Best 11 Security Awareness Training Solutions For Business (2026)
We reviewed 11 security awareness training platforms on content engagement, simulation realism, and behavioral change metrics. The best ones show measurable risk reduction; the weakest ones show completion rates.
Written by
Joel Witts
Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Quick Summary
Security awareness training platforms combine educational content, phishing simulations, and behavioral reporting to reduce the human risk that underlies the majority of security incidents. Training that measures only completion rates does not demonstrate risk reduction; effective platforms track behavioral change over time. We reviewed 11 platforms and found Phished, Adaptive Security, and TitanHQ Security Awareness Training, powered by CyberSentriq, to be the strongest on content quality, simulation realism, and behavioral change metrics.
Human error remains the leading cause of security breaches. Employees click malicious links, share credentials through social engineering, and download infected attachments. Yet traditional security awareness training often bores audiences into compliance theater rather than genuine behavior change.
Modern awareness platforms combine phishing simulations, micro-learning modules, and behavioral risk scoring to measure and reduce actual security mistakes. The challenge is choosing a platform that balances admin effort with genuine engagement and measurable risk reduction.
We evaluated 11 security awareness training solutions across training effectiveness, ease of deployment, reporting depth, phishing simulation capabilities, and support quality. We evaluated each for both compliance-focused and risk-reduction-focused deployments to understand where platforms deliver versus where they fall short in practice.
This guide gives you the framework to select an awareness platform that your team will actually use and that measurably reduces human-caused security risk.
Our Recommendations
Your ideal awareness platform depends on your team size, compliance requirements, engagement priorities, and how much admin overhead you’re willing to accept.
- Best For Automation And Low Maintenance: Phished and TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, both run training on autopilot with minimal ongoing admin effort.
- Best For Advanced Threat Simulation: Adaptive Security uses GenAI to create custom phishing, deepfake, and voice phishing simulations.
- Best For Employee Engagement And Compliance: ESET and KnowBe4 both prioritize gamified learning and real-time reporting.
- Best For Consolidated Management: IRONSCALES integrates email threat detection with awareness training from a single console.
Phished is a security awareness training platform that automates phishing simulations and micro-learning for your workforce. It targets organizations of any size wanting to reduce human risk without manually managing campaigns.
Set it up and Let it Run
The standout here is automation. Phished auto-generates phishing simulation content and schedules campaigns on a custom cadence. We found the Behavioral Risk Score useful for tracking individual employee progress over time. The platform also includes SMiShing simulations and an active reporting button that plugs into Outlook and Gmail.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers flag the interface as clunky for a modern platform. Some customers say Google Workspace and Okta integrations took longer than expected to get running. Training modules also run slightly longer than the estimated completion times shown in the platform.
Where Phished Fits Your Stack
We think Phished works well for teams that want a low-maintenance awareness program that runs on autopilot. If your priority is reducing phishing risk without dedicating admin hours to campaign management, this delivers. The cloud-only model means offline or restricted-access environments won’t be a fit.
Strengths
- Automated campaign scheduling removes need for manual phishing simulation management
- Behavioral Risk Score tracks individual employee progress and highlights repeat offenders
- Short gamified training modules keep completion rates high across teams
Cautions
- Some users report that the interface feels dated compared to newer awareness training platforms
- According to customer feedback, Google Workspace and Okta integrations require extra setup time
Adaptive Security is an AI-native security awareness training platform built around next-generation social engineering threats like deepfakes, voice phishing, and AI-generated attacks.
AI-Built Simulations That Actually Land
The core differentiator is the GenAI content builder. You create custom training modules and phishing simulations from scratch using AI, tailored to your specific business scenarios. The deepfake and voice phishing simulations create realistic, jarring attack scenarios that go well beyond typical email templates.
Direct mail injection for Outlook avoids email gateway link scanning, which cuts down on false positives. Training content stays current with a clean, modern look. We saw the Microsoft Teams integration as a smart addition.
Fast Setup, With Reporting Gaps
Customers consistently highlight fast deployment. M365 integration connects directly, and most teams report being operational within days. Support response times stay under 24 hours.
Who Should Look at Adaptive
We think Adaptive fits best if your threat model includes AI-powered social engineering and you need training that reflects those risks. The customization depth is hard to match in this space. If you only need basic email phishing simulations, you’re paying for capability you won’t use.
