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Security awareness and training market map and supplier insights Q2 2026

The cybersecurity landscape in 2025 highlights a critical paradox: while technological defenses have become robust, the human element remains the primary vulnerability. Security Awareness and Training (SAT) has evolved from a compliance checkbox to a strategic pillar of defense, now often framed as Human Risk Management (HRM). This shift is driven by increasingly sophisticated, AI-powered social engineering attacks that target employees directly, bypassing traditional technical controls.

The market is experiencing hyper-growth, projected to reach $12.70 billion by 2030, with a 17.1% CAGR. This expansion is fueled by the professionalization of phishing, cyber insurance mandates requiring robust training programs, and the widespread adoption of SaaS, which expands the attack surface for credential theft.

Modern SAT solutions are moving beyond generic content to embrace OSINT-driven personalization, multi-channel simulations, and just-in-time micro-learning, directly addressing the 'forgetting curve' and fostering real behavioral change. Organizations must prioritize solutions that offer deep integration with existing security stacks, automate threat remediation, and provide granular behavioral analytics and risk scoring.

The focus is shifting from mere training completion rates to measurable reductions in human risk and improved incident reporting accuracy. Buyers should seek platforms that act as an 'Autonomous Human Risk Defense,' continuously adapting to evolving threats and empowering employees as an active 'human firewall.'

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73 companies analyzed | Last updated Apr 22, 2026
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Palomarr Insights / Q2 2026

SECURITY AWARENESS AND TRAINING

What does the latest security awareness and training market report show?

The Q2 2026 Palomarr Insights report maps 73 security awareness and training suppliers by market position, supplier scores, and category signals. Buyers can use it to understand the market before comparing vendors or building an RFP shortlist.

Palomarr Orbit

Unlike static analyst charts, Palomarr Orbit plots 73 security awareness and training companies by Capabilities and Innovation, then lets you shift the center of gravity based on your priorities with Palomarr Orbit Shift. The closer to your unique core, the better the fit.

Palomarr Orbit Shift

Orbit Shift
Contenders
Leaders
Emerging
Challengers
CAPABILITIES
INNOVATION

Introduction

The cybersecurity landscape of 2025 underscores the critical role of the human element in organizational defense. As technological perimeters strengthen, attackers increasingly target employee vulnerabilities through sophisticated social engineering. This report examines the evolution of Security Awareness and Training (SAT) into Human Risk Management (HRM), detailing the market's current state, essential capabilities, and future trajectory driven by AI.

Market landscape

The Security Awareness and Training market is in a hyper-growth phase, driven by the escalating costs of data breaches and the imperative to manage human risk. The average cost of a data breach in the US is $10M, with 68% of all breaches involving human error. This has propelled SAT from a compliance exercise to a strategic defense priority, with significant investment and innovation across the sector.

Quadrant distribution

Companies are evaluated on two dimensions: Capabilities measure product depth and maturity, while Innovation reflects forward-thinking investments. The combined score shows overall market position.

$5B 2025 market size
$12B 2030 forecast
17.1% Annual growth rate (CAGR)

Key trends

Competitive analysis

Leading SAT solutions differentiate themselves through advanced simulation capabilities, deep integration with the broader security stack, and a focus on measurable human risk reduction. 'Table-stakes' features like basic phishing simulations are no longer sufficient; buyers seek platforms that offer multi-channel attack simulations, automated threat remediation, and sophisticated behavioral analytics. The most effective vendors prioritize a 'no-blame' culture, using positive reinforcement to encourage reporting and engagement.

How companies earn their ranking

Capability scores for security awareness and training platforms are driven by the breadth and depth of their content libraries, the number of languages supported, and the ease of integration with existing security infrastructure. High capability also reflects robust compliance reporting and strong customer support.

Innovation scores are earned through the implementation of cutting-edge features, such as OSINT-driven lure generation,'Agentic AI' simulation frameworks, deepfake audio/video testing, and automated 'Search and Destroy" remediation capabilities.Top-ranked companies in this space demonstrate high levels of automation, minimizing administrative overhead and streamlining the training process.

