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Top 10 AI Security Awareness Training Platforms 2025
Written by
Glenn Karpsen
Published on
Jul 23, 2025
Choosing security awareness training shouldn't feel like guesswork. Yet most organizations face exactly that when evaluating platforms. Generic marketing promises sound similar across vendors. Feature lists blur together. Pricing structures hide behind "contact sales" buttons.
The stakes are high. Companies that pick the wrong platform waste money on training that doesn't change behavior. They stay vulnerable despite checking compliance boxes. Meanwhile, 82% of data breaches still happen because someone clicks a bad link or falls for a scam.
Here's what changed in 2025. AI transformed security training from static videos into adaptive systems that learn from each employee. Platforms now scan what information about your team exists online. They generate personalized attack simulations using that real data. They predict who's most vulnerable before incidents happen.
This guide compares the top 10 platforms honestly. You'll see actual capabilities, real pricing ranges, and clear recommendations for different organization types. No marketing fluff. Just the information you need to make a smart decision.
What Makes AI-Powered Platforms Different from Traditional Training?
The old approach delivered identical content to everyone. Same videos. Same quizzes. Same generic phishing tests. This failed because different people face different risks.
Your finance manager handles wire transfers. Attackers target her with fake invoice scams. Your executive assistant manages calendars. She gets CEO impersonation attempts. Your IT staff sees technical social engineering. Generic training prepared none of them for their actual threats.
AI-powered platforms change this completely. They start by understanding individual vulnerabilities. What information about each employee exists online? Are their passwords in data breaches? Do their social media profiles reveal exploitable details? This intelligence shapes personalized training.
These systems generate adaptive simulations too. Someone who clicks every test gets easier scenarios with clearer warning signs. Someone who catches everything faces more sophisticated attacks. The training evolves with each person's skill level.
Modern platforms also expand beyond email. Attackers now call pretending to be IT support. They send text messages from spoofed numbers. They create deepfake videos that look and sound exactly like executives. Your training needs to cover all these channels.
Platform Comparison Table: Quick Reference Guide
Platform | Best For | Starting Price/User | Key Differentiator | Setup Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brightside AI | Emerging threats & personalization | $6-$46,8/year | OSINT-powered simulations + employee digital footprint access | Same day |
KnowBe4 | Large enterprises | $20-30/year | Largest content library (8,000+ items) | 2-4 weeks |
Hoxhunt | Employee engagement | $20-35/year | Adaptive gamification | 1-2 weeks |
Adaptive Security | Emerging threats | $25-40/year | Deepfake & AI attack training | 1 week |
Proofpoint | Compliance-focused | $15-25/year | Email security integration | 2-3 weeks |
SoSafe | Cultural change | $30-45/year | Behavioral psychology approach | 3-4 weeks |
Jericho Security | AI threat specialists | Custom pricing | LLM-powered red teaming | 2 weeks |
Riot | Small businesses | $10-15/year | Affordable simplicity | Same day |
Arsen | European companies | $15-25/year | GDPR compliance focus | 1 week |
Pistachio | Mobile workforces | $15-20/year | Mobile-first design | 1 week |
Brightside AI: OSINT-Powered Personalization
Most platforms guess at employee vulnerabilities based on job titles. Brightside AI doesn't guess. It scans what information about each person actually exists online.
The platform searches public websites, data breach databases, and dark web marketplaces. It finds exposed passwords, leaked email addresses, compromised phone numbers, and public social media profiles. This reveals real attack vectors, not theoretical ones.
What Brightside offers:
Digital Footprint Scanning with Privacy Protection
Continuous monitoring across six categories: personal info, data leaks, online services, interests, social connections, locations
Personal Safety Score showing individual risk levels
Detailed scan results visible only to employees through their personal portal
Company admins see only aggregated risk scores and anonymized vulnerability categories, never specific employee data
Full compliance with GDPR, California privacy rules, and international data protection standards
AI-Generated Multi-Channel Simulations
Spear phishing emails using actual employee data discovered through OSINT for maximum realism
Voice phishing (vishing) calls with AI-generated audio testing phone-based social engineering
Deepfake simulations preparing teams for video/audio manipulation attacks
Template-based simulations for standard testing scenarios
NIST Phish Scale alignment ensuring ethical, progressive difficulty
Courses
Gamified courses covering basic phishing to advanced GenAI threats and deepfakes
Self-paced modules respecting cognitive limits
Interactive learning focused on real examples and practice
Unique Advantages
Dual-purpose OSINT: Powers both personalized simulations for training AND provides employees direct visibility into their own digital vulnerabilities so they can take action to reduce exposure
4-step setup: Add employees, verify domain, whitelist system (10 minutes), create and deploy simulations
No integration required: Works immediately without API connections or complex technical implementation
Modular flexibility: Run full footprint scans for executives while enrolling all employees in training programs
Proactive data removal: Automatically removes exposed employee data from data brokers and provides guidance for securing personal accounts
Swiss-based with European quality standards and full regulatory compliance
Transparent Pricing:
Start Plan: Free (includes courses only)
Basic Plan: From $0.50/month per seat ($6/year) - adds template simulations
Pro Plan: From $1.50/month per seat ($18/year) - adds AI phishing simulations
Ultimate Plan: From $3.90/month per seat ($46.80/year) - includes vishing, deepfakes, and full digital footprint scanning
Best for: Organizations wanting training based on actual vulnerabilities rather than assumptions. Companies needing comprehensive multi-channel coverage. Security teams lacking resources for complex platform implementations. Organizations prioritizing employee empowerment through personal data visibility. European firms requiring strict GDPR compliance.
