13 Best Security Awareness Training Vendors for Resource Strapped IT Teams

No IT organization has all the resources it needs in a time when cyber threats are increasingly common and sophisticated. Limited budgets and personnel can make it challenging to implement comprehensive security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. While email security solutions like spam filters can help, it is simple for cybercriminals to modify their social engineering attacks to bypass these defenses.

However, educating end users about security risks and best practices can serve as a powerful and cost-effective defense mechanism. Security awareness training equips employees with the knowledge to identify and respond to potential threats from cybercriminals such as phishing, social engineering attacks, and malware, significantly reducing the risk of human error. Moreover, a well-informed workforce can act as an extension of the IT team, helping to identify and mitigate security issues before they escalate. 

By instilling best practices and promoting continuous learning, even organizations with limited resources can reduce the likelihood of successful attacks, minimize risk exposure, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. 

Here’s a look at some of the top vendors of security awareness training.

1. Defendify

Defendify’s Unified Cybersecurity Platform was designed for IT teams struggling to meet growing cybersecurity responsibilities. Their Cybersecurity Awareness Training offering includes lessons, simulations, videos, and graphics to help organizations create a cybersecurity culture and become more resistant to attacks.

Key Features of Defendify

• Wide variety of training and reinforcement aids: Succinct video training complemented by phishing simulations, and training graphics to provide daily reinforcement.
• Topical content: Professionally developed lessons cover key cybersecurity topics such as phishing, ransomware, malware, multi-factor authentication, password hygiene, AI risk, and more.
• Built-in assessments: All training includes corresponding quizzes to ensure cybersecurity comprehension and retention.
• Phishing simulations: Reinforce training with fully automated phishing simulations mimicking real-world attack scenarios. Short, effective training content is provided to users who fall for the simulated phishing emails.  
• Point of failure spot training: Short, effective training content is provided to users who fall for the simulated phishing emails. Engaging awareness videos are updated regularly.
• Reporting: Track scores and completion to meet internal and regulatory compliance.

Why do companies choose Defendify?

• Quality of support: Defendify earned a 99 percent rating from customers for “Quality of Support” in the 2023 G2 survey.
• Ease of setup and administration: Defendify’s cloud-based platform and integrations make it simple for resource-constrained IT teams to rollout and manage.

• Unified platform with 13 tools: In addition to policy and training offerings, the Defendify platform makes it simple to add security solutions designed for midsize organizations, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, managed detection and response, and incident response plans. 
• Automation: Overworked teams need help. Defendify acts as a force multiplier. Simply set a schedule and phishing tests are automatically generated and executed.

Who is Defendify a good fit for?

Defendify is designed specifically for IT organizations taking on increased responsibility for security. It is ideal for organizations looking to improve their security posture without adding the administrative overhead required by solutions designed for large enterprises.

Pricing

Defendify’s Policy and Training package (including phishing simulations) — starts at $250 per month. 

Examples of what real-world users are saying

• “Best Cyber Security Training for Your Company“: “Ultimately, after using other products for security training and phishing campaigns, the combination of Defendify’s Awareness Video training paired with Defendify’s Phishing Campaign our company is more vigilant than ever.”
• “Defendify is a great tool for users with differing levels of experience“: “The awareness videos are up to date and just the right amount of time.”
• “Great Cybersecurity Option for Small to Medium Sized Businesses“:  “Their phishing simulations and cybersecurity and hacker awareness training program helps keep our staff on-guard for any nefarious attempts to gain access to our systems.” 

2. KnowBe4

KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive library of security awareness training modules, phishing simulations, and user behavior analytics. They emphasize gamification and social learning to keep users engaged.

Key features of KnowBe4

• Microlearning modules: Bite-sized training modules for busy schedules.
• Multi-layered phishing simulations: Tests user awareness across various attack vectors.
• User behavior analytics: Identifies employees at risk for falling victim to phishing attempts.

Who is KnowBe4 a good fit for?

KnowBe4 caters to organizations of all sizes across various industries. Their user-friendly platform and gamified training make them suitable for companies seeking engaging and effective security awareness solutions.

Pricing

KnowBe4 offers tiered pricing plans based on the number of users and features included. They also provide a free trial to test the platform.

3. Proofpoint

Proofpoint’s security awareness training offering provides a customizable platform with engaging content and real-world simulations. It focuses on user behavior change and ongoing reinforcement to create a culture of security within organizations.

Key features of Proofpoint

• Content Library: Extensive library with pre-built modules on various threats, customizable to your organization’s needs. 
• ThreatSim Simulations: Realistic phishing training (email, SMS) test user awareness and identify vulnerabilities.
• Adaptive Learning: Tailors training content based on individual user performance for a personalized experience.

