Quick Answer: Security awareness training costs $20–$55 per user per year for self-serve platforms (KnowBe4, Proofpoint), or $5,000–$40,000 per year for a fully managed programme including phishing simulations, content customisation, and compliance reporting. For a 100-person company, total investment typically runs $5,000–$15,000 annually.
Security Awareness Training Cost in 2026
Security awareness training costs have become more competitive as the market has matured, but pricing still varies widely depending on the delivery model, customisation level, phishing simulation volume, and whether you’re using a managed service or a self-serve platform.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what to budget for security awareness training in 2026.
Pricing Models for Security Awareness Training
Model 1: Self-Serve Platform (Per User, Per Year)
Platforms like KnowBe4, Proofpoint Security Awareness, Cofense, or Infosec IQ offer per-user licensing for self-managed programmes.
- KnowBe4 (Silver): ~$20–$30 per user/year
- KnowBe4 (Gold/Platinum with phishing simulations): ~$35–$55 per user/year
- Proofpoint Security Awareness: ~$30–$50 per user/year
- Minimum commitments often apply (50–100 user minimum)
For a 100-person company on a mid-tier platform: approximately $3,500–$5,500/year before implementation time.
Model 2: Managed Security Awareness Service
A managed service provider (like eShield Consulting) handles platform management, content selection, phishing campaign design, reporting, and compliance evidence generation. This is the preferred model for organisations that lack internal security team bandwidth.
- Small business (25–100 users): $5,000–$15,000/year
- Medium business (100–500 users): $15,000–$40,000/year
- Enterprise (500+ users): $40,000–$120,000+/year
Model 3: Custom Classroom / Workshop Training
For organisations requiring face-to-face delivery (common for APS agencies, regulated financial services, or high-risk roles), instructor-led sessions cost:
- Half-day workshop (up to 20 participants): $3,000–$6,000
- Full-day workshop: $5,000–$10,000
- Executive security awareness briefing (C-suite, 2 hours): $2,500–$5,000
What Should Be Included in a Security Awareness Programme?
- Monthly e-learning modules (5–10 minutes each)
- Quarterly phishing simulation campaigns
- Annual compliance training (satisfying ISO 27001 A.6.3, SOC 2 CC2.2)
- Completion and compliance reporting
- Phishing click-rate trend reporting
- Just-in-time training for employees who click phishing simulations
Is Security Awareness Training Worth the Investment?
Research consistently shows that organisations with mature awareness programmes reduce phishing susceptibility by 60–80% over 12 months. The average cost of a data breach in Australia is AUD $4.26M (IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024) — compared to $5,000–$40,000/year for a comprehensive awareness programme, the ROI is unambiguous.
Explore eShield’s Information Security Awareness service or contact us to discuss a managed programme for your organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum viable security awareness programme?
At minimum, you need: annual baseline training (all staff), quarterly phishing simulations, a breach reporting procedure, and documented completion records. This satisfies ISO 27001 A.6.3 and SOC 2 CC2.2 at a basic level and can be delivered for under $5,000/year for small teams.
Does the training need to be live or can it be self-paced?
Self-paced e-learning is the standard and is accepted by all major compliance frameworks. Live workshops are valuable for high-risk roles or when launching a new programme, but are not required for ongoing compliance.
Contact eShield for a security awareness training proposal tailored to your headcount and compliance requirements.
