Last updated on 10th January 2024
Cyber security is one of those things: you only notice it when something goes wrong.
It’s also a touchy subject. No one wants to feel vulnerable and unsafe. But we have to face some uncomfortable realities when discussing the important products and services needed to keep us safe from cyber criminals.
Video is a way of having important discussions, like security, with feeling and nuance you can’t get with straight text.
To see the power of video in action, we rounded up a group of top-notch cyber security videos that tackle this tough topic beautifully.
Keep your eyes open for key themes running through the videos — we found that fantastic cybersecurity videos have a gift for making the invisible visible. They keep it light (and avoid scaring the pants off people). Most importantly, they provide real-world solutions for staying safe in the face of danger.
We’ve also tried to include a range of different types of cybersecurity videos: explainers, ads, testimonials, educational short films and more.
Ready to see it all in action? Here are 31 cyber security videos to aspire to!
1. Ubihome
In this beautifully animated explainer video, we’re shown a day in the life of a family with Ubihome. We see mom, dad and kids leaving for work and school in the morning. But one of the kids left a bedroom light on. No problem with a Ubihome smart home system. There’s a handy controller for that. By the end of the video, we see how Ubihome makes sure every part of your home is monitored and secured. All without a voiceover. In this case, it works because of how well the visuals communicate each part of the Ubihome system.
2. Kaspersky Internet Security
As the saying goes, seeing is believing. This Kaspersky explainer video transforms unseen threats like hackers into things we can see, like a bank safe exploding and dark shadows lurking around computers. There’s even a cow beamed up by attacking aliens. But with the push of a button, it can all be protected by a Kaspersky force field. Even if you don’t believe in an imminent alien attack, it’s easier to connect an attack to flying saucers than the threat of something as vague as “malicious software.” This Kaspersky video makes the dangers real, then shows the way to be protected.
3. Virgin Media Security
In this whimsically illustrated video, we’re introduced to a series of “internet nasties” who are about to attack an unsuspecting family. We see adult content jumping out of a computer to pounce on an innocent kid, a mom who’s beset by creepy, crawly viruses, and a dad who’s about to engage in an unsafe online purchase (despite warnings from a Big Mouth Billy Bass flapping on the wall). In the final frames, we see brave Virgin Media Security ninjas in full battle against the “internet nasties” on the family’s behalf.
4. XYGATE SecurityOne
Internet threats are always evolving. Even if your business is protected, you may not be protected enough. This engaging video brings to light one of the most diabolical ways hackers can attack. In the video, we see a low and slow attack being perpetrated by a masked bandit who slowly sneaks into a company undetected. XYGATE SecurityOne catches the bandit red-handed quickly and reliably. No one wants to think about security threats, but this example shows the danger in a disarming way that opens the discussion … then clearly articulates a powerful solution.
5. Yoti
Identity theft can be scary. In this video, Yoti introduces its secure identity service with the help of some delightfully quirky characters. Through a bright blue blob, a yellow girl and an all-green hacker, we learn that Yoti encrypts and scrambles personal data to make it so secure that no one can unlock it without your permission. By the end of the video, it’s easy to understand the power of securing your digital identity through these approachable characters. The service is so uncrackable, even Yoti isn’t able to see your personal information.
6. HP Network & Security
Your printer isn’t just a printer … it’s an on-ramp for hackers. This HP Network & Security video exposes the vulnerabilities of every device connected to your network. Then the heavy tone of the music and voice-over instantly flips once these dangerous openings are exposed. Upbeat music breaks up the doom and gloom of hacker attacks, and we learn that HP has the solution to protect every part of your network. While this is one of the heavier videos in its tone, when the mood shifts, it’s dramatic.
7. Arrow Security
This video opens on a live-action shot of a child flipping through what seems like a normal comic book. That scene quickly transforms into a darkly animated world where an evil red menace is running amok. When we get closer, we see the red menace is actually a hacker stealing data from innocent passersby on the street. The video closes by cutting back to real life, where an Arrow Security pro is on the job tracking red spots. By representing hacking as a red menace racing through innocent victims, the evil feels more real. So does the protection.
