What are the best security awareness training software?

Choosing the "best" security awareness training software depends heavily on your organization's specific needs, budget, size, industry, and desired level of engagement. However, some platforms consistently rank high due to their comprehensive features, engaging content, and effectiveness.

Here's a breakdown of top contenders, along with key considerations for making your choice:

## Key Considerations When Choosing:

1. **Content Quality & Engagement:** Is the content up-to-date, relevant, easy to understand, and engaging (videos, gamification, interactive modules)?

2. **Phishing Simulation Capabilities:** How realistic and customizable are the phishing tests? Can you track user behavior effectively?

3. **Customization & Scalability:** Can you tailor content, branding, and training paths? Does it scale with your organization's growth?

4. **Reporting & Analytics:** Does it provide clear, actionable insights into user performance, risk areas, and program effectiveness?

5. **Ease of Use (Admin & End-User):** Is the platform intuitive for administrators to manage and for employees to complete training?

6. **Compliance:** Does it help meet specific regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)?

7. **Integration:** Does it integrate with your existing HRIS, LMS, or other security tools?

8. **Pricing:** Does it fit your budget, considering per-user costs, features, and support?

9. **Support:** What kind of customer support is offered?

## Top Security Awareness Training Software:

### 1. KnowBe4

* **Overview:** Often considered the market leader, KnowBe4 offers a vast library of training content, advanced phishing simulations, and robust reporting. They are known for their "new-school" approach to security awareness.

* **Strengths:**

* **Largest Content Library:** Extensive collection of interactive modules, videos, games, posters, and more.

* **Advanced Phishing Simulations:** Highly customizable and realistic phishing, smishing, vishing, and USB drop tests.

* **Gamification:** Leaderboards, badges, and other elements to boost engagement.

* **User-Friendly:** Intuitive interface for both admins and end-users.

* **Strong Reporting:** Detailed metrics on user risk, training completion, and phishing susceptibility.

* **Compliance Focus:** Content tailored for various compliance needs.

* **Best for:** Organizations of all sizes looking for a comprehensive, feature-rich platform with a strong emphasis on phishing defense and continuous training.

### 2. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training (formerly Wombat Security)

* **Overview:** Proofpoint, a leader in email security, acquired Wombat Security, integrating its highly effective security awareness platform. It focuses on adaptive learning and targeted training based on user behavior.

* **Strengths:**

* **Adaptive Learning:** Training modules adjust based on individual user performance and risk profiles.

* **Strong Phishing Simulations:** Excellent and realistic phishing campaigns with detailed analytics.

* **Enterprise-Grade:** Robust features suitable for large, complex organizations.

* **Integrated with Proofpoint Ecosystem:** Seamless integration for existing Proofpoint customers.

* **Multi-Language Support:** Good for global organizations.

* **Best for:** Large enterprises, organizations already using Proofpoint's security solutions, and those prioritizing adaptive learning and advanced analytics.

### 3. SANS Security Awareness

* **Overview:** Developed by the renowned SANS Institute, this program leverages deep cybersecurity expertise to deliver high-quality, in-depth training. It's known for its authoritative content.

* **Strengths:**

* **Expert-Driven Content:** Developed by leading cybersecurity professionals.

* **Comprehensive & In-Depth:** Covers a wide range of security topics with a focus on practical application.

* **Reputable Source:** Backed by the SANS Institute's strong reputation in cybersecurity training.

* **Compliance Mapping:** Helps organizations meet various regulatory requirements.

* **Best for:** Organizations seeking highly authoritative, in-depth training, often larger enterprises or those with specific compliance and technical needs.

### 4. Ninjio

* **Overview:** Ninjio stands out with its unique approach: short, animated, Hollywood-style episodes that tell engaging stories about real-world cyber threats.

* **Strengths:**

* **Highly Engaging Content:** Short, entertaining videos with high production value.

* **Relatable Scenarios:** Based on actual cyber incidents, making the threats feel real.

* **High Retention:** The storytelling format helps users remember key lessons.

* **Fresh Content:** New episodes released regularly to cover emerging threats.

* **Best for:** Organizations looking for highly engaging, modern, and time-efficient training, especially those with a younger or busy workforce that might tune out traditional modules.

### 5. Curricula

* **Overview:** Curricula focuses on making security awareness fun and memorable through storytelling, character-driven content, and a user-friendly platform.

* **Strengths:**

* **Storytelling Approach:** Uses engaging narratives and characters to teach security concepts.

* **Fun & Less Corporate:** A refreshing alternative to dry, traditional training.

* **Easy to Use:** Simple interface for both admins and employees.

* **Good Phishing Simulations:** Effective and customizable phishing tests.

* **Strong for SMBs:** Often praised for its accessibility and value for smaller to mid-sized businesses.

* **Best for:** SMBs and organizations wanting a fresh, less corporate, and more engaging approach to security awareness, with a focus on making learning enjoyable.

### 6. Terranova Security

* **Overview:** Terranova offers a comprehensive platform with a wide range of training content, phishing simulations, and a strong focus on compliance and global reach.

* **Strengths:**

* **Comprehensive Content:** Extensive library covering various topics and industries.

* **Multi-Language Support:** Excellent for global organizations with diverse language needs.

* **Strong Compliance Focus:** Content designed to meet various regulatory requirements.

* **Customization:** Allows for significant customization of content and campaigns.

* **Best for:** Global organizations, those with diverse language needs, and a strong focus on compliance and a structured training approach.

## Honorable Mentions:

* **Mimecast:** Offers security awareness training as part of its broader email security suite.

* **Hook Security:** Similar to Ninjio and Curricula, focusing on engaging, story-driven content.

* **Cofense:** Primarily known for its advanced phishing detection and response, but also offers awareness training.

## How to Decide:

1. **Define Your Goals:** What specific security behaviors do you want to change? What compliance requirements do you need to meet?

2. **Assess Your Audience:** What's their technical proficiency? What kind of content will resonate with them?

3. **Pilot Programs:** Many vendors offer trials or demos. Test a few with a small group of employees to gauge engagement and effectiveness.

4. **Request Demos & Quotes:** Get detailed information on features, pricing, and support from your top choices.

Ultimately, the "best" software is the one that effectively reduces your organization's human risk factor by educating and engaging your employees in a way that sticks.