When it comes to cybersecurity, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience and training. But if you can’t spare the time or money to attend an in-person course, the internet is home to a wealth of free resources that offer valuable knowledge on how to protect your data and devices from attacks.
If you are looking for these free resources in cybersecurity, this is what this article will point you towards. You can learn and build your knowledge for the future of work in these areas.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Cybersecurity Profession
Cybersecurity is a growing field that deals with the protection of computer networks and personal data. The job of a cybersecurity professional is to make sure that businesses, governments, and individuals are safe from hackers, viruses, and other threats to their digital security.
A cybersecurity professional might work in one of many areas. They might be an analyst who studies threats to computer servers or networks and tries to find ways to prevent them from happening.
Or they might be a network engineer who designs new systems for safeguarding data, or they might be a software developer who creates programs that help detect risks to computers before they become problems.
Can You Learn Cybersecurity Online for Free?
Yes, you can. The internet is full of resources that will teach you all about the ins and outs of cybersecurity.
The best way to start learning about cybersecurity is by reading articles, watching videos, and taking online courses. You can also participate in meetups where people who are already working in the industry come together to share their knowledge and experiences with each other.
In this article, we have listed some of the best 25 free online cybersecurity courses with certificates for you to start learning with. These courses are mostly beginner to intermediate level courses that will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to excel in this profession.
List of 25 Free Online Cybersecurity Courses With Certificates
Below are 25 online courses that will help you learn how to hack into systems and networks—and also how not to be hacked.
- Introduction to Information Security
- Introduction to Cyber Security
- Ethical Hacking for Beginners
- Introduction to Cloud Security
- Introduction to CyberCrime
- Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity
- Mobile App Security
- Introduction to Cybersecurity — University of Washington
- Building a Cybersecurity Toolkit — University of Washington
- Introduction to Cybersecurity for Beginners by the University of Colorado
- Computer Systems Security
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity for Beginners
- 100W Cybersecurity Practices for Industrial Control Systems
- Cybersecurity Training
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Diploma in Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Course
- Computer Networking – Local Area Network & OSI Model
- Networking Troubleshooting Standards & Best Practices
- CompTIA Security+ (Exam SYO-501)
- Digital and Cyber Security Awareness Course
- Basics of Computer Networking
- Guide to Security for Linux Systems
- Ethical Hacking; Networking Analysis & Vulnerability Scanning
- Introduction to Cybersecurity for Businesses by the University of Colorado.
25 Free Online Cybersecurity Courses With Certificates
1. Introduction to Information Security
Offered by: Simplilearn
Duration: 12 hours
Information Security is the practice of protecting information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Information security risks include threats such as terrorism and cybercrime.
Information Security is important because if you don’t have a secure network and computer system your company will be at risk of having its data stolen by hackers or other malicious actors. This could lead to financial loss for your business if you have sensitive information stored on computers that are not properly protected.
2. Introduction to Cyber Security
Offered by: Simplilearn
Cybersecurity refers to the techniques, processes, and systems used to protect information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, or destruction.
Cybersecurity has become a growing concern across all sectors of society as computer technology continues to advance and more and more devices are connected to the internet.
This free course by Simplilearn will teach you all you need to know about cyber security and how you can map out a learning pathway toward a successful career for yourself.
3. Ethical Hacking for Beginners
Offered by: Simplilearn
Duration: 3 hours
Ethical hacking is the process of testing and improving the security of a computer system, network, or web application. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as malicious attackers, but with permission from the owners of the systems.
Why learn it?
Ethical hacking is a key component of cyber security. It can help you identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited by others and can help you prevent or minimize damage if they are compromised.
4. Introduction to Cloud Security
Offered by: Simplilearn
Duration: 7 hours
This course is an introduction to the security challenges of cloud computing and how they can be addressed. It covers basic concepts like threats and attacks, risks, privacy and compliance issues, as well as some general approaches to mitigate them.
In this course, you will also learn about cryptographic primitives for use in cloud computing environments including public key cryptography; digital signatures; encryption schemes such as block ciphers and stream ciphers; hash functions; and authentication protocols such as Kerberos or TLS/SSL.
5. Introduction to Cybercrime
Offered by: Simplilearn
Duration: 2 hours
Cybercrime is a threat to society. Cybercrime is a serious crime. Cybercrime is growing in sophistication and severity. Cybercrime is a global problem that affects individuals, businesses, and governments alike around the world.
After completing this course you will be able to:
- Define cybercrime
- Discuss key areas of concern related to cybercrimes such as privacy, fraud, and intellectual property theft
- Explain how organizations can defend against cyber attacks
6. Introduction to IT & Cyber Security
Offered by: Cybrary IT
Duration: 1 hour and 41 minutes
The first thing to know is that cyber security and IT security are not the same things.
The difference between cyber security and IT security is that cyber security uses technology as part of its efforts to safeguard digital assets in a company or organization, whereas IT focuses on protecting information systems from viruses, hackers, and other threats—but doesn’t necessarily consider how such threats might impact the data itself.
