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Cybersecurity Information SecurityTop 10 Best Phishing Training Software of 2026
Ranking roundup of phishing training software for teams, comparing Proofpoint, Hoxhunt, and Microsoft Attack Simulation with key tradeoffs.
How we ranked these tools
An editor sets the topic, the inclusion criteria, and the evaluation framework before research starts.
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Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is the best fit for security teams that need governance-ready phishing simulation and measurable risk outcomes, whereas Hook Security works well for smaller teams wanting controlled campaigns and fast user reporting workflows without enterprise overhead.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
Outcome-driven training assignment connects each simulated message result to the next training step in the program.
Best for: Fits when security teams need outcome-based training governance tied to repeated phishing simulations.
Hoxhunt
Editor pickRisk-based remedial training that routes users into the next training step based on simulation outcomes.
Best for: Fits when security teams need repeat phishing campaigns with structured remedial follow-up and behavior reporting.
Microsoft Attack Simulation Training
Editor pickAttack Simulation and training outcomes are managed through Microsoft security admin workflows tied to tenant identity.
Best for: Fits when Microsoft 365-centric teams need scheduled phishing training tied to identity-scoped reporting.
Comparison Table
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
enterpriseSecurity awareness training provides phishing simulations, education, and risk measurement.
Outcome-driven training assignment connects each simulated message result to the next training step in the program.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is built around controlled phishing simulation and training delivery cycles, with a campaign scheduler and template-based message creation for repeated exercises. Tracking records user outcomes such as click and report behavior, then drives remedial or next-step training based on the results. Reporting supports both operational views and stakeholder summaries, which helps teams demonstrate training completion and behavioral trends.
A tradeoff is that deeper governance and automation depend on careful configuration of user targeting and training paths, which increases setup work for organizations with complex group structures. A strong usage situation is onboarding campaigns for new hires where identity-driven user inclusion and scenario repetition reduce time-to-feedback.
- +Strong linkage between simulated phishing outcomes and follow-on training paths
- +Granular campaign control for targeting and repeat execution across groups
- +Reporting covers both user outcomes and training completion for audits
- +Identity-driven user inclusion reduces manual participant list management
- –Complex environments require disciplined campaign and training configuration
- –Advanced program design takes more administrator time than lighter tools
Security awareness admins
Remedial training for repeat clickers
Lower repeat offender rates
IT and identity teams
Directory-synced participation and targeting
Fewer missed users
Show 1 more scenario
Compliance and audit stakeholders
Training completion reporting evidence
Audit-ready documentation
Program reporting ties training completion and behavioral outcomes to governance requirements.
Best for: Fits when security teams need outcome-based training governance tied to repeated phishing simulations.
Hoxhunt
enterpriseAdaptive phishing training uses simulated attacks and automated reporting workflows.
Risk-based remedial training that routes users into the next training step based on simulation outcomes.
Hoxhunt is built around recurring phishing simulation workflows and a feedback loop that triggers remedial training after risky outcomes. Campaign configuration supports segmenting users and running randomized scenarios, which helps reduce the chance that users learn fixed patterns. Reporting centers on who clicked, who submitted credentials on credential harvesting pages, and who used the reporting workflow.
A tradeoff is that Hoxhunt’s automation depth is strongest for simulation cadence and training follow-up, not for deep custom integrations across learning systems. It fits best when a security awareness program needs operational discipline in scheduling, user targeting, and measurable behavior change across repeated campaigns.
- +Clear campaign scheduling for repeated phishing simulations
- +Actionable reporting that ties clicks and submissions to next steps
- +Segmented targeting to keep training aligned with risk groups
- –Limited API surface for custom external training orchestration
- –Deep learning platform integration needs extra coordination
Security awareness teams
Run monthly phishing simulations
Lower click and submission rates
IT administrators
Manage user groups automatically
Fewer manual roster updates
Show 1 more scenario
Compliance and audit owners
Prove training completion coverage
Cleaner evidence collection
Track who completed training after simulation outcomes to support internal governance needs.
Best for: Fits when security teams need repeat phishing campaigns with structured remedial follow-up and behavior reporting.
Microsoft Attack Simulation Training
enterpriseMicrosoft 365 administrators can run simulated phishing attacks and assign training content.
Attack Simulation and training outcomes are managed through Microsoft security admin workflows tied to tenant identity.
Attack simulation campaigns in Microsoft Attack Simulation Training include sending simulated phishing email, capturing user interactions, and routing users into remediation paths based on outcomes. Administrative configuration is oriented around Microsoft 365 tenant management, which reduces friction for teams already standardized on Microsoft identity and security tooling. Campaign configuration can be set to target specific user groups, so training can align with internal risk ownership and onboarding schedules.
