Top 10 Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses

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Emmanuel Nwosu
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Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses
Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most popular government-funded cyber security courses available in the United States. 

We’ll also answer some common questions about these programs, such as whether or not you need to pay for them.

What are Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses?

Government-funded cyber security courses are free, online, and available to anyone. There are many government-funded cybersecurity courses that you can take to improve your knowledge and skills in the field. 

It is a great way for newbies to get their feet wet and for experienced professionals looking to brush up on their skills.

The following are the 10 Best Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses

The following are the top 10 Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses:

Top 10 Government-Funded Cyber Security Courses

1. Cyber Security Courses at the Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers a wide range of cybersecurity courses to the public. Here are some highlights:

  • The DHS Cybersecurity Workforce Framework Training Program is a series of interactive webinars designed to help organizations evaluate their current cybersecurity posture, define where gaps exist and set goals for improvement.
  • It is a free online training program that teaches users how to protect against phishing attacks, ransomware infections, and other types of cyber threats. The program also provides guidance on securing personal computers, mobile devices, and networks so they’re less vulnerable to attack.

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2. The Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program

The Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program is a program offered by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies in partnership with various tutors. 

The program supports the development of a cybersecurity workforce that is capable of protecting the Nation’s critical infrastructure. As such, it provides training, education, and scholarship opportunities for students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals.

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3. National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies

NICCS is a consortium of universities, colleges, and non-profit organizations that offers a number of courses for free. These courses are designed to help students get a job in cybersecurity. They are also taught by experts in the field who have real-world experience in cybersecurity.

NICCS’s mission is to provide:

  • Opportunities for individuals to build their skillset through classroom instruction or online training;
  • A structured pathway towards career advancement by providing certification and continuing education opportunities;
  • Accessible information on emerging trends within the industry (including certifications);
  • Guidance on how best to prepare yourself for success within this industry.

Some of the popular programs offered by NICCS include AWS Security Essentials, Cisco Operations, Microsoft Security Administration course, and many more.

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4. National Science Foundation CyberCorps Scholarship for Service

This program trains students to become cybersecurity professionals. The scholarship pays tuition, fees, room, and board for up to four academic years at participating universities. Students also receive a stipend on a regular basis that’s paid directly to them by the program. 

The SFS program offers students an opportunity to combine their academic studies with real-world experience by providing them with an educational pathway that leads directly into the workforce. SFS scholars also receive career development support throughout their time in college and beyond.

SFS scholars gain hands-on experience working for federal agencies in areas such as cybersecurity, digital media, an information technology research and development, data analytics, cyber operations, and other emerging technologies.

There are many other government scholarships available for students interested in this field; most require you to complete an application form online through the website of your state department or agency.

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5. National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD)

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD) were created to ensure that students receive the best possible education in information assurance/cyber defense. These centers are designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn from top experts, as well as collaborate with their colleagues from across the world.

The CAE IA/CD program provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain access to the latest technologies and techniques used in these fields. Students can also take advantage of ongoing research projects at these centers to enhance their education and make valuable contributions to new discoveries.

The CAE IA/CD program allows students to receive a degree from an accredited institution without having to relocate or travel far away from home. This saves money on tuition costs, housing expenses, and travel costs associated with attending college away from home. 

Students also have access to online courses which allow them to stay connected with their professors and peers while still working full-time jobs or raising families at home.

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6. Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarships Program

The Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarships (DIAS) program provides scholarships to active duty military, National Guard, and Reserve members who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to information assurance.

The scholarship may pay for undergraduate or graduate studies in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering/computer science, or mathematics. It also provides an alternative route to employment for veterans interested in information assurance careers with the federal government.

For example, A Marine Corps Captain with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution has received two years of full-time work experience with the Marine Corps at any level (officer/enlisted). This person would be eligible for DIAS consideration if he/she meets all other requirements listed below.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident of alien status;
  • Must have served as an active duty service member in a qualifying position during at least three of the past five years;
  • Must possess a valid state driver’s license;
  • Must have applied and be accepted into an undergraduate or graduate program leading to a bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S.-based institution granting degrees within areas related directly or indirectly relevant to either information assurance (IA) education or IA professional practice: Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CE), Electrical Engineering/Computer Science (EE-CS), Mathematics Education with emphasis on software systems design using object-oriented modeling languages such as Java programming language.

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7. Certified Ethical Hacker Training from the EC-Council

Certified Ethical Hacker Training from the EC-Council is a comprehensive course that teaches you how to protect your systems and data against malicious hackers.

The Certified Ethical Hacker is a highly skilled professional who understands and can apply a wide range of the core principles, practices, tools, and methodologies of information security with a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of ethical hacking.

The Certified Ethical Hacker is capable of anticipating, recognizing, and mitigating or preventing most potential IT security threats.

Certified Ethical Hacker Training from EC-Council is designed to teach you how to detect, counter and stop hackers from compromising your systems or data.

You will learn about specific methods used by hackers to break into systems, including social engineering, phishing, and others. You will also learn how to protect against these attacks through secure configuration management, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment.

The course is designed to help you develop the skills necessary to defend against cyberattacks.

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8. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF)

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education is a joint initiative of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

It provides grants to institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and other eligible organizations to support cybersecurity education and workforce development programs.

NICE offers grants through two program areas:

  • Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program provides funding for innovative approaches designed to increase participation in cybersecurity fields by traditionally underrepresented groups such as women or minorities.
  • Cybersecurity Education & Training Program: Supports projects that enhance both the quality and security literacy associated with computer science curricula at colleges/universities.

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9. National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC)​​​​​​​

The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) is a strategic approach to improving the cybersecurity of the digital identity ecosystem by leveraging existing and emerging technologies and standards. t 

It promotes a risk-based, multi-stakeholder approach to addressing identity concerns across sectors, including Federal agencies; private sector businesses; state, local, tribal and territorial governments; civil society organizations; academic institutions; international partners; privacy advocates; and consumers.

The fund provides grants for research projects aimed at establishing trusted digital identities for individuals online through enhanced privacy protection, security, and convenience of use.

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10. Office of Personnel Management Federal Cybersecurity Reskilling Academy Training

The Office of Personnel Management Federal Cybersecurity Reskilling Academy Training is a multi-week course that teaches participants how to use advanced cybersecurity tools. 

It offers a certificate upon completion, which can be used as proof of training and knowledge in the field. To enroll in this course, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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FAQs

What are government-funded cyber security courses?

Government-funded cyber security courses offer a great way for you to get your foot in the door. These fully-funded courses typically have a strong focus on topics like ethical hacking, computer forensics, and incident response. The benefit of taking these courses is that they are relatively inexpensive to get into. However, they usually have some eligibility requirements; so, ensure that you are qualified for the programs that you are applying to.

How long do they take to complete?

This largely depends on the program.

Are they hard to get into?

If you are qualified, then it is not difficult to get into government-funded courses

Are these suitable courses for beginners?

These courses are suitable for beginners who want to learn more about cyber security.

Do I need to pay for government-funded courses?

No. The courses are free and available in three different formats: online, in-person, or hybrid (a combination of online and in-person). You can take these courses at your own pace, on your own time. These courses are also open to anyone who is eligible to participate. This means that if you're eligible for the program then you're welcome to participate.

Wrapping It Up

If you are looking for an affordable and comprehensive cybersecurity training program, then these courses are right for you. 

The government-funded cyber security courses offer a wide range of topics and can help you gain practical skills. These programs offer a variety of career opportunities with salaries that exceed $90K per year.