Who is Proofpoint a good fit for?

Proofpoint caters to organizations seeking a comprehensive and customizable security awareness solution. Their platform offers robust reporting and analytics, making it ideal for companies focused on data-driven security improvements.

Pricing

Pricing can be obtained by contacting Proofpoint sales.

4. Hoxhunt

Hoxhunt is a cybersecurity company that specializes in human risk management. It offers personalized phishing simulations and automated security awareness training to help organizations improve employee engagement and reduce cyber risks. 

Key features of Hoxhunt

• Role-based learning: Administrators can customize content for employees’ roles, departments, or locations.
• Reporting: Advanced tools for tracking progress, measuring training effectiveness, and identifying areas needing improvement.
• Personalized Phishing Simulations: Tailored phishing attacks to train employees in recognizing and responding to real threats.

Who is Hoxhunt a good fit for?

Hoxhunt is a good fit for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture by focusing on human risk management, particularly within industries with high compliance and security requirements. 

Pricing

Hoxhunt sales can provide personalized pricing quotes. 

5. Infosec IQ

Infosec IQ is a security awareness and training platform that helps organizations educate end users on cybersecurity threats. It provides a variety of resources, including phishing simulations, role-based training, and compliance tracking tools, to ensure employees are prepared to recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively. 

Key features of Infosec IQ

• Role-Based Training Modules: The platform provides tailored training modules that cater to different roles within an organization. 
• Reporting and Analytics: Infosec IQ includes robust reporting and analytics tools that track the progress and effectiveness of the training campaigns.
• Customizable training programs: Teams can build their own training modules to meet their team’s unique needs.

Who is Infosec IQ a good fit for?

Organizations requiring more formal training formats where integration with internal Learning Management Systems is important.

Pricing

Pricing is available through Infosec IQ sales.

6. Sophos

Sophos, perhaps best known for its antivirus software, also offers security awareness training through its Phish Threat platform. It covers more than 30 security awareness training topics covering both security and compliance. 

Key features of Sophos

• International support: Training is available in a choice of nine languages.
• Comprehensive reporting: The Phish Threat dashboard offers a quick overview of campaign results, highlighting user susceptibility and enabling you to assess the overall risk levels for your entire user group.
• Fresh content: Phishing simulations cover current phishing tactics, with socially relevant attack simulation templates.

Who is Sophos a good fit for?

Customers of Sophos antivirus and large organizations with a diverse user base.

Pricing

Pricing varies with number of users and subscription terms. Custom pricing is available through Sophos sales.

7. Phished

Phished.io’s Trainings & Checkpoints offer a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity training by providing interactive modules and assessments designed to educate users on recognizing and responding to phishing attacks. 

The platform’s training programs include practical exercises and periodic checkpoints to reinforce the learning experience, helping organizations build resilience against phishing threats and ensuring employees remain vigilant in their cybersecurity practices.

Key features of Phished

• Bite-sized modules: Interactive micro-learnings based on gamification to maximize retention.
• Risk reporting: Behavioral risk scores gauge the risk of a data breach for an individual, department, or organization by evaluating simulation performance, app usage, training completion, and threat alerts.
• AI-driving phishing simulations: Automated phishing simulations ensure relevant training for users while providing administrators with instant insights.

Who is Phished a good fit for?

Organizations looking to leverage AI-driven simulations and customizable training.

Pricing

Phished pricing starts at $155 per month.

8. SoSafe

SoSafe Awareness offers cybersecurity training solutions to help organizations educate their employees on recognizing and responding to cyber threats. Their platform includes interactive modules, real-world simulations, and detailed analytics to track progress and measure effectiveness. 

Key features of SoSafe

• Personalized Learning Paths: Tailored content that adapts to each user’s skill level and learning pace.
• Bite-Sized Modules: Short, focused lessons designed for efficient learning and easy integration into daily routines.
• Behavioral Analytics: Insights into user engagement and progress to help measure training effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Who is SoSafe a good fit for?

SoSafe is a good choice for organizations that value personalized learning and require comprehensive analytics. 

Pricing

SoSafe pricing is available through SoSafe sales.

9. MetaCompliance Security Awareness Training

MetaCompliance provides comprehensive cybersecurity and compliance solutions to help organizations safeguard their data and ensure regulatory compliance. Their platform includes security awareness training, policy management, phishing simulations, and privacy management tools. 