Strengths
- GenAI content builder creates custom simulations tailored to your business scenarios
- Deepfake and voice phishing simulations go beyond standard email-only platforms
- Fast M365 setup with responsive support that ships frequent updates
Cautions
- Some users mention that reporting exports lack flexibility for stakeholder presentations
- Relatively new vendor
TitanHQ SAT, powered by CyberSentriq, is a behavior-driven awareness training platform that pairs gamified micro-learning with phishing simulations. It targets organizations of all sizes, with a strong lean toward MSPs.
Short Sessions, Immediate Reinforcement
Training videos run 8 to 10 minutes, which keeps completion rates up and avoids the fatigue of longer modules. We found the immediate post-training phishing tests particularly effective. Users get a simulation right after completing a module, reinforcing concepts while the material is fresh.
The phishing simulation library is large, with thousands of templates and solid customization options. Integrations cover the major platforms. SCORM compliance allows LMS integration for organizations running custom training content alongside TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, modules.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the low-upkeep model. Set up your campaigns, schedule them, and the platform handles the rest. MSP-focused design supports multi-tenant management from a single console at affordable pricing.
The friction points show up around support and onboarding.
Where TitanHQ SAT, powered by CyberSentriq, Makes Sense
We think this platform fits MSPs and smaller teams that need affordable, automated awareness training without heavy admin overhead. The short session format keeps completion rates high, and the post-training simulations create a reinforcement loop most competitors lack.
Based on our review, TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, delivers a practical, budget-friendly approach to security awareness that works well when you value automation over customization depth.
Strengths
- Short 8-10 minute training sessions keep employee completion rates consistently high
- Immediate post-training phishing tests reinforce learning while content is fresh
- Automated campaign scheduling reduces ongoing admin effort to near zero
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that support response times are inconsistent, with some tickets unresolved for months
- Some users have noted that M365 tenant onboarding is more time-consuming than competing platforms
ESET’s awareness training platform uses gamified, behavioral science-backed modules to build lasting security habits. It pairs interactive training with phishing simulations and targets businesses of all sizes.
Gamification That Keeps People Engaged
What sets ESET apart is the gamified approach. Role-playing, interactive quizzes, and scenario-based sessions make the content stick. The Office 365 plugin adds a reporting button for suspicious emails, which turns training into real world practice.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers highlight the training content as engaging and well-structured. Even technically experienced employees report learning something new. The frequent quizzes help with retention, and the phishing simulations get called out as particularly effective at teaching threat recognition.
On the downside, customers say the admin dashboard for assigning users to courses is confusing at first.
Is ESET the Right Fit for Your Team
We think ESET works well if you want training that employees actually complete and remember. The gamification is more than surface-level decoration here. If you need advanced template customization without technical skills, expect a learning curve on the admin side.
Based on our review, this is a strong option for teams prioritizing engagement and retention over raw simulation volume. The ESET brand recognition also helps with internal buy-in when rolling out a new training program.
Strengths
- Gamified training with role-playing and interactive quizzes keeps engagement high
- Office 365 plugin adds real-world practice through suspicious email reporting
- Strong phishing simulations with extensive template library
Cautions
- Some customer reviews highlight that the admin dashboard is confusing at first for user assignment
- Custom email template creation requires technical skill
IRONSCALES is a cloud-based email security platform that bundles advanced threat detection with built-in security awareness training and phishing simulations. It connects to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace via native APIs, making it a dual-purpose tool for organizations that want email protection and employee training in one place.
Threat Detection Meets Training in One Platform
The AI engine, Themis, auto-classifies suspicious emails and improves as you tune it. We found the real differentiator is how training ties directly to actual attack data. Phishing simulations and awareness campaigns are personalized based on the threats hitting your inbox, not generic templates pulled from a library.
The one-click report phishing button for Outlook makes it simple for employees to flag suspicious emails. Setup typically takes under an hour through the native API integration, with no changes to mail flow. We saw the platform catching threats that Microsoft 365 Defender and Advanced Threat Protection miss, which adds real value as a supplementary layer.
