Are you planning to pursue a career in cybersecurity but are wondering which cybersecurity course is best for beginners?
If so then you have come to the right page.
In this article, you’re going to discover the 10 best online courses for cybersecurity.
First off, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise.
The numbers and statistics don’t lie:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics report suggests that the information security sector will experience job growth of 37% between 2019 and 2029.
- The cybersecurity field has an unemployment rate of 0% and it’s expected to stay there for many years.
- A cybersecurity report compiled by Assignment Help suggests that there are 4 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide currently
This increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals has been stirred by the increased cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity issues have become a daily struggle for businesses and companies these days.
Studies suggest that:
- 64% of companies have suffered web-based attacks and 59% others suffered malicious code and botnets.
- Companies spend $146 on average to recover lost or stolen records per individual.
- Data breaches cost businesses $3.86 million on average as of 2020.
- In fact, since the Covid-19 pandemic cybercrime attacks have increased by 300% with remote work increasing the average cost of a data breach by $137,000.
Undoubtedly, if you’re looking to secure your company’s digital assets or considering a career in cybersecurity then the time to act is now.
But the question is: What are the best online courses for cybersecurity?
The reality is that there are tens of thousands of cybersecurity courses for beginners out there. Besides, you can also enrol in a free cybersecurity course with a certificate online.
With tons of options out there, choosing the best cybersecurity course for yourself can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry because we have done all the hard work for you by scouring the internet and put together a list of 10 cybersecurity online courses for 2021.
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
- StationX VIP Membership
- Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization
- SANS Cyber Aces Online
- Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity for Managers
- Cybersecurity for Business Specialization
- Advanced Cyber Security Training
- Cyber Security Foundations
- Essentials of Cybersecurity
- Cyber Security for Beginners (by Heimdal Security)
1. StationX VIP Membership
Want to plunge into a career in cybersecurity?
StationX VIP Membership is the best cybersecurity solution for you.
With more than 100 courses related to cybersecurity, you can learn everything including security coding, ethical hacking, networking, etc.
You will also discover courses that help people to prepare for examinations and pass top security certifications.
The greatest thing about StationX VIP Membership is that you get unrestricted access to all cybersecurity courses.
Many of these courses are rated excellently and have great feedback from professionals who have taken them.
Each course costs between $90 and $2,000. The courses come with a discounted fee of $149 so you can expect to pay around $1,199 per year to access all StationX VIP Membership courses.
Another great thing is that courses can be streamed or you can download lectures and access them through your mobile phone or computer.
What’s more, you can take your time to learn and get a certificate of completion at the end of each course.
If you’re getting started in the cybersecurity realm, we’d recommend you to start with the Complete Cyber Security Course.
This course consists of four volumes with classes presented by cybersecurity professionals and StationX CEO, Nathan House.
The Complete Cyber Security Course is broken down into the following modules:
- Hackers Exposed: This module teaches people how to prevent hacking attempts, keep off tracking activities, and prevent surveillance from unwanted individuals.
- Network Security: This model teaches everything about network security, including Wi-Fi security, hackers, password managers, firewalls, etc.
- Anonymous Browsing: In this module, you will learn how to browse the internet anonymously, either by using VPNs, masking IP addresses, etc.
- Endpoint Protection: This module teaches about safeguarding digital assets against viruses including the use of antivirus programs, malware encryption, etc.
After completing all these modules, you can continue finding many others that pique your interests.
Remember that once you purchase full membership you will continue to access any new training module and class that’s added to the course.
As stated earlier, classes are presented by top security professionals so you’re guaranteed high-quality training.
Besides, this training package can help you get started in the industry and the fact that it’s updated regularly helps you stay updated on every advancement in the industry.
Remember that this course isn’t only meant for individuals interested in the industry. It can help you take control of cybersecurity within your own business.
2. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization
Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization is also another fascinating cybersecurity course offered through Coursera.
The course was designed to help learners to develop in-depth knowledge about modern information and system protection systems and methods.
When you take this course, you will learn how to summarize the main aim of cybersecurity as a field, the basics of identification and authentication in the discipline. The course will also help you develop a lasting plan for prospective careers in the industry.
The course is presented in the form of specialization.
There are practical projects you’re required to complete at the end of each specialization to earn a certificate.
Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization is subdivided into the following courses:
Introduction to Cyber Attacks
This course introduces learners to the basics of common cybersecurity threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.
You will learn how attackers carry out their malicious attacks as well as how systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Cyber Attack Countermeasures
This course introduces learners to the basics of cyber defence and cryptography.
Learners will learn the basics of different authentication solutions and protocols like Kerberos and many others.
Learners will also get the basics of cryptography including important cryptographic techniques like cipher block chaining and triple-DES.
Real-Time Cyber Threat Detection and Mitigation
According to the World Economic Forum close to 85% of cybercrime goes undetected in most organizations. The Department of Justice says that out of every seven cybercrimes, only one is reported.