8. Arctic Wolf
So many IT pros are ignored when warning people in their company about security threats that Arctic Wolf decided to give it a name: “security effectiveness disorder.” This video describes it to hilarious effect. There’s even a gagged IT guy trying to speak up while the whole office goes down in flames from security breaches. What’s effective about this video is the use of humour to take the rough edges off a very real problem so it can be addressed. It’s also not afraid to hammer home some serious stats showing the damage that can be done by ignoring security. It just does it in a way that makes you want to listen.
9. Isotec Security
The Isotec Security video is a winner for going above and beyond making people safe, with a surprise twist. Isotec Security isn’t just creating “Safe Spaces” where employees can feel more relaxed, it creates a better quality of life. A 3-D model of Isotec’s safety entrance breaks out the technology so it’s easy to understand. Then the video pulls a clever switcheroo to underline the product’s security benefits. Throughout the video, we see a man approaching the building. He has the look of a villain with his dark moustache. We assume he’s a dangerous person being kept out. The big reveal shows we misjudged the guy. A mistake Isotec technology will never make.
10. Arlo Smart
Did you know squirrels can set off your home security system? With Arlo Smart Home Security System, you have an easier way to monitor the security of your home — without all the pesky squirrel alerts. Arlo’s engaging animation style draws you in from the first frame. Relatable examples, like the neighbour’s dog, make it easy to understand what this system can do for you. The upbeat narrator gives it an entertaining touch that keeps you interested through even the algorithm stuff. Note the call-to-action at the end. Consider creating an alternate ending to test a call-to-action in your next video. Keep an evergreen version as a fallback.
11. Sophos Public Sector Campaign
Sophos had a pretty big job with this video. Its goal was to show what companies get by consolidating their IT with a single vendor. It succeeded by taking viewers on an adventurous trip that keeps you guessing what will happen next. The engaging animation starts in outer space, comes down to earth, and leads us through a modern city. A city Sophos is uniquely qualified to protect. The creative animation and text placement in this video keeps you involved til the end.
12. Sophos Mobile
Ever needed to set up security on a mobile phone in your company’s network — while watching Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance? Then Sophos Mobile has your back. Leading us through offbeat examples, this video shows a system that’s secure and easy to use. This is the system you need to lock down a mobile device while hang gliding in Nova Scotia. The striking examples help cut through some of the complexities of its features, as does the unflappable calm of the voice-over. All in all, Sophos totally delivers on its tagline: Security made simple.
13. Crowdstrike – “Welcome to Anywhere”
The first live action instalment in our list comes from the team at Crowdstrike, with their campaign ‘Welcome to Anywhere.
As the name suggests, the video hints strongly at a newly changed world, in which the internet – and internet security – are required in lots of different locations, from working at home, to coffee shops and beyond. The montage of different backdrops to the laptop at the end of the video underscores this perfectly.
What’s great about this video is the clarity. It uses plain English to clearly present value – “At Crowdstrike, we stop breaches so – wherever you go – go with confidence.” And the simple metaphor of the red bar representing Crowdstrike protection in each scene is a simple visualisation of the protection offered.
14. NordVPN – “What is a VPN?”
There was a time when most cyber security customers would have been IT pros who were well versed in the technicalities of what they were buying.
That’s often not the case anymore – which presents a problem: how do you sell the values of your product, to people who don’t really understand how your product works?
This animated video from NordVPN is a great example of a company educating – rather than sales pitching – a less experienced audience. It uses animation to great effect to ‘visualise’ how a VPN works, making it much more powerful than a text or audio-only explanation.
Educating your audience with video in this way can help you win trust and position your brand as experts and thought leaders. So, if the viewer DOES decide they want a VPN – NordVPN are right in the box seat to make that sale.