Key features of MetaCompliance

• Broad content library: Provides a continually updated library of security awareness training materials, customized to each individual’s role and learning style.
• Personalized training material: Teams can add their own branding and outros to increase employee engagement.
• Localized content: MetaCompliance offers materials in 43 languages with both dubbed and sub-titled options available.
• SCORM compliance: many courses can be run on an organization’s internal Learning Management System. 

Who is MetaCompliance a good fit for?

MetaCompliance is a good fit for organizations that operate globally and require customizable training.

Pricing

Pricing is available by contacting MetaCompliance sales.

10. Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf’s Managed Security Awareness solution offers continuous, personalized security training to help organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture. The program includes regular phishing simulations, interactive learning modules, and real-time reporting to track progress and measure effectiveness. 

Key features of Arctic Wolf

• Customized Training Programs: Tailored microlearning content and learning paths designed to address specific user roles and skill levels.
• Ongoing Phishing Simulations: Regular simulations to assess and enhance employees’ ability to detect and respond to phishing threats.
• Detailed Reporting and Analytics: Real-time insights and analytics to track training effectiveness, user progress, and overall security posture.

Who is Arctic Wolf a good fit for?

Companies that need tailored security training campaigns to fit various user roles and skill levels.

Pricing

Pricing is available through Arctic Wolf sales.

11. Cofense

Cofense’s Phishing Security Awareness Training provides comprehensive solutions to educate employees about recognizing and responding to phishing attacks. The platform offers interactive training modules, realistic phishing simulations, and detailed analytics to track user performance and effectiveness. 

Key features of Cofense

• Relevant threat simulations: Deploy scenarios based on attacks observed to bypass Secure Email Gateways (SEGs)
• Expansive content library: New content is added monthly based on what is happening in the real world, including animation, gaming, live-action, adaptive learning, and micro-learnings.
• Detailed Analytics and Reporting: Comprehensive tools for tracking user performance, assessing training effectiveness, and identifying areas for improvement.

Who is Cofense a good fit for?

Organizations focused on security awareness training exclusively for phishing.

Pricing

Pricing plans can be discussed by contacting their sales team.

12. SANS 

SANS Security Awareness Training offers a range of products designed to enhance organizational cybersecurity. Their solutions include engaging training modules, interactive exercises, and simulated phishing attacks to educate employees on security best practices. The platform aims to build a strong security culture and reduce the risk of cyber threats.

Key features of SANS

• Micro-Learning Modules: Short, focused lessons that deliver key security concepts in easily digestible segments to fit into users’ busy schedules.
• Behavioral Reinforcement Tools: Features designed to reinforce learning and behavior change through quizzes, reminders, and gamified elements.
• Customizable Training Paths: Tailored training programs that adapt to specific roles, responsibilities, and security needs of different users within the organization.

Who is SANS a good fit for?

SANS Security Awareness Training is a good fit for organizations requiring customized training paths tailored to different roles and responsibilities within the organization.

Pricing

Pricing plans can be discussed by contacting the SANS sales team.

13. Barracuda Security Awareness Training

Barracuda’s Security Awareness Training offers a structured approach to educate employees on identifying and addressing cyber threats. The program includes interactive training modules, simulated phishing attacks, and regular assessments to boost cybersecurity awareness. 

Key features of Barracuda

• Broad content: Customize content or choose from hundreds of email templates, landing pages, and email account senders 
• Multiple attack vectors: Test and train users on phishing, smishing, vishing, and Found Physical Media attacks.
• Extensive reporting and metrics: Over 16,000 data points are available to assess risk at both macro and micro levels within your organization.

Who is Barracuda a good fit for?

Organizations that need a solution adaptable to various sizes and structures, with extensive data points for risk assessment.

Pricing

Pricing can be discussed by contacting Barracuda’s sales team.

Security Awareness Training Vendors FAQs

What is Security Awareness Training?

Security awareness training is a critical part of any organization’s information security program. A good training program will educate end users about social engineering attacks and other cybersecurity threats and how to protect themselves and the organization’s data. It helps people understand their role in maintaining a strong security posture by teaching them best practices for things like:

• Cyber hygiene: The broader topic of cyber hygiene is vast, but the main points include using strong passwords, being cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails and text messages, and being mindful of what information they share online.
• Identifying cyberattacks: Phishing emails, malware, and other social engineering attacks are all common tactics used by cybercriminals. Training can help people recognize suspicious emails and other attacks and avoid falling victim to them.
• Reporting security incidents: If someone suspects they have been the target of a cyberattack, it’s important to report it immediately so that the organization can take steps to mitigate the damage.

Security awareness training is an essential part of any cybersecurity program. By educating users about the risks, organizations can help to reduce their human risk factor, which is often the weakest link in the security chain.

