Today, as more things move online, keeping our information safe is more important than ever. Cybersecurity helps protect people, businesses, and even governments from online threats. Because of this, there is a big need for experts in this field.
If you’re thinking about a career in cybersecurity or just want to learn how to stay safe online, many free courses can help. Some even give you a certificate when you finish, which can look great on your resume.
In this blog, we’ll share the best free online cybersecurity courses that offer certificates. Whether you’re a beginner or want to grow your skills, these courses can help you learn more and get started in this exciting field.
1. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization by NYU (Coursera)
Platform: Coursera
Certificate: Yes (Free for auditing, paid certificate available)
Duration: 4 weeks
Overview: The Introduction to Cyber Security specialization by New York University (NYU) on Coursera provides a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity principles. This course is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of cybersecurity, making it a great starting point for beginners. You’ll learn about the different aspects of cybersecurity, including risk management, threat analysis, and cryptography.
By completing this course, you’ll get an understanding of how cybersecurity impacts individuals and organizations, and you’ll be prepared to advance to more specialized areas of security.
What You’ll Learn:
- Key cybersecurity concepts and terminology
- Common threats and vulnerabilities
- Basic techniques for securing networks and data
- Cryptographic methods and their uses
2. Cybersecurity Essentials by Cisco Networking Academy
Platform: Cisco Networking Academy
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 15 hours
Overview: Cisco’s Cybersecurity Essentials course is ideal for those who want to get hands-on experience with fundamental cybersecurity concepts. This course covers the essentials of protecting networks, devices, and data from potential cyber threats. Cisco’s courses are highly respected in the networking and cybersecurity industry, making this a valuable course for beginners.
This course also touches on the role of security professionals and introduces students to Cisco’s security solutions, setting the stage for more advanced certifications like Cisco’s CCNA Cyber Ops.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding basic security concepts
- Network security, firewalls, and routers
- Tools used to protect and defend against threats
- Building secure network infrastructures
3. Cyber Security for Business by Coursera (University of Colorado)
Platform: Coursera
Certificate: Yes (Free for auditing, paid certificate available)
Duration: 4 weeks
Overview: If you’re interested in cybersecurity from a business perspective, the Cyber Security for Business course by the University of Colorado is a great fit. This course focuses on the principles of cybersecurity and how they apply specifically to businesses. You’ll learn about data protection strategies, how to assess cyber risks, and what steps businesses can take to safeguard their assets and reputation.
The course is free to audit, with the option to pay for a certificate once completed.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic principles of cybersecurity from a business viewpoint
- How businesses can defend against cyber threats
- Risk assessment and risk management strategies
- Data protection, privacy laws, and regulations
4. Introduction to Cyber Security by FutureLearn (offered by the Open University)
Platform: FutureLearn
Certificate: Yes (Free access, paid certificate available)
Duration: 3 weeks (3 hours per week)
Overview: FutureLearn offers an Introduction to Cyber Security course developed by The Open University. This free course gives an overview of key cybersecurity concepts, from basic security principles to how cyberattacks occur. It also covers the impact of security breaches on individuals, businesses, and society.
The course is accessible to beginners, and you can receive a certificate of completion for a fee. It’s a great way to start your journey into the cybersecurity field.
What You’ll Learn:
- The fundamentals of cybersecurity and digital threats
- How to recognize and respond to cyberattacks
- Basic security principles and encryption methods
- Protecting personal information online
5. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Cybersecurity Module)
Platform: Coursera
Certificate: Yes (Free for auditing, paid certificate available)
Duration: 6 months (Self-paced)
Overview: Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate offers an in-depth introduction to IT support with a dedicated module on cybersecurity. While the full program is not free, you can audit individual modules for free and gain valuable cybersecurity knowledge.
This program covers topics like secure IT environments, networking fundamentals, and best practices for managing and securing devices and systems. The certification you receive from Google is widely recognized in the tech industry.
What You’ll Learn:
- Introduction to IT support and cybersecurity principles
- Security best practices for network and system administration
- Threats and vulnerabilities affecting IT systems
- Incident response and troubleshooting
6. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate by Coursera
Platform: Coursera
Certificate: Yes (Free for auditing, paid certificate available)
Duration: 8 months (Self-paced)
Overview: This professional certificate program, created by IBM, is perfect for those who want to build a solid foundation in cybersecurity. It consists of multiple courses that teach practical cybersecurity skills such as threat analysis, incident response, and risk management.
The program is beginner-friendly but covers a wide range of topics, making it an excellent entry point into a career as a cybersecurity analyst. By the end, you’ll be equipped to protect networks, databases, and information systems from cyber threats.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding cybersecurity principles and strategies
- Tools and techniques for threat detection and response
- Security operations and incident management
- Network security and risk management techniques
7. Cybersecurity Awareness Training by SANS
Platform: SANS (GIAC)
Certificate: Yes (Free certificate available)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Overview: SANS offers a short, free cybersecurity awareness course that focuses on security best practices for individuals and organizations. The course is designed for non-technical learners and emphasizes the importance of secure behaviour to protect data and prevent security breaches.
The course is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their cybersecurity knowledge, especially for those in managerial roles or employees who need a basic understanding of security practices.
What You’ll Learn:
- The basics of protecting personal and business data
- Recognizing phishing and other social engineering attacks
- Best practices for secure online behaviour
- Creating strong passwords and securing devices
8. Ethical Hacking (Introduction) by edX (offered by the University of Colorado)
Platform: edX
Certificate: Yes (Free audit, paid certificate available)
Duration: 4 weeks (3 hours per week)
Overview: If you are interested in the offensive side of cybersecurity, ethical hacking is a critical skill. This Introduction to Ethical Hacking course on edX provides a beginner-friendly introduction to ethical hacking concepts, penetration testing, and legal and ethical considerations.
The course is offered by the University of Colorado Boulder and is free to audit, with a paid certificate option.
What You’ll Learn:
- The basics of ethical hacking and penetration testing
- How ethical hackers identify and exploit system vulnerabilities
- Tools and methodologies used by ethical hackers
- Legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity
9. Introduction to Cyber Security by LinkedIn Learning
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 1-2 hours
Overview: This free Introduction to Cybersecurity course on LinkedIn Learning provides a beginner-level understanding of cybersecurity principles, including common threats like viruses and malware, as well as security strategies to protect sensitive data.
This course is perfect for anyone who wants a quick overview of cybersecurity concepts before diving deeper into more specialized topics.
What You’ll Learn:
- Key concepts in cybersecurity
- Identifying and protecting against common cyber threats
- Strategies for securing personal and business data
10. Security+ Training by Professor Messer
Platform: Professor Messer (YouTube)
Certificate: Yes (Free)
Duration: Self-paced
Overview: Professor Messer offers a complete, free Security+ training series on YouTube that covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity. This course is a great resource for those who are preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification and want to learn about risk management, network security, cryptography, and more.
While the course itself is free, you can earn a certificate for completing the course through the Professor Messer website.
What You’ll Learn:
- Network security and risk management fundamentals
- Cryptography and encryption protocols
- Security management and threat response strategies
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an essential field in today’s digital world, and these free online courses with certificates provide a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to build or enhance their cybersecurity skills. Whether you’re interested in becoming an ethical hacker, network security specialist, or just learning the basics of online safety, these courses offer quality education that will prepare you for success.
By earning a certificate from recognized platforms like Coursera, edX, Cisco, and LinkedIn Learning, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient cybersecurity professional, ready to take on the growing challenges of digital security. Start learning today and unlock a rewarding career in cybersecurity!
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