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Cybersecurity Information SecurityTop 10 Best Hacking Email Software of 2026
Top 10 list compares hacking email software for phishing training and security, with tradeoffs for teams choosing KnowBe4 and Hoxhunt.
How we ranked these tools
Gitnux editors write the brief first: the topic, the inclusion rules, and the frame for what belongs.
Agents extract product evidence with provenance, then collect written reviews and transcribe video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Hoxhunt is the best pick for security teams that want connected email defense with adaptive employee training, since it tailors follow-up lessons based on each person’s reporting behavior; dmarcian is the smarter alternative when you mainly need DMARC monitoring and rollout-to-authentication mapping without building reporting pipelines.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Hoxhunt
Adaptive employee training triggered by individual reporting behavior and real-world suspicious email reports.
Best for: Fits when security teams need connected email defense with adaptive employee training.
dmarcian
Editor pickDomain rollout tracking that ties DMARC policy changes to observed authentication outcomes across sending sources.
Best for: Fits when security teams need DMARC monitoring and enforcement readiness without building reporting pipelines.
KnowBe4
Editor pickCredential harvesting simulations that test submission behavior and drive training-driven remediation workflows.
Best for: Fits when security teams need repeatable phishing simulation with governance, not just SMTP filtering.
Comparison Table
Hoxhunt
enterprisePhishing simulation and adaptive security awareness training focused on email threats.
Adaptive employee training triggered by individual reporting behavior and real-world suspicious email reports.
Hoxhunt connects to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace through API-based post-delivery protection, then analyzes messages after delivery and supports automated remediation. The Hoxhunt Button lets employees report suspicious messages, while analyst feedback and reported samples improve detection. Administrators can configure training, campaigns, user groups, notification workflows, and connected integrations from centralized controls.
The main tradeoff is scope because Hoxhunt focuses on human-layer email defense rather than outbound email delivery or domain authentication management. It fits organizations that already use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace and need measurable reporting behavior across distributed staff. Teams seeking Mailgun, SendGrid, or Amazon SES-style sending infrastructure need a different product.
- +Adaptive training changes content based on each employee’s reporting behavior
- +Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations support post-delivery remediation
- +Employee reporting button feeds detection and incident workflows
- +Gamified feedback encourages repeated phishing reporting
- –Does not provide transactional email delivery or outbound sending infrastructure
- –Effectiveness depends on mailbox integration permissions and deployment coverage
- –Security awareness campaigns require ongoing content and governance management
- –Less suitable for teams needing outbound email authentication controls
Security awareness teams
Recurring employee phishing exercises
Higher reporting participation
Security operations teams
Post-delivery email triage
Faster user-reported remediation
Show 1 more scenario
Distributed enterprises
Behavior-based security training
More targeted training
Administrators segment users and tailor training based on individual risk and reporting patterns.
Best for: Fits when security teams need connected email defense with adaptive employee training.
dmarcian
vertical specialistDMARC management software that analyzes authentication results and guides policy enforcement.
Domain rollout tracking that ties DMARC policy changes to observed authentication outcomes across sending sources.
dmarcian is built for teams that need end-to-end DMARC monitoring, policy guidance, and mailbox-friendly reporting for email authentication posture. The core workflow centers on ingesting authentication results, surfacing actionable misalignment patterns, and helping teams move from monitoring into enforcement-ready policies.
Automation comes from recurring reports, investigative pivots, and configurable alerting tied to domain-level behavior. Governance focus shows up in how teams track rollouts across sending sources and validate changes against observed outcomes.
- +DMARC-centric investigations map authentication failures back to sending sources
- +Recurring reporting workflows reduce manual analysis time
- +Policy rollout tracking supports staged enforcement across domains
- +Alerting targets domain behavior changes rather than raw message logs
- –Focus stays on DMARC outcomes, so adjacent controls need other tooling
- –Clear governance discipline is required to manage multi-source rollouts
- –Investigation depth depends on how reporting data is configured
- –Throughput and retention constraints can limit large-tenant forensics
Best for: Fits when security teams need DMARC monitoring and enforcement readiness without building reporting pipelines.
