Secure Your Future: Explore 5 Free Cybersecurity Courses Online

1. Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Online Self-Paced Training by ISC2

Overview: This training program is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)², a non-profit organization specializing in training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals. The Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Online Self-Paced Training is part of (ISC)²’s commitment to help close the cybersecurity workforce gap and diversify the field by offering free training and exams to one million individuals.

Content: While the exact content of the course is not detailed in the snippet, (ISC)²’s programs typically cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including but not limited to, security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.

How to Join: To participate in the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program and access the free training, you would need to visit the ISC2 website, navigate to the training section, and follow the instructions provided there to enroll in the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Online Self-Paced Training.

Certification: Upon completion of the training, participants can take the exam to earn a certification in cybersecurity. This certification can be a valuable asset for individuals looking to enter the cybersecurity field or advance their careers in cybersecurity.

Reference: The information regarding this course was found on the ISC2 website.

2. Free Cybersecurity Lessons on Udemy

Overview: Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a variety of free and paid courses on a wide range of topics. The free cybersecurity lessons on Udemy provide a bite-sized learning experience covering various foundational concepts in cybersecurity.

Content: The lessons include an introduction to the CompTIA Security+ Exam, the CIA Triad of IT Security, performing vulnerability assessments, and a general introduction to cybersecurity. These lessons are designed to provide a quick understanding of key cybersecurity concepts.

How to Join:

1. Go to Udemy’s website.
2. In the search bar, type “Free Cybersecurity Lessons” or similar keywords.
3. Browse through the available free lessons and click on the one you are interested in.
4. Click on “Enroll now” or a similar button to access the free lessons.

Certification: While these free lessons may not come with a certification, they can serve as a stepping stone for further learning in cybersecurity. Udemy also offers paid courses that often come with a certificate of completion.

Additional Features: Udemy’s platform allows for self-paced learning, meaning you can complete these lessons at your own pace. The lessons are usually accompanied by video lectures, readings, and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Reference: The information regarding these lessons was found on Udemy’s website.

3. The Essentials Series by EC-Council

Overview: The Essentials Series is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants, commonly known as the EC-Council. This series comprises three foundational courses: Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE), Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE), and Network Defense Essentials (N|DE). Each course has an optional hands-on lab upgrade for individuals seeking practical experience.

Content: The series covers a variety of tactical cybersecurity skills across industry verticals such as:

• Ethical hacking
• Penetration testing
• Threats and vulnerabilities assessment
• Web application attacks
• IoT and OT attacks
• Conducting forensic investigations
• Information security
• Data security

How to Join:

1. Visit the EC-Council’s website.
2. Navigate to the training or courses section.
3. Look for The Essentials Series and select the course you’re interested in.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enroll.

Certification: Upon completing each course, learners receive a Certificate of Achievement. This certificate can be used to demonstrate competency in the respective areas covered by the course.

Additional Features:

• Modules: Each course contains expert-designed modules, self-paced learning videos, and add-on labs mapped to the course curriculum.
• Hands-on Experience: The optional upgrade for labs provides practical experience required to prepare for industry-ready job roles such as a cybersecurity technician.

Reference: The information regarding this series was found on the EC-Council’s website.

4. TryHackMe

Overview: TryHackMe is a platform designed for individuals new to cybersecurity, offering a conducive environment to learn and practice cybersecurity skills. It provides a broad range of topics including training for both offensive and defensive security.

Content: The platform covers a variety of topics divided into four levels:

1. Complete Beginners: For those with no computing knowledge and unsure of where to start.
2. Early Intermediates: For those with basic computing knowledge and some experience with Linux.
3. Intermediates: For those who have a good understanding of how computers work and have basic security experience.
4. Advanced: For those already working in cybersecurity and penetration testing.

Specific modules on TryHackMe include Linux, network security, web hacking, Windows fundamentals, cryptography, shells, privilege escalation, and basic computer exploitation.

How to Join:

1. Go to the TryHackMe website.
2. Create a free account by clicking on the “Join” or “Sign Up” button.
3. Once registered, navigate through the platform to find the courses and levels that interest you.

Certification: While the snippet doesn’t mention certification, the platform provides a conducive environment for practical learning, which could be beneficial for preparing for certifications in cybersecurity.

Additional Features:

• Capture The Flag (CTF) Exercises: TryHackMe has Capture The Flag exercises with walkthrough write-ups by contributing users that allow members to see how to approach and solve problems.
• Community: Engage with a community of learners, share knowledge, and learn from others.

Reference: The information regarding this platform was found on TechTarget.

5. Hack The Box

Overview: Hack The Box is a platform geared towards offensive security, providing a live training environment for individuals to practice their hacking skills without harming real-world systems. It offers a range of exercises that simulate real-world vulnerabilities, making it an excellent resource for hands-on learning.

Content: The platform has a variety of challenges and exercises including:

• Retired Boxes: These are past exercises with write-ups by other members of the Hack The Box community to guide individuals through the process.
• Active Boxes: These exercises are current, and solutions are not published. Hacking into these boxes gives users points towards improving their rank on Hack The Box.
• Training on Vulnerabilities, Exploits, and Attack Patterns: The platform has an inventory of intentionally vulnerable platforms that emphasize and illustrate various vulnerabilities, exploits, and attack patterns.

How to Join:

1. Visit the Hack The Box website.
2. Click on the “Join” or “Sign Up” button to create a free account.
3. Once registered, you can start exploring and participating in the exercises and challenges available on the platform.

Certification: While the platform itself may not offer certifications, the hands-on experience gained from Hack The Box can be invaluable for preparing for other cybersecurity certifications.

Additional Features:

• Community: Engage with a community of like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and learn from others.
• Ranking System: Earn points and improve your rank on Hack The Box by successfully completing challenges.

Reference: The information regarding this platform was found on TechTarget.