They also adopt a "No-Blame" behavioral science approach, focusing on coaching rather than shaming employees. Vendors can improve their ranking by adding multi-channel support, proving a measurable reduction in attacker dwell time through employee reporting, and deepening integration with the existing security stack, such as M365, SIEM, and EDR systems.

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Rankings

1
Best Overall Best Value
9.8 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.9 Innovation 9.7
2
Best for Enterprise
9.7 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.6 Innovation 9.8
3
Best for SMB
9.6 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.7 Innovation 9.5
4
Best for Mid-market
9.6 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.5 Innovation 9.7
5
9.5 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.6 Innovation 9.4
6
9.4 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.3 Innovation 9.5
7
9.3 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.4 Innovation 9.2
8
9.3 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.2 Innovation 9.4
9
9.2 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.3 Innovation 9.1
10
9.1 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.0 Innovation 9.2

Competitive assessment

Our AI-generated analysis explains what makes each top-ranked company a strong fit for security awareness and training, based on their specific capabilities, product features, and market positioning.

1
Best Overall Best Value
9.8 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.9 Innovation 9.7

Fortra provides comprehensive security awareness training by integrating advanced threat intelligence and human risk management solutions, helping organizations prepare employees for cyber threats.

  • Unified cloud-native cyber defense platform
  • Real-time threat detection and remediation
  • Comprehensive managed security services
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
2
Best for Enterprise
9.7 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.6 Innovation 9.8

Arctic Wolf's Aurora Endpoint Security provides comprehensive security awareness training, utilizing AI-driven insights and a dedicated SOC to enhance employee understanding of cyber risks.

  • AI-driven endpoint protection
  • Concierge Delivery Model
  • Comprehensive security operations bundles
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
3
Best for SMB
9.6 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.7 Innovation 9.5

Symbol Security offers tailored security awareness training with a focus on interactive learning and phishing simulations, effectively reducing human error in cybersecurity.

  • Partner-first SaaS model
  • Tailored security awareness programs
  • Smart, intuitive reporting dashboards
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
4
Best for Mid-market
9.6 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.5 Innovation 9.7

Stickley on Security provides effective cybersecurity education through tailored training programs and phishing simulations, aiming to enhance employee awareness and compliance.

  • Continuous, daily content updates for users
  • Personalized education tailored for employees
  • Comprehensive reporting for effective tracking
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
5
9.5 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.6 Innovation 9.4

BlueVoyant leads in security awareness training with its AI-driven managed cyber defense solutions, focusing on tailored training and incident response to empower employees against cyber threats.

  • AI-driven managed cyber defense solutions
  • Strong partnerships with Microsoft
  • Comprehensive third-party risk management services
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
6
9.4 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.3 Innovation 9.5

Abnormal Security excels in security awareness training through its AI-native platform that focuses on email and application-based threats, enhancing employee readiness against sophisticated attacks.

  • Behavioral AI for anomaly detection
  • Seamless API-based integration
  • Strong market presence and customer loyalty
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
7
9.3 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.4 Innovation 9.2

Palo Alto Networks ranks highly for its AI-powered security awareness training, leveraging its extensive threat intelligence and incident response capabilities to enhance employee readiness against cyber threats.

  • AI-driven security operations
  • Comprehensive platform integration
  • Global threat intelligence capabilities
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
8
9.3 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.2 Innovation 9.4

Rapid7 excels in security awareness training through its Command Platform, which integrates predictive technology and extensive incident response services to prepare employees for evolving threats.

  • Integrated platform for comprehensive security solutions
  • Strong threat intelligence capabilities
  • Managed services to enhance team efficiency
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
9
9.2 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.3 Innovation 9.1

LevelBlue (AT&T) offers effective security awareness training through its proactive threat protection services, ensuring employees are equipped to handle cyber threats with minimal operational impact.

  • Industry-Leading Expertise: Unmatched cybersecurity professionals on your team
  • Comprehensive Protection: Coverage against evolving cyber threats
  • Cost-Effective Technology: Tailored solutions to fit budget constraints
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice
10
9.1 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.0 Innovation 9.2

Avertium's scalable security awareness training solutions are tailored to enhance employee readiness through continuous monitoring and compliance management, making it suitable for diverse organizations.