KnowBe4
enterpriseSecurity awareness platform with phishing simulations, user training, reporting, and campaign management.
Credential harvesting simulations that test submission behavior and drive training-driven remediation workflows.
KnowBe4 focuses on credential harvesting simulation and phishing campaign execution, not just mail routing or post-delivery blocking. It combines campaign authoring, landing page simulation, and user engagement tracking with reporting and remediation workflows.
Integration depth centers on directory synchronization, user targeting, and alerting hooks for security teams that need repeatable campaign operations. Administrative controls emphasize organizational governance around who can launch campaigns and how results map to training actions.
- +Credential harvesting simulation with measurable click and submission outcomes
- +Campaign reporting ties user behavior to remediation and training actions
- +Directory-based targeting supports repeatable phishing simulation programs
- +Admin workflows support governance over campaign creation and execution
- –Not an email gateway replacement for SMTP relay hardening
- –Advanced sandbox controls for link detonation are limited versus dedicated detonation stacks
- –Custom automation depends on specific integration paths rather than a broad public API
- –Operational overhead rises when multiple business units need separate campaign policies
Best for: Fits when security teams need repeatable phishing simulation with governance, not just SMTP filtering.
Infosec IQ
enterpriseSecurity awareness platform with phishing simulations and role-based training content.
PhishSim links simulated email actions to automatic training assignments and learner risk reporting.
Infosec IQ combines phishing simulation campaign creation with a large security awareness content library. Campaigns can target selected groups, schedule recurring exercises, assign training after risky actions, and report results by learner or department. Administrative workflows support user management, campaign configuration, training assignments, and recurring measurement.
- +PhishSim supports targeted campaigns with customizable messages and landing pages
- +Training assignments can follow simulated clicks or submitted information
- +Detailed reporting separates user, group, department, and campaign results
- +Content libraries support recurring awareness programs beyond phishing exercises
- –Initial sender and domain configuration requires administrative testing
- –Advanced campaign governance can become complex across large departments
- –Reporting depth depends on consistent user grouping and enrollment data
- –The broad content catalog requires review before assigning role-specific learning
Best for: Fits when security teams need recurring simulations connected to measurable awareness training.
Sophos Email
SMBCloud and gateway email security product with anti-spam, anti-malware, impersonation, and policy controls.
Message trace forensics tied to security events, including visibility for disposition outcomes and investigation steps.
Sophos Email provides an email security gateway with inline protection for inbound and outbound messaging flows. It focuses on policy enforcement around authentication checks and targeted protections for phishing and business email compromise patterns.
- +Granular quarantine dispositions with operator-ready workflows
- +Strong message trace forensics for incident triage and investigation
- +Policy enforcement centered on authentication alignment signals
- +API and events support integration with security automation
- –Tighter governance needed to keep outbound policies consistent
- –Advanced tuning requires ongoing monitoring and feedback loops
- –Some authentication and mailbox protections depend on correct DNS setup
- –Feature depth can increase admin learning time versus simpler relays
Best for: Fits when enterprises need gateway-grade phishing and BEC controls plus investigation artifacts under centralized governance.
Microsoft Attack Simulator Training
enterpriseBuilt-in phishing simulation and user training inside Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
Microsoft Graph automation connects simulation campaigns, user targeting, training assignments, and reports within the Microsoft 365 security stack.
Security teams can target users through Microsoft 365 groups, assign simulation payloads, and measure actions such as link clicks, credential submissions, and reported messages. The Defender portal combines campaign setup, user notifications, training assignments, and reporting without requiring a separate identity directory. Credential harvesting simulation scenarios support controlled testing of employees who handle sensitive business processes.
- +Native Defender for Office 365 integration connects simulations with Microsoft 365 security data.
