The Best Infosec IQ Alternatives & Competitors in 2026

Infosec IQ built its reputation on simplicity: phishing simulations, modular training, and compliance reporting delivered through an LMS-style platform. For many IT teams, it was the fastest way to meet regulatory requirements and tick the “awareness” box.

But the threat landscape has changed. Attackers now exploit collaboration tools, impersonate executives with AI-generated voices, and launch phishing campaigns that adapt in real time. Infosec IQ still focuses on scheduled training and post-click remediation. It doesn’t integrate deeply with modern security stacks or provide behavioral analytics to predict and prevent risky actions before they happen.

For CISOs, the question isn’t whether Infosec IQ works, it’s whether it works for today’s threats. Human Risk Management (HRM) platforms built for continuous, behavior-driven defense are replacing static awareness programs. They don’t just teach employees what to do; they intervene at the moment of risk.

What this article covers:

• Why organizations are moving beyond Infosec IQ—and when switching makes sense
• The seven criteria enterprises use to evaluate HRM platforms in 2026
• Top Infosec IQ alternatives and what makes them stand out
• Practical guidance for choosing the right fit for your security priorities

Infosec IQ delivers strong fundamentals, phishing simulations with 2,000+ templates, a weekly-updated content library mapped to NIST behaviors, and SCORM/SSO integrations for compliance-focused training.

But for 2026, that baseline isn’t enough:

• Reactive rather than proactive 
  Training is triggered only after users click a phishing link or complete an assessment. It does not integrate with SIEM or EDR to detect risky actions across collaboration tools like Slack or Teams. Organizations cannot deliver in-the-moment nudges or warnings, leaving employees exposed at the exact moment risk occurs.
• Human Risk Management is an add‑on

Infosec IQ’s human risk management functionality is a separate product built by Right-Hand Cybersecurity. It is not native to the platform, introducing integration complexity, additional cost, and fragmented reporting, which slows decision-making and risk visibility.

• Limited behavioral scoring
  Infosec IQ provides learner grades based on course completion and phishing performance, but it lacks continuous risk scoring informed by live behavior, telemetry, and patterns of repeated exposure. Teams cannot quickly identify which users are most at risk or why.

• No real‑time, in-flow interventions
  Users are not alerted when performing risky actions in collaboration apps, file-sharing platforms, or internal workflows. Automated coaching tied to live security events does not exist, limiting the ability to stop incidents before they escalate.
• Compliance focus over defense
  Infosec IQ excels at compliance reporting, but it does not actively equip organizations to detect or mitigate AI-enhanced phishing, deepfake scams, or attacks occurring inside daily workflows. The platform ensures boxes are checked but leaves gaps where human risk is exploited in real time.

Bottom line? If your security program needs to move beyond checkbox awareness toward measurable risk reduction, Infosec IQ may no longer be enough. Consider switching when:

Consider alternatives when:

• You need behavior-triggered nudges inside tools like Slack and Teams, not just post-click training.
• You want human risk scoring that's fed by live SOC or endpoint data.
• Your team must respond to evolving threats, not just benchmark click rates or completion scores.
• You prefer a single-platform architecture where content, analytics, and real-time HRM are unified and not bolted-on.

If your goal is more than compliance and you're fighting dynamic threats in real workflow, it’s time to evaluate specialized HRM platforms.

Before comparing vendors, it’s critical to define what “better” really means. Based on an analysis of the top 100 enterprise RFPs we reviewed in the past year, these seven key criteria (listed in order of importance and RFP weight factor) consistently rank as the most important for security teams:

Research Highlights:

• Data Management ranked #1 with about 25% average weight
• Behaviour Change and Engagement both scored above 20% by average weight on most items
• Integration Depth and Adaptive Training are now table stakes

1. Data Management & Compliance

Why it matters: Highest-weighted criterion in 2025 RFPs.
What buyers expect:

• Transparent data collection, storage, and destruction
• Compliance with GDPR, CCPA, PDPA, ISO
• Strong security controls and retention policies

2. User Engagement

Why it matters: Drives adoption and culture change.
What buyers expect:

• Gamification (leaderboards, challenges)
• Nudges via Teams/email
• Multi-language support and engagement analytics

3. Behaviour Change

Why it matters: Outcomes over awareness.
What buyers expect:

• Measure real security behaviors
• Diagnose root causes of risky actions
• Auto-triggered, adaptive training

4. API-First Native Design

Why it matters: Ensures the platform is a flexible service with seamless deployment at scale.

What buyers expect:

• Triggering real-time nudges via SIEM/XDR APIs.
• All UI functions available via API for custom automation.
• A single, unified interface for training, phishing, and analytics.

5. Phishing Simulation

Why it matters: Core risk vector coverage.

What buyers expect:

• AI-driven templates using live threat intel
• Root-cause analysis and targeted remediation
• Alert-triggered training loops

6. Reporting & Insights

Why it matters: Decision intelligence for CISOs.
What buyers expect:

• Risk scoring and posture dashboards
• Engagement metrics and APIs for BI integration
• Visibility at user, team, and org levels

7. Human Risk Intelligence (HRI)

Why it matters: Predictive risk management.

What buyers expect:

• Dynamic risk scoring using behavioral signals
• User-facing guidance to improve scores
• Predictive insights for proactive intervention

Organizations are moving beyond static awareness programs toward platforms that deliver real-time interventions, multichannel simulations, and measurable risk reduction. Infosec IQ covers the basics, but these five alternatives go further:

Quick Comparison Table

1. OutThink - Best Overall Security Awareness  Alternative

OutThink is a Human Risk Management platform built for real-time defense. OutThink goes beyond phishing to tackle 80+ human risk factors with real-time, adaptive training tied to measurable outcomes. Fully customizable, enterprise-ready, and integrated with Microsoft, OutThink delivers behavior change, risk reduction, and actionable intelligence and not just compliance.

