KnowBe4: Cybersecurity Awareness Training and Human Risk Management Platform
KnowBe4 is one of the most trusted platforms in cybersecurity awareness training and human risk management, helping organizations reduce risks caused by human error. It provides powerful tools like phishing simulations, real-time coaching, and compliance tracking to strengthen employee awareness. With its engaging training content and AI-powered insights, KnowBe4 empowers businesses to build a security-first culture and protect against modern cyber threats.
What is KnowBe4?
KnowBe4 is one of the world’s leading cybersecurity awareness training and human risk management platforms. It is designed to help organizations protect themselves against social engineering, phishing, and other human-focused security threats that technology alone cannot solve.
A Quick Introduction
Founded in 2010 by Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 has rapidly grown into a global security awareness powerhouse. The platform focuses on reducing human error, which is often considered the weakest link in cybersecurity. Today, over 70,000 organizations worldwide rely on KnowBe4 to strengthen their workforce and reduce the risk of costly data breaches.
Key Features of KnowBe4
1. Security Awareness Training
KnowBe4 offers one of the world’s largest security awareness training libraries, available in multiple languages. Organizations can assign courses, videos, and interactive modules that are updated regularly to reflect real-world threats. Training is personalized to employees’ risk levels, making it far more effective than traditional one-size-fits-all learning.
2. Phishing Simulations
To ensure training sticks, KnowBe4 allows administrators to run simulated phishing attacks. These tests mimic real-life scenarios and help employees practice spotting malicious emails before they fall victim to them. Over time, these simulations significantly reduce the “phish-prone percentage” of a workforce.
3. Cloud Email Security
Beyond awareness training, KnowBe4 provides additional security layers for Microsoft 365 and other platforms. Their cloud email security modules block phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and other threats before they reach inboxes.
4. PhishER Platform
PhishER enables IT and security teams to respond to reported phishing emails quickly. By automating much of the investigation and response process, organizations save valuable time and prevent threats from spreading internally.
5. SecurityCoach
This feature delivers real-time coaching whenever risky behavior is detected. For example, if an employee tries to click a suspicious link, they can immediately receive a short, tailored security reminder. This constant reinforcement helps build long-term habits.
6. Compliance Plus
KnowBe4 also helps businesses meet compliance requirements by tracking policy acknowledgments, employee certifications, and training completion. This makes it easier to demonstrate compliance during audits.
Benefits of Using KnowBe4
Reduced Risk of Human Error
Organizations using KnowBe4 typically see a significant drop in employee susceptibility to phishing and social engineering attacks. Studies show that within 12 months, the average phish-prone percentage drops from around 30% to under 5%.
Cost Savings
By lowering the chances of a successful cyberattack, companies save hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential losses. Independent reports highlight that organizations save both in terms of direct breach costs and reduced compliance penalties.
Behavior Change
Unlike simple security reminders, KnowBe4 focuses on long-term behavioral change. Employees begin to treat cybersecurity as a daily habit rather than an occasional responsibility. This shift builds a stronger security culture across the organization.
Recent Developments
New Leadership
KnowBe4 recently appointed Joel Kemmerer as Chief Information Officer. With decades of experience in IT leadership, his role focuses on driving global expansion, digital transformation, and innovation.
Insider Threat Case
The company also made headlines when it uncovered and dismissed an employee linked to a North Korean insider scheme. This incident highlighted the growing importance of monitoring insider threats alongside external cyberattacks.
Expanding Capabilities
In recent years, KnowBe4 acquired additional companies to strengthen its AI-driven email security and training solutions. These acquisitions signal the company’s commitment to staying ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Why Businesses Choose KnowBe4
- Scalability – Works for small businesses and large enterprises alike.
- Ease of Use – Automated administration and intuitive dashboards simplify management.
- Proven Results – Demonstrated reduction in phishing vulnerability and human risk.
- Global Reach – Content available in over 30 languages to support diverse workforces.
- Innovation – Continuous updates, AI-powered insights, and modern training methods.
Comparison with Traditional Training
Traditional training often relies on generic, one-time sessions that employees quickly forget. KnowBe4, on the other hand, delivers continuous, interactive, and gamified learning experiences. With simulated phishing, real-time coaching, and adaptive content, employees stay engaged and retain critical cybersecurity knowledge far better than in outdated training models.
Case Study Highlights
- Financial Sector: A global bank reduced phishing click-rates by 85% within one year.
- Healthcare: A hospital system cut human error-related incidents nearly in half after rolling out KnowBe4 across all staff.
- Retail: A major retailer saw training completion rates rise significantly due to KnowBe4’s engaging and multilingual content.
Future of KnowBe4
With increasing cyber threats, the future of KnowBe4 lies in deeper integration of artificial intelligence and advanced behavioral analytics. The platform is expected to expand beyond phishing defense into broader human risk management, making it indispensable for companies navigating the modern threat landscape.
Summary Table
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Security Awareness Training | Engaging, multilingual training modules to build strong habits |
| Phishing Simulations | Real-world practice to lower employee risk |
| Cloud Email Security | Blocks malicious emails before reaching inboxes |
| PhishER | Faster response to reported phishing attempts |
| SecurityCoach | Real-time, personalized coaching to reinforce learning |
| Compliance Plus | Simplifies compliance tracking and reporting |
Conclusion
KnowBe4 is more than just a training tool—it is a complete human risk management solution. By combining education, testing, and advanced security tools, it transforms employees from potential vulnerabilities into a strong line of defense. For organizations of all sizes, investing in KnowBe4 means investing in long-term resilience, reduced cyber risk, and a culture of security awareness.