A concrete tradeoff appears when the organization needs deep customization of the phishing content lifecycle, because Microsoft’s customization leans on built-in templates and workflow controls instead of unrestricted template authoring. This setup fits best when teams want repeatable phishing campaign scheduling with consistent reporting and identity-aligned scoping for the same business units.
- +Tenant-native admin workflows reduce duplicate security tooling
- +Remediation training is tied to simulation outcomes for targeted follow-up
- +Group scoping supports repeatable training for business units
- +Executive reporting is driven from simulation results and participation
- –Advanced phishing content customization is limited versus template-first models
- –Operational quality depends on governance of who can run campaigns
- –Complex targeting may require careful Microsoft 365 group design
Microsoft 365 security operations
Run recurring phishing training campaigns
Lower repeat offender rate
IT onboarding managers
Train new hires with scoped simulations
Consistent early training
Show 1 more scenario
Security governance leads
Control who can launch simulations
Reduced training drift
Governance teams apply tenant administration workflows to restrict campaign execution and reporting visibility.
Best for: Fits when Microsoft 365-centric teams need scheduled phishing training tied to identity-scoped reporting.
KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training
enterpriseSecurity awareness training combines phishing simulations, courses, policy tools, and reporting.
Risk-based training logic that ties user outcomes from each simulated campaign to targeted remedial modules.
KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training combines simulated phishing email with security awareness training modules to convert user behavior into measurable learning outcomes.
- +Large phishing template library supports fast campaign setup and consistent content
- +Risk-based training links outcomes like report and click behavior to targeted modules
- +Scheduling and randomization help reduce user patterning across repeat campaigns
- +Training completion and campaign metrics stay in one reporting workflow
- –Advanced configuration needs careful governance to avoid inconsistent training outcomes
- –Complex integrations can require time to align identity sync, reporting, and LMS mappings
Best for: Fits when organizations need recurring phishing simulations with behavior-based training and audit-friendly reporting.
Mimecast Awareness Training
enterpriseAwareness training provides phishing simulations, learning content, and campaign reporting.
Risk-based follow-up training tied to user behavior gathered through the Mimecast reporting and training workflow.
Mimecast Awareness Training runs phishing simulation and awareness training workflows tied to email security events. The solution manages simulated phishing email delivery, user reporting behavior, and training completion tracking in a single administrative interface.
- +Ties simulation and user reporting outcomes to Mimecast email security operations
- +Training completion tracking supports repeat offender handling and follow-up campaigns
- +Administration covers campaign execution details and remediation workflows
- +Supports operational governance with audit visibility for awareness activities
- –Best results depend on deep Mimecast email security integration
- –Advanced customization can require tighter configuration discipline than simpler tools
- –LMS and broader ecosystem coverage can feel narrower than generic training vendors
- –Simulation content management is less flexible than standalone template-focused tools
Best for: Fits when teams already run Mimecast for email security and need controlled simulation, reporting, and remediation loops.
Living Security
enterpriseHuman risk management software combines phishing simulations, training, and risk analytics.
Credential harvesting page workflows paired with a user report path that can route remediation based on user actions.
Living Security targets organizations that want phishing simulation and awareness training with controllable campaign workflows and a measurable feedback loop.
- +Provides end-to-end campaign workflow from simulated email through training triggers
- +Supports randomized exposure to reduce training predictability across user groups
- +Includes user reporting workflow so reported messages can drive follow-on actions
- +Credential harvesting page support enables coverage beyond click-only measurement
- –Advanced campaign logic needs careful configuration to avoid unintended remediation
- –Reporting dashboards focus on behavioral outcomes more than per-module training attribution
- –Directory synchronization depth depends on how environments are set up
- –Template customization can be slower than expected for frequent iteration cycles
Best for: Fits when security awareness programs need controlled simulation workflows and behavior-driven remedial training triggers.
SoSafe
enterpriseSecurity awareness software delivers phishing simulations, training campaigns, and behavior analytics.
Risk-based remedial training that reassigns follow-up steps using observed user susceptibility and prior outcomes.
SoSafe focuses on behavioral, risk-aware phishing training that drives targeted follow-ups instead of treating every click the same way. The training workflow centers on simulated phishing emails, credential submission pages, and a user reporting button that feeds remediation actions.
