives behaviour change more effectively than information transfer.
Ninjio releases new episodes monthly, covering current threats and timely security topics. The platform also includes Ninjio Phish, a basic phishing simulation tool, and Ninjio Aware, which provides knowledge assessments and quizzes. The company has added AI-powered features including personalised risk scoring and adaptive training recommendations.
Pros:
- Uniquely engaging content -- Hollywood-quality animated storytelling based on real breaches
- Short (3-4 minute) episodes ideal for microlearning and sustained engagement
- New content released monthly, keeping training current with emerging threats
- Strong brand differentiation -- employees actually enjoy watching the episodes
Cons:
- Phishing simulation capabilities are basic compared to KnowBe4, Proofpoint, or Cofense
- Very limited compliance content -- almost entirely cybersecurity-focused
- Storytelling format may feel less "serious" to some compliance-driven organisations
- Analytics and reporting are less sophisticated than enterprise-grade platforms
Best for: Organisations struggling with training engagement that want memorable, entertainment-quality security awareness content.
Pricing: Approximately $3-5/user/month depending on organisation size and contract term.
7. EasyLlama
Website: easyllama.com
EasyLlama is primarily a compliance training platform (see our Best Compliance Training Platforms comparison), but includes cybersecurity awareness modules alongside its core harassment prevention, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance content.
EasyLlama's cybersecurity training covers foundational topics: phishing awareness, password security, social engineering, data handling, and remote work security. The content is designed for general employees rather than technical audiences, using an interactive, scenario-based approach with quizzes and knowledge checks. The platform is particularly well-suited for organisations that need to address both cybersecurity awareness and broader compliance training (harassment, workplace safety, ethics) in a single platform.
However, EasyLlama's cybersecurity capabilities are a complement to its compliance training, not the primary focus. The phishing simulation capabilities are basic, the content library for cybersecurity is limited compared to dedicated providers, and the platform lacks the advanced analytics and risk scoring offered by specialised security awareness tools.
Pros:
- Cybersecurity awareness combined with comprehensive US compliance training in one platform
- Easy deployment and user-friendly interface
- Good for organisations needing basic cybersecurity awareness alongside harassment and compliance training
- Interactive, scenario-based content with high completion rates
Cons:
- Cybersecurity content is foundational/awareness-level -- not suitable for organisations needing deep security training
- Phishing simulations are basic compared to dedicated providers
- Very limited EU cybersecurity regulatory coverage (NIS2, EU-specific)
- Not a substitute for a dedicated security awareness platform for security-focused organisations
Best for: US-focused SMBs that need cybersecurity awareness as part of a broader compliance training programme, not as a standalone security initiative.
Pricing: Not publicly listed. Industry estimates suggest starting at approximately $12,499/year for small teams.
8. Infosec IQ
Website: infosecinstitute.com
Infosec IQ (part of Infosec Institute, now owned by Cengage Group) combines security awareness training with cybersecurity skills development. The platform serves a dual purpose: awareness training for all employees and technical cybersecurity training (through Infosec Skills) for IT and security professionals.
Infosec IQ's awareness training includes a library of over 2,000 training resources covering phishing, social engineering, data protection, insider threats, physical security, and more. The platform includes PhishSim, a phishing simulation tool with over 1,000 templates, and AwareEd, which provides interactive training modules triggered by simulation failures. The content is updated regularly and available in multiple languages.
The integration between security awareness (Infosec IQ) and cybersecurity skills training (Infosec Skills) is a differentiator for organisations that need to train both general employees and technical staff from a single platform. Infosec Skills includes hands-on cyber ranges, certification prep courses (CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH, etc.), and skills assessments.
Pros:
- Combined awareness training + cybersecurity skills development in one platform
- Large content library (2,000+ resources) with regular updates
- PhishSim phishing simulation tool with 1,000+ templates
- Strong for organisations needing both employee awareness and technical security training
Cons:
- Less specialised than pure-play awareness providers (KnowBe4, Cofense) for phishing simulation depth
- Compliance content is limited to cybersecurity-adjacent topics
- Platform can feel spread thin across awareness and skills -- neither is individually best-in-class
- Ownership transition (Cengage Group acquisition) has created some uncertainty
Best for: Mid-market organisations that want a single platform for both general security awareness training and technical cybersecurity skills development.
Pricing: Custom quotes. Previously offered plans starting at approximately $20/user/year for awareness-only.
