If you’ve been a KnowBe4 customer for a while (as many of our customers have), you’ve probably noticed that things look a little different. For years, KnowBe4’s licensing was built around four familiar tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Organizations generally picked the level that matched the features and training library they wanted, and that was that.

Now, KnowBe4 has simplified the lineup. The company has replaced those four editions with just two: Foundation and Advanced. At first glance, it seems like a straightforward pricing change. In reality, it’s part of a much bigger shift in how KnowBe4 sees the future of security awareness training.

Simpler Licensing Doesn’t Mean Less Capability

The new licensing model is designed to make buying—and understanding—the platform much easier.

Instead of trying to compare four different editions with dozens of feature differences, organizations now choose between a solid entry-level platform (Foundation) or a more feature-rich version (Advanced). Pricing still scales by the number of users, and nonprofits continue to qualify for discounted pricing.

For many organizations, especially smaller nonprofits and businesses, this actually makes purchasing easier. The old question of “Should we buy Gold or Platinum?” has largely disappeared.

AI Is Driving Much of the Change

The licensing changes aren’t just about simplifying price sheets. They’re also about reflecting where the platform is headed.

KnowBe4 has invested heavily in AI over the past year, introducing AI-driven phishing simulations, personalized learning recommendations, and what it calls AI Defense Agents (AIDA). Rather than simply delivering the same training to every employee, the platform increasingly adapts training based on user behavior and risk levels.

In other words, security awareness is becoming less about annual compliance videos and more about continuous coaching.

What Existing Customers Should Expect

If you’re already a KnowBe4 customer, you probably won’t lose functionality overnight.

Most existing customers will continue under their current agreement until renewal. At that point, KnowBe4 or your reseller will typically map your existing subscription to one of the new licensing options. Depending on which features you’re currently using, you may find that some capabilities have moved into the Advanced edition, while others are now included by default.

That’s why renewal time is becoming more important than ever. It’s worth reviewing which features your organization actually uses instead of simply renewing the same package you’ve had for years.

Is Advanced Worth It?

For organizations that only want basic awareness training and phishing simulations, Foundation may be enough.

But organizations with mature cybersecurity programs—or those facing regulatory requirements—will likely find Advanced to be the better long-term investment. Features such as AI-driven phishing campaigns, advanced reporting, APIs, smarter automation, and AI-powered recommendations are increasingly becoming part of everyday security operations rather than “nice-to-have” extras.

The good news is that many organizations that previously needed Platinum or Diamond will find those capabilities consolidated into a simpler package.

This Reflects a Bigger Industry Trend

KnowBe4 isn’t just changing product names.

The company is signaling that security awareness is evolving from a compliance exercise into a human risk management platform. Employees aren’t simply completing annual training anymore — they’re receiving ongoing coaching, personalized learning, and increasingly AI-assisted protection throughout the year.

Expect other security awareness vendors to move in the same direction. AI is changing how attacks happen, and vendors are responding by making training more adaptive, more personalized, and more continuous.

Some Final Advice

If your organization is approaching a KnowBe4 renewal, don’t assume it’s just another routine license update.

Take the opportunity to review what you’re actually using, understand which features are included in the new Foundation and Advanced editions, and decide whether the newer AI-powered capabilities align with your security goals.

For many organizations, the new licensing will actually make purchasing easier. The bigger question isn’t which license to buy—it’s how your security awareness program should evolve over the next few years as AI changes both cyber threats and how we defend against them.

Whether you’re renewing your existing subscription or evaluating KnowBe4 for the first time, now is a great time to make sure you’re getting the features your organization actually needs—not just the package that sounds familiar. If you’d like help reviewing your KnowBe4 renewal or understanding the new Foundation and Advanced editions, we’d be happy to help. Contact CGNET for a no-pressure conversation about finding the right fit for your organization.