Cyber security is a crucial field in our world today because it protects data from damage and theft from unauthorized persons and cyber criminals. Organizations need cyber security experts to protect sensitive data, intellectual property, personally identifiable information, and industry information systems. One way to enter the field is by taking cyber security courses online.
The internet has hundreds of cyber security training programs. This guide will highlight some of the best courses, classes, and free cyber security training available from different institutions.
As technology evolves, the risk of cyber attacks increases. Every day, we use technology that contains our personal information. Keeping that information safe is vital to prevent credit card information and other private data from being compromised.
Through cyber security classes, experts master how to protect us against attacks and also keep the information of governments and corporations safe. If you are interested in working in cyber security, below are some of the best cyber security courses available to you.
What Is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the practice of defending mobile devices, servers, computers, networks, electronic systems, and data from attacks. This field is also called electronic information security or information technology security. It is applicable in several contexts from mobile computing to business.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Attending an Online Cyber Security Course
Which Aspects of Cyber Security Would You Like to Learn?
The aspects of cyber security you wish to learn will determine what kind of cyber security professional you will be and where you should direct your learning. Whether you want to get a job in penetration testing, ethical hacking, network security, or information security, you can find courses that specialize in each.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Cyber Security?
Yes, you should attend a cyber security bootcamp online because a coding bootcamp can help you learn the cyber security skills needed to land a job. Bootcamp programs provide an updated curriculum to ensure that students learn the skills that potential employers are looking for.
Bootcamps also provide a stimulating environment for students to learn. Students take part in projects to showcase their newly acquired skills.
The Best Online Cyber Security Courses: An Overview
The best online cyber security courses online consist of massive open online courses (MOOCs), coding bootcamps, and certificates. Some of these programs last for one year while others can be completed in as little as four weeks. Most offer certificates but free online cyber security courses may require payment for the certificate.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
| Alexandria Technical and Community College | Cybersecurity Certificate | $211.55/credit + fees $10.96/credit | 1 year | Yes |
| Angelo State University | Online Cybersecurity Certificate | $458 per credit | 8 weeks | Yes |
| BrainStation | Cybersecurity Courses Online | $3,250 | 10 weeks | Yes |
| Code Fellows | Ops and Cybersecurity | $99 – $12,000 | 19 weeks | Yes |
| Coursera | Cybersecurity Specialization | $39 per month | 8 months | Yes |
| Elmhurst University | Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity | $655 per credit | 1 year | Yes |
| Flatiron School | Cybersecurity Engineering | $16,900 | 15 weeks | Yes |
| Fullstack Academy | Cybersecurity Analytics | $15,980 | 13 – 26 weeks | Yes |
| Ironhack | Remote Cybersecurity Bootcamp | $7,534 | 12 weeks | Yes |
| Simplilearn | Cybersecurity Boot Camp | $8,000 | 6 months | Yes |
| Springboard | Cybersecurity Bootcamp | $9,900 | 6 months | Yes |
| Udemy | The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed! | $99.99 | 12 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | The Absolute Beginners Guide to Cyber Security 2022 – Part 1 | $99.99 | 4 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Risk Management for Cybersecurity and IT Managers | $99.99 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Coursera | Cryptography I | Free | 6 weeks | Yes, for a fee |
| Coursera | Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics | Free | 17 hours | Yes, for a fee |
| edX | Wiretaps to Big Data: Privacy and Surveillance in the Age of Interconnection | Free | 10 weeks | Yes, for a fee |
| Future Learn | Introduction to Cyber Security | Free | 8 weeks | Yes, for a fee |
| The SANS Institute | Cyber Aces Free Cyber Security Training Course | Free | Self-paced | Yes |
The Best Online Cyber Security Classes, Courses, or Training
Obtaining your cyber security training from online classes and courses is a surefire way to gain industry-focused knowledge that will be noticed by employers. The cyber security courses below offer cyber security training for beginners all the way up to advanced level professionals who want to specialize their skills. Read on to learn more.