What to watch: Newer platform with smaller customer base than legacy vendors. Content library and third-party integrations still growing compared to established giants like KnowBe4, though competitive with other modern platforms. Best suited for organizations prioritizing personalized, risk-based training over breadth of pre-built content.
Key Differentiator: Only platform combining AI-powered phishing, vishing, and deepfake simulations with OSINT scanning that's accessible to both administrators (aggregated view) and employees (detailed personal view), enabling workers to see exactly what data attackers could exploit and take action to remove it.
KnowBe4: The Enterprise Standard
KnowBe4 dominates the market for good reason. They've been doing this longer than almost anyone. Their content library includes over 8,000 training modules and phishing templates. They support 40+ languages. Their compliance tools cover virtually every regulation.
Large enterprises choose KnowBe4 because it handles complexity well. Multiple business units across different countries? Different compliance requirements per region? Complex organizational hierarchies? KnowBe4's infrastructure manages this.
Core capabilities:
Content Breadth
8,000+ pre-built phishing templates
Extensive training module library covering all security topics
Regular content updates incorporating new threats
Industry-specific scenarios for healthcare, finance, retail, government
Enterprise Features
Support for 40+ languages enabling global deployment
Virtual Risk Officer (VRO) providing executive-level reporting
Phish Alert Button for easy employee threat reporting
Advanced admin controls for complex organizational structures
Integration Ecosystem
Connects with SIEM, SOAR, and GRC platforms
HRIS integration for automated user provisioning
Single Sign-On (SSO) support across identity providers
API access for custom integrations
Best for: Fortune 500 companies with multinational operations. Organizations with complex compliance requirements. Security teams managing multiple vendor relationships. Companies valuing proven track records and extensive content libraries over cutting-edge AI personalization.
What to watch: Higher cost structure than newer competitors. Limited AI-driven personalization compared to modern platforms. Primarily email-focused with developing multi-channel capabilities. May include features smaller organizations never use.
Pricing: $20-30 per user annually for standard plans; enterprise pricing negotiated based on size and requirements.
Hoxhunt: Gamification for Behavior Change
Hoxhunt took a different approach. Instead of building the biggest content library, they focused on one thing: getting employees to actually care about security training.
Their platform uses adaptive gamification. Employees earn points for catching phishing simulations. Leaderboards show top performers. Achievement badges recognize improvement. These game mechanics tap into natural competitive instincts.
But here's the smart part. The simulations adapt based on performance. Someone who clicks everything gets easier tests with obvious warning signs. Someone who catches everything faces increasingly sophisticated attacks. Nobody gets bored with tests that are too easy or frustrated by impossible challenges.
What Hoxhunt does well:
Engagement Mechanics
Points, badges, and leaderboards driving participation
Real-time coaching providing immediate feedback
Regular simulations maintaining awareness between formal training
Mobile-friendly design enabling on-the-go participation
Adaptive Learning
Difficulty adjusts based on individual performance
Simulation frequency increases for high-risk employees
Content personalizes to role and behavioral patterns
Progressive challenge prevents pattern recognition
Behavioral Analytics
Tracks how employees respond to real threats, not just tests
Correlates simulation performance with actual incident detection
Identifies high-risk individuals needing additional support
Measures behavior change over time
Best for: Organizations where employee engagement is the biggest challenge. Companies with competitive workplace cultures. Industries requiring frequent testing like finance and healthcare. Security teams focused on measurable behavior modification.
