KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training Review
Professional-Grade Training for Growing Organizations
Comprehensive review of KnowBe4's security awareness training platform. Detailed analysis of features, pricing, implementation, and alternatives to help organizations make informed training decisions.
Executive Summary
Security awareness training isn't anyone's favorite part of the workday. Employees find it tedious, managers see it as a compliance checkbox, and IT teams struggle with implementation. But here's the reality that makes this training critically important: KnowBe4's 2025 industry analysis of 14.5 million users across 62,400 organizations found that 33.1% of employees will click on phishing links before receiving training.
Bottom Line Assessment
KnowBe4 delivers professional-grade security awareness training with measurable results, but the 25-user minimum and premium pricing make it suitable primarily for established organizations with dedicated training budgets.
Industry Impact Data
Key Findings
Industry Leadership Position
KnowBe4 has established itself as the industry standard, serving over 50,000 organizations worldwide as of their last announced milestone in 2022. The platform succeeds where others fail by actually changing behavior through engaging content and sophisticated automation.
Proven Behavioral Change
Organizations implementing systematic security training see dramatic improvements. KnowBe4's data shows measurable behavior change with a 40% reduction in phishing susceptibility within just 90 days of training, and an 86% reduction after one year.
Enterprise-Focused Limitations
The 25-user minimum and enterprise-focused pricing ($400+ annually minimum) exclude smaller businesses. If you're running a team under 25 people, solutions like Wizer Training offer more practical alternatives at $3-4 per user monthly with no minimums.
Engagement Over Compliance
After extensive testing, we found a platform that transforms abstract security concepts into practical, memorable guidance through brief, engaging content that employees actually absorb and apply rather than simple compliance checkbox exercises.
The Encouraging News
Organizations implementing systematic security training see dramatic improvements. KnowBe4's data shows a 40% reduction in phishing susceptibility within just 90 days of training, and an 86% reduction after one year—dropping the vulnerable population from 33.1% to just 4.1%.
The Training Reality Check
Most security training fails because it fights human nature instead of working with it. Employees don't want to spend 30 minutes learning about threats—they want to complete their actual work tasks.
The Human Factor Challenge
Traditional security training approaches fail because they ignore basic human psychology and workplace realities. Effective training must work with employee behavior patterns, not against them.
Why Traditional Training Fails vs. KnowBe4's Approach
Fighting Human Nature
Most security training fails because it fights human nature instead of working with it
KnowBe4 addresses this reality through brief, engaging content that works with employee psychology
Time Constraints
Employees don't want to spend 30 minutes learning about threats—they want to complete their actual work tasks
Training modules typically run 3-5 minutes, respecting employee time while delivering essential knowledge
Abstract Concepts
Traditional training presents abstract security concepts that don't connect to real work scenarios
Uses humor and real-world scenarios that connect directly to simulated phishing tests making consequences tangible
Practical Application
Employees struggle to apply generic security guidance to their specific work environment
Transforms abstract security concepts into practical, memorable guidance employees actually absorb and apply
What Makes Training Actually Effective
Brief Duration
3-5 minute modules respect employee time constraints
Engaging Content
Uses humor and storytelling to make security concepts memorable
Real-World Scenarios
Training directly reflects situations employees encounter in daily work
Tangible Consequences
Simulated phishing tests make training consequences real and immediate
The Bottom Line
Even basic security awareness education through YouTube videos provides more protection than nothing. However, if you're investing in formal training, it needs engaging delivery that employees actually absorb and apply.
KnowBe4 addresses this reality through brief, engaging content. Training modules typically run 3-5 minutes, use humor and real-world scenarios, and connect directly to simulated phishing tests that make consequences tangible. This approach transforms abstract security concepts into practical, memorable guidance.
Current Pricing Structure (January 2025)
KnowBe4 operates on an annual subscription model with four tiers, all requiring a minimum of 25 users:
Budget Reality
For a 25-person team, expect annual costs between $400-$712 minimum. Compare this to alternatives like Wizer Training at $900-1,200 annually for the same team size, but with greater flexibility for smaller organizations.