Cybersecurity Certificate | Alexandria Technical and Community College
- Learning Format: Undergraduate program that provides hands-on training
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Security fundamentals, scripting and command line, Linux administration
This certificate requires 30 credits to complete. Students are prepared to enter the cyber security industry and work in network security, incident investigation, and information assurance. They learn to secure, evaluate, and resolve network systems that are at risk. Students in this program learn security fundamentals and understand why cyber security is essential.
They also learn about the roles of professionals in the field. It uses interactive and practical training methods. Before the program ends, students learn about risk management, incidents, attacks, and emerging InfoSec technologies. They can apply this knowledge to solving real-world issues.
Key Takeaway: The program emphasizes hands-on experience while providing academic courses on key cyber security subjects.
Cybercrime Essentials Undergraduate Certificate | American Public University System
- Learning Format: Full undergraduate program that provides hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Cyber crime, information security, computer forensics
This certificate program is ideal for beginners who want to learn about digital forensic tools and techniques. The focus of the program is on cyber terrorism, cyber stalking, cyber crime, and cyber bullying. Students also learn the best practices for carrying out computer forensics investigations.
The coursework covers the basics of computer forensics and cybercrime along with the challenges of keeping information safe on the internet. Students learn the best practices and processes for managing and preventing cyber crime. They also learn the steps and strategies for investigating, cataloging, securing, identifying, and storing digital evidence.
Key Takeaway: Students who complete the program can transfer nine credits into another advanced degree in cyber security.
Online Cybersecurity Certificate | Angelo State University
- Learning Format: Full program that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Emerging technologies in homeland security, cyber security and constitutional issues, cyber vulnerability
This certificate program focuses on practical and theoretical studies in cyber security. Some of the main topics in the program include cyber vulnerability, data mining, and cryptology. Students have the option to use the credits for an advanced degree such as a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security at the same university.
Students learn data mining techniques for unstructured and structured data that exist in natural language text and conform to defined schemas. Some of the main courses in this program include text retrieval, pattern discovery, text analysis, text mining, clustering, and data visualization.
Key Takeaway: Students can use transfer credits from this program towards the Master’s Degree in Homeland Security program at the university.
Cybersecurity Courses Online | BrainStation
- Learning Format: Online bootcamp courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Security and technology foundations, cyber threats and defenses, risk management, and business analysis
This bootcamp program at BrainStation focuses on cyber security and information security. Students learn foundational concepts and skills that increase their knowledge of data security, secure systems, network security, and information security. The coursework covers how to find vulnerabilities in a system and protect against cyber attacks and threats.
Students also learn to implement security measures to protect an organization’s systems. The curriculum covers the methods used to attack or extract information from systems such as distributed denial-of-service attacks and social engineering. Students learn to implement cyber defense strategies and preventative measures to reduce the chances of security breaches.
Key Takeaway: After completing the program, students receive a shareable certificate from BrainStation.
Ops and Cybersecurity | Code Fellows
- Learning Format: Adjustable course map with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Troubleshooting methodology, IT infrastructure library, service management framework, Agile project management
This cyber security bootcamp offers four courses according to experience levels. They include beginner, foundational, intermediate, and advanced cyber security programs. Students can enroll in whichever online program fits their experience level or progress through the entire bootcamp. Students learn troubleshooting measures and practical system support.
The coursework also covers VPN tunneling, network security, firewall configuration, network design, and other systems administration operations. Students also learn about user identity management, server deployment, system health monitoring, automation, and scripting. It also involves professional exercises in project planning and change management.
Key Takeaway: Students who complete this program offered by Code Fellows are prepared to take the CompTIA+ certification exam.
Cybersecurity Specialization | Coursera
- Learning Format: Part-time, flexible schedule for on-demand hands-on training
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Usable security, software security, cryptography
This course covers security concepts from software to hardware as well as human-computer interface. Students also learn to use modern cryptography to secure interactions. They use hands-on projects to practice what they have learned. The coursework includes training on how to use common tools in cyber security and how to develop systems that help students prevent cyber attacks.
The curriculum also covers the basics of software security. The course covers different software vulnerabilities and the issues they have like session hijacking, buffer overflows, and SQL injection. Students also learn the suitable defenses to mitigate or completely prevent these attacks. These defenses include program analysis and advanced testing.
