
Cofense PhishMe - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools

Cofense PhishMe - Product Overview
Cofense PhishMe Overview
Cofense PhishMe is a comprehensive email security solution that focuses on protecting organizations from advanced phishing attacks, particularly those that bypass traditional and AI-driven Secure Email Gateways (SEGs).Primary Function
The primary function of Cofense PhishMe is to detect, analyze, and remediate phishing threats. It achieves this through a combination of human-vetted intelligence, automated analysis, and employee training. The platform leverages reports from a vast network of over 35 million Cofense-trained employees who identify and report suspicious emails, providing real-time threat intelligence.Target Audience
Cofense PhishMe is primarily targeted at large and medium-sized enterprises, especially those in industries such as Information Technology, Financial Services, Computer & Network Security, and Healthcare. These organizations often have more than 1,000 employees and revenues exceeding $1 billion.Key Features
Employee Training and Reporting
Cofense PhishMe includes a Security Awareness Training (SAT) program that immerses employees in real-world spear phishing scenarios. This training enables employees to recognize and report suspicious emails effectively. The Cofense Reporter tool simplifies the reporting process by adding an email add-in that sends suspicious emails to the security team for analysis.Automated Analysis and Remediation
The platform features Triage Email Analytics, which speeds up the analysis and threat determination of user-reported emails. It also includes Vision Email Auto-Quarantine, an automated tool that detects and quarantines phishing emails that slip past SEGs, reducing the dwell time of malicious emails.Human-Vetted Intelligence
Cofense Intelligence is a unique phishing-focused threat intelligence offering that relies on data from the world’s largest global phishing reporting network. All indicators of compromise (IOCs) are human-vetted by Cofense analysts, ensuring a high accuracy rate of 99.998%.AI-Driven Spam Filtering
Cofense has introduced AI-driven spam reduction capabilities that ensure complete data privacy by keeping emails local and not requiring exportation to external cloud data lakes. This feature supports compliance and best-practice security methods.Global Reporting Network
The platform benefits from a global network of over 35 million trained employees who report thousands of credible SEG misses daily. This collective intelligence is crucial in identifying and mitigating post-compromise risks. By combining these features, Cofense PhishMe provides a comprehensive solution to minimize the risk of email-based phishing attacks, making it an essential tool for organizations seeking to enhance their email security posture.
Cofense PhishMe - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Experience
The user interface and experience of Cofense PhishMe are designed to be user-friendly and efficient, particularly for administrators and end-users alike.Ease of Configuration and Integration
Cofense PhishMe integrates seamlessly with Azure Active Directory, which simplifies the setup process. The interface provides a step-by-step guide for connecting Cofense Recipient Sync to Azure AD, making it easy for administrators to configure and manage user accounts and groups automatically. This integration also supports enterprise-class single sign-on, allowing users to log in using their organizational accounts hosted in Active Directory.User Training and Simulations
The platform offers interactive and ongoing training simulations that mimic real phishing threats. These simulations are based on extensive research and threat intelligence, helping employees recognize and report phishing emails effectively. The interface allows administrators to enroll users in various training modules, including the 2023 Current Threats playbook, which focuses on recognizing and reporting current threats like Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams.Learning Management System (LMS)
Cofense PhishMe is integrated with a Learning Management System (LMS), which streamlines the delivery and tracking of training. The LMS provides a centralized console where administrators can manage training modules for individuals or groups of users. This integration automates tasks such as setting up simulations and learning modules, making the training process more efficient.Reporting and Analytics
The platform offers comprehensive reporting features that allow organizations to track their progress over time. Administrators can create specific reports for executives and the Board, and identify areas where employees need enhanced training. The Cofense Reporter feature tracks user activity and assigns a reporting score based on their performance, providing actionable data to improve training programs.User Experience
The overall user experience is focused on simplicity and effectiveness. Employees are conditioned to recognize and report email threats through realistic simulations, which helps in building their resilience against phishing attacks. The integrated learning environment ensures that users have access to the latest training content, updated monthly, without the need for manual updates or external resources.Conclusion
In summary, Cofense PhishMe’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with a strong emphasis on automating administrative tasks and providing engaging, realistic training simulations for end-users. This makes the platform both efficient and effective in enhancing organizational security against phishing threats.
