Comparative Review of Leading Cyber Security Training Platforms
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2025-02-23 | Category: Cyber Security Training
About Cyber Security Training
Cyber security training platforms educate employees about security threats like phishing, malware, and social engineering to reduce human error and strengthen organizational security posture. They often combine learning modules with simulated attacks and detailed reporting.
Scoring Criteria
- → Content Breadth & Quality
- → Phishing Simulation Capabilities
- → Reporting & Analytics
- → User Experience & Engagement
- → Customization & Integration
- → Pricing & Value
The Best Cyber Security Training
#10
Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness
By Arctic Wolf
Combines security awareness training and phishing simulation as part of Arctic Wolf's broader managed security services.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Managed Security Awareness, Phishing Prevention, Compliance, Integrated Security Services
Key Features
- ✓Managed Service: Program management and delivery handled by Arctic Wolf experts. (Full Service)
- ✓Concierge Security Team: Direct access to security experts for guidance and support. (Dedicated Support)
- ✓Integrated Platform: Part of the Arctic Wolf platform, correlating awareness data with other security telemetry. (Holistic View)
- ✓Microlearning Content: Short, focused training modules. (Concise)
- ✓Regular Phishing Tests: Managed phishing simulation campaigns. (Consistent)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based (Part of Managed Risk/Security Operations)
Contact Vendor
- Security awareness training content
- Managed phishing simulations
- Reporting
- Concierge support
Limitations: Primarily available as part of a broader Arctic Wolf service bundle, Requires quote
Pros
- + Managed service reduces administrative overhead
- + Integration with broader security operations
- + Access to dedicated security experts
- + Consistent program delivery
Cons
- - Typically requires purchasing broader Arctic Wolf services
- - Less flexibility than standalone platforms
- - May be more costly
Verdict
"Best suited for organizations already using or considering Arctic Wolf's managed security services and wanting a fully managed awareness program integrated into their security operations."
#9
Curricula
By Curricula
Character-driven security awareness training using fun, cartoon-based stories and episodes to make learning memorable.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Security Awareness, Employee Engagement, Phishing Defense, Compliance
Key Features
- ✓Story-Based Learning: Uses relatable characters and narratives in short animated episodes. (Engaging)
- ✓DeeDee AI Phishing Drive: AI-powered phishing simulation tool with character integration. (Unique)
- ✓Simple Platform: Easy-to-use interface for both admins and users. (User-Friendly)
- ✓Compliance Content: Includes modules covering common compliance requirements. (Available)
- ✓Gamification Elements: Incorporates rewards and challenges. (Yes)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free Plan
Contact Vendor
- Basic phishing test
- Limited awareness content
Limitations: Up to 1,000 employees
Quote-based Paid Plan
Contact Vendor
- Full content library
- Unlimited phishing tests
- Advanced reporting
- Customization
Limitations: Requires quote for full features
Pros
- + Highly engaging and fun character-based approach
- + Simple and intuitive platform
- + Unique AI phishing integration
- + Offers a free basic plan
Cons
- - Content library smaller and less varied than larger platforms
- - Reporting features less robust than some competitors
Verdict
"A great option for organizations seeking a fun, simple, and highly engaging training experience, particularly smaller businesses or those prioritizing employee enjoyment."
#8
ESET Security Awareness Training
By ESET
Provides gamified security awareness training integrated within the ESET ecosystem, focusing on practical knowledge.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Security Awareness, Phishing Prevention, Compliance, Gamified Learning
Key Features
- ✓Gamified Approach: Uses game mechanics to enhance user engagement and knowledge retention. (Engaging)
- ✓Interactive Content: Training delivered through interactive sessions and quizzes. (High)
- ✓Phishing Simulator: Tool to send simulated phishing emails and track user responses. (Included)
- ✓Integration with ESET Protect: Managed alongside other ESET security products. (Seamless (for ESET users))
- ✓Dashboard & Reporting: Tracks user progress and overall organizational awareness level. (Clear)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Gamified training modules
- Phishing simulator
- Reporting
- Integration with ESET management console
Limitations: Best value for existing ESET customers, Requires quote
Pros
- + Engaging gamified learning experience
- + Seamless integration for ESET customers
- + Straightforward interface and reporting
- + Covers essential awareness topics
Cons
- - Content library less extensive than market leaders
- - Limited customization options compared to others
Verdict
"A solid choice, especially for current ESET customers, offering an engaging, gamified approach to security awareness training and phishing simulation."