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Key Takeaway: Students earn a certificate of completion that can be published on LinkedIn or other platforms after completing this specialization.
Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity | Elmhurst University
- Learning Format: Online program designed for working professionals in an accelerated format
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Cyber crime investigations and digital forensics, information systems management, fundamentals of cryptography
This certificate program helps students develop essential skills to work in the cyber security field. The focus of the program is on cyber crime investigation, security breaches, recovery plans, and security infrastructures. Some of the main topics it covers include digital signatures, block ciphers, key management, public and private key cryptography, and pseudorandom functions.
The program is also quite flexible and takes place online. Students learn through live class discussions. However, they have the option to watch recordings on their own time. This program has an accelerated format for students who want to complete their credits in under one year.
Key Takeaway: The program is flexible and students can choose to complete it at a pace that is best for them.
Cybersecurity Engineering | Flatiron School
- Learning Format: Full-time bootcamp program
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), Python, logs, and detection
Flatiron School offers a cyber security program that focuses on application security, threat intelligence, and applied cryptography. Students learn about system exploits, system architecture, and operating system architecture. They also learn to use command-line tools for analysis of exploits in Linux.
The coursework also focuses on basic Python scripting as well as its application in cyber security. Students learn loops and flow controls as well as other basic scripting techniques. They also cover the steps to analyze threat intelligence, learn about OpenSSL packages, and learn the planning and analytical skills needed to carry out efficient cyber threat intelligence.
Key Takeaway: Individuals without any level of cyber security experience can enroll because the bootcamp offers free introductory classes.
Fullstack Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp | Fullstack Academy
- Learning Format: Bootcamp program available in part-time and full-time formats
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: AWS best security practices and tools, identity and access management, data encoding
This program from Fullstack Academy includes labs and group exercises along with a solid curriculum. Students learn skills needed to get certified in the field and land entry-level jobs. Some of the advanced topics in the curriculum include modern cryptography, risk detection, system architecture, encryption, and networking.
During the program, students learn to create measures that prevent cyber attacks. They build their project using the Amazon Web Services (AWS) security operation center. This project covers how to develop, monitor, defend, and attack in their enterprise-level network.
Key Takeaway: The program is flexible and you can choose to attend in the evening or on weekends.
Remote Cybersecurity Bootcamp | Ironhack
- Learning Format: Full bootcamp course offered completely online
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Understanding principles of cyber security, security and threats, system and network administration concepts
Students enrolled in this bootcamp learn the basics of computers, software, hardware, routing protocols, and network traffic. The program has a hands-on training system and students take part in projects during each module. They learn to work on computer networks, use virtual machines, and analyze network topologies.
Students learn to build security programs that can find and destroy threats to computer systems. Before the program ends, students learn to prevent cyber attacks in real time and enhance their knowledge of cyber security. They also learn to perform architecture evaluation and security analysis as well as dynamic analysis from diverse data sources.
Key Takeaway: Students work on various real-world projects and also get access to online learning materials before this Ironhack program starts.
Cybersecurity Boot Camp | Simplilearn
- Learning Format: Online bootcamp
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Application security, malware, ransomware, cryptography, ethical hacking
This course offered by Simplilearn in partnership with the University of California, Irvine equips students through an online bootcamp format to become cyber security professionals after completion. Alongside its educational lectures, the program offers over 35 demos and more than 10 projects to give students hands-on experience.
Key Takeaway: This bootcamp also offers career services to help graduates of this program find employment after graduation through online tools to prepare them for the workforce.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp | Springboard
- Learning Format: Online bootcamp
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Cyber security vocabulary, IT security threats, project management, network security
This comprehensive bootcamp program offered by Springboard is flexible so students can gain cyber security skills on their own time. The goal of the program is to turn students into cyber security professionals and make them job-ready for a career in cyber security upon completion. Students are provided a mentor and career coach to help them join the job market.
Key Takeaway: This program was created in partnership with CompTIA, which offers the leading cyber security industry certification CompTIA Security+ Certification upon completion of the course and exam.