Cofense PhishMe - Key Features and Functionality
Cofense PhishMe Overview
Cofense PhishMe is a comprehensive email security solution that integrates AI, machine learning (ML), and human intelligence to combat sophisticated phishing attacks. Here are the main features and how they work:AI-Powered Spam Filtering
Cofense has introduced an AI-driven spam reduction capability within their Phishing Threat Detection and Response (PDR) platform. This feature uses Bayesian Machine Learning to customize the spam filter to each client’s unique environment. It “learns” the specific spam patterns in a client’s SOC, automatically filtering out spam that would otherwise overwhelm analysts. This approach reduces SOC analyst spam overhead by 30% or more and ensures complete data privacy by keeping emails local, without the need for external cloud data lakes.PhishMe Email Security Awareness Training (SAT)
The PhishMe SAT platform trains employees to recognize and report real-world phishing attacks that bypass traditional and AI-based Secure Email Gateways (SEGs). This training includes simulations of observed SEG-miss threats to build employee resilience. The platform also includes an optional Learning Management System (LMS) for core knowledge building and Risk Validation to identify and focus on risk points within the training program.Malicious Email Reporting
The PhishMe Reporter tool makes it easy for employees to report suspicious emails with just a single click, turning them into active participants in email defense. This reporting is integrated into the overall threat detection and response system, enhancing the human-vetted intelligence used to combat phishing.Triage Email Analytics
This tool speeds up the analysis and threat determination from user-reported emails. It provides powerful visibility and automated analysis into indicators of compromise (IOCs) generated both by the user’s own reporting and the Cofense global reporting network. This helps in quickly identifying and mitigating phishing threats.Cofense Intelligence
Cofense Intelligence is a phishing-focused threat intelligence offering that leverages data from the world’s largest global phishing reporting network. Every IOC in this intelligence is human-vetted by Cofense analysts for high accuracy (99.998%). This intelligence connects to and informs all parts of the Cofense and PhishMe solution architecture, ensuring that organizations can effectively identify and mitigate emerging risks.Vision Email Auto-Quarantine
This is a high-performance, automated phishing indexing tool for rapid detection and quarantining of malicious emails that leak past the SEG. It includes automatic quarantining of major IOCs from Cofense’s phishing threat intelligence product, significantly reducing the dwell time of malicious emails.Human-Vetted Intelligence at Scale
Cofense combines human intelligence with AI and ML to create a virtuous cycle of threat detection and response. The platform leverages a global network of over 35 million Cofense-trained employees who report phishing threats 24/7/365. This human-vetted intelligence is automated and analyzed using AI/ML, providing a scalable and diverse defense against phishing attacks.Managed PDR Service
Cofense offers a managed email security service powered by the Cofense Phishing Defense Center (PDC), a global, phishing-focused Security Operations Center (SOC) operation. This service provides additional support and expertise to help organizations detect and remediate phishing threats effectively.Integration with Azure Active Directory
Cofense PhishMe integrates with Azure Active Directory, allowing for automatic user provisioning and updates, enterprise single sign-on, and easy configuration. This simplifies user onboarding and account maintenance, ensuring seamless integration with existing organizational systems.Conclusion
These features collectively ensure that Cofense PhishMe provides a comprehensive and effective solution for detecting, reporting, and remediating phishing threats, leveraging both AI-driven technologies and human intelligence.
Cofense PhishMe - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Cofense PhishMe
In the context of AI-driven email security, evaluating the performance and accuracy of Cofense PhishMe reveals several key strengths and some areas for consideration.
Performance
Cofense PhishMe stands out for its integrated approach to email security, combining human intelligence with AI/ML technologies. Here are some performance highlights:
Human-Vetted Intelligence
- Human-Vetted Intelligence: Cofense leverages a global network of over 35 million trained employees who report phishing threats in real-time. This human-vetted intelligence is then fed into their systems, ensuring a high level of accuracy. For instance, Cofense Intelligence boasts a 99.998% positive accuracy rate for its indicators of compromise (IOCs).
AI/ML Integration
- AI/ML Integration: Cofense extensively uses AI/ML to automate filtering, classification, and remediation of phishing attacks. These models are trained on human-reported attacks that bypass traditional Secure Email Gateways (SEGs), enhancing their ability to detect sophisticated threats.
