The Best Phishing Awareness Training Tools

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, the growing sophistication of cyber threats poses a significant challenge to individuals and organizations alike. Among these threats, phishing attacks stand out as one of the most prevalent and effective methods employed by cybercriminals to compromise sensitive information, steal identities, and breach secure systems.

As the risk of falling victim to phishing continues to escalate, the need for comprehensive and effective Phishing Awareness Training has never been more critical.

Here is our list of the best phishing awareness training tools:

1. KnowBe4 This security awareness training platform includes a list of free phishing testing tools, which includes a phishing email simulator.
2. Cofense (formerly PhishMe) This platform combines awareness training with simulated phishing attacks that enable users to prove their new skills.
3. Sophos Phish Threat This is a training package that includes phishing simulations that emulate real-world scam attempts for practice.
4. SANS Security Awareness Training The phishing awareness training package is just one security course on the SANS platform and it is available in multiple languages.
5. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training This awareness course package supplements an extensive platform of email security services.
6. Infosec IQ Training packages for users and technicians that include testing with a phishing simulator.
7. Anzenna This cloud-based package implements system security through user awareness training.
8. Fortra Terranova Security Self-paced security training for users that is tested by phishing simulations.
9. Webroot Security Awareness Training This menu of training courses is designed to be added to the list of services that are offered by managed service providers.
10. CybeReady BLAST This training package is centered on simulation, providing phishing email examples of increasing levels of deception.
11. VIPRE Inspired eLearning PhishProof A short course offered on a platform of security and compliance training programs.

Phishing Awareness Training equips individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, resist, and respond to phishing attempts effectively. By educating users about the common tactics employed by cybercriminals and providing hands-on experience in identifying suspicious emails, websites, and communication methods, these training programs play a pivotal role in fortifying the human element of cybersecurity.

This piece will delve into a selection of the finest 10 Phishing Awareness Training Tools out there. The goal is to help boost your overall cybersecurity resilience.

The Best Phishing Awareness Training Tools

1. KnowBe4

KnowBe4 has gained recognition as a prominent enterprise specializing in security awareness training. Their approach encompasses a modern perspective, incorporating foundational tests involving simulated attacks, immersive web-based training that captivates participants, and ongoing evaluation via simulated phishing incidents. This comprehensive strategy is geared towards fortifying organizations, rendering them more resilient and secure.

Key Features:

• Simulated Phishing Campaigns KnowBe4 enables organizations to create and execute simulated phishing campaigns that imitate real-world attack scenarios. These campaigns help gauge employees’ susceptibility to phishing attempts and provide valuable insights into areas that require improvement.
• Training Modules The platform offers a library of interactive training modules that educate users about different types of phishing attacks, red flags to watch out for, and best practices to adopt. These modules are designed to engage learners and engagingly impart practical knowledge.
• Phish Alert Button KnowBe4 integrates seamlessly with email systems, providing users with a “Phish Alert” button. This allows employees to report suspicious emails with a single click, helping security teams quickly identify and mitigate potential threats.
• Reporting and Analytics The platform offers detailed reporting and analytics that help organizations track the progress of their phishing awareness campaigns. Metrics such as click-through rates and user engagement provide insights into the effectiveness of training efforts.

Why do we recommend it?

KnowBe4 provides a range of tools that deal with phishing. These include free tools and phishing detection systems as well as awareness training. The training opportunities include a library of online videos and it is possible to string together a course by allocating a series of them to a user.

Who is it recommended for?

The security awareness training video library is available in four plan levels. However, pricing is levied per user with a minimum team size of 25. So, while this is a scaleable package for most companies, it doesn’t cater to very small businesses. Many of the simulators and testers available from KnowBe4 are free to use.

Central to KnowBe4’s offerings is an all-encompassing training tool focused on enhancing awareness of phishing threats, thus arming organizations with the expertise and resources essential to identify and counteract such attacks. The platform boasts an array of features that synergistically contribute to its efficacy, cultivating a heightened consciousness of cybersecurity and nurturing a culture of vigilance within organizations.

2. Cofense (formerly PhishMe)

Cofense, formerly known as PhishMe, is a well-known Phishing Awareness Training tool that empowers organizations to build a culture of cybersecurity resilience. The platform employs a multifaceted approach to combat phishing threats and promote cybersecurity awareness.

Key Features:

• QR code phishing
• Voice phishing
• Simulators
• Adaptable training challenges

Why do we recommend it?

Cofense provides an email detection and response package and improves system security through end user security awareness training. The training method provides users with knowledge of the typical tricks used in phishing emails and also covers new methods used by phishing campaigns, such as fake QR codes and voice phishing tricks.