Subscription Tiers Comparison
Silver
Key Features
Basic training library, unlimited phishing tests
Best For
Teams needing core training functionality
Gold
Key Features
Enhanced content, email exposure checks, vishing tests
Best For
Organizations wanting broader threat coverage
Platinum
Key Features
Smart Groups, priority support, USB drive testing
Best For
Companies needing advanced targeting
Diamond
Key Features
Full training library, AIDA AI features
Best For
Enterprises requiring personalized training
Annual Cost by Team Size
| Team Size | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 users | $400 | $494 | $588 | $712 |
| 50 users | $800 | $988 | $1,175 | $1,425 |
| 100 users | $1,600 | $1,975 | $2,350 | $2,850 |
Important Pricing Considerations
25-User Minimum Requirement
All KnowBe4 tiers require a minimum of 25 users, making it unsuitable for smaller teams
Recent Price Increases
Reports indicate price increases on some subscription tiers in 2024-2025
Implementation Time Investment
Typically requires 2-4 weeks of internal time for setup and customization
Regional Pricing Variations
Pricing varies outside North America with different rates in other regions
Pricing Context & Alternatives
Important Notes: Pricing varies outside North America, and recent reports indicate price increases on some subscription tiers in 2024-2025. Implementation typically requires 2-4 weeks of internal time for setup and customization.
For organizations under 25 users, consider alternatives like Wizer Training at $3-4 per user monthly with no minimums, providing more budget-friendly options for smaller teams while still delivering effective security awareness training.
Platform Capabilities and Features
KnowBe4 maintains an extensive training library with over 1,000 modules available in 35+ languages. The content stands out not just for quantity, but for practical quality that users consistently report feels less like mandatory compliance training and more like practical education they can immediately apply.
Content Library Excellence
Extensive Module Library
Over 1,000 modules available in 35+ languages for comprehensive global coverage
Concise Training Format
Modules typically lasting 3-5 minutes to respect employee time and maintain attention
Real-World Scenarios
Content based on situations employees encounter in daily work for immediate relevance
Engaging Presentation
Incorporates humor and storytelling to make security concepts memorable and applicable
Current Threat Coverage
Including AI-generated phishing and deepfake awareness for emerging security challenges
Users consistently report that KnowBe4's content feels less like mandatory compliance training and more like practical education they can immediately apply to their daily work responsibilities.
Sophisticated Phishing Simulations
The platform provides thousands of phishing templates ranging from basic tests to sophisticated social engineering attempts. The simulations achieve effectiveness by feeling realistic enough for educational value without being so sophisticated that they damage employee trust in IT communications.
Automated Campaigns
Requiring minimal administrative management with set-and-forget functionality
Reduces IT overhead while maintaining consistent training delivery
Template Customization
Reflecting organizational communication patterns for realistic simulation
Increases educational value without damaging employee trust in IT communications
Progressive Difficulty
Adapting to user improvement over time with increasingly sophisticated tests
Maintains challenge level as employee awareness and skills develop
Automatic Remedial Training
For users who fail simulations, immediate educational intervention
Ensures learning opportunities rather than punitive consequences
AIDA: AI-Powered Enhancement
Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents
KnowBe4's newest capability, AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents), available with Diamond subscriptions, represents genuine innovation in training personalization. Early implementation data suggests AIDA significantly improves training effectiveness by delivering content when users are most receptive and need it most.
Automated Training Agent
Analyzes user behavior, role, and risk profile to automatically assign relevant training content
Users receive training targeted to their specific vulnerabilities rather than generic modules
Template Generation Agent
Creates realistic phishing templates using generative AI technology
Ensures simulations remain current with evolving attack techniques and threat landscapes
Knowledge Refresher Agent
Delivers brief review content at optimal intervals to reinforce learning
Reinforces learning without overwhelming users or creating training fatigue
Policy Quiz Agent
Generates assessments based on organizational security policies
Testing based on organizational policies rather than generic security concepts. Consider taking our [free cybersecurity assessment](/assessment) to establish baseline security posture
Implementation and Management Experience
KnowBe4's onboarding typically requires 2-4 weeks for complete deployment. The platform integrates with Active Directory for user management and supports major email systems for phishing simulation delivery.
Deployment Timeline
Complete deployment typically requires 2-4 weeks with proper planning. The administrative interface offers extensive customization options, though new administrators may find the feature depth initially overwhelming.