- +Microsoft Entra group targeting supports precise user selection and exclusion rules.
- +Custom payloads, landing pages, schedules, and training assignments support varied exercises.
- +Microsoft Graph APIs expose campaign and report resources for automation.
- –Campaigns depend on Microsoft 365 identity, permissions, and Defender portal administration.
- –External-recipient testing and independent SMTP controls are not central capabilities.
- –Advanced campaign customization is narrower than dedicated security-awareness platforms.
- –Reporting depth depends on the Microsoft 365 telemetry available for each exercise.
Best for: Fits when Microsoft 365 security teams need controlled phishing exercises tied to identity, training, and Defender reporting.
PhishingBox
SMBPhishing simulation software for campaign creation, landing pages, reporting, and employee testing.
Credential-harvesting and link-interaction based phishing simulation tracking tied to each campaign run.
PhishingBox focuses on credential-harvesting simulation and phishing simulation workflows for internal user training. It includes campaign creation, target selection, and post-delivery tracking so administrators can measure failure points and repeat remediation.
- +Built for phishing simulation campaigns with end-user interaction capture
- +Campaign templates speed up repeated exercises across teams
- +Admin reporting links user outcomes to specific campaign runs
- +Training workflows support iterative improvement after each campaign
- –Limited fit for inbox protection workflows beyond simulation needs
- –Integrations and automation depend on its specific API and connectors
- –Sandboxing depth for payload detonation is not its primary focus
- –Quarantine release style workflows are less relevant than in gateways
Best for: Fits when security teams need repeatable phishing simulations and outcome reporting for user training and remediation.
CybeReady
enterpriseSecurity awareness platform that delivers phishing simulations, adaptive training, and risk analytics.
Simulation delivery controls that keep test targeting and mailbox outcomes consistent across campaigns.
CybeReady targets organizations that need controlled phishing simulation workflows and post-delivery hygiene for security teams. The product centers on campaign execution, inbox targeting logic, and operational controls that support repeatable training cycles.
- +Phishing campaign workflow supports repeatable security training runs
- +API-oriented automation fits centralized security operations
- +Targeted mailbox handling reduces cross-campaign contamination
- +Execution controls help keep simulation outcomes consistent
- –Admin workflow breadth lags message-integration suites like SES and SendGrid
- –Limited visibility compared with dedicated email gateway telemetry tools
- –Higher effort to align simulation logic with existing mail filtering rules
- –Governance for multi-team operations takes discipline to maintain
Best for: Fits when security teams run phishing simulations and need controlled delivery handling with automation.
Abnormal Security
enterpriseCloud email security platform that detects business email compromise, account takeover, and targeted phishing.
In-workflow response handling that turns suspicious inbox events into controlled investigation and remediation steps.
Abnormal Security focuses on hacking email defense by combining inbox-level phishing detection with automated security actions tied to user and message context. It routes suspicious emails into workflows that support investigation steps like message trace analysis and controlled response options.
- +Actionable phishing workflows connect detection outcomes to operational handling
- +Message trace visibility supports forensics on suspicious inbound emails
- +Automation and API integrations fit SOC ticketing and response systems
- +Mailbox targeting views help triage likely business email compromise patterns
- –Workflow outcomes depend on consistent mailbox routing and user setup
- –Quarantine and release controls can require governance to prevent mistakes
- –Coverage details vary by environment and message path complexity
- –Deep SMTP enforcement style controls are not the primary emphasis
Best for: Fits when security teams need automated inbox triage plus response orchestration without manual investigation for every alert.
LUCY Security
vertical specialistSecurity awareness platform for phishing simulations, social engineering exercises, and user risk reporting.
Link and payload handling via controlled detonation workflows tied to disposition logic.
LUCY Security detects and disrupts credential harvesting and business email compromise attempts by analyzing inbound and outbound email behavior. The product focuses on post-delivery inspection paths that combine spoofed header analysis with recipient and interaction context to drive targeted disposition actions.
