G2 defines security awareness training as software that offers online courses or in-app training to train and assess end users’ security readiness. Businesses use these tools to outsource security training to specialized providers with experience and courses specific to various security measures. Organizations also use these tools to meet internal security and privacy compliance standards and influence changes in behavior to reduce an organization’s security risk.
Many of these tools deliver simulated attacks to help employees better identify malicious content before encountering it in real-life scenarios. These scenarios and training can sometimes be adapted to address different roles and risks within an organization. Some security awareness training includes content designed to inform users and help protect against security threats unique to AI, such as exercises to identify deepfakes or how to use AI responsibly in the workplace. New course content and simulations are often released in response to real-life scenarios and evolving threat landscapes.
An emerging function of security awareness training software is using AI to customize training programs. Customizations can automate content generation in alignment with an organization’s policies and priorities or industry. AI can curate learning paths that align with an individual’s specific learning needs based on past training or simulation performance.
Security awareness software is designed to train and support end users in all areas of an organization. This is different from cybersecurity professional development software, which targets cybersecurity professionals to cultivate new technical skills or prepare for professional cybersecurity certifications.
To qualify for inclusion in the Security Awareness Training category, a product must:
- Offer online security classes, web-based educational content, or simulations for end users
- Provide assessment tools and monitor learning progress