Deployment Process
Initial Setup
Key Activities:
Configuration & Testing
Key Activities:
Full Deployment
Key Activities:
Ongoing Administration
Minimal Daily Management
Once properly configured, KnowBe4 operates with minimal daily management requirements
Automated campaigns handle training delivery and phishing tests without constant oversight
Comprehensive Reporting
Detailed progress tracking and analytics without requiring constant administrator monitoring
Complete visibility into training effectiveness and user behavior patterns
Smart Groups Functionality
Available with Platinum tier and above for targeted training based on user attributes
Enables specialized training for different departments, roles, or risk levels
Integration Capabilities
Supports major email systems and integrates with Active Directory for seamless operation
Works within existing IT infrastructure without requiring major system changes. Learn more about [email security best practices](/email-security-guide) for comprehensive protection
Common Implementation Challenges
Learning Curve Complexity
New administrators may find the feature depth initially overwhelming
Organizations report that mastering the platform's full capabilities requires significant learning investment
Feature Utilization
The administrative interface offers extensive customization options
Full feature utilization requires dedicated time investment for training and configuration
Smart Groups Advantage
Smart Groups functionality (available with Platinum tier and above) enables targeted training based on user attributes, departmental roles, or previous performance—particularly valuable for organizations with diverse security requirements across different teams.
This feature allows administrators to customize training experiences for different risk profiles, ensuring that each user group receives content most relevant to their specific security challenges and responsibilities within the organization.
Performance and Effectiveness Data
Analysis of KnowBe4's 2025 industry benchmarking data reveals consistent improvement patterns across organizations implementing systematic security awareness training programs.
Measurable Behavior Change
KnowBe4's comprehensive data analysis demonstrates consistent and significant improvement in employee security awareness across diverse organization types and sizes, with measurable behavioral changes occurring within the first 90 days of implementation.
Key Performance Metrics
Behavioral Improvement Timeline
Baseline phishing susceptibility across 14.5 million users in 62,400 organizations
40% reduction in vulnerable employee population after initial training cycle
Continued improvement with reinforcement training and ongoing simulations
86% total reduction representing mature security awareness culture
Common Implementation Challenges
Initial Resistance
Employees may perceive increased phishing tests as punitive rather than educational
Can create negative sentiment toward security initiatives
Clear communication about educational purpose and gradual implementation
Content Fatigue
Long-term users report some training modules become repetitive after 12-18 months
Decreased engagement and potentially reduced effectiveness over time
Regular content updates and AIDA personalization for variety
Administrative Complexity
Full feature utilization requires significant learning investment
May not achieve optimal results without proper administrative training
Dedicated onboarding time and ongoing professional development
Scaling Costs
Per-user pricing becomes expensive for larger organizations compared to flat-rate alternatives
Budget constraints may limit program scope or feature utilization
ROI analysis to justify costs based on incident reduction
Industry-Scale Data Reliability
These performance metrics are derived from KnowBe4's 2025 industry analysis of 14.5 million usersacross 62,400 organizations worldwide, representing one of the most comprehensive datasets available for security awareness training effectiveness.
The consistent improvement patterns across diverse organization types, sizes, and industries provide reliable benchmarks for expected performance outcomes when implementing systematic security awareness training programs with proper commitment and resources.
Competitive Analysis and Alternatives
KnowBe4's position in the security awareness training market varies significantly based on organization size and requirements. Understanding alternatives helps organizations make informed decisions based on their specific needs, constraints, and growth trajectory.
For Organizations Under 25 Users
Wizer Training
Key Advantages:
Organizations under 25 users seeking structured training without high minimums
DIY Educational Approach
Key Advantages:
Considerations:
Very small teams or budget-constrained organizations willing to invest time
For Organizations 25-100 Users
KnowBe4 justifies premium pricing through comprehensive features and proven effectiveness in this segment:
Comprehensive Automation
Reducing administrative overhead through sophisticated campaign management
Significant time savings for IT teams managing training programs
Advanced Personalization
Improving training effectiveness and retention through targeted content delivery
Higher engagement rates and better behavioral change outcomes
Enterprise-Grade Reporting
Satisfying compliance requirements with detailed analytics and documentation
Audit readiness and comprehensive visibility into security posture
Documented Track Record
Measurable behavioral improvements with industry-validated effectiveness data
Proven ROI with 86% reduction in vulnerable population over one year
For Enterprise Organizations (100+ users)
Primary Competitors
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
Direct enterprise competitor with similar feature depth
Cofense PhishMe
Specialized phishing simulation with enterprise features
KnowBe4 Key Differentiators
Larger Content Library
More extensive training modules with more frequent updates addressing current threats
1,000+ modules in 35+ languages vs. smaller libraries from competitors
AI-Powered Personalization
More sophisticated AI-powered personalization capabilities through AIDA system
Advanced behavioral analysis and automatic content assignment
Infrastructure Integration
Enhanced integration with existing security infrastructure and workflows
Seamless operation within established enterprise security ecosystems
Behavioral Change Focus
Stronger focus on measurable behavioral change rather than simple compliance completion
86% reduction in vulnerable population vs. completion-focused metrics
Market Position Summary
KnowBe4 competes directly with Proofpoint Security Awareness Training and Cofense PhishMe in the enterprise segment, but distinguishes itself through a larger content library with more frequent updates, more sophisticated AI-powered personalization capabilities, and enhanced integration with existing security infrastructure.
