The best security awareness training platform is one your staff will finish without groaning: short lessons, regular phishing practice and simple reporting matter more than a huge course library. Eleven options follow in no particular order, from a free open source phishing framework to enterprise suites.
Most breaches still start with a person clicking something. Security awareness training is how you turn that weak spot into an early warning system, with short lessons, fake phishing emails and a quick way to report anything suspicious.
The eleven platforms below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order. Every description comes from the vendor's own site, read this week. If you want a quick primer to share with staff first, start with my five steps to protect your company from phishing.
Awareness training platforms compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site names a free plan, a free version, a free tool or an open source edition. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| CybSafe | Human risk management platform | Measuring behaviour change, not just completion | Not stated |
| Gophish | Open source phishing framework | Running your own phishing tests | Yes |
| Hoxhunt | Adaptive phishing training | Personalised phishing practice for each employee | Not stated |
| Huntress Managed Security Awareness Training | Managed awareness training | IT providers and small businesses | Not stated |
| KnowBe4 | Awareness training and simulation | Large libraries plus free test tools | Yes |
| Mimecast Engage | Awareness training from an email security brand | Pairing training with email security | Not stated |
| NINJIO | Episode-based awareness training | Short, story-led training episodes | Not stated |
| Phished | Automated training and simulations | Hands-off phishing simulations | Not stated |
| Proofpoint ZenGuide | Risk-based awareness training | Targeting training at your riskiest people | Not stated |
| usecure | Automated human risk platform | Training, phishing and policies on autopilot | Not stated |
| Wizer | Short video awareness training | A free starting point for small teams | Yes |
Eleven security awareness training platforms to consider
CybSafe
Best for: Security leads who care about changing everyday behaviour and want guidance, phishing defence and automation in one place.
Gophish
Best for: Technical teams who want to run their own phishing simulations with an open source framework and no subscription.
Hoxhunt
Best for: Companies that want personalised phishing training for every employee plus help managing reported email incidents.
Huntress Managed Security Awareness Training
Best for: Small businesses and IT providers that want awareness training run as a managed service by a security company.
KnowBe4
Best for: Organisations that want a big training and phishing simulation library, with free tools such as a phishing test to start.
Mimecast Engage
Best for: Mimecast email security customers who want awareness training tied into the same vendor and its security behaviour data.
NINJIO
Best for: Employers who want short animated episodes people will happily watch, with phishing tests and coaching added on.
Phished
Best for: Busy IT teams that want phishing simulations that adapt per user without planning every campaign by hand.
Proofpoint ZenGuide
Best for: Larger organisations that want training targeted at the people most at risk, from a major email security vendor.
usecure
Best for: Managed service providers and small firms that want training, phishing, dark web checks and policy sign-off running automatically.
Wizer
Best for: Small teams and schools that want short awareness videos and phishing simulation, with a free training option to begin.
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Why phishing practice matters most
The UK government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that, of businesses and charities that had a breach or attack in the last 12 months, phishing was the most prevalent and disruptive type, experienced by 85% of businesses and 86% of charities. Interviewees also said phishing was time-consuming to deal with, partly because of the need for staff training.
So a platform's phishing simulations deserve more attention than its video library. Look for simulations that change difficulty for each person, a report button in the inbox, and feedback the moment someone clicks.
Courses, simulations or human risk scores?
Older tools sell a library of courses and an annual completion report. Newer ones call themselves human risk management: they track behaviour, such as who reports phishing and who reuses passwords, and nudge people in small doses. Both can work. The difference is whether you're aiming for a compliance tick or fewer incidents.
If an insurer or auditor asks for proof of training, make sure the reports show completion by person and date. If you want fewer incidents, look at how the tool measures reporting over time.
Questions to ask before you choose
- How long is a typical lesson?
- Can phishing tests be tailored to each person's role?
- Is there a one-click report button for our email system?
- Will it sync with our staff directory so leavers drop off?
- What reports do our auditors and insurers ask for?
- Can we run it ourselves, or is it managed for us?
Signs your training isn't working
- Nobody reports phishing. Silence usually means people don't know how, not that nothing arrived.
- Completion is high but so are clicks. People are skipping through.
- Lessons run for an hour. Attention drops long before the end.
- Leavers are still enrolled. The list isn't synced with your directory.
Do you make security awareness training? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on training your team
Keep it short and keep it regular. A few minutes a month beats a long course once a year, and a friendly phishing test teaches more than a quiz. Choose the platform your staff won't resent, and make reporting easier than ignoring.
Never shame people who click. You want them to report mistakes fast, and fear makes them hide. If you've got remote staff, my guide to securing a remote working business covers the setup side.
Frequently asked questions
What is security awareness training?
It's ongoing training that teaches staff to spot and report threats such as phishing emails, fake invoices and suspicious links, usually with short lessons and simulated attacks.
How often should staff be trained?
Little and often works best. Many organisations run short monthly lessons and regular phishing simulations rather than one long annual course.
What is a phishing simulation?
It's a safe fake phishing email sent to staff to see who clicks or reports it, followed by instant feedback for anyone who falls for it.
Are there free security awareness tools?
Yes. Some tools in the table name a free option or an open source edition on their own site. Check the free plan column.
Do small businesses need awareness training?
Yes. Small teams are targeted too, and one wrong click on a fake invoice can hurt a small business badly.
Can training help with cyber insurance?
Insurers often ask about staff training. Reports showing who completed lessons and how phishing tests went give you evidence to share.
