Cyber Wardens, Fortinet's free education edition, association modules — they're genuinely good, and we'd rather you use them than nothing. Here's what they cover, and where a platform takes over.
| Cybermate | Free options | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From $2.35/user/mo (Mates Rates for schools & NFPs) | $0 — genuinely free |
| Awareness courses | Behaviour-first micro-lessons, role-specific, ongoing | Good one-off self-paced courses (Cyber Wardens' modules are a great primer) |
| Phishing simulations | Automated, AU-localised, with instant coaching | Generally not included |
| Real-time scam checking | "Is this legit?" verdicts for every staff member | Not included |
| Deepfake detection & AI safety | Built in | Awareness articles at best |
| Risk dashboard & reporting | Human Risk SOC, trends, per-team insights | Certificates of completion only |
| Insurance / certification evidence | Automatic training + simulation records for insurers and SMB1001 | Limited — usually a completion certificate |
| Ongoing behaviour change | Detection-triggered lessons, adaptive pathways | One-and-done format |
Our honest advice: start with the free stuff today — it's better than waiting. When your insurer asks for simulation evidence, when you want to know who needs help, or when one-off training fades (it does), that's when Cybermate earns its keep. Note: the government-funded Cyber Wardens program's federal funding is due to wind up after July 2026, so check what's still available. Information correct as at August 2026.
Keep the momentum — add simulations, real-time protection and the evidence trail.
Book a demoAcknowledgement of Country
Cybermate acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
