KnowBe4 Introduces Breakthrough Innovations to Train Humans and AI Agents in Cybersecurity
In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, KnowBe4, the globally recognized leader in cybersecurity training, has unveiled groundbreaking innovations designed to address the dual challenge of securing both humans and AI agents. As organizations integrate AI into their workflows at an unprecedented pace, the need to protect these systems—and the people who interact with them—has never been more critical. According to Gartner, by the end of 2026, 40% of enterprise applications will incorporate task-specific AI agents, a massive leap from less than 5% today. However, this rapid adoption also makes AI agents prime targets for theft, adversarial manipulation, and misuse, underscoring the importance of employee AI literacy and robust security measures.
For years, the human element has been a significant factor in over 60% of breaches, with social engineering consistently ranking as one of the top attack vectors, as highlighted in reports like the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. While humans remain a critical vulnerability, the rise of AI introduces new complexities to the cybersecurity landscape. Smarter defenses that address the dynamic interplay between humans and AI agents are now essential to building a resilient cybersecurity strategy.
A Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity
“We are delivering adaptive, personalized, AI-driven defenses today to safeguard the next generation global workforce,” said Bryan Palma, CEO of KnowBe4. “We do both—guard humans against AI-driven attacks and shield AI systems from exploitation. KnowBe4 is uniquely positioned to protect enterprise AI agents by securing the essential human-agent interaction layer. As AI becomes both a powerful tool and a potential target, safeguarding this interaction point is crucial.”
Traditional cybersecurity solutions often focus narrowly on defending at the gateway layer, but KnowBe4’s HRM+ (Human Risk Management Plus) platform takes a more comprehensive approach. Built on 15 years of user behavior and threat intelligence data, HRM+ ensures protection extends beyond the edge, securing every layer of interaction—from productivity environments and individual users to AI agents themselves. This layered defense-in-depth strategy provides unparalleled resilience, addressing vulnerabilities that other platforms overlook.
Key Features of HRM+: Securing Humans and AI Agents
KnowBe4’s HRM+ platform introduces several innovative features designed to fortify both human and AI defenses:
- Agent-Safe Behavior Training:
Just as employees have learned to identify phishing emails and malicious links, they must now be trained to safely interact with and oversee AI agents. HRM+ equips users with the skills to recognize and mitigate risks associated with AI systems, ensuring they can confidently manage these tools without inadvertently exposing their organizations to threats. - Prompt Injection & Manipulation Defense:
One of the most pressing concerns with AI agents is their susceptibility to adversarial inputs designed to hijack their functionality. HRM+ employs simulated attacks to train global workforces in identifying and resisting prompt injection and manipulation attempts. This proactive approach prepares employees to defend against emerging threats targeting AI systems. - Risk Scoring for Agent Interactions:
Building on its industry-leading Risk Score framework, KnowBe4 now quantifies susceptibility to agent misuse. By extending risk scoring to include interactions with AI agents, HRM+ provides organizations with a comprehensive view of their overall risk landscape, enabling them to prioritize and address vulnerabilities effectively.
Real-World Impact: Adapting to Evolving Threats
KnowBe4’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving cybersecurity needs has earned praise from its customers. One client remarked, “Threats change and adapt far too often. KnowBe4 knows this and adapts their training to meet the current threats. AI Defense Agents, in particular, help us quickly adapt to the evolving threat landscape.” This feedback underscores the platform’s ability to deliver timely, relevant, and actionable training that empowers organizations to stay one step ahead of attackers.
As the pioneer of AI-driven human risk management, KnowBe4 continues to lead the charge in addressing the unique challenges posed by the integration of AI into enterprise environments. By focusing on both the human and AI elements of cybersecurity, the company ensures that organizations are equipped to handle the complexities of modern threats.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Humans and AI Working Together
The rise of AI agents in the workplace presents immense opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, it also introduces new risks that require a forward-thinking approach to security. KnowBe4’s HRM+ platform exemplifies this mindset, offering a holistic solution that protects not only individuals but also the AI systems they rely on daily.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business operations, the line between human and machine interactions will continue to blur. Organizations must adopt a proactive stance, ensuring that both humans and AI agents are trained and secured against potential threats. With its breakthrough innovations, KnowBe4 is setting a new standard for cybersecurity, empowering businesses to build resilient defenses that safeguard their most valuable assets.
About KnowBe4
KnowBe4 empowers workforces to make smarter security decisions every day. Trusted by over 70,000 organizations worldwide, KnowBe4 helps to strengthen security culture and manage human risk. KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive AI-driven ‘best-of-suite’ platform for Human Risk Management, creating an adaptive defense layer that fortifies user behavior against the latest cybersecurity threats. The HRM+ platform includes modules for awareness & compliance training, cloud email security, real-time coaching, crowdsourced anti-phishing, AI Defense Agents, and more. As the only global security platform of its kind, KnowBe4 utilizes personalized and relevant cybersecurity protection content, tools and techniques to mobilize workforces to transform from the largest attack surface to an organization’s biggest asset. More info at knowbe4.com.