Automated Remediation
- Automated Remediation: The Cofense Phishing Threat Detection and Response (PDR) Platform includes tools like Vision Email Auto-Quarantine, which automatically detects and quarantines malicious emails, significantly reducing dwell time.
Accuracy
The accuracy of Cofense PhishMe is a significant selling point:
High Accuracy Rates
- High Accuracy Rates: The human-vetting process ensures that IOCs have a very high accuracy rate, reducing false positives and false negatives. This is crucial in a landscape where AI-powered phishing attacks are increasingly sophisticated.
Global Reporting Network
- Global Reporting Network: The vast network of employees reporting phishing threats provides a diverse and continuous feed of real-world data, which improves the accuracy of the threat intelligence.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Cofense PhishMe offers strong performance and accuracy, there are some challenges and areas to consider:
Evolving Threat Landscape
- Evolving Threat Landscape: The cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing, with cybercriminals adapting their tactics. Cofense must continuously update its AI/ML models and threat intelligence to stay ahead of these evolving threats.
Competition and Differentiation
- Competition and Differentiation: In a highly competitive market, Cofense needs to differentiate itself through innovation and unique offerings. This includes maintaining its edge in human-vetted intelligence and AI/ML integration.
Regulatory Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with stringent data privacy regulations is essential. Cofense must remain vigilant in this area to maintain trust with its clients.
Scaling Operations
- Scaling Operations: As the company grows, scaling operations effectively while maintaining service quality is a challenge. This includes managing the influx of data from a growing user base and ensuring that the AI/ML models can handle increased volumes.
In summary, Cofense PhishMe’s performance and accuracy are bolstered by its unique blend of human intelligence and AI/ML technologies. However, the company must remain agile and innovative to address the evolving threat landscape, competitive pressures, and regulatory requirements.

Cofense PhishMe - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Model
Cofense PhishMe operates on a subscription-based pricing model, but it does not offer standardized, publicly listed pricing tiers. Instead, the pricing is custom and quotation-based, which means that the cost will vary depending on the specific needs and size of the organization.
Cost Range
Based on available data, the annual cost for Cofense PhishMe can range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of around $30,000, with an average cost of approximately $15,000 per year.
Features
While the exact features may vary with custom pricing, Cofense PhishMe generally includes advanced security awareness training tools such as:
- Simulation scenarios to educate employees about online threats
- Predefined attachments and landing pages for training
- Insights into active, completed, and upcoming simulation scenarios through graphs and charts
- Machine learning technology to detect and analyze phishing attacks
- SOC 2 Type II certification for security compliance.
Free Options
Cofense PhishMe does not offer a free plan or a free trial. Users must contact the vendor for a custom quote based on their specific requirements.
Summary
In summary, Cofense PhishMe’s pricing is highly customizable and dependent on the organization’s needs, with no standard tiers or free options available.

Cofense PhishMe - Integration and Compatibility
Cofense PhishMe Integration Overview
Cofense PhishMe integrates seamlessly with various tools and platforms, enhancing its functionality and compatibility across different environments.Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Cofense PhishMe is now integrated with Cofense’s Learning Management System (LMS), allowing organizations to combine their simulation, assessment, and training efforts efficiently. This integration automates tasks such as setting up simulations and learning modules for groups of users, making it easier to manage training programs from a single console.Azure Active Directory Integration
PhishMe integrates with Azure Active Directory, enabling features like Recipient Sync. This allows operators to automatically provision and update users from their organization’s Azure Active Directory to their PhishMe master recipient list. It also supports enterprise-class single sign-on, simplifying user onboarding and account maintenance.Phishing Threat Detection and Response (PDR) Platform
The Cofense PDR platform works in conjunction with PhishMe to detect and remediate phishing threats that bypass traditional and AI-based Secure Email Gateways (SEGs). Tools like Triage Email Analytics, Cofense Intelligence, and Vision Email Auto-Quarantine collaborate to speed analysis, provide human-vetted threat intelligence, and automate the quarantining of malicious emails.Cofense Reporter and Triage
Cofense PhishMe works closely with Cofense Reporter, which allows employees to report suspicious emails easily. These reports are then analyzed and prioritized by Cofense Triage, enabling IT security teams to automate and speed up incident response. This integration ensures that reported threats are efficiently managed and responded to.SIEM and Other Security Tools
Cofense PhishMe can integrate with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, providing rich, contextual reporting and enhancing the overall security posture. This integration helps in correlating phishing intelligence with human-reported threats, making incident response more effective.Cross-Platform Compatibility
While the specific documentation does not detail compatibility with every device or platform, the integration with Azure Active Directory and the ability to work within a broader security ecosystem suggest that Cofense PhishMe is designed to be versatile and adaptable to various organizational environments. This includes compatibility with different email systems and the ability to manage training and reporting across diverse user groups.Conclusion
In summary, Cofense PhishMe is built to integrate seamlessly with a range of tools and platforms, ensuring comprehensive security training, efficient threat detection, and effective incident response. Its compatibility with Azure Active Directory, LMS systems, and other security tools makes it a versatile solution for enhancing organizational cybersecurity.