Cofense allows organizations to orchestrate simulated phishing campaigns that closely mirror real-world attack tactics. This hands-on experience enhances employees’ ability to recognize and respond to phishing attempts, fostering a proactive cybersecurity mindset. Cofense also enables employees to report suspicious emails with ease. This not only aids in the swift identification and mitigation of threats but also provides invaluable data for ongoing analysis to refine training strategies.

Through insights from Cofense Intelligence, Cofense Labs, and the Cofense Phishing Defense Center (PDC). This platform integrates real and current phishing threats into simulations that not only educate but also empower organizations to stay ahead in the battle against cyber threats. This approach ensures that the scenarios presented to users accurately reflect the current landscape of phishing threats, equipping them to recognize and mitigate the most up-to-date attacks.

Who is it recommended for?

Cofense focuses on protecting email systems and particularly on detecting and resisting phishing scams. This package is suitable for any type of business in any industry. The service is delivered from the cloud. There is no free trial and no price list for the package. However, you can access a demo to work out whether it is right for your enterprise.

One of Cofense’s most remarkable capabilities is its capacity to search for scenarios specifically designed to bypass Secure Email Gateways (SEGs). This feature is a game-changer, as SEGs are often a primary line of defense against phishing threats. By utilizing the SEG Misses filter, organizations can access simulations that mirror attacks that may have slipped through their SEG defenses. This level of precision enables learners to understand the nuances of attacks that could potentially target their organization, thus fostering a heightened sense of preparedness. A free online demo is available on request.

3. Sophos Phish Threat

Sophos Phish Threat emerges as a beacon of proactive cybersecurity, offering a robust solution to combat the escalating menace of phishing attacks. Sophos Phish Threat recognizes the critical role of security awareness in countering phishing attacks. This powerful platform goes beyond traditional approaches by not only educating end users but also subjecting them to automated attack simulations, quality security training, and insightful reporting metrics. The result? A workforce that is well-equipped to identify and thwart phishing attempts effectively.

Key Features:

• Phishing simulator
• Based on real-world attacks
• Training through experience

Why do we recommend it?

Sophos Phish Threat provides realistic phishing email examples that are based on actual attacks that have been detected and recorded by Sophos cybersecurity specialists. The buyers of this system are able to present user communities with emails that try to trick them into disclosing credentials, accessing infected websites, or downloading malware that has been hidden in attachments.

A distinguishing feature of Sophos Phish Threat is its adaptability and customization. Each organization’s security needs are unique, and Phish Threat acknowledges this diversity. It empowers organizations to create a positive security awareness culture through its ability to simulate a wide range of realistic and challenging phishing attacks effortlessly. From novices to experts, Phish Threat’s socially relevant attack simulation templates cover multiple scenarios, ensuring every employee is adequately prepared.

At the core of Phish Threat’s effectiveness lies its integration with the expertise of SophosLabs analysts, who vigilantly monitor millions of emails, URLs, files, and data points daily. This dynamic intelligence guarantees that training modules are continually updated to address the latest phishing tactics. Furthermore, Phish Threat is available in nine languages, fostering an interactive and engaging learning experience for global end users.

Who is it recommended for?

Sophos’s niche market is with mid-sized businesses. However, the Phish Threat package is suitable for businesses of all sizes. The package is priced per user with a minimum team size of five and a maximum group order of 5,000 members. There is no limit to the number of tests that can be run for each user.

The platform’s integration with Sophos Central, the unified security console, enhances its convenience by providing a single point of control for managing phishing simulations, user training, and overall security measures. Even the act of reporting suspicious emails is made efficient with the Phish Threat Outlook add-in for Exchange and O365. With just a click, employees can report messages correctly, eliminating the need to remember specific email addresses. A free trial and pricing details are available on request.

4. SANS Security Awareness Training

SANS Securing the Human is a security awareness training program from SANS, a well-known American security firm. SANS offers a dynamic and effective phishing awareness solution to equip your workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to combat cyber risks effectively.

Key Features:

• Frequently revised courses
• Aimed at end users
• Strong phishing guidance

Why do we recommend it?

SANS Security Awareness Training is a course for end users that provides guidance on common threats, particularly phishing campaigns. Users are taught skepticism and are guided to check on email source domain names, exercise caution when accessing attachments, and report suspicious emails. This course is frequently updated to combat new attack strategies.