What to watch: Requires consistent employee engagement to maintain effectiveness. Limited OSINT capabilities for vulnerability assessment. Primarily email-focused with developing multi-channel offerings. May not suit organizations preferring traditional annual training.
Pricing: $20-35 per user annually; typically requires annual commitment.
Adaptive Security: Built for Emerging Threats
Adaptive Security launched specifically to address threats traditional platforms ignore. Deepfakes. Smishing. Voice spoofing. QR code attacks. AI-powered phishing. Their entire platform focuses on preparing employees for what's coming, not what happened five years ago.
The platform calculates individual risk scores based on job responsibilities, access levels, and behavioral patterns. High-risk employees get more frequent training and tougher simulations. Lower-risk employees get baseline coverage. This prioritization makes efficient use of everyone's time.
Core features:
Multi-Channel Coverage
Email phishing across sophistication levels
SMS phishing (smishing) simulations
Voice phishing with realistic call scenarios
QR code phishing (quishing) tests
Deepfake awareness training
Risk Management
Individual risk scoring prioritizing training for vulnerable employees
Customizable content library with AI Content Creator
No-code simulation deployment accessible to non-technical admins
Real-time alerts for high-risk employee behaviors
Integration Capabilities
Native SIEM integration correlating training with security events
SOAR platform connections for automated response
Ticketing system integration streamlining support
Security stack compatibility reducing vendor sprawl
Best for: Organizations prioritizing emerging threat preparedness. Security teams wanting risk-based training allocation. Companies seeking modern platforms with intuitive interfaces. Firms needing seamless security stack integration.
What to watch: Newer market entrant with smaller customer base. Limited global language support compared to established platforms. Content library still growing but competitive with other modern platforms.
Pricing: $25-40 per user annually; custom pricing for enterprise deployments.
Proofpoint: Integrated Email Security and Training
Proofpoint offers something unique: combined email security and awareness training from a single vendor. If you already use Proofpoint for email protection, adding their training platform creates useful synergies.
The email security system detects real phishing attempts targeting employees. This intelligence feeds directly into training, showing people actual threats they encountered. It's learning from real attacks, not hypothetical scenarios.
Key capabilities:
Integrated Approach
Email security and training sharing threat intelligence
Real-world attack correlation with training effectiveness
Unified vendor relationship simplifying procurement
Single dashboard for email protection and awareness metrics
Compliance Tools
Industry-specific templates for healthcare, finance, government
Automated compliance reporting for regulations
Audit trail documentation for assessors
Certification tracking for required training
Simulation Library
Extensive phishing template collection
QR code attack scenarios
USB and attachment-based simulations
Manager escalation for non-compliant employees
Best for: Organizations already using Proofpoint email security. Enterprises seeking consolidated vendor relationships. Regulated industries with strict compliance requirements. Companies prioritizing integration between email protection and training.
What to watch: Limited human risk intelligence compared to AI-native platforms. Primarily reactive rather than predictive in approach. Higher total cost when bundled with email security. Less focus on behavioral change versus compliance completion.
Pricing: $15-25 per user annually for standalone training; typically bundled with email security subscriptions.
Comparison: Which Platform Wins on Key Features?
Different organizations prioritize different capabilities. This table shows which platforms excel at what matters most to you.
Feature | Top Choice | Runner-Up | Budget Option |
---|---|---|---|
OSINT Vulnerability Scanning | Brightside AI | None comparable | N/A |
Employee Data Visibility | Brightside AI | None comparable | N/A |
Content Library Size | KnowBe4 | Proofpoint | Adaptive Security |
Employee Engagement | Hoxhunt | Brightside AI | SoSafe |
Deepfake Training | Brightside AI | Adaptive Security | Jericho Security |
Multi-Channel Simulations | Adaptive Security | Brightside AI | Hoxhunt |
Compliance Reporting | KnowBe4 | Proofpoint | SoSafe |
Ease of Deployment | Brightside AI | Riot | Pistachio |
Global Language Support | KnowBe4 | Proofpoint | Arsen |
Budget-Friendly Pricing | Brightside AI | Riot | Arsen |
AI Personalization | Brightside AI | Hoxhunt | Adaptive Security |
Third-Party Integrations | KnowBe4 | Proofpoint | Adaptive Security |
Start your free risk assessment
Our OSINT engine will reveal what adversaries can discover and leverage for phishing attacks.
The Specialized Platforms: When Do They Make Sense?
Not every organization needs comprehensive platforms. Sometimes specialized solutions fit specific needs better.
Jericho Security focuses exclusively on AI-powered attack techniques. If your organization builds or uses AI/ML systems internally, their LLM-powered red teaming exercises provide unique value. Tech companies and security-focused firms appreciate the technical depth. However, you'll likely need complementary general awareness training.