Strong Detection, Some Interface Friction
Customers with multi-year deployments praise the time savings. Instead of sorting through layers of Microsoft alerts, the IRONSCALES portal centralizes email incident management in one place. Support gets consistently positive marks for responsiveness and helpfulness.
The interface draws some criticism.
When IRONSCALES Makes Sense for Your Stack
We think IRONSCALES fits best if you want email security and awareness training under one roof, tied to real threat intelligence. It works as a strong complement to native Microsoft or Google protections rather than a replacement.
Strengths
- AI-driven threat detection catches phishing emails that Microsoft 365 Defender misses
- Training and simulations are personalized based on actual attack data hitting your org
- Native API deployment takes under an hour with no mail flow disruption
- One-click Outlook reporting button simplifies employee threat flagging
Cautions
- Some users report that interface settings are hard to find, especially during initial onboarding
- Some users mention that reporting and automation capabilities lack depth and flexibility
Hoxhunt is a security awareness platform that uses AI-driven personalization and gamification to train employees on phishing detection and reporting. It targets larger organizations in regulated industries like financial services, legal, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure.
Personalized Paths That Adapt to Each User
Training content adapts to individual skill levels, departments, geolocation, and language. We found this personalization approach more targeted than platforms that send the same simulations to every employee. Phishing tests escalate in difficulty as users improve, keeping the challenge relevant for both new hires and experienced staff.
The gamification is well-executed. Leaderboards let employees compete against coworkers, teams, and even other organizations. We saw the immediate feedback loop as a real strength. When you report an email, the platform tells you exactly what was suspicious and why, with examples to reinforce the lesson.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers consistently praise the realistic simulations and engaging format. The Outlook integration makes reporting suspicious emails fast and accessible. People actually want to participate, which is rare for security training.
The main friction point is how the platform handles missed simulations.
Where Hoxhunt Fits Your Security Program
We think Hoxhunt works best for enterprise teams that need multi-language, department-specific training at scale. The personalization depth is hard to match, and the gamification keeps participation rates high without forcing compliance through mandates.
Strengths
- AI-driven personalization adapts phishing difficulty to each employee's skill level over time
- Leaderboards and gamification create genuine motivation to participate in security training
- Immediate post-report feedback explains exactly what made an email suspicious
- Multi-language support and department-level targeting suit large distributed workforces
Cautions
- Based on customer reviews, Missed simulation scoring penalizes employees on leave or when emails fail to deliver
- Some customer reviews note that failure explanations on harder phishing tests lack the detail they need
Huntress is a managed cybersecurity platform that includes fully managed security awareness training alongside EDR, identity threat detection, and SIEM. It targets MSPs and IT teams that want phishing simulations and training run entirely on their behalf, with zero campaign management overhead.
Fully Managed Training, Built by Threat Experts
The standout here is the managed model. Huntress handles learning plans and phishing campaigns for you, eliminating the admin time that other SAT platforms demand. We found the training content a clear step above the usual dry compliance modules. Episodes run 7 to 10 minutes, built by Emmy-winning animators, and cover both security basics and advanced topics.
The content is informed by threat telemetry from millions of endpoints and identities that Huntress monitors through its SOC. That means simulations reflect real attack patterns, not hypothetical scenarios. We saw the pre-built integrations as a strength for MSPs managing multiple client environments, with automated deployment that keeps onboarding simple.
Trusted Platform, Limited SAT-Specific Feedback
Across the broader Huntress platform, customers consistently highlight the clean UI and simple deployment. The management console is easy to navigate, and the 24/7 SOC backing gives teams confidence that threats are being triaged around the clock. Auto-remediation for low-level threats saves significant time for lean IT teams.
Customer feedback specific to the SAT module is still limited given its newer position in the Huntress lineup. Some customers flag that support responsiveness varies, with occasional gaps in email response times. Exception management within the platform could also be more streamlined.
Is Huntress SAT Right for Your Team
We think Huntress fits best if you want awareness training as part of a broader managed security stack rather than a standalone tool. The fully managed approach is ideal for MSPs and small IT teams that lack the bandwidth to run their own campaigns.
