Human error remains the dominant factor in cybersecurity breaches, with 68% of incidents involving human actions according to the 2025 Verizon DBIR. The security awareness training market has evolved from compliance checkbox exercises into sophisticated human risk management platforms that leverage behavioral science, AI-generated simulations, and real-time coaching. The market reached $5.77 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $12.70 billion by 2030 at a 17.1% CAGR.
The emergence of AI-generated phishing has fundamentally changed the threat landscape. AI-crafted phishing messages are now 24% more effective than human-crafted attacks, reversing a 31% effectiveness gap from just two years prior. Deepfake incidents increased 3,000% between 2023 and 2025, making sophisticated awareness training more critical than ever.
How We Evaluated
We assessed content library quality and breadth including training modules, videos, interactive content, and localization. Phishing simulation capabilities covered template variety, realism, AI-generation, and multi-channel support including smishing and vishing. Behavioral analytics measured the ability to identify high-risk users and track behavioral change over time. Adaptive learning evaluated personalization based on user performance and risk profile. Real-time coaching assessed just-in-time intervention capabilities when risky behavior is detected. LMS integration and reporting rounded out the criteria, covering enterprise deployment flexibility and executive reporting.
1. KnowBe4
Score: 96/100
KnowBe4 dominates the security awareness market with 70,000+ customers and the world’s largest content library. Named the #1 Leader in G2 Winter 2026 Grid Reports, KnowBe4 offers unmatched breadth with over 1,500 training assets in 35+ languages. The July 2024 acquisition of Egress added AI-powered cloud email security, creating an integrated human risk management platform that combines training with real-time email protection.
Largest content library with 1,500+ modules including the Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training curriculum. AI-driven phishing simulations with continuous template updates reflecting current threats. Phish Alert Button enables one-click suspicious email reporting integrated with PhishER for automated triage. Real-time coaching capabilities post-Egress integration provide intervention at the moment of risk. Proven effectiveness reducing phish-prone percentage from 30% to under 5% within 12 months. Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents (AIDA) provide next-generation adaptive training. Vista Equity’s 2024 privatization provides capital for accelerated R&D.
Best for: Organizations of any size seeking the most comprehensive content library and proven effectiveness metrics
2. Proofpoint Security Awareness
Score: 92/100
Proofpoint leverages its position as a leading email security vendor to deliver threat intelligence-driven awareness training. The platform’s AI ThreatFlip Workflow converts real-world threats detected by Proofpoint’s email gateway into phishing simulation templates with a single click, ensuring training reflects actual attack patterns targeting the organization.
People Risk Explorer aggregates risk signals across email, cloud, and training data for unified human risk scoring. AI ThreatFlip automatically creates simulation templates from real threats detected in the wild. Adaptive Groups automatically assign training based on risk profiles and past performance. ZenGuide mobile reporting enables suspicious email reporting from any device. Available in 40 languages with extensive localization. Claims up to 90% reduction in successful phishing attacks with sustained program engagement.
Best for: Proofpoint email security customers wanting integrated threat intelligence-driven training
3. CybSafe
Score: 90/100
CybSafe was named a Leader in the Forrester Wave: Human Risk Management Solutions, Q3 2024, with Forrester noting it is “ideal for firms that are serious about their security culture and about data-led behavioral change.” The platform takes a behavioral science-first approach, measuring 100+ security behaviors and using psychological nudges rather than punitive approaches.
Named Leader in Forrester Wave for Human Risk Management. Measures 100+ security behaviors with 75% faster assessment than alternatives. AI-powered CybSafe Signal provides personalized risk insights and coaching. Science-backed nudges and behavioral psychology drive lasting change. Integration with Microsoft Defender and Purview for AI misuse detection. Claims 60% reduction in high-risk behaviors and 91% drop in phishing and social engineering risk. sebdb.com provides access to the world’s security behavior database for benchmarking.
Best for: Organizations prioritizing behavioral science and measurable culture change over compliance checkboxes
4. Cofense
Score: 88/100
Cofense, formerly PhishMe, differentiates through its collective defense model powered by a 35 million-user global network that provides real-time threat intelligence. When an employee at any Cofense customer reports a phishing email, that intelligence is shared across the entire network, enabling rapid protection against emerging campaigns.
35 million-user global network provides crowdsourced threat intelligence. Collective defense model turns employees into active threat reporters feeding real-time intelligence. Dynamic simulations include smishing, vishing, and QR code phishing scenarios. Managed phishing incident response service available for regulated industries. Used by 50+ Fortune 100 companies. Claims 70% improvement in real-world detection within months and up to 95% reduction in advanced cyber-attack risk.
Best for: Large enterprises wanting threat intelligence-driven simulations and managed incident response
5. Mimecast Engage
Score: 85/100
Mimecast Engage takes a unique approach with sitcom-style video training that emphasizes entertainment value to drive engagement. The 2-5 minute modules use humor and storytelling rather than dry compliance content. Named a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave: Human Risk Management Solutions, Q3 2024.
