Best Cybersecurity Courses Online for Beginners

Discover the best online cybersecurity courses especially designed to educate people about potential cyber threats and how to prevent them.

Cybersecurity can be both exciting and overwhelming. But most of all, it is one of the most trending and much-needed IT aspects that many companies take seriously. According to Gartner, global end-user spending on security and risk management is estimated to reach $215 billion in 2024. This is almost a 14.3% increase compared to 2023.

This big demand means more job opportunities in the thriving area. But, many interested beginners and even professionals struggle to get their foot in the door. Fortunately, numerous courses are designed to ease them into this field. Professionals also benefit from these courses as these courses provide enhanced skills that propel their careers.

They provide basic to advanced knowledge and cybersecurity skills. Thus, catering to both beginners and professionals. This article guides you through the top cybersecurity courses. It offers a great start for anyone looking to explore this crucial and dynamic field. Let’s explore some best online cybersecurity courses you can leverage to not only learn about cybersecurity but also chart a career path.

What is Cybersecurity?

The term cyber security is pretty simple to deconstruct. As the name implies, it means securing your digital data from any third-party manipulation or tampering. However, the nuances of cyber security are not as simple as the definition. 

Cybersecurity prevents hackers from accessing your computer or phone. It's like having a strong door that keeps strangers out. If a hacker tries to sneak in, cybersecurity acts quickly to block them, keeping your information safe.

Also, cybersecurity helps keep your online activities private. When you send messages or shop online, it makes sure no one else can see what you're doing.

Comparing the Best Cybersecurity Courses for Beginners and Novices

List of Best Cybersecurity Courses Online in 2024

Cybersecurity for Beginners course by Heimdal 

The Cybersecurity for Beginners course by Heimdal Security is a great starting point for aspiring individuals interested in keeping digital information safe. Free online cybersecurity courses with certificates like this are designed with beginners in mind. This means you don't need any previous knowledge to get started. There are many of the courses on this list are aimed at prospective cybersecurity professionals. 

However, this one is a bit different. Cybersecurity for Beginners is geared more toward the general user. This can be any regular Joe looking to improve their home cybersecurity. 

It introduces you to the basics of cybersecurity, explaining concepts in a way that's easy to grasp. Moreover, Heimdal Security covers the importance of software updates and how they help in protecting your devices. In the end, cybersecurity online courses like this leave you feeling more confident about your ability to secure your personal and work-related information.

A few example lesson titles include:

• No more technical gibberish! 
• Master basic security terms in 20 minutes
• Share. Tweet. Protect. Repeat. – social media, the safe way 
• What your kids & parents need to learn about cybersecurity

Key aspects of the course include:

• Basics of cybersecurity, like terminology and system configuration
• Techniques and resources to protect you from malware
• How to reduce the risk of cyberattacks on your system
• How to use social media and email safely when browsing the internet

Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization by Coursera

Yet another great option for online cybersecurity courses is the Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization. The program is offered by New York University (NYU) and Hosted on Coursera to reach the general public. The 4 courses set teaches you the basics of protecting digital information. So that you can leverage the latest technologies to protect your data from hackers.

The course explains how cyber attacks happen and the types of threats out there. Then, it teaches you how to protect yourself and your organization from these threats. You'll get to know about secure networks, encryption, and how to manage cyber risks.  

Additionally, the course includes practical exercises. These help you apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. There's also a focus on current trends in cybersecurity, keeping you updated. Moreover, each specialization includes a hands-on project, which you’ll have to complete in order to earn cyber security certifications.

Key aspects of the course include:

• Provides a basic understanding of threats and vulnerabilities
• Overview of how cyberattacks are carried out
• Basics of cyber defense and cryptography
• Introduction to advanced topics like enterprise compliance frameworks and issues in blockchain and mobile security.

Cyber Aces by Sans Institute

It's designed to be accessible, so you don't need any prior knowledge to begin. This course aims to lay down the foundational cybersecurity skills necessary in the cybersecurity field. The material is developed from a library of professional development resources. And to put a cherry on top, the data is regularly updated to keep pace with the changes in the threat and technology landscape.

In this course, you'll dive into three main areas: operating systems, networking, and system administration. These topics cover the essentials that every cybersecurity professional needs to know. In this program, users will get to learn about how computers and networks operate, how to manage and secure them, and the basics of keeping digital environments safe from threats.

As one of the top free online cybersecurity courses with certificates, it is packed with practical knowledge and real-world applications. Additionally, the course uses interactive learning methods. This includes quizzes and hands-on exercises to reinforce the lessons. This approach ensures that you not only understand the theory but can also apply what you've learned.