15. Kaspersky Internet Security: “A new phishing technique”
In many ways this steps beyond the remit of a classic marketing video – it’s more of a vlog/YouTuber experience. But this is really powerful. By creating vlog style video content like this, updating viewers on the latest threats and hacks – Kaspersky demonstrate that they’re on top of their brief. There’s a real element of trust and credibility that comes with this type of timely, regular content.
And, although it’s recorded in a vlog style, there’s no compromise on quality here. We see a great filming backdrop, beautiful use of lighting, nice B-roll and animated overlays to reinforce key points.
16. Kaspersky Internet Security: 11 Internet Safety Tips
Another example from Kaspersky here, in a similar vein to the one above.
This beautiful video is animated – so it’s slightly different – but the intent is still to educate and inform, rather than sell.
It also uses animation really well to visually represent certain threats and solutions.
17. Norton Customer Stories
Something a little different again as we delve into a different genre of video: the customer testimonial. In this example we hear the story of Bruce, a Norton customer – explaining some of his mistakes, and how Norton helped him correct them. And ultimately, how that makes him feel!
Every business, ultimately, offers a transformation: a journey from state ‘A’ to an improved state ‘B.’ One of the most powerful, authentic, credible ways to demonstrate this transformation is to let your happy customers do it for you.
After all, 2 out of 3 people say they’d be more likely to make a purchase after watching a testimonial video demonstrating how a business, product or service had helped another person like them, and 9 out of 10 people say they trust what a customer says about a business more than what that business says about itself.
18. TotalAV
This example proves that cybersecurity CAN be treated in a much calmer, more relaxed way if that’s what you prefer.
It’s essentially an animated video, although it’s quite basic, revolving around text on screen and simple screen recorded sections showing how particular features work.
But it’s another great example of simplicity. The viewer is able to get a feel for exactly what the product does – and how it looks.
19. Bitdefender
Humour in a cybersecurity video? Can it be done? Absolutely! We love this example because it’s so unique.
It’s a simple premise – a 30 second short ad video in which we see two animated characters open up their laptops. However, the third and final character – instead of a laptop – pulls out an abacus. The characters react with awkward blinks and side eyes, making it genuinely funny.
And the strapline, “Don’t give up on technology” pulls us back to the core brand message: Bitdefender is here to make technology safe (so you don’t have to use an abacus at work!)
20. Darktrace
It’s a well established fact that, in any crowded marketplace, you need to do what you can to stand out.
This company overview video for Darktrace uses a corporate partnership with the McLaren F1 team to drive home a feeling of being a cybersecurity product that’s high performance, high energy, and high octane.
There’s no detail about the product or what it can do, but that’s ok: it inspires you to find out more, and – more to the point – it sends a message of trustworthiness and credibility: if it’s good enough for McLaren, it’s good enough for you!
21. Fortinet Security Fabric
Another animated example comes from the team at Fortinet.
The content of this one’s more advanced than others and seeks to explain a concept called ‘The Fortinet Security Fabric’ which it does using simple icons and illustrations.
This one’s clearly aimed at a slightly more experienced audience, but its use of animated video means that these people would perhaps find it easier to follow along with the core message and understand the core pillars of Fortinet’s ‘Security Fabric’ concept.
22. CriticalArk – 5 Keys to an Endpoint Security Strategy
This is an interesting example in terms of its position in the marketing funnel. Most examples we’ve looked at are explainer videos – they lay out a product, concept or idea and invite the user to get started.
This one is explicitly aimed at lead generation – and we know this because the call-to-action at the end of the video invites us to download an ebook.
What’s nice is that it isn’t just an advert for the ebook, but an explainer as to why the ebook will help. With a simple, powerful storytelling structure and some nice animation, it hangs together beautifully.
23. Arctic Wolf – “What happened in the Uber breach?”
When you think of cybersecurity videos, your first thoughts probably turn to ‘evergreen’ video – videos that you invest in and then use for a prolonged period. For example, an explainer video might live on your web site for a number of years after you’ve created it.
