KnowBe4 vs Mimecast: What are the differences?

Introduction

KnowBe4 and Mimecast are two different technology companies that provide solutions in the field of cybersecurity and email management. Although they operate in the same industry, there are several key differences that set them apart. The following paragraphs highlight the most notable differences between KnowBe4 and Mimecast.

1. Focus: KnowBe4 primarily focuses on providing cybersecurity awareness training and simulated phishing tests for organizations. Their main objective is to educate employees about the various cyber threats and how to identify and avoid them. On the other hand, Mimecast specializes in email security and management solutions, offering services such as email filtering, archiving, and continuity.

2. Offerings: KnowBe4 provides a comprehensive range of cybersecurity training modules, including interactive training materials, videos, and simulated phishing campaigns. They also offer reporting tools to track employees' progress and provide actionable insights. Mimecast, on the other hand, offers a wide range of email management services, including spam and malware protection, email archiving, email continuity, and secure email gateways. They focus more on the technical aspects of email security and management.

3. Approach: KnowBe4 takes a people-centric approach to cybersecurity by focusing on training employees and raising awareness about social engineering attacks. They emphasize the importance of human behavior and aim to develop a security-conscious culture within organizations. Mimecast, on the other hand, takes a more technology-centered approach, implementing advanced algorithms and threat intelligence to detect and prevent email-based threats.

4. Integration: KnowBe4 offers integration with various third-party tools and platforms, allowing organizations to seamlessly incorporate their training and awareness programs into existing systems. They provide integrations with popular learning management systems (LMS), security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, and single sign-on (SSO) providers. Mimecast, on the other hand, offers integrations with popular email platforms and collaboration tools to ensure smooth email management and security across different environments.

5. Industry Recognition: KnowBe4 has been widely recognized in the cybersecurity industry and has received numerous awards for its training and awareness programs. They have been named a Leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training for multiple years. Mimecast, on the other hand, has gained recognition for its email security and archiving solutions. They have been named a Leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Information Archiving and email security solutions.

6. Customer Base: KnowBe4 primarily serves small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), including organizations from various industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. They have a strong presence in the SMB market and cater to the specific cybersecurity needs of these businesses. Mimecast, on the other hand, focuses on serving larger enterprises and organizations with more complex email management requirements. They have established partnerships with several Fortune 500 companies and organizations in highly regulated industries.

In summary, while both KnowBe4 and Mimecast operate in the cybersecurity and email management space, KnowBe4 focuses on cybersecurity awareness training for employees, while Mimecast specializes in email security and management solutions for larger enterprises. KnowBe4 takes a people-centric approach, whereas Mimecast emphasizes advanced technology and threat intelligence.