Strengths
- Fully managed phishing campaigns and training plans eliminate ongoing admin overhead
- Story-based animated training episodes drive higher engagement than standard compliance modules
- Simulations are informed by real threat telemetry from millions of monitored endpoints
- Pre-built integrations simplify multi-tenant deployment for MSPs managing many clients
Cautions
- SAT-specific customer feedback is still limited as the module matures in market
- Some customer reviews highlight that support email response times are inconsistent based on some customer experiences
Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness
Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness is a fully managed microlearning and phishing simulation program designed to reduce human risk with minimal admin effort. It targets mid-size to large enterprises in compliance-driven industries that want continuous training without dedicating internal resources to run it.
Three-Minute Sessions, Zero Logins
The microlearning model keeps sessions to roughly three minutes each, delivered directly via email with no passwords or portal logins required. We found this frictionless approach removes the biggest barrier to training completion. Content updates continuously based on emerging threats, so employees see material that reflects what’s actually hitting inboxes right now.
Phishing simulations come pre-packaged with automatic post-click remediation. Reported emails get automated threat-level scoring, which speeds up incident triage. We saw the fully managed content schedule as a major differentiator. Arctic Wolf handles content creation, scheduling, and delivery, so your team stays hands-off after initial setup.
Managed Service Strengths, Customization Trade-offs
Customers highlight the Concierge Security Team as a standout. Regular check-ins help identify gaps and optimize configuration for your environment. The onboarding process gets consistently positive marks, with guided implementation that adapts to your setup.
The managed approach does limit flexibility.
Is Managed Awareness Right for Your Team
We think Arctic Wolf fits if you want effective awareness training without building or managing the program internally. The managed model works especially well for teams without dedicated security awareness staff.
Strengths
- Three-minute email-delivered sessions remove login friction and boost completion rates
- Fully managed content schedule eliminates ongoing admin work for security teams
- Continuous threat-driven content updates keep training relevant to current attack trends
- Concierge Security Team provides guided onboarding and regular environment reviews
Cautions
- According to some user reviews, Managed model limits ability to build custom training for company-specific needs
- Some users have noted that risk Dashboard alert volume feels overwhelming before tuning is complete
Cofense PhishMe
Cofense PhishMe is a SaaS-based phishing simulation and security awareness training platform built on real-time threat intelligence. It targets organizations of all sizes that want simulations grounded in actual phishing campaigns, not hypothetical scenarios.
Simulations Built on Real Threat Intelligence
The standout here is the intelligence-backed simulation engine. Cofense pulls from its own Phishing Defense Center, Cofense Labs, and Cofense Intelligence to build scenarios based on threats actively circulating in the wild. We found this approach produces more realistic simulations than platforms relying on static template libraries.
SmartSuggest recommends simulation scenarios based on your organization’s profile, and ResponsiveDelivery optimizes send timing for maximum impact. The platform supports multi-lingual content covering phishing, ransomware, BEC, malware, and social engineering. We saw the one-click Report Phishing button as a practical tool that turns every employee into a frontline sensor for your SOC.
Solid Detection, but Admin Overhead Adds Up
Customers praise the phishing detection and reporting workflow. The button integration makes it simple to flag suspicious emails, and the platform’s machine learning improves classification over time. Reporting and analytics provide useful visibility into campaign performance and employee progress.
The trade-off is administration. Customers flag that managing training initiatives is resource-intensive, and repetitive simulations risk creating fatigue over time. Logs default to UTC format, which has caused teams to miss alerts when local time zones aren’t accounted for. Keeping campaigns fresh requires ongoing attention to avoid diminishing returns.
Where Cofense PhishMe Earns Its Place
We think Cofense fits best if threat intelligence-driven simulations are your priority. The real-world attack data behind each scenario adds credibility that generic platforms struggle to match. If you have a lean security team without capacity for ongoing campaign management, the admin overhead is worth factoring in.
Strengths
- Phishing simulations built on real-time threat intelligence reflect actual attack campaigns
- SmartSuggest recommends relevant scenarios tailored to your organization's risk profile
- One-click Report Phishing button turns employees into active frontline threat sensors
- Multi-lingual training content covers phishing, ransomware, BEC, and social engineering
Cautions
- Some customer reviews highlight that campaign administration is resource-intensive and requires ongoing management attention
- Based on customer feedback, Repetitive simulations risk creating user fatigue that reduces training effectiveness over time
KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is the largest dedicated security awareness training platform on the market, with over 1,300 training resources available in more than 34 languages. It targets large enterprises and global organizations that need scale, content depth, and multi-language support across distributed workforces.