#7
Cybrary for Teams
By Cybrary
Offers a vast library of technical cybersecurity courses and skill development paths, including security awareness modules for broader teams.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Technical Skill Development, Cybersecurity Career Paths, Security Awareness, Compliance Training
Key Features
- ✓Extensive Technical Catalog: Large library covering diverse cybersecurity domains, from beginner to advanced. (Vast)
- ✓Hands-on Labs: Virtual labs for practical skill development. (Practical)
- ✓Skill Assessments: Measure proficiency and identify knowledge gaps. (Yes)
- ✓Security Awareness Content: Includes modules suitable for general employee awareness training. (Available)
- ✓Custom Learning Paths: Ability to create tailored training programs. (Yes)
Scorecard (Overall: 6.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Teams Plan
Contact Vendor
- Access for multiple users
- Team management features
- Reporting
- Skill assessments
- Virtual labs
Limitations: Primarily focused on technical training, awareness is secondary, Pricing requires quote
Individual Plans
$59.00 / Monthly
- Individual access to content catalog
- Labs
- Assessments
Limitations: Not designed for organizational awareness program management
Pros
- + Massive library of technical and non-technical content
- + Strong focus on skill development and hands-on labs
- + Good for upskilling IT/Security teams
- + Offers general awareness content
Cons
- - Phishing simulation capabilities are basic or non-existent compared to specialists
- - Platform is more complex, geared towards technical learners
Verdict
"Best suited for organizations needing both technical cybersecurity skill development for IT/security staff and general awareness training for all employees, leveraging a single platform."
#6
Hoxhunt
By Hoxhunt
Gamified platform primarily focused on continuous phishing simulation and instant feedback, turning employees into threat reporters.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, Email Client Add-in
Best For: Phishing Training, Threat Reporting Culture, Gamified Learning, Continuous Awareness
Key Features
- ✓Gamified Phishing Simulation: Frequent, personalized phishing simulations with instant feedback and rewards. (Core Feature)
- ✓Threat Reporting Button: Easy email plugin for users to report suspicious emails. (Key Functionality)
- ✓Adaptive Learning: Simulation difficulty adjusts based on user performance. (Personalized)
- ✓Real-time Feedback: Immediate feedback and micro-training when users interact with simulations. (Instant)
- ✓Leaderboards: Encourages participation and competition among users. (Engaging)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Continuous phishing simulation
- Threat reporting button
- Gamification elements
- Analytics dashboard
Limitations: Strong focus on phishing over broader security topics, Requires quote
Pros
- + Highly engaging gamified approach
- + Effective at building threat reporting habits
- + Continuous, adaptive simulation
- + Easy-to-use reporting button
Cons
- - Less emphasis on traditional, broad security training modules
- - Content library is not its primary strength
Verdict
"A top choice for organizations wanting to focus heavily on improving phishing detection and reporting skills through a continuous, gamified simulation experience."
#5
NINJIO AWARE
By NINJIO
Focuses on short, engaging, story-based animated videos based on real security breaches, often featuring recognizable voices.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Security Awareness, Phishing Prevention, Employee Engagement, Micro-learning
Key Features
- ✓Story-Based Micro-learning: Uses 3-4 minute animated episodes based on recent, real security incidents. (Engaging)
- ✓Hollywood Storytelling: High production quality with compelling narratives. (High)
- ✓Phishing Simulation: Integrated phishing simulation capabilities. (Available)
- ✓Gamification: Includes leaderboards and incentives to boost engagement. (Yes)
- ✓Family Use Rights: Often includes licenses for employees to use at home with their families. (Unique Benefit)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Access to animated episode library
- Phishing simulator
- Reporting
- Gamification features
Limitations: Content primarily video-based, Requires quote
Pros
- + Highly engaging, story-driven content
- + Short, easily digestible episodes
- + Focuses on recent, relevant threats
- + High production quality
Cons
- - Content format primarily limited to videos
- - Less comprehensive than platforms with broader module types
- - Customization options might be limited
Verdict
"Excellent for organizations looking to boost employee engagement through entertaining, story-based micro-learning focused on current threats."
#4
SANS Security Awareness
By SANS Institute
Provides high-quality, expert-driven security awareness training content developed by leading industry professionals.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Compliance Training, Role-Based Training, Security Culture Enhancement, Risk Mitigation
Key Features
- ✓Expert Content: Training materials developed and vetted by SANS instructors and cybersecurity experts. (High Quality)
- ✓Role-Based Training: Specific modules tailored for different job functions (developers, executives, etc.). (Strong)
- ✓Compliance Focus: Content mapped to various compliance frameworks (NIST, GDPR, HIPAA, etc.). (Compliance-ready)
- ✓Phishing Simulation: Offers phishing simulation capabilities to test user awareness. (Available)
- ✓Multiple Languages: Content available in numerous languages. (Broad)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Access to SANS training modules
- Phishing simulation tools
- Reporting features
- Compliance mapping
Limitations: Considered a premium, often more expensive option, Requires quote
Pros
- + Industry-leading content quality and credibility
- + Strong role-based training options
- + Excellent for compliance requirements
- + Developed by recognized experts
Cons
- - Typically higher cost
- - Phishing simulation less advanced than some specialists
- - User interface sometimes seen as less modern
Verdict
"A premium choice for organizations prioritizing expert-validated, high-quality content, especially for compliance and role-specific training needs."
