Kickstart Your Cybersecurity Career with these 10 Free Courses

Estimated read time 3 min read

If you’re interested in cybersecurity and want to boost your career, this article will not only pique your interest but also equip you with a list of free resources that you can leverage. For novices and pros alike, these ten free courses promise to refine your knowledge and skills in this ever-evolving field.


Free Cybersecurity Classes: A Double-Edged Sword

While free online classes are a wonderful opportunity for learning at your own pace without strict admission requirements, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some courses might offer certificates, but these often require paid tuition. Completion rates can be low, as many learners fail to see through the end of their courses. Lastly, free online courses may lack personalized attention and interactive courseware.


Course 1: Introduction to Cyber attacks

Introduction to Cyber attacks
Introduction to Cyber attacks

Offered by: New York University / Coursera

This 19-hour course dives into the basics of cybersecurity risks and denial-of-service attacks. It’ll guide you through how cyberattacks are built and deployed.

Course 2: Cybersecurity Basics

Cybersecurity Basics
Cybersecurity Basics

Offered by: IBM / edX

Starting from key cybersecurity terms to cryptography and firewalls, this course covers everything you need to set foot in the realm of cybersecurity.

Course 3: Introduction to cybercrime 

Introduction to cybercrime
Introduction to cybercrime

Offered by: Simplilearn

In a brief 2-hour course, you’ll learn about various cyberattacks and how to prevent them, setting the groundwork for a successful career in information security.

Course 4: Cloud Security Basics 

Cloud Security Basics 
Cloud Security Basics 

Offered by: University of Minnesota / Coursera

Learn to design secure cloud services, assess vulnerabilities, and apply network security techniques for the cloud in this 13-hour course.

Course 5: Managing Cybersecurity incidents and hacks 

Offered by: University System of Georgia / Coursera

A vital course focusing on contingency planning. Learn to manage operations during non-normal security situations, including cybersecurity hacks.

Course 6:Real-Time Cyber Threat Detection and Mitigation 

Offered by: New York University / Coursera

This intermediate course teaches you about TCP/IP security hacks, network security, and firewall solutions.

Course 7: Cybersecurity Basics

Offered by: IBM / edX

Another course from IBM, focusing on key cybersecurity terms, types of cyberattacks, and key security concepts and tools.

Course 8: Cyberattack Countermeasures

Offered by: New York University / Coursera

In this course, you’ll study the basics of cyberdefense, including foundational models such as Bell-LaPadula, authentication solutions and protocols, and cryptography.

Course 9: Building a Cybersecurity Toolkit

Offered by: University of Washington / edX

This introductory course teaches you about the tools, skills, and characteristics needed for successful cybersecurity careers.

Course 10: Computer Forensics

Offered by: Rochester Institute of Technology / edX

A comprehensive course on digital forensics fundamentals, including investigative procedures, system images, and forensics reporting.


Take control of your learning journey today and arm yourself with these cybersecurity essentials. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced professional seeking advancement, these courses promise to provide a wealth of knowledge in this rapidly growing field. Happy learning!

Jan De Koning

Floris Jan De Koning, based in Amsterdam, is a DRP analyst and a distinctive voice in Cyberwarzone.com. Fascinated by the confluence of cybercrime, cryptocurrencies, phishing, investment schemes, geopolitics, history, and cybersecurity, Floris brings a richly nuanced perspective.

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