The Biggest Content Library in the Space
The training library is unmatched in volume. Videos, interactive modules, games, quizzes, posters, and newsletters cover a wide range of security topics. We found the personalization engine effective, assigning training and phishing simulations based on individual employee behaviors and risk profiles rather than blanket campaigns.
The organizational risk score stood out as a practical planning tool. It breaks down where your phishing campaign focus should be, which helps prioritize effort. We saw the Phish Alert button and mobile Learner App as strong additions for keeping reporting and training accessible across devices and locations.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the content quality and multi-language support, especially for global organizations. KnowBe4 continues adding features like deepfake defense training and mobile-first modules. Many new features ship at no additional cost, which is a notable contrast to competitors that gate everything behind upgrade tiers.
The main friction is administration.
Does KnowBe4 Fit Your Organization
We think KnowBe4 is the default choice for large enterprises that need range of content across languages and departments. The reporting suite, with over 60 built-in reports and industry benchmarking, supports compliance and board-level visibility.
Strengths
- Largest training content library in the SAT market with over 1,300 regularly updated resources
- Multi-language support across 34 languages suits global enterprise deployments
- Organizational risk score helps prioritize phishing campaign focus and resource allocation
- New features frequently ship at no additional cost beyond existing licensing
Cautions
- Some users report that campaign setup is time-consuming and lacks streamlined point-and-click admin workflows
- Some users mention that some training modules feel repetitive for employees completing multiple annual cycles
Proofpoint ZenGuide
Proofpoint ZenGuide (formerly PSAT) is a security awareness training platform backed by Proofpoint’s threat intelligence and email security ecosystem. It targets larger enterprises, especially those already running Proofpoint email security, who want training and simulations fed by real-world attack data.
Real Threats Turned Into Training Material
The strongest angle here is the threat intelligence integration. You can take actual phishing attempts hitting your organization, neutralize them, and repurpose them as simulation material. We found this approach more effective than relying on generic templates alone. The platform offers over 700 phishing templates across email, SMS, and other vectors, all customizable to your environment.
Risk-scoring tools like Very Attacked People and Nexus People Risk Explorer help you identify which employees face the most exposure. We saw the PhishAlarm reporting button and policy back-jacket feature as practical additions, letting you bundle compliance acknowledgments like PCI DSS directly into training assignments.
Strong for Proofpoint Shops, Rougher Edges Elsewhere
Customers highlight easy campaign setup and responsive support, with dedicated account managers who help plan monthly simulations. The training library spans 35 languages with interactive content, and integration with broader security awareness campaigns works well.
The criticism is more pointed than most SAT platforms.
Should You Add ZenGuide to Your Stack
We think ZenGuide makes the most sense if you’re already in the Proofpoint ecosystem. The threat intelligence pipeline and email security integration create value that standalone SAT platforms can’t replicate easily.
Strengths
- Real phishing attempts can be neutralized and repurposed as realistic simulation material
- Risk-scoring tools identify your most targeted employees for prioritized training
- Over 700 customizable phishing templates span email, SMS, and multiple attack vectors
- Dedicated account managers help plan and optimize monthly simulation campaigns
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that training video content looks visibly dated and undermines credibility with employees
- Some users have noted that limited sender email flexibility makes phishing simulations less convincing
Other Security Awareness Training Services
Provides a platform for security awareness and training.
Focuses on human risk management and security awareness training.
Delivers human-risk centric training to educate staff and reduce risk.
Ninjio offers highly engaging training content and adaptive phish simulations.
What To Look For: SAT Solutions Checklist
Evaluating security awareness training platforms requires understanding your organization’s risk profile, engagement capacity, and reporting requirements.
- Training Content Quality And Relevance: Does training actually engage employees? Are modules current with emerging threats? Can you customize content to your industry?
- Phishing Simulation Capability: Can it simulate voice phishing, deepfakes, and SMS attacks? How extensive is the template library? Can admins create custom simulations?
- Behavioral Risk Measurement: Does it identify high-risk employees automatically? Can it target remedial training at repeat offenders?
- Admin Overhead And Automation: Can campaigns run automatically on a schedule? How much configuration is required? Does it reduce ongoing burden?