The platform's stronger focus on measurable behavioral change rather than simple compliance completion makes it particularly valuable for organizations seeking demonstrable security improvement rather than just audit checkbox satisfaction.
Decision Framework and Recommendations
Selecting the right security awareness training approach depends on organizational size, budget, requirements, and strategic priorities. This framework helps evaluate whether KnowBe4 aligns with your specific situation and constraints.
Choose KnowBe4 if:
Organization Size
Your organization has 25+ employees requiring security training
Budget Allocation
Budget allows for $400+ annual minimum investment
Efficiency Priority
Administrative efficiency and automation justify premium pricing
Compliance Requirements
Comprehensive reporting supports compliance or audit requirements
Outcome Focus
Measurable behavior change takes priority over cost optimization
Consider alternatives if:
Small Team Size
Team size falls below 25 users
Explore Wizer Training or similar solutions with no minimum requirements
Budget Constraints
Budget constraints prioritize cost-effectiveness over advanced features
Consider DIY approach or lower-cost alternatives for basic awareness
Simple Requirements
Simple awareness delivery meets current organizational requirements
YouTube videos and free resources may provide adequate coverage
Internal Capacity
Internal resources can effectively manage DIY training coordination
Curate and deliver training using available staff and free resources, or follow our [small business cybersecurity checklist](/small-business-cybersecurity-checklist) for systematic implementation
Implement basic awareness if:
Budget Limitations
Organization lacks budget for formal training solutions
Implement curated YouTube videos and free security awareness content
Significant security improvement over no training at minimal cost
Leadership Uncertainty
Leadership support for training initiatives remains uncertain
Start with free resources to demonstrate value before budget requests
Prove training effectiveness to build case for future investment
Immediate Need
Need quick security awareness improvement while evaluating platforms
Deploy basic awareness materials while researching formal solutions
Immediate risk reduction while maintaining evaluation timeline
Decision Comparison Matrix
| Decision Factor | KnowBe4 | Alternatives | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organization Size | 25+ users required | Any size supported | High |
| Annual Budget | $400+ minimum | $300-1,200 or free | High |
| Feature Sophistication | Enterprise-grade automation | Basic to moderate | Medium |
| Implementation Time | 2-4 weeks setup | Hours to 1 week | Medium |
| Behavioral Change Data | 86% reduction proven | Limited data available | High |
Essential Principle
Remember: even basic security awareness education through YouTube videos provides meaningful protection improvement over no training. The most important principle is to implement whatever security awareness training you can sustain and maintain consistently.
Don't let perfect become the enemy of good—even basic awareness education significantly improves organizational security posture compared to no training, while you evaluate long-term solutions that fit your budget and requirements.
Implementation Strategy
Successful KnowBe4 implementation follows a structured three-phase approach, progressing from basic functionality to advanced personalization and comprehensive threat simulation capabilities.
Strategic Implementation Approach
This phased approach ensures sustainable deployment, allows for organizational adaptation, and maximizes the platform's sophisticated capabilities through progressive feature adoption and optimization based on real performance data.