Cybersecurity is important because it helps protect against financial loss caused by data breaches and other issues associated with having an unprotected system—and it ensures that people who work within those systems have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
7. Mobile App Security
Offered by: Cybrary IT
Duration: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Mobile app security is another topic that is crucial to the healthcare industry. The mobile environment is a huge target market for cybercriminals and malware developers because it’s easy to access via public networks, such as those at cafes or airports.
Mobile apps are vulnerable to attacks due to their popularity and ease of use, but they also have huge benefits for patients who can access their records using smartphones.
That being said, many mobile apps are insecure by default. It’s important to take steps toward securing your business with a security solution before it becomes a major issue.
8. Introduction to Cybersecurity
Offered by: University of Washington via edX
Duration: 6 weeks
Eduonix’s Introduction to Cybersecurity is a course for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity. It will teach you what cybersecurity is, how it works, and the ways it can be used for good and bad.
You’ll also find out about the different types of attacks that are possible, as well as how to protect yourself from them. The course covers topics like:
- What is cybersecurity?
- Types of cyber-attacks (e.g., phishing)
- How to protect against cyber attacks
- Frameworks for managing risk in organizations
This course will give you a great foundation on which you can build your expertise in this field.
9. Buiding a Cybersecurity Toolkit
Offered by: University of Washington via edX
Duration: 6 weeks
If you are looking to build your cybersecurity toolkit, there are a few important things you want to keep in mind.
First, the purpose of the tools should be clear and well-defined. Not only will this help you choose the right tools for the job, but it will also give you a better idea of why each tool is necessary for your particular use case.
Second, consider what type of user interface (UI) is required and how it should look. This includes things like the color scheme and button placement.
10. Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Businesses
Offered by: Rochester Institute of Technology via edX
Duration: 8 weeks
You may have heard the term “cyber” used in connection with computer networks and other digital technologies. In fact, cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in today’s economy.
Because they’re so important and complex, RITx made this course easy to understand. It will give you an overview of what cybersecurity is—and what it isn’t—so that you can start learning about how it works and why it matters to you personally and professionally.
11. Computer Systems Security
Offered by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology OpenCourseWare
Duration: N/A
Computer Security is an important topic, especially since you have to understand the basics of it in order to have a secure and safe environment for your data.
Computer Security studies the principles and practices of protecting information assets in computer and telecommunication systems from attack or misuse. A few basic principles include:
- Confidentiality – Ensuring that only authorized people can access information;
- Integrity – Preventing unauthorized modification of information;
- Availability – Guaranteeing that authorized individuals always have access to protected resources when they need them;
- Accountability – Assuring compliance with policies and regulations.
This course explains how to prevent accidental loss caused by human error such as deleting something without realizing it was important or sending sensitive data through unencrypted email.
12. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Courses Offered: SANS
Duration: N/A
As we’ve mentioned, cybersecurity is all about protecting your data and networks from unauthorized access or other threats such as malware infections or DOS attacks (denial-of-service attacks).
This SANS course is relevant for explaining different types of security which include:
- Physical Security – This deals with protecting physical assets (e.g., buildings) from intruders
- Network Security – This keeps your network safe from malicious users
- Application Security – This protects apps from bugs or flaws that could lead to vulnerabilities
- Cybercrime Insurance, etc.
13. Cybersecurity for Beginners
Courses Offered: Heimdal Security
Duration: 5 weeks
The importance of cybersecurity is growing every day. As technology becomes more advanced and integrated into our daily lives, so does the need for cybersecurity professionals.
This course will help you understand what cybercrime is, its causes and effects, as well as how it can be prevented. You’ll learn about common types of attacks and defenses used by hackers: keyloggers, phishing emails, DDoS attacks (destroying data or disabling access), and botnet networks.
You’ll also learn about some basic security principles such as encryption (scrambling data so that only authorized users can see it) and authentication (verifying someone’s identity).
14. 100W Cybersecurity Practices for Industrial Control Systems
Courses Offered: CISA
Duration: 18.5 hours
This course gives an overview of cybersecurity practices for industrial control systems. It covers the importance of cybersecurity, why it is important to have a cybersecurity plan, what should be included in such a plan and how you can create one. The course also covers what to do if you have a cybersecurity incident.
This course is recommended for engineers who want to learn about industrial control system security or who need help creating an industrial control system security plan.
15. Cybersecurity Training
Offered by: Open Security Training
Duration: N/A
As a business owner, it’s important to understand that cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and support. A training program can help your employees understand the importance of cybersecurity, identify threats and vulnerabilities in the organization, and develop strategies to mitigate them.
A well-designed training program will also help you meet compliance standards like ISO 27001, which requires that organizations have a documented information security policy – just like the free courses offered on OST. These courses are suitable for all levels of experience.
16. Introduction to Cyber Security
Offered by: Great Learning
Duration: 2.5 hours
In this course, you will learn about cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers from unauthorized access and attacks. This includes knowing what kinds of attacks may be launched against your computer and how to defend against them.