Weight these criteria based on your situation. Large enterprises need strong behavioral risk measurement. MSPs need multi-tenant management. Compliance-focused teams prioritize audit readiness.
How We Compared The Best Security Awareness Training Solutions For Business
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
We evaluated 11 security awareness training solutions across training engagement, phishing simulation effectiveness, behavioral risk measurement, and reporting capability. Each platform was tested for both SMB and enterprise deployments.
Beyond hands-on evaluation, we conducted extensive research across the awareness training landscape and reviewed customer feedback and case studies. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
The Bottom Line
Security awareness training works best when it’s automated enough to sustain without constant admin effort, engaging enough to change behavior, and measured enough to prove impact.
For automation and low maintenance with behavioral tracking, Phished and TitanHQ both run training on autopilot.
For advanced threat simulations reflecting emerging attacks, Adaptive Security uses GenAI for custom deepfake and voice phishing scenarios.
For genuine employee engagement that sticks, ESET delivers gamified training with real world practice.
For enterprise deployments with thorough reporting, KnowBe4 remains the market standard.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into training effectiveness and the trade-offs that matter for your environment.
FAQs
Security Awareness Training: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
A security awareness training program is an educational program given to a company’s users to support human risk management by educating them about current and topical cybersecurity issues, security hygiene, and the dangers one can encounter when traversing the web. It strives to educate users on the steps they can take to protect themselves and the company network when faced with a range of real life cybersecurity challenges, training them to think independently and critically.
- How Is The Training Given?
Let’s face it, no one likes having reams of information to read on a PowerPoint slide. It inspires people to switch off rather than engage, rendering your expensive SAT program ineffective against threat actors. More successful and impactful SAT programs model themselves on the principle of kinesthetic learning–or, learning by doing.
The best SAT programs will provide training sessions that blend interactive training videos, presentations, and quizzes that support knowledge retention and allow users to learn about cyber threats and how to spot a concerning behavior change that may indicate that cyber criminals have succeeded in their breach attempts. SAT should support the organization’s ability to present awareness and compliance training in a fun, creative, and memorable way at a pace that suits them. This interactive approach to learning helps your users to think critically–an important skill to have when they are inevitably faced with a real phishing email in their inbox and it’s down to them to respond accordingly.
- How Frequently Is The Platform Updated?
The threat landscape is one that is ever changing. It’s a universal fact of (cybersecurity) life. The threats and attacks we see today have come a long way from fifteen, ten, and even five years ago. They’re getting more nuanced and more sophisticated, as well as finding more avenues to capitalize on. With threat actors constantly devising new schemes, your users need to stay ahead of the curve. As such, it’s important your users stay ahead of the curve with up-to-date training modules. When inquiring about SAT programs, be sure to ask how frequently the product is updated with new and current training modules.
- Does The Platform Include Phishing Simulations?
Phishing simulations, considered an important part of SAT, is simulated phishing emails sent out to users in order to continue to train and test the understanding of a company’s users to see how they respond to “real” phishing emails in their inboxes. A lot of people tend to respond well to reinforced and repetitive learning, so after SAT programs have ended, phishing simulations can be configured to be deployed immediately after to help reinforce what users have learned and continue to help them think critically. These simulations are also important in flagging with admins who need further training. While most SAT vendors include phishing simulations as part of the package, not all of them do, so it’s worth inquiring while shopping around.
While a lot of the technology that has been developed to tackle cybersecurity threats, there are still attacks that evade these defenses. There are plenty of phishing scams that slip past these security parameters and tools, as well as more direct attacks that can occur within your company building that your users might not notice.
Essentially, there will be plenty of times when the last line of defense between your company and a devastating breach and data loss is your users–so having them trained for these eventualities is absolutely critical.
SAT teaches your users to think critically about their information and data hygiene, how they communicate, what they get in their inbox, and how to act and store information in their physical offices.
Some of the top features you need to consider when making a purchasing decision on SAT solutions are:
Training Topics
The topics that the training program offers are incredibly important. These are the learning modules that your employees will go through, and what is on offer is very important in shaping your workforce’s understanding of cybersecurity.