Foundation Phase
Phase Objectives
Baseline Assessment
Deploy initial phishing simulation to measure organization's current vulnerability
Establish benchmark for measuring improvement over time
Core Campaign Setup
Configure essential training modules addressing your organization's primary threat vectors
Automated delivery of relevant security awareness content
Automation Configuration
Set up automated scheduling and delivery systems to reduce administrative overhead
Self-managing training system requiring minimal daily intervention
Success Metrics Definition
Establish KPIs beyond completion rates focusing on behavioral change indicators
Clear measurement framework for training effectiveness and ROI
Optimization Phase
Phase Objectives
Performance Analysis
Review training completion rates, phishing test results, and behavioral change data
Data-driven insights for program optimization and targeted interventions
Template Customization
Develop organization-specific phishing templates matching internal communication patterns
More realistic and effective phishing simulations improving training relevance
Smart Groups Deployment
Implement targeted training groups based on role, department, or risk profile
Personalized training experiences addressing specific user group needs
Security Integration
Connect training programs with incident response and broader security initiatives
Coordinated security posture with training supporting overall security strategy
Advanced Implementation
Phase Objectives
AIDA Activation
Deploy AI-powered personalization for automated content assignment and optimization
Intelligent training delivery adapting to individual user behavior and needs
Custom Content Development
Create organization-specific training modules addressing unique industry risks
Highly relevant training content reflecting actual organizational threat landscape
Executive Reporting
Develop comprehensive dashboards demonstrating security improvement and ROI
Clear business value demonstration supporting continued investment
Comprehensive Simulations
Expand beyond email phishing to include voice phishing and physical security testing
Complete security awareness coverage addressing multiple attack vectors
Key Implementation Principles
Start with Baseline Measurement
Always begin with initial assessment to establish improvement benchmarks
Enables data-driven optimization and demonstrates ROI to stakeholders
Prioritize Automation
Configure automated systems early to reduce ongoing administrative burden
Ensures program sustainability and consistent delivery without manual oversight
Focus on Behavioral Change
Measure success through vulnerability reduction rather than completion rates
Aligns training outcomes with actual security improvement objectives
Iterate Based on Data
Use performance analytics to continuously refine and improve program effectiveness
Maximizes training impact and addresses specific organizational weak points
Implementation Timeline Summary
Foundation Phase
Baseline, core setup, automation
Optimization Phase
Analysis, customization, targeting
Advanced Implementation
AI features, custom content, comprehensive testing
Final Assessment
KnowBe4 succeeds because it treats security awareness training as a systematic business process rather than a simple compliance exercise. The platform's combination of engaging content, effective automation, and measurable results justifies its premium positioning for organizations meeting its minimum requirements.
Why KnowBe4 Succeeds
Systematic Business Process
KnowBe4 succeeds because it treats security awareness training as a systematic business process rather than a simple compliance exercise
Transforms training from checkbox activity to measurable business protection
Engaging Content & Automation
The platform's combination of engaging content, effective automation, and measurable results justifies its premium positioning
Higher employee engagement leading to actual behavioral change
Proven Behavioral Change
Documented track record of behavioral change—reducing vulnerable populations from 33.1% to 4.1%
Tangible business protection with industry-validated effectiveness data
Organizational Resilience
For teams with 25+ employees and adequate training budgets, delivers genuine value through reduced security incidents
Improved organizational resilience against human-factor security threats
Important Limitations
25-User Minimum Exclusion
Excludes many small businesses that would benefit from structured security training
These organizations should explore alternatives like Wizer Training or start with our [cybersecurity on budget guide](/cybersecurity-on-budget-guide) while building toward more comprehensive training solutions
Enterprise Pricing Model
Premium pricing may not align with smaller organizations' budget constraints and priorities
Consider cost-effective alternatives and plan to graduate to KnowBe4 as organization grows and training budget expands
Supporting Effectiveness Data
Our Recommendations
Meets Minimum Requirements
Organization has 25+ users and can justify the investment
KnowBe4 represents the most effective security awareness training platform currently available
Proven effectiveness, comprehensive features, and measurable ROI justify premium investment
Smaller Teams or Budget Constraints
Under 25 users or limited training budget
Start with alternatives and plan to graduate to KnowBe4 as organization grows
Build security awareness foundation while developing toward more sophisticated platform capabilities
Immediate Need with Limited Resources
Need immediate security improvement without formal platform budget
Implement basic awareness education using available resources while evaluating long-term solutions
Even basic training provides significant security improvement compared to no training
The Most Important Principle
Implement whatever security awareness training you can sustain and maintain. Don't let perfect become the enemy of good—even basic awareness education significantly improves organizational security posture compared to no training.
Whether you choose KnowBe4, alternatives like Wizer Training, or start with curated free resources, the critical factor is consistent implementation and genuine commitment to improving your organization's human security layer.
Final Verdict
If your organization meets KnowBe4's minimum requirements and can justify the investment,it represents the most effective security awareness training platform currently available. The documented track record of reducing vulnerable populations from 33.1% to 4.1% represents tangible business protection.
For smaller teams or constrained budgets, start with alternatives and plan to graduate to KnowBe4 as your organization grows. The most important step is beginning systematic security awareness training appropriate to your current situation and resources.
Ready to Assess Your Security Training Needs?
Before investing in any security awareness training platform, understand your organization's current security posture and specific training requirements.
Our assessment helps identify your specific security training gaps and provides personalized recommendations for platforms like KnowBe4 or budget-friendly alternatives.