- +API-first enforcement integration with investigation and action orchestration
- +Sandboxed detonation for malicious payload and link handling workflows
- +Message trace forensics for disposition decisions and operator review
- +Outbound and inbound coverage geared toward compromise patterns
- –Requires disciplined policy setup to avoid noisy quarantines
- –Limited visibility into upstream SMTP relays compared with gateway-only tools
- –Advanced workflow configuration takes time for large org rollout
- –Fine-grained per-recipient behavior tuning needs careful testing
Best for: Fits when security teams need automated post-delivery defense plus investigation traces.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 hacking email software, Hoxhunt stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Hacking Email Software
This buyer's guide covers hacking email software with tool-level capabilities for simulation, post-delivery protection, and inbox response orchestration. The guide covers Infosec IQ, Microsoft Attack Simulator Training, Hoxhunt, Abnormal Security, Sophos Email, dmarcian, KnowBe4, PhishingBox, LUCY Security, and CybeReady.
The evaluation centers on integration depth and automation surface within security operations, including how Infosec IQ links PhishSim outcomes to training assignments and how Microsoft Attack Simulator Training uses Microsoft Graph to connect campaigns to identity targeting and reporting. A fast ranking section prioritizes Mailgun, SendGrid, and Amazon SES because these tools anchor API-driven outbound email infrastructure used in controlled testing and delivery pipelines.
Hacking Email Software for phishing simulation, post-delivery defense, and inbox response automation
Hacking email software uses repeatable phishing simulation campaigns, inbox or mailbox event handling, and training or remediation workflows to measure user behavior and reduce business email compromise risk. Infosec IQ ties simulated email actions to automatic training assignments and learner risk reporting so security teams can connect outcomes to follow-up remediation.
Some platforms also emphasize operational handling after a suspicious email event by routing message events into investigation and response steps. Abnormal Security focuses on in-workflow response handling that turns suspicious inbox events into controlled remediation steps and adds message trace visibility for forensics and disposition outcomes.
Simulation-to-response integration, automation control, and message trace visibility
Hacking email software succeeds when simulation outcomes drive measurable downstream actions, not when exercises stay isolated from training and remediation workflows. Infosec IQ links PhishSim links simulated email actions to automatic training assignments and learner risk reporting so the same run can inform follow-up training and reporting.
Post-delivery handling matters when suspicious inbox events must become repeatable operational steps instead of ad hoc triage. Abnormal Security turns suspicious inbox events into controlled investigation and remediation steps and adds message trace visibility for forensics and disposition outcomes.
Training assignments tied to simulated user actions
Infosec IQ connects simulated clicks and submitted information to training assignments and learner risk reporting for measurable awareness remediation. KnowBe4 adds credential harvesting simulation that tests submission behavior and ties campaign reporting to remediation and training actions.
Identity-aware campaign orchestration inside Microsoft 365
Microsoft Attack Simulator Training uses Microsoft Graph automation to connect simulation campaigns, user targeting, training assignments, and reporting inside the Microsoft 365 security stack. It also supports Entra group targeting with precise user selection and exclusion rules for controlled exercises.
In-workflow inbox triage that drives remediation steps
Abnormal Security provides in-workflow response handling that converts suspicious inbox events into controlled investigation and remediation steps. Sophos Email pairs centralized gateway-style governance with message trace forensics that show disposition outcomes and investigation artifacts.
Forensics-grade message trace tied to disposition outcomes
Sophos Email emphasizes message trace forensics tied to security events, including visibility for disposition outcomes and investigation steps. Abnormal Security supplements triage workflows with message trace visibility for forensics on suspicious inbound emails.
DMARC rollout visibility and authentication-outcome mapping
dmarcian ties DMARC policy changes to observed authentication outcomes across sending sources for DMARC-centric investigations. This support reduces manual analysis time by running recurring reporting workflows focused on DMARC outcomes.
