In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As cybercrimes keep rising, businesses and governments need skilled experts to protect their digital assets and investigate security incidents. That’s where digital forensics comes in, it’s all about investigating digital devices and data to find and analyse evidence.
Learning digital forensics is a smart move if you’re a student, a professional wanting to boost your skills, or someone passionate about cybersecurity. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to start. There are many free digital forensics online courses that not only teach you essential skills but also offer certifications once you complete them.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the “Best Free Digital Forensics Online Courses with Certificates” you can take online, perfect for beginners and anyone looking to grow in cybersecurity.
Best Free Digital Forensics Online Courses with Certificates
1. Introduction to Digital Forensics by Cybrary
Platform: Cybrary
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 1 hour
Overview: Cybrary’s Introduction to Digital Forensics course is a great starting point for anyone new to the field. It covers fundamental concepts of digital forensics, including how forensic data is gathered, preserved, and analyzed. The course also delves into common tools and techniques used by digital forensic professionals to investigate incidents.
While the course duration is short, it provides a solid foundation in digital forensics, which can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced topics. The certificate you receive upon completion can also be a valuable addition to your professional portfolio.
What You’ll Learn:
- The basics of digital forensics
- How forensic data is collected and analyzed
- The Legal Implications of Forensic Investigations
2. Digital Forensics and Incident Response by SANS
Platform: SANS (via YouTube)
Certificate: Yes (free with limited access)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Overview: SANS is renowned for offering high-quality cybersecurity training, and they offer some of their content for free through YouTube. The Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) videos cover a broad range of topics, from understanding the fundamentals of forensics to more advanced techniques in incident response.
Though this isn’t a traditional course format, the resources available through the SANS YouTube channel are incredibly informative and valuable for anyone looking to explore digital forensics.
What You’ll Learn:
- Incident response strategies
- Digital evidence handling
- Network forensics and forensic analysis tools
3. Introduction to Digital Forensics by Udemy
Platform: Udemy
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 2 hours
Overview: Udemy offers an Introduction to Digital Forensics course that is available for free with occasional promotions. This course dives into the processes involved in collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence. It’s an excellent option for those seeking to understand the key stages of digital forensics investigations.
The course also covers important forensic tools and techniques, helping you to better grasp the intricacies of the profession. A certificate is provided at the end of the course, which can be shared on LinkedIn or added to your resume.
What You’ll Learn:
- Digital forensics investigation processes
- Tools for data acquisition and analysis
- Legal considerations in digital forensics
4. Computer Forensics Fundamentals by edx (offered by the University of California, Berkeley)
Platform: edx
Certificate: Yes (Free audit, paid certificate available)
Duration: 6 weeks (Self-paced)
Overview: edx offers a Computer Forensics Fundamentals course, which is part of a broader digital forensics program offered by the University of California, Berkeley. While the full program is paid, the individual courses can be audited for free, allowing you to access all course materials and learn at your own pace.
This course introduces learners to the key concepts in computer forensics, with an emphasis on the practical skills needed to carry out investigations. The course also covers the types of digital evidence and how to handle and analyze it appropriately.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic computer forensics techniques
- Types of digital evidence
- How to conduct a forensic investigation
5. Digital Forensics by OpenLearn (The Open University)
Platform: OpenLearn (The Open University)
Certificate: Yes (Free statement of participation)
Duration: 8 hours
Overview: OpenLearn offers a free course titled Digital Forensics that covers the process of gathering and analyzing digital evidence. The course is designed for those looking to understand the role of digital forensics in criminal investigations and how it applies to various legal and technical challenges.
This self-paced course includes video tutorials, reading materials, and quizzes to test your knowledge. Upon completion, you receive a free statement of participation.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding the process of digital forensic investigations
- Legal and ethical issues surrounding digital forensics
- Tools and techniques used in digital forensics investigations
6. Cybersecurity and Forensics by FutureLearn
Platform: FutureLearn
Certificate: Yes (Free with paid certificate option)
Duration: 3 weeks (3 hours per week)
Overview: FutureLearn provides a Cybersecurity and Forensics course that gives a broad overview of both cybersecurity and digital forensics. This free course offers a great starting point for understanding how digital forensics fits within the larger scope of cybersecurity, focusing on the skills needed for effective investigation.
Though the course offers a paid certificate option, you can access the course content for free, making it a valuable learning resource.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basics of cybersecurity and forensics
- Investigating and mitigating digital security threats
- Legal frameworks in digital forensics
Finally,
Digital forensics is an exciting and growing field, and gaining the right knowledge and certification can open doors to a career in cybersecurity. Fortunately, many online platforms provide high-quality digital forensics courses for free. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to the field or more specialised training, these courses will help you gain the skills necessary to succeed in this vital area of cybersecurity.
By taking advantage of these free online courses and earning a certificate, you can gain valuable insights and enhance your resume, without the need for a hefty financial investment. Start your journey into digital forensics today and unlock new opportunities in the world of cybersecurity.
Related:
Google Artificial Intelligence Course Online Free with Certificate
Master AI with Google Free Online Courses