#3
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
By Proofpoint
Leverages threat intelligence from Proofpoint's security ecosystem to deliver relevant training and targeted phishing simulations.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Threat-driven Awareness, Phishing Simulation, Compliance, Risk Reduction
Key Features
- ✓Threat Intelligence Integration: Uses real-world attack data to inform training content and simulations. (Strong)
- ✓Targeted Training: Focuses training on the most attacked people and prevalent threats. (Very Attacked People (VAP) focus)
- ✓Attack Simulation: Includes phishing, USB, and attachment simulations. (Effective)
- ✓Clear Reporting: Provides insights into user vulnerability and training effectiveness. (Clear)
- ✓Knowledge Assessments: Measures user understanding before and after training. (Yes)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Bundled often with Proofpoint security products
- ThreatSim Phishing Simulations
- Interactive Training Modules
- Reporting Dashboard
Limitations: Primarily sold as part of the wider Proofpoint ecosystem, Pricing details require quote
Pros
- + Leverages real-time threat intelligence
- + Focuses on highest-risk users
- + Integrates well with Proofpoint security suite
- + Effective simulations
Cons
- - Content library less extensive than some competitors
- - Best value when bundled with other Proofpoint products
Verdict
"Ideal for organizations already invested in the Proofpoint ecosystem or those wanting training tightly coupled with current threat intelligence."
#2
Infosec IQ Security Awareness and Training
By Fortra
Focuses on personalized training paths and behavior change through diverse content formats and effective simulations.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Security Awareness, Phishing Defense, Compliance, Role-based Training
Key Features
- ✓Personalized Learning: Adapts training content and paths based on learner roles and knowledge gaps. (Adaptive)
- ✓Diverse Content: Offers various formats including interactive modules, assessments, and short videos. (High)
- ✓PhishSim: Realistic phishing simulations with a large template library. (Realistic)
- ✓Awareness Campaigns: Tools to build and manage comprehensive, multi-channel awareness campaigns. (Campaign Focused)
- ✓Integration: Integrates with various LMS and security tools. (Good)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Tiered access (Standard, Plus, Enterprise)
- PhishSim templates
- AwareEd training modules
- Reporting
Limitations: Requires direct quote for pricing details
Pros
- + Personalized learning paths
- + Engaging user experience
- + Strong focus on behavior change
- + Good variety of content formats
Cons
- - Content library smaller than KnowBe4
- - Pricing can be complex
Verdict
"Excellent choice for organizations prioritizing personalized learning experiences and driving measurable security behavior change."
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#1
KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training
By KnowBe4
Market-leading platform offering extensive security awareness training content and advanced phishing simulation capabilities.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: Phishing Prevention, Compliance Training, Security Culture Development, Risk Management
Key Features
- ✓Largest Content Library: Vast collection of interactive modules, videos, games, posters, and newsletters. (Extensive)
- ✓Advanced Phishing Simulation: Highly customizable phishing templates, USB drive tests, and vishing/smishing capabilities. (Advanced)
- ✓AI-Driven Training: Uses AI to recommend relevant training based on user phishing failures. (Yes)
- ✓Risk Scoring: Provides individual and organizational risk scores based on training and phishing results. (Detailed)
- ✓Reporting: Comprehensive reporting dashboards with trackable metrics and ROI analysis. (Comprehensive)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Quote-based
Contact Vendor
- Access tiers based on content/feature needs (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond)
- Phishing Security Test (PST)
- Automated Security Awareness Program (ASAP)
Limitations: Pricing not publicly listed, requires quote
Pros
- + Massive content library
- + Sophisticated phishing simulations
- + Strong reporting and analytics
- + Excellent customization options
Cons
- - Can be more expensive than competitors
- - Interface can feel complex initially
Verdict
"A comprehensive and powerful platform ideal for organizations seeking extensive content, advanced phishing simulation, and detailed risk management."
Final Thoughts
The cyber security training market offers diverse platforms, from comprehensive suites with vast libraries like KnowBe4 to highly engaging, gamified options like Hoxhunt and NINJIO. Selection depends on organizational priorities, whether it's content breadth, phishing simulation sophistication, user engagement, compliance focus, or integration with existing security infrastructure. Many leading solutions require custom quotes, reflecting tailored enterprise packages.