API-oriented enforcement and sandboxed payload or link handling
LUCY Security provides API-first enforcement integration with investigation and action orchestration and runs sandboxed detonation workflows for malicious payload and link handling. PhishingBox focuses on phishing simulation tracking tied to each campaign run with end-user interaction capture and campaign templates for repeated exercises.
Choose by workflow model: training-linked simulations, inbox response orchestration, or DMARC-centric rollout control
The main selection split is workflow model. Infosec IQ and KnowBe4 center on simulation-to-training outcomes, while Abnormal Security and Sophos Email center on inbox response orchestration and message trace forensics.
The second split is where control and targeting live. Microsoft Attack Simulator Training relies on Microsoft Graph automation and Microsoft 365 identity admin setup, while dmarcian focuses on DMARC monitoring and enforcement readiness without building reporting pipelines for adjacent controls.
Map simulation goals to the training linkage depth
If the requirement is measurable awareness remediation that follows simulated clicks or submissions, prioritize Infosec IQ because Training assignments can follow simulated clicks or submitted information and learner risk reporting connects outcomes to follow-up. If the requirement includes credential harvesting behavior testing with training-driven remediation workflows, prioritize KnowBe4 because it centers on credential harvesting simulation and user submission outcomes.
Decide whether the product must orchestrate inbox response steps
If suspicious inbox events must trigger controlled investigation and remediation steps inside the same operational workflow, prioritize Abnormal Security because it provides in-workflow response handling tied to message trace visibility. If disposition tracking and investigation artifacts must be produced for centralized governance, prioritize Sophos Email because it provides granular quarantine dispositions with operator-ready workflows and strong message trace forensics.
Lock targeting and automation strategy to the identity platform
If Microsoft 365 identity and Defender reporting integration drive the exercise workflow, prioritize Microsoft Attack Simulator Training because Microsoft Graph automation connects campaigns, targeting, training assignments, and reports within the Microsoft 365 security stack. If the exercise must feed adaptive training based on employee reporting behavior, prioritize Hoxhunt because adaptive employee training changes content based on each employee’s reporting behavior.
Pick DMARC rollout control when authentication outcomes must be explained by sending-source behavior
If DMARC monitoring and enforcement readiness are the primary workstream, prioritize dmarcian because it maps DMARC policy changes to observed authentication outcomes across sending sources. If the requirement includes not just DMARC outcomes but broader inbound inbox triage and remediation orchestration, choose a workflow-first inbox product like Abnormal Security instead.
Select sandboxed detonation only when post-delivery payload handling is part of the workflow
If the requirement includes API-first enforcement integration with investigation and action orchestration plus sandboxed detonation for malicious payload and link handling, prioritize LUCY Security. If the requirement is repeatable phishing simulation with end-user interaction capture and templates across teams, prioritize PhishingBox instead.
Security teams and operators who need simulation-to-training linkage or inbox-response orchestration
Security teams need this software when phishing simulation must produce operationally actionable outcomes, like training assignments and remediation workflows, instead of standalone training metrics. Teams also need inbox response automation when suspicious email events must move quickly into investigation and controlled remediation.
Different tools fit different operational shapes, such as Microsoft 365 identity-driven simulation, adaptive training triggered by user reporting, or DMARC-centric investigations tied to sending sources.
Security awareness programs that require measurable training follow-through
Infosec IQ fits organizations that want PhishSim actions linked to automatic training assignments and learner risk reporting, and KnowBe4 fits programs that need credential harvesting simulation tied to remediation workflows.
Microsoft 365 security teams running identity-scoped phishing exercises
Microsoft Attack Simulator Training fits teams that run controlled phishing exercises using Microsoft Graph automation, Entra group targeting, and Defender for Office 365 integration.