SANS Securing the Human is not your typical cybersecurity training program. It understands that every organization is unique, and employees have different learning styles and preferences. This comprehensive platform provides a variety of training styles tailored to match your corporate culture, employee comprehension levels, and learning preferences. With a focus on engagement, the platform employs computer-based training and games that immerse employees in a learning experience that is both informative and enjoyable. By utilizing multilingual content, SANS ensures that language barriers are eliminated, allowing a global workforce to partake in cybersecurity education seamlessly.

Who is it recommended for?

This course is suitable for all types and sizes of businesses. The SANS Institute is highly respected in the field of cybersecurity and many systems administrators and security specialists regularly check on the SANS site for news and tips on security threats. So, this is a trusted brand that your IT staff probably already knows about.

Through a series of comprehensive phishing training modules, engaging games, and reinforcement materials, SANS helps employees understand the methods cyberattackers employ to gather sensitive information. With tiered simulations encompassing link or attachment-based, data entry, and reply-to phishing scenarios, employees gain firsthand experience in identifying, reporting, and thwarting phishing attempts.

5. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint is a leading American cybersecurity company. Proofpoint helps organizations bridge the gap between knowledge, behavior, and security outcomes. The suite of resources offered by Proofpoint Security Awareness Training encompasses phishing simulations, tests, cultural assessments, and internal cybersecurity evaluations. These aids enable you to set a foundation by pinpointing your most susceptible users.

Key Features:

• End user security awareness training
• Prevents malware
• Guides on phishing detection

Why do we recommend it?

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is a supplement to the Proofpoint security monitoring software and it shuts down the human vulnerability of any system. The training package includes a risk assessment per user, which helps you focus your training effort where it is needed the most. Training is based on phishing simulations.

What sets Proofpoint Security Awareness Training apart is its tailored approach. It understands that different roles within an organization come with different vulnerabilities and competencies. With this insight in mind, the training content is precisely targeted to address the unique needs of each user group. This personalized approach ensures that employees receive the relevant education they need to protect themselves and the organization effectively.

Who is it recommended for?

This system integrates with Proofpoint security monitoring software, which can identify which users are the most vulnerable to attack. Therefore, the typical customer for this training system will be a business that has already decided to buy the Proofpoint security monitoring package. The tool includes an assessment module to identify where further training will be needed.

One of the standout features of Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is its integration with Proofpoint Targeted Attack Protection (TAP). This integration offers real-world insights into user behavior during attacks. By identifying Very Attacked People (VAPs) and top clickers, organizations can proactively focus their efforts on those who need additional attention, thereby enhancing overall security posture.

6. Infosec IQ

Infosec is a U.S.-based cybersecurity training company that offers training solutions through their Infosec IQ platform, addressing the pressing need for security education, and empowering employees against cyber threats. Infosec IQ personalizes and contextualizes its training program in a way that uniquely prepares the workforce to defend against the specific cyber threats they are most likely to encounter. Infosec IQ stays ahead of the curve by updating its extensive library of resources weekly.

Key Features:

• An online video library
• Phishing simulation
• Trains cybersecurity technicians

Why do we recommend it?

Infosec IQ provides a library of training videos that can be assembled into tailored courses that address the security issues of each business role. The training package includes a vulnerability assessor and a results tracker, identifying where more training might be needed. Facilities include a phishing simulator

One of the most significant threats organizations face is phishing attacks, often initiated through employee inboxes. Infosec IQ’s phishing simulations go beyond mere awareness and actively engage employees in action-based learning. The platform serves customized education based on the simulated emails employees interact with, encouraging them to report suspicious emails to the security team. This hands-on approach transforms awareness into a proactive defense mechanism.

Infosec IQ not only delivers engaging training but also aids in tracking an organization’s compliance score and identifying gaps in training. This feature ensures that all employees are adequately educated to mitigate risks effectively. Infosec IQ’s training content is mapped to the core security behaviors outlined in the NIST security awareness and training guidelines. This alignment guarantees that employees are educated by industry best practices and recognized standards.

Who is it recommended for?

Infosec IQ produces a catalog of its training videos and utilities, so interested businesses can peruse options before buying. There are also a number of free assessment tools that match training requirements to the available courses and utilities. The package is heavily geared towards phishing recognition training.

Infosec IQ offers flexible pricing plans to cater to different organizational needs. From the comprehensive Standard plan encompassing security awareness and anti-phishing training to the Enterprise plan designed for large and diverse teams, and the Infosec IQ + Skills plan that adds skill and certification training. Organizations can choose the plan that best suits their requirements.

7. Anzenna

Tested on: Cloud environment

Anzenna recognizes that the human element in any IT system is its weakest security link. The company’s founders frown upon the awareness training courses and phishing simulation-based exercises offered by rival companies. In fact, the experience of infrequent courses and tests can give con artists a way in if they discover the pattern of training on a site – they simply send a phishing email urging users to download a course, which is, in fact, malware or logging in to a fake website to enter their credentials.