9. Hoxhunt
Website: hoxhunt.com
Hoxhunt is an AI-powered adaptive phishing training platform that takes a fundamentally different approach to security awareness. Rather than one-size-fits-all simulations, Hoxhunt uses AI to personalise the phishing experience for each individual employee. The platform starts with easier simulations and progressively increases difficulty based on each employee's demonstrated skill level -- similar to how adaptive learning works in educational technology.
Hoxhunt's AI engine analyses how each employee interacts with simulated phishing emails (do they click? report? ignore?) and adjusts the difficulty, frequency, and type of simulations accordingly. High-performing employees receive more sophisticated, harder-to-detect simulations, while employees who struggle receive more frequent training at an appropriate difficulty level. This personalisation helps avoid the common problem of advanced employees finding simulations too easy while less security-aware employees find them overwhelming.
The platform gamifies the training experience with points, leaderboards, and team competitions. Hoxhunt reports that their gamification approach achieves participation rates of over 90% and that their AI-adaptive approach reduces phishing susceptibility by 65% within the first year (Hoxhunt data, 2024).
Pros:
- AI-adaptive personalisation -- difficulty and content tailored to each individual employee
- Strong gamification with high participation rates (90%+ reported)
- Innovative approach that keeps training challenging for all skill levels
- Good enterprise integrations (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack)
Cons:
- Primarily focused on phishing -- very limited broader security awareness or compliance content
- Newer company with less benchmarking data than established providers
- AI-adaptive approach is a "black box" that can be difficult to audit or explain to regulators
- Enterprise pricing -- not accessible for SMBs
Best for: Enterprise organisations that want AI-powered, adaptive phishing training that personalises the experience for each employee.
Pricing: Custom enterprise quotes. Not publicly listed.
Full Comparison Table
| Provider | Phishing Simulations | Compliance Content | AI-Powered | Certifications | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KnowBe4 | Advanced (thousands of templates, full customisation) | Broad but secondary | Risk scoring (VRO) | Yes | Dedicated security awareness |
| CompliQuest | Included (integrated) | Comprehensive (US + EU regulatory) | No | Yes | Cybersecurity + compliance combined |
| Proofpoint | Advanced (threat intelligence-driven) | Very limited | Threat-adaptive | Yes | Enterprise email security users |
| Cofense | Advanced (with detection/response) | Very limited | Threat intelligence | Yes | Phishing detection and response |
| SANS | Included (managed) | Very limited | No | Yes (SANS brand) | Technical credibility |
| Ninjio | Basic | Very limited | Risk scoring | Basic | Engagement and storytelling |
| EasyLlama | Basic | Strong US compliance | No | Yes | SMB compliance + awareness |
| Infosec IQ | Good (1,000+ templates) | Limited | No | Yes | Awareness + skills combo |
| Hoxhunt | AI-adaptive | Very limited | Core feature | Basic | AI-personalised phishing |
How to Choose the Right Provider
Decision Framework
The right cybersecurity awareness training provider depends on what problem you are primarily trying to solve:
"We need to reduce phishing click rates."
KnowBe4 is the market leader for dedicated phishing simulation and security awareness. Cofense is ideal if you also want to build a phishing detection and response capability. Hoxhunt is compelling if you want AI-adaptive personalisation.
"We need cybersecurity training AND regulatory compliance training."
CompliQuest is the strongest choice for organisations that need to address cybersecurity awareness alongside GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA, harassment prevention, and other regulatory training -- particularly for multinational US + EU operations. EasyLlama works for US-focused SMBs needing basic cybersecurity alongside compliance.
"We need enterprise-grade security awareness integrated with email security."
Proofpoint is the clear choice for organisations already invested in Proofpoint's email security ecosystem. The threat intelligence integration is unmatched.
"We need the highest-credibility content."
SANS Security Awareness carries unmatched brand authority in cybersecurity. If your stakeholders (board, auditors, regulators) value the SANS name, this carries weight.
"Our employees are bored with training."
Ninjio's Hollywood-style storytelling is genuinely different and engaging. For organisations where training fatigue is the primary barrier, Ninjio's approach can re-energise the programme.
By Organisation Profile
| Organisation type | Recommended providers |
|---|---|
| US SMB (< 200 employees) | EasyLlama, KnowBe4 (lower tier) |
| US mid-market (200-2,000) | KnowBe4, Infosec IQ |
| US + EU multinational | CompliQuest, KnowBe4 + CompliQuest (compliance) |
| Enterprise (2,000+) | KnowBe4, Proofpoint, Hoxhunt |
| Financial services | KnowBe4 + CompliQuest (regulatory), SANS |
| Healthcare | KnowBe4 + CompliQuest (HIPAA) |
| Critical infrastructure (NIS2) | CompliQuest (NIS2 compliance), KnowBe4 (phishing) |
Need help building your security awareness programme? Contact CompliQuest to discuss how we integrate cybersecurity awareness with your broader compliance training needs.
