Security awareness training

Security awareness training teaches staff to recognize scams and handle them safely: a fake login page, a rushed request for a wire transfer, a phone call from someone claiming to be IT support. Filters stop most bad email, and the rest lands in front of a person. Training is how a small business improves the odds that the person pauses, checks and reports instead of clicking.

Most tools here combine two parts. The first is short lessons: videos, interactive modules and quizzes on topics such as phishing, passwords, safe browsing and handling customer data. The second is simulated phishing, where the tool sends practice emails that look like real attacks and records who opens, clicks, enters a password or reports the message. People who fall for a simulation are usually shown a short lesson on the spot.

AI shows up in a few places. Some tools pick training and simulations for each person based on their results and role. Some use language models to write simulation emails that match current scams. Newer products train staff against voice and video deepfakes, where an attacker clones an executive's voice to ask for a payment over the phone, a risk small companies with a known owner face too.

The habit that matters most is reporting. A staff member who clicks and then reports right away limits the damage far more than one who hides it. Look for a simple report button in Outlook or Gmail, and check what happens to reported messages. Some tools here can scan reports and pull matching messages from every inbox.

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9 AI security tools in security awareness training

KnowBe4

Security awareness training and simulated phishing platform with a large content library and tools for reported emails.

Works with Microsoft 365

usecure

Automated awareness training, phishing simulation and policy sign-off for small companies, sold largely through MSPs.

Works with Microsoft 365
Works with Google Workspace
Multi-tenant console for MSPs

NINJIO

Awareness training built around short animated episodes based on real attacks, plus phishing simulation and coaching.

Multi-tenant console for MSPs

Adaptive Security

Training and simulations for AI-driven scams, including deepfake voice and video calls that imitate company leaders.

Wizer

Short, plain security awareness videos and phishing simulations aimed at small businesses and their non-technical staff.

Multi-tenant console for MSPs
Free plan or free edition

Living Security

Human risk management platform that scores staff risk from security tool data and targets training where it matters.

CyberHoot

Awareness training that teaches with positive practice emails instead of trick phishing tests, aimed at small firms and MSPs.

Multi-tenant console for MSPs

Keepnet

by Keepnet Labs

Human risk platform with phishing, voice and text message simulations, training and a button for reporting suspicious mail.

SoSafe

Awareness training with short interactive lessons and phishing simulations, plus an AI assistant staff can ask about suspicious messages.

Think about how results will be used before you start. Simulations that publicly shame people or lead to punishment teach staff to stay quiet about mistakes. Agree with leadership that results are for coaching, keep campaigns fair, and avoid lures that cause real distress, such as fake bonus or layoff notices.

When you compare tools, check the content style and length against your staff. A short, plain video works better for a busy front desk than a long course. Check language options if you have staff who work in another language, whether lessons work on phones, and how much admin time each campaign takes. Many small companies want tools that run on their own once set up.

Also check reporting for compliance. Insurers, auditors and some customers ask for proof that staff completed training. Most tools export completion records, and some include policy sign-off, so staff can read and accept your acceptable use policy in the same place.

Training reduces risk and does not remove it. Even well-trained people click on a good lure when they are tired or rushed, so pair training with email filtering, multi-factor login and a payment approval process that does not rely on one person spotting a fake.

Questions about security awareness training

How often should staff do security awareness training?

Many companies run a short lesson each month or quarter and send simulated phishing on a regular schedule, with a longer session at onboarding. Short and frequent tends to work better than one long annual course, and it keeps current scams in front of people.

Are phishing simulations fair to employees?

They can be, if they are used for coaching and not punishment. Tell staff simulations will happen, avoid lures that cause real distress, and reward reporting. Use results to see where more training is needed, and keep them away from performance reviews.

Can training cover phone and deepfake scams?

Some tools here now include voice and video simulations and lessons on deepfake calls, where an attacker imitates a leader's voice. The strongest defense is a process: payment or access requests made by phone are confirmed through a second, known channel.

Do insurers ask for security awareness training?

Many cyber insurance applications ask whether staff receive security training and phishing simulations. Most tools here export completion records you can share. Check your own policy and application for the exact wording.