Sitcom-style video training with 2-5 minute entertaining modules drives higher completion rates. 12-15 new training modules added annually keeping content fresh. Risk scoring integrated with Mimecast Email Security for unified visibility. Real-world click data from email gateway informs simulation targeting. Mentor Series provides professional-style training content for those preferring traditional formats. Strong integration ecosystem including CrowdStrike, Microsoft Sentinel, ServiceNow, and Splunk.
Best for: Organizations struggling with training engagement that want entertainment-driven content
6. Hoxhunt
Score: 84/100
Hoxhunt delivers AI-powered adaptive training claiming 40x higher engagement rates than industry average. The platform’s threat detection algorithm achieves 99% accuracy and analyzes 93,000+ newly reported threats daily. Based in Helsinki with a strong presence in Nordic markets, Hoxhunt emphasizes gamification and continuous learning.
AI-powered adaptive training with 40x engagement improvement over industry average. 99% accuracy threat detection algorithm classifying threats in milliseconds. Gamified micro-trainings with leaderboards and rewards drive sustained participation. Simulations extend beyond email to Slack and Microsoft Teams. Three product tiers (Comply, Change, Respond) for different maturity levels. Individualized learning paths continuously adjust to user skill levels.
Best for: Organizations prioritizing gamification and adaptive learning for sustained engagement
7. SANS Security Awareness
Score: 82/100
SANS brings its reputation for expert-led cybersecurity education to the awareness training market. The program is developed by seasoned cybersecurity professionals and emphasizes compliance mapping to frameworks including CIS Controls, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and NERC CIP.
Expert-developed content from SANS cybersecurity professionals. Strong compliance mapping to CIS Controls, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, OWASP Top 10, and NERC CIP. Available in 26+ languages with extensive localization. SCORM-compliant for flexible LMS deployment or SANS-hosted option. Discounted rates for state, local, tribal, and territorial entities through CIS partnership. Robust reporting and progress tracking for compliance documentation.
Best for: Compliance-focused organizations in regulated industries wanting authoritative, expert-developed content
8. Infosec IQ
Score: 80/100
Infosec IQ provides one of the largest content libraries with 3,000+ awareness and training resources. The platform uses AI algorithms to match content difficulty to individual performance, creating personalized learning paths. Every account receives a dedicated Client Success Manager.
3,000+ awareness and training resources providing extensive content variety. AI algorithms match content difficulty to individual performance levels. Role-based phishing simulations auto-identify high-risk users for targeted training. Comprehensive phishing, vishing, and smishing simulation capabilities. Dedicated Client Success Manager for every account regardless of size. 34+ languages with 300+ international phishing templates.
Best for: Organizations wanting extensive content variety with dedicated support
9. Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness
Score: 78/100
Arctic Wolf delivers security awareness as a fully managed service, eliminating the administrative burden of running an internal program. The Concierge Security Team handles all aspects of program delivery including bi-weekly microlearning sessions and monthly new content reflecting emerging threats.
100% managed service with Concierge Security Team handling all administration. Bi-weekly microlearning delivery with 3-minute sessions minimizing productivity impact. Monthly new lessons including rapid response training on emerging threats. Phishtel Engine analyzes and assigns threat levels to reported suspicious emails. Account takeover monitoring included in the service. Claims 36% decrease in phishing-related incident tickets within first four months.
Best for: Organizations without dedicated security awareness staff wanting a fully managed program
10. Terranova Security (Fortra)
Score: 76/100
Terranova Security, part of the Fortra portfolio, emphasizes customization and role-based training. The Security Awareness Index provides unique risk assessment identifying high-risk users, while Cyber Games adds gamification through challenges and competitions.
Security Awareness Index uniquely identifies and scores high-risk users. Cyber Games provides gamified Serious Games and Cyber Challenges. Role-based courses for finance, HR, executives, and other specific roles. Fully customizable courses, quizzes, and phishing simulations. Real-time tracking and performance monitoring. License Management feature with enhanced control added in 2025.
Best for: Organizations wanting highly customizable, role-based training programs
Market Outlook
The security awareness training market is evolving toward human risk management platforms that integrate training with email security, behavioral analytics, and real-time intervention. The Forrester Wave: Human Risk Management Solutions, Q3 2024 marked the first dedicated evaluation of this converged category.
Key trends for 2026 include AI-generated phishing simulations that dynamically create personalized attack scenarios, adaptive learning that adjusts difficulty based on individual performance, real-time coaching that intervenes at the moment of risky behavior, and integration with email security for unified human risk visibility. Regulatory drivers including EU NIS2 and DORA are mandating security awareness training for critical sectors, expanding the addressable market.
Organizations achieving the greatest risk reduction combine regular training, frequent simulations, easy reporting mechanisms, and a culture that encourages rather than punishes reporting. The goal is reducing phish-prone percentages below 5% while building sustainable security behaviors.