PortSwigger Web Security Academy vs. Adaptive Security

The Web Security Academy is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to embark on a career in cybersecurity. This platform offers flexible access to its resources, allowing users to learn at their own pace through free interactive labs and a progress tracking system. Created by a distinguished team, including the acclaimed author of The Web Application Hacker's Handbook, the Academy emphasizes education in web application security. The content is crafted by PortSwigger's committed research team along with experienced academics and founder Dafydd Stuttard. Unlike conventional textbooks, this online academy provides regularly updated materials that address the latest developments in web security. Furthermore, it includes practical labs where students can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. If you are eager to sharpen your hacking abilities or wish to pursue a career as a bug bounty hunter or penetration tester, this resource is perfectly suited for you. The Web Security Academy is structured to promote learning about web security within a safe and ethical context. By signing up for an account, you gain free access to all the available resources and can effectively track your educational progress. In addition, the platform nurtures a collaborative community of learners united by their passion for web security, providing a space for knowledge exchange and support. Engaging with this community can further enhance your learning experience and connect you with like-minded individuals.

Adaptive Security was founded in 2024 by seasoned entrepreneurs Brian Long and Andrew Jones. Since inception, the company has raised over $50 million from top-tier investors including OpenAI, Andreessen Horowitz, and executives from Google Cloud, Fidelity, Plaid, Shopify, and other industry leaders. Adaptive defends organizations against sophisticated, AI-driven cyber threats such as deepfakes, vishing, smishing, and spear phishing. Its next-generation security awareness training and AI phishing simulation platform enables security teams to deliver ultra-personalized training that adapts to each employee’s role, access level, and exposure. This training leverages real-time open-source intelligence (OSINT) and features highly convincing deepfake content—including synthetic media of a company’s own executives—to mirror real-world attack vectors. Through AI-powered simulations, customers can continuously assess and improve organizational resilience. Hyper-realistic phishing tests across voice, SMS, email, and video channels evaluate risk across every major vector. These simulations are fueled by Adaptive’s AI OSINT engine, giving teams deep visibility into how attackers might exploit their digital footprint. Today, Adaptive serves global leaders like Figma, The Dallas Mavericks, BMC Software, and Stone Point Capital. With an industry-leading Net Promoter Score of 94, Adaptive is redefining excellence in cybersecurity.