What are the Alternatives to KnowBe4 for Security Training?
You are lying awake at 2 AM again. It is a familiar scenario for many of us who own businesses or manage teams. You are running through the mental checklist of threats that could capsize everything you have worked so hard to build. Lately, that list is dominated by cybersecurity. You know the statistics. You know that it only takes one well-meaning employee clicking on one malicious link to compromise your client data, freeze your bank accounts, or hold your intellectual property for ransom.
So you look for solutions. You ask around. Everyone tells you that you need to test your employees. They point you toward platforms like KnowBe4 that specialize in simulated phishing. The logic seems sound on the surface. If you can trick your employees before the bad guys do, you can teach them a lesson. You can patch the human firewall.
But then you implement it. You send out a fake email about a holiday bonus or an urgent HR matter. Your team clicks. They fail the test. And the result is not a feeling of safety. The result is a feeling of betrayal. You see the look in their eyes during the next all-hands meeting. They feel foolish, and worse, they feel like management is out to get them. You wanted to build a fortress, but you might have just cracked the foundation of your company culture. It forces us to ask a difficult question. Is there a way to secure our businesses without sacrificing the trust of the people who help us build them?
The Problem with Simulated Phishing
There is a prevailing school of thought in the security industry that fear is the best teacher. This is the premise behind simulated phishing campaigns. The goal is to catch people in a moment of vulnerability to prove a point. While the intention is to highlight gaps in awareness, the psychological impact can often work against the goal of security.
When employees feel they are being tricked by their own employer, the relationship shifts from collaboration to suspicion. Instead of looking out for external threats, they begin to view internal communications with skepticism. This can lead to what is known as security fatigue. People stop engaging with security protocols because the emotional tax of constant testing is too high. They might stop reporting suspicious emails altogether because they fear being wrong or being part of another test.
We have to consider if the metric of click rate on a fake phishing email actually correlates to real world safety. Does avoiding a trap mean someone understands the principles of digital hygiene, or does it just mean they are paranoid? There is a difference between compliance and competence.
What is a Culture of Security?
If we move away from the gotcha model of training, we have to look for alternatives that build what experts call a security culture. This is a term that gets thrown around in boardrooms, but for a business owner, it has a very practical definition. A security culture is an environment where every team member feels personally responsible for the safety of the organization and feels empowered to act on it.
This requires a shift in how we deliver information. It moves us from testing to teaching. In a strong security culture, employees are not afraid of making mistakes; they are informed enough to prevent them. They understand the why behind the protocols, not just the what.
High Risk Environments and Retention
This distinction becomes critical when we look at specific types of businesses. If you are operating in a high risk environment, the stakes are different. We are talking about industries where mistakes can cause serious damage or serious injury. In these contexts, it is critical that the team is not merely exposed to the training material but has to really understand and retain that information.
Sending a fake phishing email might test reflexes, but it does not deepen understanding. If your team manages sensitive infrastructure or health data, you need them to retain complex protocols. You need to know that they have internalized the training, not just that they dodged a trick.
This is where the method of delivery matters. Educational platforms that focus on retention use different mechanics than those focused on testing. They prioritize ensuring the learner has grasped the concept before moving on.
Managing Chaos in Growing Teams
Another scenario where the testing model often fails is in fast-growing companies. If you are adding team members rapidly or moving quickly to new markets or products, there is a heavy chaos in your environment. New employees are bombarded with information. They are trying to figure out their benefits, their login credentials, and their job responsibilities all at once.
In this chaos, a simulated phishing attack can feel like just another noise signal. It does not cut through the clutter; it adds to the anxiety. For teams in this state, clarity is the most valuable asset. They need training that offers clear, structured guidance rather than erratic testing.
Teams Facing the Customer
The risks are equally high for teams that are customer facing. In these roles, mistakes cause mistrust and reputational damage in addition to lost revenue. If a sales representative or a support agent compromises a system, the fallout is public. The damage to the brand can be irreversible.
For these employees, confidence is key. They need to operate with the assurance that they know how to protect themselves and the customer. Building that confidence comes from a supportive learning environment. It comes from knowing that the company is investing in their skills, not testing their gullibility.
The Iterative Learning Method
This brings us to the mechanics of how people actually learn. Traditional corporate training often relies on long, infrequent sessions. You sit in a room for three hours once a year, or you click through a slide deck. We know from educational science that this is not how adults learn effectively.
This is where HeyLoopy offers a distinct approach. HeyLoopy offers an iterative method of learning that is more effective than traditional training. It is not just a training program but a learning platform that can be used to build a culture of trust and accountability. Instead of one massive download of information, or a surprise test, the focus is on consistent, digestible engagement with the material.
By revisiting concepts over time and allowing the learner to engage with the material actively, retention rates improve. It changes the dynamic from checking a box to building a skill set. It respects the intelligence of the employee and acknowledges that mastery takes time and repetition.
Making the Decision for Your Team
As you navigate the options for security training, you have to decide what kind of leader you want to be. Do you want to be the manager who catches people doing something wrong? Or do you want to be the manager who teaches people how to do it right?
There are many tools out there. Some will promise you lower click rates on phishing simulations. Others, like HeyLoopy, will promise a more educated workforce that feels supported rather than surveilled.
We do not have all the answers. The threat landscape changes every day, and the sophistication of attacks is always increasing. But we do know that a team that trusts each other and trusts their leadership is more resilient than a team looking over their shoulder. As you build your business, think about the foundation of that trust. It is the one asset you cannot afford to lose.