Key aspects of the course include:

• Advanced Incident Response like Threat Hunting and Digital Forensics
• Enterprise Penetration Testing
• Cyber Threat Intelligence
• Security Leadership Essentials for Managers

​​IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts by Google

The IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts course by Google is all about keeping the online world safe. It's made for anyone interested in cybersecurity. Even if you're just starting out. This course teaches you how to protect computers and networks from hackers and malware.

The first part of Google's cybersecurity courses online covers an overview of the three "A's" of information security. These are accounting, authorization, and authentication. From there, students study in-depth security designs, firewalls, Wi-Fi encryption choices, and other tools related to network security.

Throughout the course, there are quizzes to test what you've learned. By the end, you'll know how to defend against digital threats. This course is a great way to start your journey into cybersecurity, with a certificate from Google to show for it.

Key aspects of the course include:

• Cryptology and How Common Encryption Practices Work
• Securing networks via VPNs for network protection
• Using host-based firewalls, disk encryption, and anti-malware protection
• How to choose between symmetric, asymmetric encryption, and hashing

Managing Risk in the Information Age by Harvard

Managing Risk in the Information course is a highly popular program that is preferred by people across the globe. The reliability and quality of the course are simply solidified just by the name Harvard. Prepared by some of the top minds in the field, the program teaches you about protecting data and information systems. 

These include hackers, viruses, and other dangers online. Then, the course shows you how to identify these threats and protect against them. You'll get to know the cybersecurity tools and practices that keep information safe. Though it is designed by top cybersecurity experts, anyone interested can start learning with this program, no matter their background.

Harvard also teaches you about the importance of managing risk. This means thinking ahead about what might go wrong and planning how to prevent it. You'll learn strategies to minimize risks in your work or business.

Key aspects of the course include:

• Optimal strategies for responding to a cyber attack and steps to prevent further damage
• vulnerabilities assessment of critical business systems, networks, and data
• Identifying the threats and security breaches to an organization
• Designing and implementing a mitigation strategy

Essentials of Cybersecurity By edX

As one of the best online cybersecurity courses, Essentials of Cybersecurity by edX teaches users the basics and more about keeping information safe online. The course covers how to protect personal and company data from cyber attacks. During the course, the users will discover the different types of most common cybersecurity threats and how to fight them.

Also, this course teaches you about the tools and technologies that professionals use to keep data safe. You'll get to see real-world examples of cybersecurity in action. Not only that. Essentials of Cybersecurity opens career paths to users by giving a certificate from edX upon completion. This certificate shows that you have learned important skills to help protect against online threats. It's a great way to start your journey in cybersecurity.

Key aspects of the course include:

• Understanding the link between management and cybersecurity
• Identification of appropriate types of security controls
• Terminology implementation and basic concepts of Cybersecurity
• Details on the vast array of roles and sectors within the Cybersecurity industry

AWS Certified Security Specialty 2024 by Udemy

Among the popular cybersecurity courses, this program by Coursera is created by experts. It's for new players who want to learn the basics of protecting online information.
The course is designed to prepare you for the AWS certification. It is for people who work in a business with AWS. It focuses heavily on the AWS environment.

Additionally, the course covers the importance of privacy and ethics in cybersecurity. This helps you understand not just how to protect information but why it matters.

You will work through seven sections. There, you'll learn concepts like incident response, penetration testing, and data security. You'll also learn how to securely navigate AWS. It's a great way to learn the different nuances of cybersecurity and make a career in the field!

Key aspects of the course include:

• Deep insights about enterprise-grade security implementation
• Attack detection and prevention of the AWS infrastructure from Hackers
• Real World scenarios and look into why websites get hacked

Why Choose Cyber Security Courses? 

Protects against cyber-threats

To start, these courses give vital knowledge. They also teach us skills to protect ourselves online. As we spend more time on the internet for work, education, and socializing, the risk of cyber-attacks increases. We can keep our personal information. We just need to understand how cyber-attacks happen and how to prevent them. This includes data like photos, emails, and bank details, safe from hackers.

Leads to a career in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity courses freely open up career opportunities. Many companies need to protect their data and systems from cyber threats. So, there's a big demand for cybersecurity professionals. By taking these courses, you can start a career in this exciting and growing field. These courses open doors for courses like security analyst, consultant, or IT security manager. Thus making a real difference in protecting digital spaces.

Supporting Innovation

New and evolving technologies also open new avenues for cyber threats. People trained in cybersecurity are crucial. They are crucial for the safe development and deployment of these innovations. They ensure security evolves with technology. Thus enabling society to benefit from these technologies without compromising safety. This is why there are now people with specialized expertise in fields like cybersecurity in IoT or AI and Cybersecurity. 