- Email-Based Phishing: Perhaps the most important topic of the training will be email phishing attempts and other email borne attacks. Globally, 81% of companies have seen an increase in email phishing attacks since early 2020. To say the problem is unprecedented is understating things. While email security tools do an excellent job at filtering out most threats, they’re not infallible and some things do slip past your defenses, and when they do your end-users need to be ready. It’s not necessarily a topic you need to look out for as any SAT worth its salt will cover email attacks, making sure that the training is extensive, in depth, and up to date is important. Email phishing attempts are getting more and more sophisticated, so SAT vendors also need to make sure they’re offering training that is constantly being updated and refined.
- Other Forms Of Phishing: It’s also important to note that while email phishing is the number one instance of phishing, email isn’t the only vector used by attackers. Phishing attempts can be instigated through other platforms, such as collaborative work applications, SMS messages, and more. The same logic and training for email phishing also applies to other avenues, teaching your employees to be wary of links and attachments and strange requests.
- Remote Working: while remote working isn’t a new phenomenon, it’s certainly taken off in recent years (looking at you, COVID) and there’s been increasing discourse in the cybersecurity industry on how to handle this ever changing, flexible new network perimeter. Remote working can open up new avenues for attacks, and a lack of coworkers around means people are less likely to seek advice or are unable to seek immediate advice if they receive a suspicious email. A good topic to look out for, if you have a remote or hybrid workforce, is one that covers how to work remotely safely.
- Password Security: Passwords are the number one method of authentication the world over. Online accounts for both work and personal applications are accessed with a username and a password, with the username often being the user’s email address. The problem with passwords is, due to their prevalence and not necessarily being that secure, they’ve become a huge attack vector for threat actors to take advantage of. Managing passwords can be hard and there’s a lot for your employees to consider, such as making sure they’re long and unpredictable, not reusing them, and storing them safely. Training modules that cover good password hygiene is critical to your network’s overall health. It educates your employees on how to safely store passwords, both digitally and in the office, and how to manage them.
- Data Management And Handling: Data is the most precious (and copious) thing a company has. A lot of the data a company handles is usually highly sensitive, containing information on customers, clients, and employees. It will also contain data on company records, plans, stats, and more. Basically, it’s all the stuff you’d want to keep inside the company and make sure it doesn’t go anywhere it’s not supposed to. Good SAT solutions will offer training on appropriate data handling, specifically covering how your users should access this data, where to access it, where to store it, how to keep it safe at all levels, and how to prevent potential data loss and leakages.
- Practical Guidance: While less concerned with actual measures concerning cybersecurity, good SAT solutions will run training on how your users should act and behave while they’re in the office. Another term for this is office hygiene. Not everyone who walks in and out of the office will necessarily have your company’s best interests at heart, so employees need to act accordingly in how information is stored and presented in the office. This could be how they manage and store physical data, to something simply like why they shouldn’t write down passwords for their work accounts. Employees need to operate on what is referred to as a “clean desk” policy–i.e., sensitive information shouldn’t be on any physical medium and in full display where threat actors or malicious insiders can access it. This includes documents or even sticky notes. Modules on practical guidance essentially teaches employees how they can help protect data, their computers, additional devices, and their actual physical office from threat actors.
- Privacy Compliance: A lot of organizations handle a lot of sensitive information and data, including healthcare, educational, and financial organizations. Topics on privacy can help educate your team on how to keep this data safe and keep the company compliant with privacy regulations.
- Removable Media: Removable media is the term used for any storage devices that can be attached to and disconnected from computers while the system is running, which includes things like USBs and CDs. While they’re handy for users, they’re also handy for threat actors as they can be leveraged to install malware and ransomware on company networks if compromised. Often, any harmful content downloaded can be executed to run automatically and can bypass most cybersecurity measures put in place. Removable media can also contain sensitive information, which needs to be stored safely and properly to make sure it isn’t stolen. Employees should be taught to be suspicious of any untrusted or unknown removable media and should bring it to their IT team for scanning first.
Other important topics to look out for when looking at SAT solutions include malware and ransomware, how to traverse the internet safely, and mobile device security.
Gamification
Gamification is essentially adding game features to the training program in order to make it more engaging, memorable, and fun for your users. Let’s face it, security awareness training isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a fun activity, and a lot of your users will be liable to switch off mentally and not take anything in, which defeats the purpose of putting them through the training in the first place.