SOC and mailbox operations teams that need automated inbox triage and remediation steps
Abnormal Security fits teams that want in-workflow response handling from suspicious inbox events to controlled investigation and remediation with message trace visibility. Sophos Email fits teams that require centralized quarantine disposition workflows plus message trace forensics artifacts.
Email authentication teams focused on DMARC change tracking across sending sources
dmarcian fits teams that want DMARC rollout tracking that ties DMARC policy changes to observed authentication outcomes for multi-source investigations.
Post-delivery defense teams that need sandboxed detonation and API-driven enforcement
LUCY Security fits teams that require sandboxed detonation workflows for malicious payload and link handling with API-first enforcement integration and investigation orchestration.
Common implementation and governance mistakes in hacking email workflows
Many failures come from assuming simulations or inbox workflows will work without alignment of identity, mailbox routing, and governance. Other failures come from treating sandboxed post-delivery defense as a substitute for email-gateway hardening or ignoring integration requirements.
These pitfalls show up as inconsistent targeting, noisy quarantines, or workflows that produce trace artifacts but do not translate into reliable operational handling.
Selecting inbox orchestration tools when the organization only needs outbound training simulation
Hoxhunt does not provide transactional email delivery or outbound sending infrastructure, so it can misfit teams that require SMTP relay hardening and outbound email pipeline control. Use Infosec IQ or KnowBe4 when the core requirement is training-linked simulation workflows rather than gateway-grade inbox handling.
Skipping governance planning for quarantine outcomes and multi-team routing
Sophos Email needs tighter governance to keep outbound policies consistent as teams tune advanced controls, and Abnormal Security quarantine and release controls require governance to prevent mistakes. Run operator-ready workflows with clear ownership so message trace forensics and disposition outcomes lead to consistent actions.
Underestimating dependencies on Microsoft 365 identity administration and Defender portal permissions
Microsoft Attack Simulator Training depends on Microsoft 365 identity, permissions, and Defender portal administration, so campaigns can stall without correct setup. Prepare Entra group targeting rules and permission grants before launching repeatable phishing exercises.
Treating DMARC monitoring as a full inbound protection program
dmarcian focuses on DMARC outcomes so adjacent controls need other tooling to cover inbox response orchestration. Pair it with a response workflow product like Abnormal Security when suspicious inbox events must trigger operational handling.
Using sandboxed detonation without disciplined policy setup
LUCY Security requires disciplined policy setup to avoid noisy quarantines, especially when malicious payload and link handling workflows are enabled. Establish detonation and disposition logic boundaries before scaling to wide targeting.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated simulation-to-training linkage, inbox response orchestration, and message trace forensics so workflows produce actions instead of isolated alerts. Features drove 40% of the ranking because Infosec IQ links PhishSim simulated email actions to automatic training assignments and learner risk reporting, and because that linkage shows measurable behavior-to-remediation outcomes.
Ease of use and value each drove 30% of the ranking, including how Microsoft Attack Simulator Training uses Microsoft Graph automation and Microsoft Entra group targeting to keep identity-scoped campaigns administrable. Infosec IQ separated itself by connecting simulated actions to training outcomes and reporting in a single campaign workflow rather than limiting value to either training-only simulation or inbox-only telemetry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hacking Email Software
How do Infosec IQ and PhishingBox link simulated user actions to training remediation workflows?
Which tool pairs phishing simulation automation with Microsoft Graph for reporting and campaign lifecycle control?
When should Abnormal Security be chosen over a training-first platform like KnowBe4?
How does LUCY Security handle malicious link and payload activity differently from a gateway-only email security approach?
What breaks if an email program requires tight identity targeting and Defender correlation inside Microsoft 365?
How do dmarcian and gateway tools like Sophos Email differ in DMARC-focused workstreams?
How do Hoxhunt and CybeReady differ in delivery control and post-delivery hygiene for simulation cycles?
Where does integration depth matter most for automation pipelines and case workflows?
When does a sandbox-style detonation workflow become a requirement instead of link tracking?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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