17. Diploma in Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 15 – 20 hours
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a vendor-neutral certification that examines the knowledge and skills needed to protect computer networks. It’s offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, one of the most respected organizations in information security, and is commonly accepted as a baseline standard for professionals in the field.
The diploma course will provide you with all the information you need to know about the CISSP and how to prepare adequately for an exam.
18. Computer Networking – Local Area Network& OSI Model
Courses Offered: Alison
Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
This course will provide you with the knowledge to build a LAN, how to configure various devices, how to design a network, how to troubleshoot networks and more.
You’ll learn about:
- How OSI model works
- How do the layers work;
- What network protocols are;
- What the different types of network topologies are;
- Which protocol is used for communication between two nodes; and
- Different types of network devices.
19. Networking Troubleshooting Standards & Best Practices
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
Network troubleshooting is a process of identifying and diagnosing problems in computer networks. This section will cover the basics of network troubleshooting standards and best practices. It will also cover how to use network tools to diagnose network issues.
20. CompTIA Security+ (Exam SYO-501)
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 10 – 15 hours
If you’re already a tech pro and have been working in the field for some time, CompTIA Security+ (Exam SYO-501) will be right up your alley. This course is a great way to get your feet wet with cybersecurity if you haven’t worked extensively in the field. It’s also a great introduction if you want to pursue an entry-level cybersecurity job after completing this course.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is an industry standard that demonstrates knowledge of network security, threats, and vulnerabilities as well as principles of risk management.
21. Digital and Cyber Security Awareness
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Digital and cyber security are two of the most important issues that are currently affecting your life. You’re probably aware of this, but you may not know much about it.
This course will teach you what digital security is, how it differs from cyber security, why digital security matters to you and your data, and how to protect yourself from threats like identity theft and ransomware.
22. Basics of Computer Networking
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours
This course is yet another masterpiece delivered by Alison – for free.
This program is suitable for beginner-level learners who want to learn about computer networking and get their hands on this knowledge. At the end of this course, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What is a network?
- What are the different types of networks?
- What are the components of a network?
- How does a network work?
- How does a network connection to the internet or other networks, such as mobile devices and wireless hotspots?
23. Guide to Security for Linux Systems
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Linux is the most popular operating system in the world, but it is also a favorite target for hackers. This course will help you understand how to secure your Linux systems against malicious attacks.
You’ll learn about various types of attacks on Linux systems and how to protect them, including:
- Buffer overflow exploits
- Compromising passwords and usernames
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
- Malware infections
24. Ethical Hacking; Network Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning
Offered by: Alison
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
In this free course, you will learn how to hack a network, what the tools used to hack a network are, and how to protect against hacking. You will also learn about vulnerability scanning, what it is and how it’s done. You will also learn about common attacks on networks as well as defenses against those attacks.
One of the most important skills hackers have is mapping out their target’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities before they strike. Unfortunately for them, there’s no shortage of online courses teaching you how to hack any system with just a few simple steps; but knowing these basics doesn’t make you an expert by any means.
For those who aspire toward greater heights than simply learning how to break into systems, there are dozens more advanced programs available through top universities around the world–and many provide both certificates upon completion along with ongoing access via online forums.
25. Introduction to Cybersecurity for Business
Offered by: University of Colorado via Coursera
Duration: 12 hours approx.
Cybersecurity is the protection of data, networks, and systems from theft or damage by cyberattacks. It also refers to the practice of preventing unauthorized access to computer systems and ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive information.
One of the most important aspects of cybersecurity is protecting yourself against potential threats on the internet such as ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and more. You can take steps to protect yourself by learning how hackers operate and what they do with your data once they have it. This course shows you how.
There is financial aid available for this program.
Do Cybersecurity Specialists Make Money?
Cybersecurity and Network Security Specialists are well-paid IT professionals. According to Indeed, Cybersecurity Specialists make $113,842 per year and lead fulfilling careers. So, if you have plans of pursuing this career, it is a great choice if you are considering job security and reward.
FAQs
How long does a cybersecurity course take to complete?
The courses listed in this article are online and have varying lengths, so you can work at your own pace. You’ll be notified when assignments are due via email. The time commitment for each is different, but most should take about five to six hours of work per week.
How do I get my certificate?
When you finish all of your assigned coursework, these platforms send you an official, downloadable certificate via email upon request.
What are the requirements for these courses?
No prior coding experience is needed. These courses provide a gentle introduction to cybersecurity that anyone can learn with practice and persistence. You can take these courses as part of an independent study program or as part of an internship.
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Wrapping It Up
In summary, cyber security is a very important topic for anyone to understand. It’s also becoming more and more important with each passing day as we continue to rely more and more on technology in our daily lives.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend years getting an education in this field before you can begin applying what you’ve learned about it. Instead, we’ve listed some great online courses here that will give you an introduction to this exciting subject matter without taking up too much time.