Lupasafe vs KnowBe4: Which security awareness solution is best for SMEs under NIS-2? [2025]

With the introduction of the NIS-2 directive, European SMEs and organizations face the challenge of strengthening their cybersecurity. Security awareness training is a crucial pillar in this regard. In this comparison, we analyze two popular solutions: Lupasafe and KnowBe4. Which platform is the best fit for European organizations facing NIS-2 compliance?

NIS-2 Compliance

Lupasafe

Lupasafe was developed specifically with NIS-2 compliance requirements in mind:

• Specific NIS-2 reporting: directly aligned with EU standards
• Compliance dashboard: clear reporting with Excel export for audits
• EU focus: Fully tailored to European organizations and NIS-2 requirements
• GDPR-compliant: European data storage for privacy-sensitive information

KnowBe4

KnowBe4 offers general compliance modules, but:

• No specific focus on NIS-2
• US-based platform, less aligned with EU regulations
• Requires more manual adjustments for EU standards

In summary: For NIS-2 compliance, Lupasafe has a distinct advantage with dedicated EU-focused reporting.

Phishing simulations & regional Guidance

What makes Lupasafe unique:

• European security experts through MSP network: Personal guidance from the region
• Customized campaigns: Phishing simulations with European context and SME or sector-specific scenarios
• Personal contact: Direct consultation with security specialists who understand the European market
• Local knowledge: Templates based on current European cyber threats

KnowBe4 offers a broad platform:

• 1000+ templates: Automated and internationally oriented
• Self-service model: No specific regional expert guidance
• Minimum 25 users: Threshold for smaller organizations
• General approach: Less focus on European-specific scenarios

Results: For personal guidance and customization, Lupasafe wins, especially among SMEs and organizations that value local European expertise.

QR phishing, credential harvesting & smishing capabilities

Lupasafe offers:

• Integrated QR code phishing simulations
• Credential harvesting tests – verifying whether employees share sensitive data
• Smishing (SMS phishing) modules (optional)
• Continuous phishing automation for regular training
• Modern phishing techniques tailored to current threats

KnowBe4 offers:

• Comprehensive QR code phishing templates
• Smishing modules available
• Wide range of modern phishing scenarios
• Regularly updated threat library

Outcome: Both platforms offer similar functionality in this area.

MSP integration: essential for management

Lupasafe

Developed especially for European MSP partners:

• Multi-tenant architecture: Centralized management of multiple clients
• Autotask integration: Seamless interfacing with PSA systems
• Custom branding: Own SMTP and corporate identity per customer
• Efficient dashboard: Overview of all customers in one environment
• MSP-friendly pricing: Transparent and scalable in EUR

KnowBe4

Less MSP-focused:

• Complex pricing model that varies by country
• Less accessible for MSP structures
• Higher total cost of multi-client management
• Limited white-label capabilities

Results: For MSP partners and organizations managing multiple companies or institutions, Lupasafe is the clear winner.

Pricing ctructure & scalability

Lupasafe

• Transparent pricing in EUR for European market
• Suitable for smaller organizations
• No minimum number of users via MSP
• MSP-friendly model

KnowBe4

• International pricing model
• Higher costs for European market
• More complex licensing structure

Results: Lupasafe offers more flexibility and better accessibility for European SMEs and organizations.

Conclusion: which solution suits your SME or organization?

Choose Lupasafe if:

• ✅ You are an EU organization subject to NIS-2
• ✅ Need specific NIS-2 compliance reporting
• ✅ Value personal guidance from regional European experts
• ✅ Require GDPR-compliant and European data storage
• ✅ Want customized phishing campaigns with European context

Choose KnowBe4 if:

• ✅ Prefer a self-service platform
• ✅ Want access to 1000+ international templates
• ✅ Have less focus on specific EU compliance requirements