SoSafe takes a cultural approach rather than compliance focus. They measure organizational security maturity and track cultural evolution over time. European companies particularly value their GDPR compliance and behavioral psychology foundation. The tradeoff is longer timeframes to demonstrate ROI.
Riot, Arsen, and Pistachio serve specific market segments well. Riot streamlines features for small businesses needing affordable, easy-to-deploy solutions. Arsen dominates the French market with localized content for European industries. Pistachio provides mobile-first training for distributed workforces.
These specialized platforms work when their specific strength matches your primary need and budget allows complementary solutions for gaps.
How to Choose: Decision Framework
Answer these questions to narrow your choices:
What's your organization size?
Under 100: Consider Brightside AI, Riot, or Adaptive Security
100-1,000: Look at Brightside AI, Hoxhunt, or KnowBe4
Over 1,000: Evaluate KnowBe4, Proofpoint, Brightside AI, or SoSafe
What's your primary goal?
Risk-based personalization: Brightside AI
Compliance documentation: KnowBe4 or Proofpoint
Behavior change: Hoxhunt or Brightside AI
Employee empowerment: Brightside AI
Cultural transformation: SoSafe
What's your security maturity level?
Beginning: KnowBe4, Proofpoint, or Riot
Intermediate: Hoxhunt, Adaptive Security, or Brightside AI
Advanced: Brightside AI, Jericho Security, or Adaptive Security
What resources do you have?
Limited IT resources: Brightside AI (4-step setup), Riot, or Pistachio
Strong security team: Any platform
Need extensive integrations: KnowBe4 or Proofpoint
What's your budget range?
Under $10/user: Brightside AI Basic ($6/year) or Riot
$10-25/user: Brightside AI Pro, Arsen, or Proofpoint
$25-35/user: Hoxhunt, KnowBe4, or Adaptive Security
Over $35/user: Brightside AI Ultimate, SoSafe or premium KnowBe4 packages
What threats worry you most?
Traditional phishing: Any platform
Deepfakes and AI attacks: Brightside AI, Adaptive Security, or Jericho Security
Multi-channel threats: Brightside AI or Adaptive Security
Employee personal vulnerabilities: Brightside AI (only platform providing employee data visibility)
Do you need integrations with existing security tools?
Extensive integrations required: KnowBe4 or Proofpoint
Minimal integration needs: Brightside AI, Riot, or Pistachio
Security stack consolidation: Adaptive Security or Proofpoint
What to Do Next
Start by understanding your actual vulnerabilities. What information about your employees exists online? Are passwords compromised? Is personal data exposed? Brightside AI offers free company vulnerability scans that reveal organizational exposure before you commit to any platform.
Request demonstrations from your top three choices. During demos, ask these specific questions:
How does the platform identify individual employee vulnerabilities?
What threat channels does training cover beyond email?
How quickly can we deploy to our organization?
What integration requirements exist?
How do you measure behavior change versus completion?
What ongoing admin time does management require?
How do you handle employee data privacy?
Pilot with a small group before organization-wide rollout. Select 10-15% of employees representing different departments and risk levels. Run simulations for one month. Gather detailed feedback on what works and what confuses people.
Measure outcomes that matter. Track phishing click rates over time. Monitor threat reporting increases. Watch real security incident numbers. Calculate ROI based on prevented breach costs, not training completion percentages.
The right platform transforms employees from vulnerabilities into defenders. Companies implementing modern AI-powered training see 68% reductions in phishing susceptibility. They achieve 37 times return on investment. They avoid breaches that cost an average of $3.8 million.
Your choice matters. Generic training wastes money while leaving gaps attackers exploit. Personalized, adaptive, multi-channel training builds genuine protection.
Brightside AI offers a unique combination of powerful features for organizations seeking comprehensive risk-based training:
OSINT-powered simulations using actual employee data discovered online
Multi-channel coverage including AI phishing, vishing, and deepfake training
Employee empowerment through personal digital footprint visibility and proactive data removal
Simple 4-step deployment without complex integrations
Transparent pricing starting at $6 per user annually with flexible plans
Privacy-first approach with detailed data visible only to employees, aggregated metrics for admins
Swiss quality standards with full GDPR and international data protection compliance
The question isn't whether you need better security awareness training. Research proves you do. The question is which platform combination of features, ease of use, and pricing will best protect your organization in 2025 and beyond.
Start with a free vulnerability assessment to see where your team is most exposed, then choose the platform that addresses your specific risks while respecting your budget and technical constraints.