- +Risk-aware training shifts remedial focus after repeat click behavior
- +User reporting button supports a closed feedback loop to the phishing workflow
- +Directory synchronization reduces manual user onboarding churn
- +Training completion tracking supports repeat campaign governance and auditability
- –Advanced targeting and governance require deliberate configuration work
- –Integration depth can be limited for teams needing tight LMS and SSO parity
Best for: Fits when security teams want risk-based remediation tied to user reporting and repeat behavior across ongoing campaigns.
Hook Security
SMBSecurity awareness training combines phishing simulations with behavior-focused education.
The user reporting workflow connects simulated phishing experiences to a structured report-handling process.
Hook Security delivers phishing simulation and security awareness training focused on customizing delivery, landing experiences, and message content for real user reporting workflows. It supports campaign scheduling with randomized variations, plus mechanisms for measuring click and reporting outcomes tied to remedial paths.
- +Campaign randomization supports varied simulated emails and reduces pattern learning
- +User reporting workflow can route reported messages into a clear triage loop
- +Landing page customization enables realistic credential harvesting page simulations
- +Directory-connected targeting reduces manual user list management overhead
- –Template customization requires governance discipline to avoid inconsistent experiences
- –Advanced integrations depend on configuration effort rather than guided defaults
- –Reporting views can be less granular for multi-region program rollups
- –Adaptive remediation logic is limited compared with vendors offering deeper behavioral models
Best for: Fits when teams need controlled phishing simulations with user reporting workflow and reusable templates.
Breach Secure Now
SMBManaged security awareness software provides phishing simulations, training, and compliance tools.
Repeat offender handling routes users into remedial training based on recurring phishing behavior signals.
Breach Secure Now runs phishing simulation and awareness training workflows using prebuilt templates plus custom simulated phishing email content. The product supports sending simulated messages into live mail paths, tracking clicks and report button usage, and tying results to repeat offender handling.
- +Campaign builder that supports both template-based and custom simulated phishing content
- +Behavior tracking covers clicks, credential submissions, and user report button actions
- +Repeat offender targeting helps drive remedial training after recurring susceptibility
- +Reporting outputs align to executive and compliance style summaries
- –Limited visibility into identity sync, provisioning, and SSO integration depth
- –Automation and API surface are not clearly specified for workflow integration
- –Advanced adaptive or risk-based training rules appear constrained versus enterprise vendors
- –Sandbox and simulation data privacy controls are not detailed at workflow level
Best for: Fits when organizations need straightforward phishing simulation and remediation workflows without heavy integration engineering.
CyberHoot
SMBSecurity awareness software delivers phishing simulations, training modules, and compliance reporting.
Built-in user reporting workflow ties reported phishing messages back into the training follow-up flow.
CyberHoot targets phishing simulation and security awareness training with a workflow focused on creating simulated phishing email campaigns and tracking end-user behavior. It supports campaign scheduling and randomization so each rollout can vary sender, content, and targeting across time windows.
- +Campaign scheduling and randomization support repeated phishing runs without rework
- +End-user progress tracking links simulation outcomes to follow-on training
- +User reporting workflow is built into the phishing campaign experience
- +Administration centers on repeatable campaign configuration rather than scripting
- –Directory synchronization and automation via API are limited compared with top-tier competitors
- –Advanced governance controls like fine-grained RBAC and audit log depth may be narrow
- –Template library depth is less extensive than larger awareness ecosystems
- –Credential-harvesting landing page control can feel less flexible for custom flows
Best for: Fits when teams need repeatable phishing simulations and behavioral follow-ups without heavy engineering.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 phishing training software, Proofpoint Security Awareness Training 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 Phishing Training Software
Phishing training software runs simulated phishing email campaigns and converts user behavior into structured awareness training steps, including follow-on remedial modules after report or click actions. This buyer's guide covers Proofpoint Security Awareness Training, Hoxhunt, Microsoft Attack Simulation Training, and other major options that manage simulation execution and training assignment from admin controls.
Coverage includes outcome-driven training paths in Proofpoint Security Awareness Training, risk-based remedial routing in Hoxhunt, and tenant-native simulation workflows in Microsoft Attack Simulation Training. The comparison later focuses on how integration, governance, and automation affect campaign scheduling, training completion tracking, and repeat offender handling across teams.
Phishing Training Software that schedules simulated phishing and assigns remedial training by user outcomes
Phishing training software generates and sends simulated phishing emails, captures user actions like click and credential submission, and then assigns the next awareness training step tied to those outcomes. Tools also support user reporting workflows so reported messages can feed the remediation loop instead of stopping at a behavior metric.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training connects simulated message results to the next training assignment in the program, which matters for repeat phishing simulations that must maintain consistent follow-through across groups. Hoxhunt follows a similar risk-based approach by routing users into the next remedial training step based on simulation outcomes, with campaign scheduling built for repeated runs.