The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed! | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online self-paced
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Malware and trackers, zero day vulnerabilities, sandboxes, virtual machines, encryption, operating systems
This Udemy course promises to cover everything a beginner needs to know to become a cyber security professional. The course is led by instructor Nathan House, a leading cyber security expert and CEO of StationX.
Key Takeaway: Over 242,000 students have entrusted this course taught by an industry expert to give them an advanced practical skillset to defeat cyber security threats.
The Absolute Beginners Guide to Cyber Security 2022 – Part 1 | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online self-paced
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Malware, computer networks, hacking
This beginners program has a 4.6 rating on Udemy and has been taken by over 69,600 students to date. Designed for people interested in becoming cyber security or information security professionals, this course starts by focusing heavily on cyber security terminology. Then, it turns to hacking methodologies and various forms of attacks.
Key Takeaway: This course is so focused on being beginner friendly that the only requirements are that you know how to use a computer and how to use the Internet.
Risk Management for Cybersecurity and IT Managers | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online self-paced
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Risk management techniques, networks
This course aims to offer cyber security professionals an insight into risk management and how it is employed by managers in the field. It teaches students how to use qualitative and quantitative risk management techniques to approach various projects.
Key Takeaway: Instructor Jason Dion discusses current events in technology related to risk management decisions so students can practice risk management strategizing alongside actual real-world problems.
The Best Free Online Cyber Security Courses
The best free cyber security training can be found on top online learning platforms such as Coursera and edX. By taking cyber security courses for free, you can enhance your existing knowledge or gain foundational skills before entering into a paid online cyber security course. Learn more about the top free cyber security courses available online today.
Cryptography I | Coursera
- Learning Format: Part-time, flexible schedule for on-demand hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Block ciphers, authenticated encryption, basic key exchange
This course covers deployed protocols and public-key techniques. Students will learn how to communicate securely with a shared secret key when a hacker tampers with the traffic. The coursework also covers the mistakes in existing systems that make them prone to attacks.
During the course, learners are exposed to real-world problems to see how they can solve them. They also take part in programming projects. The program also covers advanced cryptographic protocols like privacy mechanisms, zero-knowledge, and encryption.
Key Takeaway: Students work on real-world projects to practice what they are learning. This course is offered by Stanford University, one of the United States’ top universities.
Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics | Coursera
- Learning Format: Online self-paced
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Forensic analysis, penetration testing, cyber security, computer security incident management
This free course is offered to provide new learners of cyber security the foundational knowledge to understand penetration testing and incident response management. Offered by IBM, students will spend 17 hours in the course watching video lectures, completing assignments, and taking quizzes.
Key Takeaway: In this course, you can get a taste of what it means to conduct penetration testing, a key responsibility as a cyber security professional.
Cyber Aces Free Cyber Security Training Course | The SANS Institute
- Learning Format: Completely self-paced
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Operating systems, systems administration, networking
These Cyber Aces courses help students build the skills and knowledge of core concepts in cyber security. The program uses an updated curriculum to ensure that students learn useful skills to land jobs in the field. The coursework focuses on computer attacks as well as suitable defenses for them.
Students learn about protocols used for network defense. They also cover the tools needed for administrative functions in scripting environments. Tools like PERL and PHP will be examined in this program. Participants will also learn to use Microsoft Powershell and GNU BASH.
Key Takeaway: Students take multiple choice quizzes online to check their understanding throughout the course. It is completely online and can be accessed at any time.
Wiretaps to Big Data: Privacy and Surveillance in the Age of Interconnection | edX
- Learning Format: Instructor-led virtual classroom for hands-on learning
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Cryptography, contemporary surveillance, legal implications of data collection
This course focuses on privacy and surveillance. Students learn about issues in Internet and Wi-Fi surveillance. The coursework also covers issues like network technology, sociology, and law as well as how they interrelate. The course is especially useful for people who want to learn more about the political and technical questions in information network usage.
Participants will learn about the implication of kinds of surveillance as well as the impact on the privacy of the individual. They learn about the types of cryptography used for wireless and wired networks. The program also covers governmental policies in cyber security.
