New capability launched on National Social Engineering Day reinforces safe behavior to combat threats
KnowBe4, the global leader in digital workforce security, securing both AI agents and humans, announced the rollout of enhanced Real-Time Coaching capabilities, delivering an instant, bite-sized SecurityTip at the exact moment risky behavior occurs.
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Social engineering attacks continue to be one of the most effective ways bad actors bypass technical defenses, and they are getting harder to catch. According to the 2026 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, the human factor is involved in 62% of breaches, an increase from 2025. Next-generation attacks like AI-powered phishing, vishing, and deepfakes make it harder than ever for employees, and now AI agents, to recognize when they are being manipulated.
“Social engineering is effective because attackers exploit decision making and behavior, whether in human employees or AI agents,” said Greg Kras, chief product officer, KnowBe4. “With Real-Time Coaching, we are giving security teams a way to intervene in the moment, shifting from reactive training after an incident to active, nudge-based coaching right at the point of risk.”
People forget as much as 90% of what they learn within 30 days, which is why annual training alone cannot change behavior. Real-Time Coaching closes that gap by delivering immediate feedback the moment risky behavior occurs, built with the same 15+ years of behavioral data and risk intelligence that powers the KnowBe4 Platform. These new capabilities help create secure habits, reduce repeat incidents, and get factored into an organization’s Risk ScoreTM.
Customers praise the ability to offer coaching at the moment of risk, with one mid-market staffing and recruiting agency saying, “The ability to deliver live coaching via email, teams, or chat at the moment of action is fantastic.”
KnowBe4 launches Real-Time Coaching on National Social Engineering Day, which is officially recognized by the National Day Calendar annually on August 6. The day aims to educate individuals and organizations about the risks associated with social engineering tactics used in cyberattacks.
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