However what this example demonstrates is something different: more timely and regular videos, offering commentary and analysis on ongoing events in your industry. This is a great way to build your brand and send a subtle cue to your audience that you’re really on top of your industry, and reacting to new and evolving threats.
On top of all that, this is simply a great example of a nice filming and lighting setup – with a quality, concise analysis of a topical news story.
24. Avast
This example from Avast features a really nice line-drawn animated style – black and white with splashes of colour.
It’s also really quick moving, although not at the detriment of the overall message. There’s loads to look at and hold your attention.
And while it’s only 15 seconds long, it certainly crams plenty of key points in – without ever becoming boring!
25. Cofense – “Smishing Defence”
This is another you could file under the label ‘Educational video.’
It’s timely and topical – focusing on ‘Smishing’, a practice whereby texts are sent that falsely claim to be from reputable companies, in order to trick people into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card information.
By helping the audience with something that’s topical and fresh, they further their aim as a brand of helping people be safer online – while also building a reservoir of trust and credibility that can help position the brand at the top of the market.
26. ClickCease
This is a 30 second ad from ClickCease – in which there’s a lot going on!
It’s a live action ‘presenter’ narrating on camera, with a slew of animated graphics and transitions behind her, and on screen captions to boot.
The thing is, while it is slightly busy, this all creates a visual combination that really grabs and holds your attention.
27. Cybereason: “Don’t Fear Ransomware: End It”
There’s a real movie trailer feel to this one as Cybereason encourage you not to fear Ransomware – but to end it!
A deep, bassy, cinematic voiceover pairs with some interesting 3D animation to create a video that’s bursting with testosterone!
28. Fidelis Cybersecurity: “Fidelis Explained”
This example from the team at Fidelis is another example of animation being used to back up pretty complex concepts and ideas.
It also incorporates similar cinematic elements to the Cybereason example above – pumping backing music and a booming, authoritative voiceover.
It’s a little long as explainers go – over 2 mins – but given the animated graphics, and targeting to the right audience, this may not be an issue.
29. HackerOne
Back into the world of live action, we see something a bit different again from HackerOne. Here, they put their team – rather than their customers – on camera.
And this is really effective. It helps personalise the brand and really communicate their mission and purpose in a way that’s tough to achieve with other types of video.
Putting yourself and your team on camera can be a really powerful way to differentiate – after all, your products might be similar to the competitors, but there’s only one YOU!
30. Forcepoint
Another cheat here as we focus on a series of 15 second ads created by Forcepoint.
And the buzzword is really ‘humour.’ This is a massive departure from the prevailing themes of the industry. Forget technical language and jargon – forget the serious, ominous references to threats.
This is about using humour to lighten the mood and make a crystal clear point: keep cyber security simple!
31. Proofpoint – Cybersecurity Education Series
Our final example and it’s another series – Proofpoint’s ‘Cybersecurity Education Series’ seeks to educate viewers about a range of cybersecurity topics.
There’s a lot to like in this particular example: the mix of B-roll and animation makes for a heady visual blend. The messaging is simple, understandable plain English. And there’s clearly big focus on the first 10 seconds – which is super important in today’s world of shrinking attention spans!
Success with security explainer videos
While selling something invisible like security is tough, there are clear ways to succeed, as we saw in these videos.
- Make the danger visible, even if it’s with flying saucers and ninjas. Seeing is believing.
- Use a light touch and humour to keep things from getting too doom and gloom and to keep people interested. (A talking fish on the wall doesn’t hurt.)
- Keep it real. After you ratchet up the tension and danger, diffuse it with real-world solutions to security threats. Give people ways to feel safer.
- Authenticity is everything. Putting your team and clients on camera is a great way to build trust and authority, showing you’re real people with a real mission.
- Mix up your messaging – why choose animated video or live action when, actually, you can quite easily use both in different contexts to boost your brand?
In today’s world, there are many dangers to guard against. We know we feel a little safer just having watched these security explainer videos. We hope you do too — and have plenty of ideas to spark your next campaign.
Thinking about creating your own video? Check out our cyber security video production page for more information.