Gamification can take on various forms. It can mean the incorporation of interactive quizzes and other media, highly stylized and animated videos, or role-playing game features. It makes the information easier to consume and makes your users less liable to mentally switch off during the training. Game-like aspects of the training also help your end-users critical thinking skills when it comes to thinking about potential scenarios.
While gamification adds a fun spin on things, the fact that it makes the training look good isn’t the sole reason. The whole point of gamification in SAT is to make the training memorable. Kinesthetic learning–i.e., learning by doing–is hugely beneficial in making sure things stick.
Phishing Simulations
SAT often goes hand-in-hand with phishing simulations. Often designed to be deployed straight after training is complete, phishing simulations send fake phishing emails to your users to test their knowledge and help them to identify threats and report them. Phishing poses one of the biggest–if not the biggest–threats to companies. Downloading a harmful file or clicking on a malicious link can open your network to follow up attacks (such as ransomware attacks), security breaches, and data exfiltration and losses. Not only do email phishing attempts have the potential to be devastating, they’re also highly prolific.
A lot of the potential dangers covered in the topics above are contextual and might not look the same in practice than it does in theory. Attackers deploy a range of techniques and tactics–both technical and psychological based–in order to dupe the receiver. In some instances, the tell-tale signs of a phishing email might not even be there. Phishing simulations help admins know that users have not only completed the training but understood it as well. Where SAT lays down the framework and tools for your users, phishing simulations helps them put their knowledge to practice.
When looking at vendors, one of the key things to look out for with phishing simulations is their email templates. Good phishing simulation solutions will come with hundreds, if not thousands, of email phishing templates for you to use. If you’re looking for something more specific and want to emulate spear phishing tactics, customization is a good feature to look out for. You should then be able to configure the simulation to run as frequently–or as infrequently–as you like.
For your users, they will be presented with a series of fake phishing attempts they must respond to. If training has been successful, they will report and block the offending email. If an employee has failed the simulation by clicking or downloading any attached content or failing to flag it with admins, then they can be re-enrolled in further support and training. It’s important to note that good phishing simulation tactics are there to support and aid your users, rather than “punish” them for failing the simulation. Feedback and support need to be done with care, otherwise users who have failed may feel disillusioned with the training overall and be less receptive to further training.
Reporting
Good SAT solutions will come with extensive and detailed reporting logs on your users, their level of progress within the training program, and any results collated after phishing simulations have been deployed. From there, admins can see who is doing well, who needs further support, and who isn’t taking in anything at all. Some SAT solutions will offer “grading” on users, showing admins clearly how far along and how well users are doing ni each category.
Security awareness training offers numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of security breaches: By educating employees about threats like phishing, malware, and social engineering, training can significantly lower the likelihood of successful attacks.
- Improved compliance: Training can help organizations meet regulatory requirements related to data protection, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
- Stronger security culture: Ongoing training fosters a security-conscious environment where employees understand their role in protecting sensitive information.
- Increased employee productivity: When employees understand security best practices, they are less likely to make mistakes that could lead to downtime or data loss.
- Enhanced incident response: Training can equip employees to recognize and report security incidents quickly, enabling faster response and minimizing damage.
The frequency of security awareness training depends on several factors, including the organization’s risk profile, industry, and regulatory requirements. However, it is generally recommended to provide initial training to all new employees and conduct ongoing training at least annually. In addition, regular reinforcement through short modules, newsletters, and simulated phishing attacks can help maintain employee awareness and knowledge retention. For high-risk industries or those with frequent changes in the threat landscape, more frequent training may be necessary.
There are several ways to measure the effectiveness of security awareness training:
- Phishing simulation results: Track the percentage of employees who fall victim to simulated phishing attacks before and after training to assess improvement.
- Training completion rates: Monitor the percentage of employees who complete the training modules within the specified timeframe.
- Knowledge assessments: Use quizzes or tests to evaluate employees’ understanding of the training material.
- Security incident reports: Analyze the number and type of security incidents caused by human error before and after training to determine if there is a reduction.
- Employee feedback: Gather feedback from employees about the training content and delivery methods to identify areas for improvement.
- Compliance audits: Verify that the training program meets the requirements of relevant regulations and industry standards.
Written By
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.