Top Features to Look for in a Security Awareness Training Platform

Here are some top features to consider when choosing a security awareness training solution. 

Training Topics

• Essential topics include email phishing, password safeguarding, data security management, and practical security measures in the workplace.
• Learning to work securely from a remote location and  privacy compliance training are important for modern organizations.
• Additional topics like malware, internet safety, and mobile device security are valuable additions.
• Topics should be updated regularly to account for changing attack tactics.

Engaging Delivery Methods

• Gamification with interactive elements, quizzes, and simulations can make learning more engaging and improve knowledge retention.
• Micro-lessons and awareness videos and graphics help keep topics top-of-mind.

Phishing Simulations

• Test employee knowledge and ability to identify phishing attempts with realistic simulations.
• Look for solutions with a large library of email templates.
• Use simulations for ongoing reinforcement and not for punishment.
• Point of failure training when users fall for the simulated phishing emails helps reinforce learning and organizational policies.

Reporting and Analytics

• Track user progress, identify knowledge gaps, and measure the effectiveness of the training program.
• Reporting helps pinpoint users who need additional support or haven’t completed the training.

Key Questions to Ask Security Awareness Training Providers

Here are some key questions to ask potential service providers to help you choose the best solution for your organization:

Training Content and Delivery Questions

• Does the training cover the most critical cybersecurity topics relevant to my industry and workforce (e.g., email phishing, password security, remote work security, etc.)?
• How often is the training content updated to reflect the latest cyber threats and best practices?
• Does the platform offer engaging delivery methods like interactive modules, gamification, simulations, and microlearning to keep users interested?

Phishing Simulations Questions

• How extensive is the library of phishing email templates? Does it include a variety of scenarios and attack vectors — for example, spear phishing? Can we make it appear as though emails are from internal users to simulate business email compromise attacks?
• How does the solution report on phishing simulation results? Does it offer on the spot training to users who fall victim to simulations?

User Experience and Management Questions

• Is the platform user-friendly for both administrators and trainees with varying technical skills?
• Can users access training modules and simulations from their mobile devices?
• Does the platform provide detailed reports on user progress, completion rates, and knowledge retention? Can we track the effectiveness of the training program over time?
• Can the platform be automated to reduce the amount of time required by admins to manage the solution.

By asking these questions, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities and limitations of different solutions. This will help you choose a vendor that provides the most effective and user-friendly training program to meet your organization’s cybersecurity needs.

What are the Key Components of an Effective Security Awareness Training Program?

An effective security awareness training program has 5 key components:

1. Relevant and regularly updated content: Focuses on real threats and keeps training fresh.
2. Engaging delivery methods: Uses interactive elements and bite-sized modules for a better learning experience.
3. Continuous reinforcement: Refreshes knowledge with regular reminders, simulations, and tips.
4. User-centric design: Makes training accessible, mobile-friendly, and easy to understand.
5. Measurement and improvement: Tracks progress, analyzes results, and adapts the program for better outcomes.

How Often Should Organizations Conduct Security Awareness Training for Their Employees?

The ideal frequency of security awareness training for organizations depends on several factors, but here’s a general guideline:

• Minimum: Security awareness training should be conducted at least every 4-6 months. This helps ensure knowledge retention and keeps employees updated on evolving threats.
• Optimal: Training is a process, not an event. Many cybersecurity experts recommend training more frequently, such as monthly. This reinforces best practices and keeps cybersecurity at the forefront of employees’ minds. Reinforcing training with video and graphics helps on a regular basis as well.

Here are some additional factors to consider when determining training frequency:

• Industry: Industries with higher cyber risks (e.g., finance, healthcare) may benefit from more frequent training.
• Employee turnover: Regular onboarding of new employees necessitates consistent training.
• Threat landscape: Increased phishing attempts or new vulnerabilities might warrant additional training sessions.
• Training effectiveness: Analyzing data from phishing simulations or knowledge checks can indicate the need for more frequent refreshers.

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between keeping employees informed without overwhelming them with training overload.

Defendify — The Best Security Awareness Training Solution for IT Teams

Defendify’s Unified Cybersecurity Platform was designed to meet the needs of busy IT leaders. We understand that these teams may have limited cybersecurity resources and budgets and that most solutions designed for large enterprises require extensive overhead.

Defendify’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training provides organizations with a structured approach to educating employees on recognizing and mitigating cyber threats. The training includes engaging, interactive modules that help employees understand cybersecurity best practices and develop the skills needed to identify potential threats. 

By providing ongoing updates and reinforcement, the training ensures that employees remain informed about evolving threats and policies, which helps to enhance overall organizational security and reduce the risk of cyber incidents.