Key Features: 

• Context-based training
• Employee-driven security awareness
• Training via Slack and Microsoft Teams
• A series of tips
• Integrates into SaaS email systems

Why do we recommend it?

Anzenna identifies security risk per user and specifies security awareness training needs. The package includes a phishing simulator, which forms part of the assessment system. Courses include quizzes to test employee knowledge acquisition and check on whether further training is needed. Security scanning reveals insider threats and ongoing user behavior that weakens security.

The difference between a typical video-based training course offered by the rivals to Antenna and this company’s own approach is that the training is ongoing throughout the year rather than an annual on-hour duty. Training sessions are presented as discussions and seminars over Slack and Microsoft Teams. These are a little more like a “thought for the day” that promotes discussion on the topic by employees.

Each group of employees presents a different type of risk and while many workers who don’t handle data might seem to be low risk, anyone who has a user account can be prey to a phishing attack. Any way in, even if it is only used for a short time as a method to ensnare users with more important privileges, is of use to a hacker. However, different groups will be given different types of tricks to look out for with those who hold privileged access accounts given the most intensive guidance.

Other examples of users that need adapted training include sales staff, accounting users, HR staff, good receiving clerks, and even delivery drivers. Every type of user on a business IT system can be a useful target for hackers and con artists. There are people out there who want to steal money, data, and even get system resources for their own use. As well as job-specific, each user needs general system threat awareness. Once they become aware of the dangers, employees can warn each other when they discover an attempted con.

The Anzenna cloud platform is able to integrate with other SaaS systems, most notably with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, which includes the Exchange Server/Outlook and Gmail email services. Security awareness tips can be included in onboarding training in the use of these email systems.

Anzenna is an unusual training platform because it provides a system that is more like a community form rather than a conventional training course. The awareness discussions that are the main delivery system for the training are implemented through Slack or Microsoft Teams. The Anzenna service encourages groups of users engaged in similar work to keep in touch with each other to alert them on a discovered attack campaign so that other users can be aware of a new strategy.

Who is it recommended for?

The Anzenna system integrated AI and it is able to assess the usage of many well-known cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, such as Microsoft 365 and Slack. The system is designed to enhance the productivity of an in-house cybersecurity team, so this isn’t a package for small businesses.

The Anzenna platform is an easy system to sign up to and manage and it provides schedules for discussions for groups of employees. You can get a look at the Anzenna system by requesting a 45-minute Web conference call that includes a demo of the dashboard.

8. Fortra Terranova Security

Terranova Security simplifies the process of creating risk-based campaigns that incorporate top-tier training content and practical phishing simulations. Terranova Security’s approach revolves around equipping employees, third-party contractors, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders with the necessary skills to consistently detect and evade common cyber threats.

Key Features:

• Phishing simulator
• Gamified awareness training
• Data protection standards compliance

Why do we recommend it?

Fortra Terranova Security offers a platform of testing and training services with courses that provide end users with threat awareness, particularly so that they an spot phishing campaigns. The training library also includes courses for IT professionals. The courses include periodic quizzes and games to ensure that trainees are absorbing the education.

The cornerstone of this strategy is the utilization of real-world phishing simulation training. By emulating genuine scams and crafting lifelike scenarios, Terranova Security empowers end users to recognize and respond to cyber threat warning signs effectively. This hands-on experience not only enhances their ability to distinguish between legitimate and malicious communication but also ingrains a heightened sense of vigilance.

Who is it recommended for?

Although the Terranova platform includes general security awareness training, it is particularly strong on risk assessments and security training for GDPR compliance. Therefore, the package is more suitable for businesses that operate within the EU and handle personally identifiable information.

What sets Terranova Security apart is its commitment to delivering measurable results. Through in-depth analytics and reporting, organizations gain insight into the effectiveness of their training efforts. Personalized dashboards and pre-built widgets enable real-time monitoring of training progress and performance. This data-driven approach allows for the continuous refinement of the training program, ensuring that it remains aligned with the evolving cyber threat landscape. Pricing plans and phishing simulation trials are available on request.

9. Webroot Security Awareness Training

Webroot Security Awareness Training offers a multi-tenant management solution tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs). The heart of the Webroot Security Awareness Training lies in its simple yet powerful campaign management system.

Key Features:

• End user training
• Risk assessments
• MSP option

Why do we recommend it?