This course teaches learners real-time cybersecurity techniques and methods that help to detect and mitigate common attacks.
TCP/IP security hacks are explained to help learners understand the need for network security solutions like stateless and stateful firewalls.
The course also covers an introduction to the techniques used to set up and configure firewall solutions like proxies and packets to keep hackers off digital assets.
Enterprise and Infrastructure Security
This course covers more advanced and current topics in cybersecurity like enterprise compliance frameworks with the basics of PCI and NIST.
The course also teaches learners hybrid cloud architectures that allow them to fix many of the security vulnerabilities in modern perimeter local area networks.
Leaners will also be introduced to the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, as well as mobile security, and cloud security hyper-resilience.
Ideally, this course is suitable for business owners or individuals looking to get into a career in cybersecurity.
The course takes nine hours per week for two months.
Most of the modules included in this course are free but to complete a specialization as well as the hands-on project that follows it and get a certification, you will have to pay a monthly fee. Each specialization costs a monthly fee of between $39 and $79 and comes with a seven-day free trial.
3. SANS Cyber Aces Online
Cyber Aces Online is another amazing cybersecurity course offered for free by the SANS Institute.
You must have heard of SANS.
It’s one of the most trusted and largest sources for information security training and security certification as well as the global leader in cybersecurity training worldwide.
The modern world is connected. From buying goods to paying bills, and staying in touch with friends, everything happens online.
Hackers and malicious people know all this hence the need to secure our networks.
In April 2021, over 1 billion records were breached. Currently, cybercrime is up 600% due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As you can see, cyberattacks are increasing dramatically yet there aren’t enough professionals that keep us protected online.
This course equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to master the key concepts in cybersecurity.
The course uses a combination of tutorials and videos hence it’s engaging.
The course is divided into the following modules:
Module 1: Operating Systems
This module introduces learners to computer operating systems, with a focus on command line usage in Linux and advanced use of Windows.
Module 2: Networking
This module provides learners with a deep understanding of Network fundamentals and computer attacks. Leaners will be taught how to secure a network or attack one. The module focuses on various protocols used in each OSI layer, particularly in the networking layer.
Module3: System Administration
This module teaches learners the tools they need to undertake common administrative tasks in popular scripting areas.
Each module comes with quizzes that you can skip or take. The quizzes help learners to test their understanding of each module.
This course can be taken by anyone not interested in the cybersecurity industry as well as individuals who are looking to be cybersecurity professionals.
The course is also accessible at any time. Besides, course material is updated regularly.
4. Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity
Thinking about pursuing a career in the cybersecurity realm but are unsure where to start?
This course by Cybrary could be the best option for you.
In this course, learners will discover several cybersecurity career roles including Privacy Analyst, Network Administrator, System Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Incident Responder, Cybersecurity Manager, and Penetration Tester.
Learners will also discover common tools used, responsibilities of each career as well as common certifications for each role.
This is to help to-be cybersecurity professionals decide on their areas of specialization in IT and cybersecurity.
It’s a free online course designed to put you in the right direction to succeed in the discipline of your choice.
Apart from this course, you can browse many other courses offered by Cybrary through their library.
The courses are offered in video format, hence making them great for visual learners.
Cybrary experts can also help you to choose your preferred field.
Learners can also understand how to boost their chosen careers.
Inside the course is an upsell to the Pro version of Cybrary where you can discover more courses and extra perks like career pathway guidance and a mentor.
The upsell costs $100 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial.
5. Cybersecurity for Managers
For many years, cybersecurity has been seen as an IT problem. However, cybersecurity decisions apply across all sectors of any organization, company, or business.
A mistake made by the HR department can put the entire organization in jeopardy.
This course is primarily designed for managers, business leaders, and executives in both technical and non-technical positions.
Business and technology consultants can also benefit from this course.
This course is aimed at helping managers understand their contribution to maintaining the organization’s cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity program begins by introducing the types of possible threats as well as a list of priorities.
It also teaches learners how to set up strong defences and nurture a culture of ethics and cybersecurity in the organization.
Learners are taught how to handle risks and threats as well as how to put up a robust action plan.
6. Cybersecurity for Business Specialization
The data breach is not new news in today’s digital world where everything including shopping, paying bills, and connecting with friends happens on the internet.
This means that there is no more time to protect data than now.
Unfortunately, defending against malicious attackers is no child’s play.
Cybersecurity for Business Specialization is a training program designed to help learners understand how attacks work and how to defend against the attacks.
The course is designed to introduce learners to the practical side of computer security as well as how to see security in the corporate world.
If you’re looking to learn how to defend computer systems and assets from malicious attackers and other threats then this course is for you.
Individuals who want to learn how attackers carry out their malicious activities and how to defend their systems.
Specifically, this course can be a great choice for senior business leaders, middle management as well as system administrators.
This course can also help learners pass other computer security examinations like CISSP and Security+.