Cofense PhishMe - Customer Support and Resources
Cofense PhishMe Support Overview
Cofense PhishMe offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize their products and address any issues that may arise.
Support Channels
- Email Support: Customers can submit support tickets via email at support@cofense.com or through the Support site. Email support operates 24/7, with tickets actively managed during regular support hours.
- Phone Support: Phone support is available during standard operating hours (9 to 5, Monday to Friday, UK time). Calls outside these hours are converted to tickets.
- Live Chat: Live Chat support is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Chat sessions initiated outside of these hours are converted into support tickets and addressed during regular support hours.
Support Response Times
Cofense commits to same-day response to customer tickets, ensuring prompt attention to any issues or queries.
Customer Experience Representative
Each customer is assigned a Customer Experience representative who serves as a single point of contact for the life of their contract. This representative can direct queries and manage any open support tickets.
Additional Resources
- Cofense Resource Centre: This centre provides 24/7 online assistance, featuring help articles and the ability to create support tickets. Users can manage the status and priority of their support tickets through this platform.
- Professional Services: For organizations needing assistance in building or evolving their phishing-focused Security Awareness Training (SAT) programs, Cofense offers professional services to help initiate or enhance these initiatives.
Global Support Network
Cofense leverages a global network of more than 35 million trained employees who report phishing threats in real time. This collective intelligence is integrated into their support and threat detection systems, enhancing the effectiveness of their solutions.
By providing multiple support channels, a dedicated customer experience representative, and extensive online resources, Cofense ensures that users have the support they need to effectively use and benefit from their PhishMe solutions.

Cofense PhishMe - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Cofense PhishMe
Cofense PhishMe offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for email security and phishing awareness:User-Friendly Interface and Integration
Enhanced Security Awareness
Automated and Efficient Reporting
Comprehensive Threat Detection and Response
Global Threat Intelligence
Detailed Analytics and Reporting
Disadvantages of Cofense PhishMe
While Cofense PhishMe has many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider:Cost
Technical Issues
Integration and Performance
Migration Issues

Cofense PhishMe - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Cofense PhishMe with its competitors
In the security awareness and phishing simulation category, several key features and differences stand out.
Unique Features of Cofense PhishMe
- Real-World Simulations: Cofense PhishMe is known for its realistic phishing simulations that mimic actual threats, helping employees recognize and resist phishing attempts. These simulations are based on the latest phishing tactics and threats, keeping users ahead of current attacks.
- Automated Scenario Deployment: The platform offers automated scenario deployment through built-in playbooks, allowing organizations to automate their phishing programs over the course of a year.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Cofense PhishMe includes features like the Cofense Reporter button, which enables easy one-click reporting of suspicious emails from computers or mobile devices. It also provides executive-level customized reports.
- Industry Certification: It is the first and only industry certification for phishing simulation programs, adding a layer of credibility and assurance.
Competitors and Alternatives
KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training
- Comprehensive Training Approach: KnowBe4 offers a new-school awareness training approach that helps organizations manage social engineering threats. It includes simulated phishing, training modules, and assessments to create a human firewall.
- Personalized Training: KnowBe4’s training is personalized and based on the specific vulnerabilities of the organization, making it highly effective in changing user behavior.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
- Personalized Training Based on Threat Intelligence: Proofpoint uses industry-leading threat intelligence to deliver personalized training to end users. This approach has been shown to reduce successful phishing attacks and malware infections by up to 90%.