Simulation-to-remediation pipelines, automation reach, and governance controls
Phishing training software must connect each simulated phishing outcome like click, credential submission, or user reporting to a specific next training step so remediation does not drift across repeat campaigns. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training and Hoxhunt both emphasize outcome-driven follow-up so the training sequence stays consistent after user behavior changes.
Admin controls decide whether these pipelines can be run safely at scale. Microsoft Attack Simulation Training routes simulation and remediation through Microsoft security admin workflows tied to tenant identity, while CyberHoot focuses on training follow-up linkage with less emphasis on deep automation for external workflow orchestration.
Outcome-driven follow-on training assignment
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training links each simulated message result to the next training assignment path so repeated phishing simulations keep the same governance logic across groups. Hoxhunt routes users into the next remedial training step based on simulation outcomes with risk-based remedial logic.
Risk-based remediation logic for repeat behavior
KnowBe4 assigns risk-based remedial modules tied to user outcomes such as report and click behavior so ongoing campaigns target repeat susceptibility. SoSafe reassigns follow-up steps using observed susceptibility and prior outcomes so remedial focus shifts after repeated engagement.
Tenant-native admin workflows for identity-scoped reporting
Microsoft Attack Simulation Training manages attack simulation and training outcomes through Microsoft security admin workflows tied to tenant identity. This approach reduces duplicate tooling for Microsoft 365-centric teams while tying targeted follow-up to identity-scoped reporting.
User reporting workflow that feeds the training loop
Hook Security connects the user reporting workflow to a structured report-handling process that routes reported experiences into a clearer triage loop. CyberHoot and Mimecast Awareness Training also connect report actions back into follow-up training paths so reported messages do not become a dead-end metric.
Operational controls for campaign reuse and targeting
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training includes granular campaign control for targeting and repeat execution across groups, which supports structured reuse at scale. Living Security adds randomized exposure across groups to reduce training predictability while still driving end-to-end workflows from simulated email through training triggers.
Integration depth for external orchestration and workflow automation
Hoxhunt lists limited API surface for custom external training orchestration, which matters when training needs to integrate with non-native workflow systems. CyberHoot similarly shows constrained directory synchronization and automation via API compared with top-tier competitors.
Pick the pipeline model that matches campaign governance and integration needs
The right phishing training software choice depends on where decision logic lives. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training and Hoxhunt emphasize outcome routing inside the training platform, while Microsoft Attack Simulation Training emphasizes tenant-native workflows that bind simulation control to identity-scoped administration.
The next decision is whether the program must integrate into existing directories and automation systems beyond email security. Tools with weaker automation or directory integration can still run simulations, but they can add coordination work when training assignment must align with identity sync, LMS mapping, or external orchestration.
Choose an internal pipeline model for follow-on assignment
If the program must translate every simulated outcome into a specific next training step with strong governance reuse, choose Proofpoint Security Awareness Training or KnowBe4. If the program must route users through sequential remedial steps based on simulation outcomes, Hoxhunt matches the risk-based remedial routing pattern.
Decide whether tenant identity should own administration
If phishing simulation control and outcomes should be managed through Microsoft security admin workflows tied to tenant identity, choose Microsoft Attack Simulation Training. If the organization needs broader control outside Microsoft-native workflows, Proofpoint Security Awareness Training and Mimecast Awareness Training fit better with external admin control patterns.
Set requirements for the user reporting workflow
If reported messages must flow into a structured triage loop that continues into follow-up handling, choose Hook Security. If the program must connect report and follow-up outcomes to ongoing training completion and repeat offender handling, choose Mimecast Awareness Training.
Plan for integration and automation constraints before rollout
If external orchestration must call training workflows via a broad API surface, Hoxhunt is constrained because its API surface is described as limited for custom external training orchestration. If directory synchronization and API-based automation depth are critical, CyberHoot is constrained compared with top-tier competitors.
Validate template flexibility versus governance discipline
If fast campaign setup and consistent content are needed, KnowBe4’s large phishing template library supports repeatable execution. If the organization expects advanced phishing content customization, Microsoft Attack Simulation Training is limited versus template-first models.
Match campaign logic to exposure strategy
If reducing training predictability across user groups is a requirement, Living Security supports randomized exposure combined with credential harvesting page workflows and report-driven triggers. If repeat offender handling must be straightforward without deep integration engineering, Breach Secure Now routes users into remedial training based on recurring phishing behavior signals.