Greg Williams is the trainer of this course who will take you through the 4 modules: Introduction to Cybersecurity for Business, Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors, Detecting and Preventing Cyber Threats and Attacks, and Proactive Computer Security.
7. Advanced Cyber Security Training
This course is designed for professionals in the network and cybersecurity sector to help them build essential skills and learn about security threats as well as techniques and methods to manage them.
When you take this course, you will learn how to identify vulnerabilities, protect applications, password protection, password security, cybersecurity, software security testing, and many other things.
As stated above, the average cost per data breach is $3.92 million.
This course is designed to help learners build basic cybersecurity skills and develop their understanding so they can bring more preventative measures to companies or organizations.
What’s more, many organizations and companies have suffered serious cybersecurity threats to the extent of collapsing.
This course will equip you with the knowledge that helps you identify, prevent and recover from such security threats.
You will also gain hands-on knowledge of how password attacks are carried out as well as the cyber security techniques and tools to help mitigate such malicious attacks.
The course also teaches you how to increase network security to curb the rampant network attacks that are carried out on networks.
You will discover different types of network attacks like spear phishing and how to use security tools to mitigate them.
8. Cyber Security Foundations
Cyber Security Foundations is also another invaluable program that equips learners with skills such as virus protection, IT security, data protection, data security, virus recovery, building cyber resilience, and more.
In a nutshell, this course is designed to strengthen learners’ knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity.
By 2025, the average cost of cyberattacks is projected to rise to $10.5 trillion.
This explains why it’s important for modern organizations to anticipate, mitigate and recover from cyberattacks.
This course will teach you how to protect your organization.
You will discover the importance of cybersecurity, real-life examples of malware attacks, and key defenses like ransomware protection as well as how to protect against social engineering attacks.
ExpertTrack will also teach you how to control access to sensitive information to enhance data security and cyber resilience.
9. Essentials of Cybersecurity
edX offers a handful of accredited university courses that come with verified certificates, although at a cost.
The Professional Certificate in Essentials of Cybersecurity is one of the great courses administered by the University of Washington.
This course is divided into 4 skill-building modules and is self-paced.
The complete course costs $716.
Given the valuable knowledge you will gain out of this program, the cost is worthwhile.
First off, the course will equip learners with knowledge in the following areas:
- Understanding the different roles and sectors in the Cybersecurity industry.
- Learn how management and technology interrelate in cybersecurity protection.
- Discover other types of security controls and techniques to other cybersecurity threats.
- Application of terminology and basic concepts of cybersecurity.
- Own knowledge, skills, and abilities assessment.
The whole program takes 16 weeks to complete and each module takes 2 to 5 hours.
Essentials of Cybersecurity has the following modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity
This module introduces learners to cybersecurity. If you want to understand everything there is in the world on internet security this module is for you.
Module 2: Cybersecurity: The CISO’s View
This module covers cybersecurity operations and the roles of the Chief Information Security Officer in an organization or company.
Module 3: Building a Cybersecurity Toolkit
This course equips learners with the skills needed to become successful cybersecurity professionals.
Module 4: Finding Your Cybersecurity Career Path
Not sure what career path to follow?
This module will introduce you to various career paths to help you decide the right one for you.
10. Cyber Security for Beginners (by Heimdal Security)
In just 5 weeks, you will learn how to keep your online world safe from intruders and hackers for free.
Yes, that’s what you get when you enrol in this cybersecurity course.
Heimdal Security is one of the trusted companies that provide amazing technologies and intelligence to help combat cybercrime.
Many of the courses we mentioned in this list are designed for to-be cybersecurity professionals and business leaders but Cyber Security for Beginners is a general course for everyone looking to enhance their home cybersecurity.
Here is just a sneak peek of what’s covered in this course:
Cybersecurity basics
Here learners will get a basic cybersecurity vocabulary and learn how to put up a security system.
The right tools & tactics
Without the right tools fighting against cybercrime can be like shooting in the dark.
Learners will discover recommended tools and actions to defend against viruses and malicious content.
Detection and prevention
Detecting a security threat can help to not only save a company or organization from losing tens of thousands of dollars but can also help to avoid future headaches and frustrations.
This course will teach learners how to identify and eliminate security vulnerabilities in their systems.
Protecting self and loved ones
When it comes to cybercrimes, no one is immune to cyberattacks. This course will teach you how to keep yourself, your kids, and your parents safe from cyberattacks.
Safe web exploration practices
Oftentimes the information we use to access our online accounts can end up getting into the hands of malicious people.
In recent years, social media has become the hotbed for cybercriminal activity. Just recently, Russian operatives used Twitter to spearphish and distribute malware to the United Department of Defense.
This course will teach you how to bulletproof your online accounts and other personal data stored on the internet.
You will also learn how cyberattacks work, how to protect yourself against virus infections, etc.
Over to You
Did we miss your favourite cybersecurity course?
If you answered yes, please let us know in the comment section.