  • Consultative, adaptable approach focused on client needs
  • 24/7 Cyber Fusion Centers for real-time response
  • Verified Microsoft expert in security solutions
CapabilitiesInnovationImplementationSupportPrice

Recommendations

SMB buyers

Prioritize solutions with 'zero-touch' deployment and automated user syncing to minimize administrative burden. Look for platforms that offer managed security awareness services if internal resources are limited, ensuring compliance and basic protection without extensive overhead.

Mid-market buyers

Seek platforms that offer a balance of advanced features like multi-channel simulations and behavioral analytics, alongside robust integration capabilities. Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), considering administrative labor and content localization to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Enterprise buyers

Focus on platforms with deep integration density across your existing security stack, including IAM, SIEM, and EDR. Demand OSINT-driven personalization, Agentic AI capabilities, and automated 'Search & Destroy' remediation to build an autonomous human risk defense and achieve measurable reductions in dwell time.

Future outlook

The future of security awareness and training is defined by Agentic AI and Autonomous Human Risk Defense. These systems will function as automated 'Red Teams,' continuously probing human vulnerabilities and adapting training in real-time. The market will see a continued convergence of SAT with broader security operations, with platforms not only training users but also dynamically adjusting technical security controls based on individual risk scores.

Outcome-based pricing models, tied to actual risk reduction, are also emerging.

About this study

This report analyzes the Security Awareness and Training market, evaluating supplier capability and innovation based on their ability to address human risk through advanced simulation, personalized content, and integration with broader security ecosystems. Our methodology synthesizes recent analyst data and incident reports to provide a high-confidence assessment of market trends and vendor differentiation.

FAQs & disclaimers

Is security awareness training just for compliance?

While SAT fulfills compliance requirements like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, its primary value lies in reducing human risk. Compliance is a baseline, but true resilience comes from a program focused on measurable behavior change and proactive defense against real threats.

How often should we run phishing simulations?

To build lasting 'muscle memory' against AI-driven attackers, phishing simulations should be conducted at least monthly, if not more frequently. Annual or quarterly testing creates knowledge gaps that sophisticated adversaries can exploit.

Our technical filters are excellent; do we still need this?

Yes, even with highly effective technical filters, a small percentage of malicious messages will inevitably bypass them. AI is making it easier for attackers to craft 'zero-day' URLs and social engineering tactics that evade automated defenses, making human vigilance indispensable.

Will phishing my employees make them resent the security team?

Not if implemented correctly. A 'coaching' approach that gamifies the experience, rewards threat reporting, and avoids shaming can significantly increase employee engagement with the security team and foster a positive security culture.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this report is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. Palomarr makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained herein for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Conclusion

The Security Awareness and Training market is undergoing a profound transformation, moving beyond traditional compliance-driven training to embrace a comprehensive Human Risk Management (HRM) approach.

The escalating sophistication of AI-powered social engineering attacks necessitates a proactive, adaptive defense that empowers employees as the 'human firewall.' Organizations must recognize that human error remains the most significant attack vector, making investment in advanced SAT solutions a critical strategic imperative.

Successful implementation hinges on selecting platforms that offer personalized, multi-channel simulations, just-in-time micro-learning, and deep integration with existing security infrastructure. The focus should shift from mere training completion to measurable behavioral change, evidenced by reduced 'phish-prone' percentages and increased incident reporting.

By fostering a 'no-blame' culture and leveraging advanced analytics, enterprises can transform their workforce from a vulnerability into a resilient layer of defense. As the market continues its rapid evolution, driven by AI and the convergence of security awareness with operational security, buyers must prioritize innovation and measurable outcomes.

The goal is to build an 'Autonomous Human Risk Defense' that continuously adapts to emerging threats, ensuring long-term organizational resilience against the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Take the deep dive

Explore security awareness and training history, benefits, and future trends.

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Read the buyer's guide

Get expert advice on evaluating security awareness and training solutions, including key capabilities and evaluation criteria.

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