Organizations that benefit from specific simulation-to-training workflows
Different teams use phishing training software for different control points. Security teams that must govern repeat phishing follow-through benefit from tools that connect simulation results to the next training assignment, while Microsoft-first teams benefit from tenant-native admin workflows.
Reporting-driven programs also have distinct needs because user reporting must feed the same remediation loop that click and credential submissions trigger. Tools like Hook Security and CyberHoot focus on closed feedback loops from user reporting into follow-on training.
Security awareness teams running repeated phishing campaigns across business units
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training provides granular campaign control for targeting and repeat execution across groups, which helps maintain consistent training follow-through over time.
Security teams that require risk-based remedial routing from click and submission outcomes
Hoxhunt and KnowBe4 both route users into the next remedial training step based on simulation outcomes, including report and click behavior mapping for targeted follow-up.
Microsoft 365-centric security operations teams that want identity-scoped simulation administration
Microsoft Attack Simulation Training manages simulation and training outcomes through Microsoft security admin workflows tied to tenant identity so reporting and remediation stay aligned with the tenant admin model.
Organizations with an existing Mimecast email security operation that wants training tied to email security workflows
Mimecast Awareness Training ties simulation and user reporting outcomes to Mimecast email security operations, which supports training completion tracking for repeat offender handling.
Teams that rely on end-user reporting to drive remediation triage and follow-on training
Hook Security and CyberHoot emphasize a user reporting workflow that feeds follow-up training so reported messages continue into remediation rather than only producing a behavior metric.
Common buyer pitfalls in Phishing Training Software selection and rollout
Many rollouts fail because pipeline logic and governance are treated as configuration trivia. When outcome routing and campaign scheduling are not aligned with governance practices, training outcomes can become inconsistent across groups.
Another frequent failure is underestimating integration constraints. Limited API surface, weak directory synchronization, or tight coupling to a single email security environment can force extra coordination after deployment.
Assuming follow-on training will stay consistent across repeated simulations without outcome routing governance
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training and Hoxhunt explicitly connect simulated outcomes to next steps, so campaign and training assignment governance must be treated as part of the program design rather than one-time setup.
Choosing a platform for simulation capability but ignoring automation and API surface needs for external orchestration
Hoxhunt is described as having limited API surface for custom external training orchestration, and CyberHoot is described as limited in directory synchronization and automation via API, so integration requirements must be matched before implementation.
Overlooking how Microsoft identity-scoped admin workflows can constrain who runs campaigns and how content is customized
Microsoft Attack Simulation Training ties operation to tenant-native security admin workflows, and its advanced phishing content customization is limited versus template-first models, so governance and content strategy must be aligned upfront.
Treating the user reporting workflow as a standalone button instead of a closed remediation loop
Hook Security and Mimecast Awareness Training connect reporting into the remediation workflow, while tools focused on only behavioral dashboards can underdeliver on per-module training attribution expectations.
Relying on complex campaign logic without planning configuration discipline and change control
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training and Living Security both require disciplined campaign or advanced logic configuration, so change control and review processes must exist before expanding targeting logic.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated phishing training software tools by weighting features at 40%, ease at 30%, and value at 30% based on how well each platform connects simulated phishing outcomes to follow-on training steps. We prioritized Proofpoint Security Awareness Training for its outcome-driven training assignment that connects each simulated message result to the next training step in the program.
We also considered Proofpoint’s granular campaign control for targeting and repeat execution across groups because repeated phishing programs need consistent governance. We used the same scoring basis to compare Hoxhunt risk-based remedial routing, Microsoft Attack Simulation Training tenant-native admin workflows, and KnowBe4 template library speed against automation constraints seen in lower-ranked options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phishing Training Software
How do Proofpoint and Hoxhunt differ in how simulated phishing results become training assignments?
Which tool handles SSO and identity-based targeting best for Microsoft 365 teams?
How does data migration work when moving from one user directory to another for phishing training enrollment?
What breaks if a phishing training platform lacks automation for repeat offender handling?
When should a team choose a credential harvesting page workflow instead of only simulated email clicks?
How do admin controls differ between Proofpoint and Microsoft Attack Simulation Training for policy-driven campaign governance?
Which reporting model works best for security operations and leadership rollups, not only training managers?
How do integrations and APIs affect email routing and targeting in phishing simulation deployments?
What tradeoff shows up when scenario templates are prioritized over custom landing experiences?
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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