Vendor comparison

Knowbe4 vs Proofpoint 2025

Are you trying to decide whether KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training or Proofpoint is the best fit for your human risk management needs? Our comprehensive comparison can guide you in making an informed decision.

Explore how KnowBe4 and Proofpoint stack up in various categories, including adaptive security awareness training and phishing simulations, customer and analyst rankings. Still unsure? Dive deeper into the similarities and differences between KnowBe4 and Proofpoint.

			Include in comparison
Security awareness training	High volume of CBT and video e-learning Generic, static	Medium volume of CBT and video e-learning Generic, static	High volume of CBT and video e-learning Adaptive security awareness training Role-based training automation
Customization	Add brand to introductory and concluding content slides - only for certain modules	Basic branding of certain modules Add company logo limited to specific areas	Brand and customize all communications and training Add company logo everywhere Override the content (text) to align with organization’s specific policies and processes.
Gamification	Gamified modules	Gamified modules	Gamified modules Leaderboards Cyber challenges
Drive engagement	-	-	CyberIQ gamified portal rewarding engagement and secure behaviors Nudges Engagement measurement & analytics
Streamline training completion	Manager escalation and auto-reminders	Manager escalation and auto-reminders Enforce training completion by restricting access to systems or applications for non-compliant users	Deploy manager escalation and auto-reminders Enforce training completion by restricting access to systems or applications for non-compliant users Train everyone everywhere, including users without corporate email addresses (e.g. front-line manufacturing)
Languages	34 languages Translation coverage varies from module to module	35 languages Translation coverage varies from module to module	35+ languages 100% translation coverage across all modules, notifications and nudges AI-powered translations of edits and overrides in real time
LMS integration	All major LMS systems supported Only static, individual modules Retrieves limited completion status data	All major LMS systems supported Only static, individual modules Retrieves limited completion status data	All major LMS systems supported Individual modules and adaptive, automated campaigns Retrieves extensive data via telemetry
Human sensors	-	-	Measure security policy compatibility and identify security friction 2-way employee feedback loop Insights into the effectiveness of security controls across the organization
Phishing simulator	QR codes, attachment, USB, URL click, credential capture	QR codes, attachment, USB, URL click, credential capture	QR codes, attachment, URL click, credential capture Built on NIST Phish Scale AI-powered click root-cause analysis AI-powered phishing template creation Microsoft Teams simulations
Phishing remediation & response	Phish report button with SOC forwarding & API integrations Monitor and remove or restore emails from user inboxes	Phish report button with SOC forwarding & API integrations Monitor and remove or restore emails from user inboxes	Phish report button with SOC forwarding & API integrations Respond to real-time threats with AI-powered threat intelligence.
Reporting capabilities	Moderate phishing reporting accuracy Full API access Limited training and phishing analytics	Good phishing reporting accuracy Limited API access Limited training and phishing analytics	Accurate phishing reporting Full API access Extensive training, phishing and human risk management analytics Custom in-platform reporting (widgets)
Human risk intelligence	Limited risk scoring (6 human risk factors)	No risk scoring	Comprehensive risk scoring (+20 human risk factors) Psychographic segmentation AI-powered insights
Automation	Scheduled automated reminders Limited phishing simulation automation	Scheduled automated reminders	Scheduled automated reminders Dynamic content allocation engine Full training campaign automation Full phishing simulation automation User segmentation (dynamic groups & smart tags)
Customer support	Dedicated CSM Technical support Managed service (extra cost)	Dedicated CSM Technical support Managed service (extra cost)	Dedicated CSM Technical support Managed service (extra cost) Human risk management expert
Integrations	Identity providers & LMS systems With a limited number of security solutions	Identity providers & LMS systems Only with it’s own email security product	Identity providers & LMS systems With over 800 security systems Threat intelligence sources
G2 - Ease of Use	4.7/5	4.5/5	5/5
Gartner Peer Insights	4.6/5	4.6/5	4.9/5
Capterra	4.9/5	-	5/5
Conditional access and security control automation	Email security / DLP rules	Email security / DLP rules	Email security / DLP rules Human risk response rules across authentication, endpoint and web gateway Automate access restrictions
Product Direction	Limited R&D, continuing to build on top of a legacy SAT & Phishing platform AI-bolt on Not recognized by Gartner for innovation	Limited R&D, continuing to build on top of a legacy SAT & Phishing platform No AI capabilities Not recognized by Gartner for innovation	World’s first AI-native human risk management platform Recognized by Gartner for innovation Built by CISOs for CISOs
Total (/ 100)	48	38	93

Disclaimer

This review is an independent analysis conducted by OutThink, based on information available in the public domain as of 22 February 2025. Sources include vendor websites and product comparison platforms such as G2, Capterra, and Gartner.

Please note that OutThink is a competitor to both KnowBe4 and Proofpoint in the cybersecurity human risk management and adaptive training sectors. While we strive to provide an unbiased comparison, our competitive position may influence our perspective.

This review is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. OutThink cannot be held liable for any decisions made based on this review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting the respective vendors directly.

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Our Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between KnowBe4 and Proofpoint in terms of phishing simulation?

KnowBe4 offers an extensive security awareness training library and customisable templates; however, the content often feels outdated and generic. Proofpoint, on the other hand, focuses on custom phishing simulations with an emphasis on user education and real-time phishing threat intelligence. However, its training content is heavily compliance-focused and tends to be basic and not particularly engaging.

How do KnowBe4 and Proofpoint handle security awareness training for employees?

KnowBe4's security awareness training platform offers a variety of learning modules in different formats; however, the experience often feels disjointed and inconsistent. Gamified components are available, but their effectiveness varies. Proofpoint’s training approach is also comprehensive, featuring targeted modules and continuous reinforcement focused on cybersecurity threats and best practices. It includes optional compliance training for various industries; however, the content often comes across as simple and not particularly engaging.

Which platform offers better customisation options for security training content?

KnowBe4 offers various options for customisation, allowing users to create bespoke training content and phishing campaigns, as well as adjusting training schedules based on roles and risk levels. However, not all content is fully customisable—admins are limited to applying simple branding and styling changes rather than having complete control over all communications. Proofpoint also provides customisable content with tailored training paths but tends to be more rigid compared to KnowBe4’s flexibility. Additionally, Proofpoint’s awareness content does not offer control over the wording and examples included in training modules, which can limit its adaptability to specific organisational contexts.

How do KnowBe4 and Proofpoint differ in terms of reporting and analytics?

KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive suite of reporting tools, including detailed dashboards on user performance, phishing simulation results, and risk assessments. However, it lacks more advanced predictive behavioural measurements, which are increasingly available in solutions from newer vendors in this space. Proofpoint also provides detailed analytics, focusing on the impact of security training and phishing simulations, with advanced threat intelligence for more technical reporting. However, it may require more time to interpret and lacks in-depth behavioural data, limiting its ability to provide insights into user decision-making and long-term risk reduction.

How does OutThink compare to KnowBe4 and Proofpoint?

OutThink offers a revolutionary approach to adaptive security awareness training, focusing on driving higher engagement and completion rates by tailoring content to individual learning needs. Unlike KnowBe4 and Proofpoint, OutThink leverages AI-powered human risk scoring to continuously measure employee vulnerability and dynamically adjust training content for maximum impact. This personalised approach not only boosts user engagement but also helps organisations achieve 100% training completion, including those without email access. With its emphasis on real-time adaptive security measures and seamless integration, OutThink stands out as a cutting-edge solution in the cybersecurity awareness space.