Expert Perspective
"Every organisation, large and small, must be prepared to respond to the growing cyber threat. You have a role to play -- it's a shared responsibility. I urge every organisation to adopt a heightened posture when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting their most critical assets. Cybersecurity is not a technical issue -- it's a people issue. Training your workforce to recognise and respond to threats is the single most impactful investment you can make."
ā Jen Easterly, former Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024
This perspective is supported by the data. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 found that organisations with security awareness training programmes paid $232,867 less per breach than those without. The Verizon DBIR 2024 confirmed that 68% of breaches involve a non-malicious human element, making employee training the highest-leverage intervention available.
The Evolution of Security Awareness Training
The security awareness market has matured significantly over the past decade. Early programmes focused almost entirely on annual compliance-driven training -- a single course completed once per year to satisfy audit requirements. Modern programmes emphasise continuous reinforcement:
| Generation | Approach | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 (2010-2015) | Annual slide-based training | Minimal behaviour change |
| Gen 2 (2015-2020) | Phishing simulations + video training | Moderate click rate reduction |
| Gen 3 (2020-2024) | Continuous training + analytics + risk scoring | Significant behaviour change |
| Gen 4 (2024+) | AI-adaptive + threat intelligence + regulatory integration | Maximum risk reduction |
The most effective current programmes combine elements from multiple generations: engaging content (Gen 2), continuous phishing simulations with analytics (Gen 3), and AI-powered personalisation with regulatory compliance integration (Gen 4). No single provider fully delivers Gen 4 capabilities today, which is why many organisations use complementary tools -- for example, KnowBe4 for phishing simulations and CompliQuest for regulatory compliance content.
Key Metrics to Track
Regardless of which provider you choose, measure these metrics to assess programme effectiveness:
| Metric | Baseline | Target (12 months) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phishing click rate | ~32% industry average | Below 5% | KnowBe4 Benchmarking 2024 |
| Phishing report rate | ~10% industry average | Above 60% | Cofense Annual Report 2024 |
| Training completion rate | ~60% without engagement | Above 90% | Brandon Hall Group 2024 |
| Time to report incidents | Hours to days | Under 30 minutes | Industry best practice |
| Repeat clickers | ~15% of employees | Below 3% | KnowBe4 Benchmarking 2024 |
Conclusion
The cybersecurity awareness training market offers providers for every need and budget, but the right choice depends on your primary objective:
- Best overall security awareness platform: KnowBe4 -- the market leader with the deepest phishing simulation capabilities, largest content library, and most benchmarking data. If cybersecurity awareness is your primary goal, KnowBe4 is the default choice for good reason.
- Best for cybersecurity + compliance integration: CompliQuest -- the strongest option for organisations that need cybersecurity awareness training tightly integrated with regulatory compliance (GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA, anti-bribery, harassment prevention). Particularly valuable for US + EU multinationals.
- Best threat intelligence integration: Proofpoint -- unmatched for organisations using Proofpoint email security that want training driven by real threat data.
- Best phishing detection and response: Cofense -- purpose-built for organisations that want to turn employees into a human sensor network for phishing detection.
- Best technical credibility: SANS Security Awareness -- carries the SANS brand authority that resonates with technical teams, boards, and auditors.
- Best engagement and storytelling: Ninjio -- uniquely entertaining Hollywood-quality content for organisations battling training fatigue.
- Best SMB compliance + cybersecurity: EasyLlama -- solid cybersecurity awareness alongside strong US compliance training for smaller organisations.
- Best awareness + skills combo: Infosec IQ -- unique dual purpose for organisations training both general employees and technical security staff.
- Best AI-adaptive training: Hoxhunt -- innovative personalisation that adjusts difficulty to each employee's skill level.
For many organisations, the ideal approach combines a dedicated security awareness tool (KnowBe4, Proofpoint, or Cofense for phishing) with a comprehensive compliance training platform (CompliQuest for regulatory coverage). Cybersecurity and compliance are not separate disciplines -- they overlap extensively, and a coordinated approach delivers better outcomes than siloed tools.
Explore CompliQuest cybersecurity courses | Contact our team
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cybersecurity awareness training?