Key Differentiators

• Continuous risk scoring based on identity and behavior
• Adaptive phishing and awareness tailored to individual risk profiles
• Native integration with Microsoft 365, Defender, and Sentinel for automated policy actions

Where It Outperforms Infosec IQ

• Real-time interventions instead of scheduled campaigns
• Risk-based simulations linked to actual user permissions
• Automated enforcement tied to HRM signals

Ideal For
Enterprises standardizing on Microsoft with mature security teams seeking adaptive, telemetry-driven HRM.

2. Hoxhunt - Engagement-Driven Behavior Change

Hoxhunt focuses on cultural transformation through gamified microlearning and adaptive phishing simulations. Its approach builds resilience by rewarding positive actions and sustaining engagement globally, while personalized learning paths and real-time feedback keep employees motivated and make security awareness part of everyday behavior.

Key Differentiators

• Gamified learning paths and personalized phishing challenges
• Continuous engagement with micro-campaigns
• Behavioral analytics for measuring improvement

Where It Outperforms Infosec IQ

• Higher engagement through gamification versus static modules
• Adaptive learning cadence based on user performance
• Proven impact on reporting rates and click reduction

Ideal For
Organizations prioritizing culture change and global workforce engagement.

3. Proofpoint - Threat Intelligence Meets HRM

Proofpoint leverages its threat intelligence ecosystem to deliver adaptive training aligned with real-world attack patterns. It prioritizes high-risk users and integrates deeply with SOC workflows. Through advanced analytics, it uncovers emerging threats and user vulnerabilities, enabling security teams to respond quickly and strengthen defenses before attacks succeed.

Key Differentiators

• Risk-based targeting using live threat data
• Multichannel simulations (email, SMS, USB)
• Integration with Proofpoint security stack for automated interventions

Where It Outperforms Infosec IQ

• Dynamic content aligned with current attack trends
• SOC-grade automation versus standalone training
• Broader coverage beyond email phishing

Ideal For
Mid-to-large enterprises already invested in Proofpoint seeking intelligence-driven HRM.

4. KnowBe4 - Traditional SAT with AI Enhancements

KnowBe4 remains a leader in security awareness with its vast content library and phishing simulations. HRM+ brings real-time coaching and AI-driven automation to keep users engaged and accountable. It offers flexible campaign management and deep reporting, giving organizations the insight they need to measure progress and reduce risk effectively.

Key Differentiators

• SecurityCoach for instant feedback on risky actions
• AI Defense Agents for automated phishing and training refreshers
• Risk-based email policy adjustments

Where It Outperforms Infosec IQ

• Immediate coaching versus delayed remediation
• Tight integration of human risk metrics into email security
• Scalable personalization at enterprise level

Ideal For
Organizations seeking a comprehensive SAT platform enhanced with real-time coaching and compliance management.

5. Cofense PhishMe - SOC-Aligned Phishing Defense

Cofense specializes in phishing resilience with realistic simulations and deep SOC integration. It connects user engagement data to incident response workflows for faster containment. The platform also leverages real-world threat intelligence to keep training relevant and ensure security teams can act quickly on verified phishing reports.

Key Differentiators

• Threat-based templates updated with active lures
• AI-optimized campaign timing
• SIEM/SOAR integration for automated response

Where It Outperforms Infosec IQ

• Simulations mirror current attacker tactics
• Direct linkage to SOC processes for rapid remediation
• Advanced analytics for phishing-specific risk

Ideal For
Enterprises with mature SOC operations focused on phishing detection and response.

Selecting the right alternative isn’t about swapping one training library for another, it’s about aligning technology, culture, and measurable outcomes to reduce human risk effectively. Here’s a structured way to approach the decision:

• If real-time, behavior-driven risk reduction is your priority, OutThink should lead your shortlist. It delivers continuous telemetry, adaptive interventions, and automated enforcement instead of static training cycles.
• For compliance-heavy environments (ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2), platforms like KnowBe4 or Proofpoint offer strong audit readiness, reporting, and regulatory mapping.
• If your organization is embedded in an email security ecosystem, Proofpoint integrates tightly with its own stack, while Cofense aligns with SOC workflows for phishing detection and response.
• SOC-driven phishing response? Cofense PhishMe paired with PDR is ideal for automated triage and incident workflows.
• Struggling with engagement fatigue? Hoxhunt excels with gamification and microlearning, sustaining cultural change through continuous, personalized campaigns.

Before committing, run a structured pilot with clear KPIs phish report rates, failure rate reduction, time-to-contain incidents, and risk score improvement. Validate dashboards and analytics to ensure they measure real behavior change, not just course completions.

Infosec IQ remains a solid choice for organizations that need structured awareness programs and compliance reporting. Its simplicity and content depth make it effective for meeting regulatory requirements.

But here’s the reality: compliance alone doesn’t equal security. In 2026, attackers use AI-driven phishing, deepfake impersonation, and multi-channel social engineering. Infosec IQ’s scheduled training and post-click remediation can’t keep pace with threats that adapt in real time.

Modern HRM platforms like OutThink, Hoxhunt, and Proofpoint are built for this environment. They leverage live telemetry, automated interventions, and multichannel simulations to reduce risk continuously, not just teach awareness.

The Verdict

Stay with Infosec IQ if your primary goal is compliance and structured awareness programs with minimal complexity. But understand, this approach leaves gaps against today’s dynamic threat landscape.

Explore alternatives if you require real-time, behavior-triggered interventions, multichannel threat coverage, and AI-driven automation to keep pace with evolving human risk.