- Variety of Assessments and Tools: Proofpoint offers a range of assessments, training modules, and email reporting and analysis tools to ensure the right training is delivered to the right people at the right time.
Hoxhunt
- Gamified Approach: Hoxhunt uses a gamified approach to engage employees in phishing simulations, making the training more engaging and interactive.
- Continuous Training: Hoxhunt provides continuous training through regular phishing simulations, helping to maintain a high level of security awareness among employees.
Keepnet Labs
- Unified Social Engineering Platform: Keepnet Labs offers a unified platform empowered by AI, focusing on social engineering threats. It includes features like customizable scenarios and real-time feedback, similar to Cofense PhishMe.
Key Differences
- Automation and Customization: While Cofense PhishMe excels in automated scenario deployment and customization, KnowBe4 and Proofpoint focus more on personalized training based on specific organizational vulnerabilities.
- Engagement Methods: Hoxhunt stands out with its gamified approach, which can be more engaging for some users compared to the more traditional simulation methods used by Cofense PhishMe and others.
- Industry Recognition: Cofense PhishMe holds a unique industry certification, which may be an important factor for organizations seeking a recognized standard in phishing simulation training.
In summary, while Cofense PhishMe offers highly realistic simulations and automated deployment, its competitors like KnowBe4, Proofpoint, and Hoxhunt provide alternative approaches such as personalized training, gamified engagement, and unified social engineering platforms. Each solution has its strengths, and the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the organization.

Cofense PhishMe - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Cofense PhishMe
What is Cofense PhishMe?
Cofense PhishMe is a sophisticated software solution that simulates phishing attacks to train employees to recognize and respond to such threats. It is part of a suite of solutions from Cofense that empowers employees to quickly identify and report phishing emails, enabling response teams to mitigate threats effectively.How does Cofense PhishMe protect against phishing attacks?
Cofense PhishMe protects against phishing attacks by immersing employees in real-world spear phishing experiences through customizable scenarios. This training helps reduce the threat of employees falling victim to advanced cyber attacks by up to 95%. The platform provides immediate feedback and education to recipients who fall victim to these simulated attacks.What are the key features of Cofense PhishMe?
Key features of Cofense PhishMe include customizable phishing scenarios, detailed reporting, and integration with other security tools. The platform offers realistic simulations, an intuitive interface, and the ability to track and measure employee performance over time. It also includes powerful automation tools and managed services that convert threat intelligence into rapid remediation and mitigation.How does Cofense PhishMe ensure data privacy?
Cofense PhishMe ensures complete data privacy by keeping emails local and never requiring their exportation to external cloud data lakes. This approach helps with compliance attestations and supports best-practice security methods, making it unique compared to many other AI-driven products.Does Cofense PhishMe offer a free trial or free plan?
Cofense PhishMe does not offer a free plan, but you can request a free trial to test the software before committing to a purchase.How much does Cofense PhishMe cost?
The pricing for Cofense PhishMe starts at $10 per seat annually, with costs varying based on the number of users and the specific features required. Organizations can choose from annual or multi-year subscriptions to fit their needs and budget.Is Cofense PhishMe suitable for all industries?
Yes, Cofense PhishMe serves all industries, particularly those that prioritize cybersecurity and need to mitigate the risks associated with phishing attacks. It is well-suited for large enterprises and mid-sized businesses across various sectors.What kind of support does Cofense offer for its PhishMe platform?
Cofense provides world-class customer support to ensure that phishing simulation exercises are conducted in a controlled manner that does not compromise security or create negative backlash. The support team is available to answer questions and provide a free demo of the Cofense suite.How does Cofense PhishMe integrate with other security tools?
Cofense PhishMe integrates with other security tools to enhance endpoint security. It works in conjunction with other Cofense solutions, such as Phishing Threat Detection and Response (PDR), to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.What is the impact of Cofense PhishMe on employee training and awareness?
Cofense PhishMe significantly improves employee response to phishing attacks by conditioning them through realistic simulations. This training helps employees recognize and report the latest and most dangerous phishing threats, making them a more resilient last line of defense against cyber attacks.