Cybersecurity awareness training is the process of educating employees to recognise, prevent, and respond to cyber threats including phishing, social engineering, malware, ransomware, and data breaches. It aims to change employee behaviour around email, passwords, data handling, device security, and incident reporting. According to the Verizon DBIR 2024, 68% of data breaches involve a non-malicious human element -- employees clicking phishing links, using weak passwords, or mishandling data. Effective training reduces this risk by building security-conscious habits. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 found that organisations with security awareness training programmes save an average of $232,867 per breach compared to those without.
How often should cybersecurity awareness training be conducted?
Best practice is continuous reinforcement, not annual-only training. The NIST SP 800-50 Rev. 1 recommends initial training at onboarding, role-based training for high-risk positions, and periodic refresher training. The most effective programmes combine annual comprehensive training with monthly phishing simulations, quarterly module updates, and ongoing reinforcement (newsletters, alerts, micro-lessons). KnowBe4 benchmarking data shows that monthly phishing simulations reduce click rates from 32.4% to below 5% within 12 months. The EU NIS2 Directive (Article 20) requires that management bodies undergo cybersecurity training and that organisations provide regular training to all staff -- without specifying exact frequency, but establishing "ongoing" as the expectation.
Which cybersecurity awareness training tool is best?
It depends on your primary need. For dedicated security awareness and phishing simulation, KnowBe4 is the market leader with the most comprehensive platform. For cybersecurity training integrated with regulatory compliance (GDPR, NIS2, HIPAA), CompliQuest offers the strongest combined solution. For enterprise email security integration, Proofpoint is unmatched. For AI-adaptive personalised training, Hoxhunt is the most innovative. For entertainment-quality engagement, Ninjio is unique. The Gartner Market Guide for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training recommends evaluating providers based on your organisation's specific risk profile, regulatory requirements, and technical maturity rather than general rankings.
Is KnowBe4 worth it?
KnowBe4 is the most comprehensive dedicated security awareness platform available. For organisations where cybersecurity awareness and phishing prevention are the primary objectives, KnowBe4 delivers measurable results: their benchmarking data (based on 60M+ simulated phishing tests) shows phishing click rate reductions of over 75% within 12 months. The platform's sophistication justifies its price for mid-to-large organisations with dedicated security teams. However, KnowBe4 is not a complete compliance solution -- organisations also needing harassment prevention, GDPR, NIS2, anti-bribery, or other regulatory training will need to supplement KnowBe4 with a dedicated compliance platform. For small organisations without security admin resources, KnowBe4's complexity may be overkill.
Are there free cybersecurity awareness training options?
Yes, several options exist. SC Training (SafetyCulture) offers a free tier with basic security awareness content suitable for small teams. CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) provides free cybersecurity awareness resources at cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month. Google's Phishing Quiz at phishingquiz.withgoogle.com is a useful supplementary tool. SANS Ouch! Newsletter provides free monthly security awareness materials. However, free tools lack phishing simulations, tracking, analytics, compliance documentation, and certification -- which are essential for regulatory compliance and meaningful behaviour change. The Ponemon Institute found that organisations with formal, managed security awareness programmes experience 50% fewer security incidents than those relying on ad-hoc or free training.
How do you measure cybersecurity awareness training effectiveness?
Measure across four levels: (1) Completion -- training completion rates (target >95%). (2) Knowledge -- assessment scores and knowledge retention over time. (3) Behaviour -- phishing simulation click rates (target <5%), phishing report rates (target >60%), and repeat clicker rates (target <3%). (4) Outcomes -- actual security incident rates, mean time to detect/report, and breach costs. The most critical metric is behaviour change, not completion. KnowBe4 benchmarking data provides industry baselines: average initial click rate of 32.4%, dropping to below 5% after 12 months. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 provides the business case: organisations with training programmes pay $232,867 less per breach. Track your metrics against these benchmarks to demonstrate programme ROI.
Related Insights
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training: The Complete Guide -- comprehensive training programme guide.
- CISO Roles and Responsibilities -- security leadership guide.
- GDPR Training for Employees -- EU data protection training.
- Best Compliance Training Platforms Compared -- broader compliance platform comparison.
- CCPA Data Breach Requirements -- California data breach response.
CompliQuest Cybersecurity Training
- Security Awareness Fundamentals -- core cybersecurity training for all employees.
- Phishing Prevention -- recognition, reporting, and response.
- Data Protection & GDPR -- protecting personal data under EU regulation.
- NIS2 Compliance Training -- EU cybersecurity directive requirements.