Side by side

SANS Phishing Platform vs SMARTFENSE Simulation Tools

Both stand on phishing simulation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

SANS Phishing Platform

Paid APIWeb

SANS Phishing Platform combines recurring simulations, training and exposure reporting in a web service. Its licensing and authorized-testing requirements mean organizations should establish scope and subscription terms before campaigns begin.

Visit SANS Phishing Platform

SMARTFENSE Simulation Tools

Paid AndroidAPIiPhone+4

SMARTFENSE combines varied attack simulations with reporting, risk scoring, and a phishing-reporting workflow. Check the allowlisting and supported email-client requirements, and request pricing for the separate integrations component if needed.

Visit SMARTFENSE Simulation Tools

The facts

	SANS Phishing Platform	SMARTFENSE Simulation Tools
Free plan	No	Not published
Open source	No	Not published
Runs on	API, Web	Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Phishing Training (CIS Aggregate Buy, 2017): $3,000 a year	Free or on request
Plans published	3	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	sans.org	smartfense.com
On phishing simulation software	#18 of 31	#14 of 31

SANS Phishing Platform: what it does well

Campaigns can run continuously for up to 12 months
Templates span five difficulty tiers and 33 languages
Target lists sync from LMS, Azure AD or other sources
Automated remedial courses and just-in-time training
Reports include privacy-focused stakeholder formats

What to know first

Pricing and limits require a customer-specific quote
No free plan is listed
Simulated phishing requires authorization for domains and recipients

SMARTFENSE Simulation Tools: what it does well

Covers five simulation types, including QR code and smishing.
Scenario content can be edited or created from scratch.
Risk scoring spans users, groups, and organizational levels.
Documented REST API supports campaign results and user management.
Base integrations include Microsoft Entra ID and Google.

What to know first

Internet access is required.
Additional listed integrations require a separate contract.
Pricing is available on request.
Outlook for macOS is not covered by technical support.

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