Webroot Security Awareness Training includes a training needs assessment module that matches each role to potential vulnerabilities to attack. Training needs are planned from this assessment and then tracked while each user progresses through a designated source that is provided by the platform. Training is one part of the Webroot security platform.

Webroot Security Awareness Training isn’t just about technology – it’s about empowering employees with the knowledge to become the first line of defense against cyber threats. By fostering a deep understanding of phishing attacks, social engineering, and best practices, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber incidents.

Who is it recommended for?

An important feature of the Webroot platform is that it is available in a multi-tenanted architecture for managed service providers. MSPs set up subaccounts to keep the data of client companies separate. However, IT departments can also use the system without using the subaccount option.

The integration of phishing simulations, training modules, and compliance reporting under a single vendor is a testament to Webroot’s commitment to holistic cybersecurity. This all-inclusive approach ensures that pricing remains transparent and organizations can focus on the essentials without worrying about hidden costs. Regular real-world updates keep employees abreast of the latest threats and mitigation techniques, fostering a culture of ongoing learning. A free trial and demo is available on request.

10. CybeReady BLAST 

CybeReady’s BLAST (Behavioral Adaptive Simulation & Training) is an innovative solution designed by security awareness experts to revolutionize the way organizations tackle phishing threats.

Key Features:

• Automated training needs assessor
• Phishing recognition training
• Adaptable phishing simulation

Why do we recommend it?

CybeReady BLAST is an AI-based training system that includes a training requirements assessor. The tool includes activity analysis that identifies which employees are more at risk of being the targets of phishing campaigns. The training library includes templates for a range of attacks and research into each user’s activity informs the selection of an appropriate training program.

BLAST offers a dynamic and automated approach to phishing simulations that sets it apart from traditional methods. Running data-driven campaigns is effortless with BLAST’s automated engine, which intelligently suggests the most relevant phishing simulations tailored to your organization’s unique vulnerabilities. This award-winning ML engine utilizes Smart-Assign to allocate simulations to specific departments, ensuring that every employee receives training that directly addresses their potential weak points.

The personalized nature of the simulations, combined with location-based content personalization, makes employees feel that the training speaks their language, fostering a sense of empowerment and active participation. BLAST provides advanced analytics that offers deep insights into employee performance, susceptibility levels, and overall security posture.

Who is it recommended for?

This package automates the process of risk assessment and flows through to training course planning. Each employee gets a tailored course that relates directly to daily activity. The automation in this package reduces the workload of IT support departments, so CybeReady improves security provision efficiency within a business.

BLAST goes beyond basic training by leveraging risk-based programs. It automatically enrolls employees in specialized training based on their performance, ensuring that those who need additional guidance receive it. The sophistication of the system also allows for the adjustment of phishing content and difficulty levels according to the training group’s requirements, fostering a more effective learning curve that aligns with their skill progression.

11. VIPRE Inspired eLearning PhishProof

Inspired eLearning’s PhishProof is an ingenious anti-phishing simulator tool designed to empower organizations with the tools they need to combat phishing attacks effectively. Inspired eLearning has meticulously developed PhishProof to encompass all four primary phishing attack vectors – email, phone, text, and USB baiting.

Key Features:

• Phishing simulator
• Training results testing
• Standard compliance training

Why do we recommend it?

VIPRE Inspired eLearning PhishProof is one of the facilities available on the Inspired eLearning platform. This is a phishing simulator that challenges end users and VIPRE recommends that administrators set up each employee with a phishing test once a month. The platform also provides videos that explain security risks to end users.

PhishProof delivers an all-encompassing experience, allowing organizations of any size to execute, evaluate, and enhance their phishing readiness within a single unified platform. One of the hallmarks of PhishProof lies in its user-friendly dashboard, complete with granular reporting. This feature provides detailed insights into the effectiveness of each simulation, allowing organizations to gauge their vulnerability and tailor their training accordingly.

Who is it recommended for?

The Inspired eLearning platform is able to challenge employees with its PhishProof tool. The training courses on the platform are delivered as videos and it is possible to buy each video individually or sign up for a plan that gets access to the entire library for a monthly fee. Courses include security advice for home-based and roaming workers.

A unique aspect of PhishProof is the PhishHook – an innovative suspicious email reporting tool integrated seamlessly with Outlook. This feature encourages employees to actively participate in the security process by reporting suspicious emails, thereby enhancing the organization’s collective defense. PhishProof caters to organizations at various stages of readiness, offering multiple tiers – Select, Preferred, and Elite. Each tier equips organizations with different campaign quotas, ensuring a tailored approach that suits their unique needs and growth trajectory. A free trial is available on request.