Economic Benefits

On a larger scale, good cybersecurity saves businesses and economies a lot of money. Cyber attacks can cause financial losses. This can happen through theft, downtime, and harm to brand reputation. Knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals can help prevent these losses. Thus making businesses more resilient and trustworthy.

Fosters critical thinking

Furthermore, these courses teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity is about solving complex security problems. It's about staying ahead of cybercriminals. This way of thinking is valuable not just in cybersecurity but in everyday life situations too.

Best of the Free Cybersecurity Courses Online

Cybersecurity is a critical skill for professionals across all industries. Whether you're looking to start a career in cybersecurity or just want to protect your own digital assets, there are numerous free courses available online that offer valuable insights and practical knowledge. Here are some of the cybersecurity free courses you can enroll in today:

Cybersecurity for Beginners course by Heimdal 

• Overview: This course offers an introduction to the expansive world of cybersecurity and the opportunity to explore various roles within the field.
• Features: Interactive content, real-world scenarios, and a certificate upon completion.

Cyber Aces by Sans Institute

• Overview: Designed to help businesses protect against common cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• Features: Focuses on practical strategies for securing organizational data and systems.

Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization by Coursera

• Overview: An advanced course that covers topics such as cryptography, system security, and network intrusion detection.
• Features: Offers in-depth technical insights suitable for those with a background in computer science.

Best of the Paid Cybersecurity Courses Online

Managing Risk in the Information Age by Harvard

• Overview: Teaches the basics and advanced levels of cybersecurity. This includes lesions like how to defend against hacking and how to manage security incidents.
• Features: Includes hands-on labs for real-world practice.

​​IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts by Google

• Overview: Provides an understanding of security layers, operating system security, and network security. Plus, it covers an overview of the three "A's" of information security (accounting, authorization, and authentication)
• Features: Ideal for IT professionals looking to get an upliftment in their cybersecurity skills.

How to Choose the Best Cybersecurity Course?

Choosing the right cybersecurity course can be a pivotal step in advancing your career. It enhances your skills, allowing you to secure your digital environment. The field of cybersecurity is vast and diverse. It requires a thoughtful approach to selecting a course that best fits your needs. Here are several key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Identify Your Goals and Skill Level

Begin by clarifying your objectives. Are you looking to start a career in cybersecurity or want to elevate your existing skills? Or simply gain a better understanding of how to protect your personal data. Additionally, assess your current skill level. Some courses are designed for beginners, while others require foundational knowledge of IT concepts. Match the course to your goals and skill level. This ensures you will be neither overwhelmed nor under challenged.

Course Content and Relevance

Evaluate curriculum to ensure it covers topics you’re interested in. Cybersecurity is broad field that includes areas such as network security. Ethical hacking. Cryptography and compliance. Check if course updates its material regularly to keep pace with rapidly evolving cyber threats and technologies. Also consider courses that offer practical. Hands-on learning experiences. These are crucial for applying theoretical knowledge.

Accreditation and Recognition

Look for courses offered by accredited institutions or recognized by reputable cybersecurity organizations. Accreditation ensures that the course meets certain educational standards and is recognized by employers in the industry. Courses endorsed by cybersecurity institutions or that prepare you for recognized certifications (like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CISM) can significantly enhance your resume.

Instructor Credentials

The importance of the quality of instruction cannot be overstated. Hence, you need to research instructors’ backgrounds. Ensure they have relevant real-world cybersecurity experience. Experienced instructors bring depth to the course. They provide insights that go beyond textbooks. Moreover, they also share knowledge about current best practices, trends, and real-world applications.

Peer and Market Reviews

Look for reviews and testimonials from past students. This way, you can gauge the effectiveness of the course. Learning from the experiences of others can provide an inside look at a course's strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, you can also consider the recognition of the course in industry. Courses highly regarded by professionals are more likely to provide valuable learning experiences.

Flexibility and Resources

If you're balancing learning with work or other commitments, look for courses offering flexibility in terms of timelines, access to resources, and support. Online courses that allow you to learn at your own pace or offer extended access to course materials. These can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, check if the course provides additional resources like forums, webinars, and access to a learning community.

Cost

While free courses are a great way to get introduced to cybersecurity, paid courses often provide a more comprehensive curriculum with additional resources. So, you need to determine your budget and whether investing in a more expensive course may offer a better return in terms of educational value and career advancement.

Trusted Cybersecurity Courses for Specific Industries

Final Thoughts 

With all our lives shiting toward digital spaces, data is considered the new gold. And, just like in the olden times, people and even organizations also need a cowboy to protect them from intruders. Cybersecurity comes as a necessary technology to protect your digital presence and virtual assets. 

So, online cybersecurity courses allow the general public to learn cybersecurity tips about how to keep their data safe. It also acts as a starting point for many professionals starting their careers in this field.