Key Takeaway: This course is a blend of several disciplines to give you a broader perspective.
Introduction to Cyber Security | Future Learn
- Learning Format: Self-paced online program
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Networking and communications, cryptography, managing security risks
The goal of the course is to help participants learn the basics of cyber security through this free cyber security training. Students master ways to protect digital information, describe cryptography, and use it for emails. Students engage in short activities to practice what they are learning.
Before the course ends, participants understand virtual private networks, firewalls, and network intrusion detection technologies. Students learn about the regulatory and legal issues affecting cyber security and how they can help organizations recover from security breaches.
Key Takeaway: The courses are split into activities, weeks, and steps so students can complete them at their own pace. It is offered for free and completely online.
Cyber Security Course Certificates vs Certifications
Cyber security certificates result from educational processes and are open to both experienced and inexperienced professionals. These are often awarded by educational institutions.
Cyber security certifications are offered after completing assessments to showcase an individual’s skills, knowledge, and competency. In most cases, these require some professional experience and are awarded by industry-leading third parties.
Earning a cyber security online certification can be a great way to showcase your expertise to employers, both current and prospective. They show that your knowledge and skills have been approved and authorized by a top industry organization and that you take initiative in developing and certifying your skills in order to stay on top of the field and provide quality work.
Importance of Cyber Security Certifications
Cyber security certifications prove that you have the knowledge and skills employers are looking for. Aside from increasing your potential earnings, certifications also show that you are willing to update your skills as time passes and grow in your field.
Cyber Security Certifications
Depending on which cyber security course you take, you can get cyber security certification training that will help advance your career. Below is a list of certifications you should consider getting if you want to become a cyber security professional.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
During this certification course, you will learn the ins and outs of how hackers think and how they can infiltrate a network. You will also learn the technologies that protect against hackers that are looking to penetrate systems and steal information.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
This is a high-level certification that requires individuals to have at least five years of experience before they can register. This certificate is mainly used for information auditing. In studying for this certificate, you learn how to protect information assets and audit information systems, and will explore IT management and governance.
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
This is an advanced certification for individuals who are already employed in a forensic security networking field. Through this certification, you will learn how to recover data that has been deleted, damaged, or has been encrypted. People who work in this field gather evidence and prosecute offenders.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
A certified cloud security professional certification is also intended for individuals with five years of experience in cyber security or a cloud computing environment. Individuals who obtain this certificate will have verified experience in the following topics: cloud data security, cloud operations, cloud architecture, and design concepts.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is a beginner-level certification for IT professionals who have two years of experience and will bring you up-to-date on general cyber security. It provides a basic understanding of the cyber security field and is great for anyone looking to work with the US Department of Defense, which prefers this certification.
While taking this certificate course, you will learn about network attack strategies and how to defend against them, encryption standards and products, and network- and host-based security practices.
Online Cyber Security Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
Training programs and courses are the ideal option if you’re looking for practical learning. Students enrolled in these programs take part in projects and conclude the program with a capstone project. The training in these programs is also structured and follows a sequence. Coding bootcamps fall into the courses and training programs category.
How to Choose the Right Online Cyber Security Course, Class, or Training Program
Theory and Practice
One of the most important factors to look out for is the learning method. While it is good to learn theory, it is better to have a blend of both theoretical and practical experiences. A good cyber security course starts with theoretical knowledge and advances to practical lessons.
Most courses offer both theoretical and practical knowledge. Bootcamps are known for their hands-on exercises and portfolio development to give students some real-world experience before they enter the workforce.
Updated Curriculum
Another important aspect to consider is the frequency of curriculum updates. It is ideal to choose a provider that will provide modern training. Since the cyber security field is constantly changing, curriculum updates may be required every six months to one year.
Most cyber security bootcamps update their curriculum on a regular and frequent basis to include modern tools and practices. Most course providers and universities also revise their curricula from time to time.
Cost
You should also consider the cost of the program. Higher-level cyber security training costs may be more because such courses are usually extensive and immersive. Alternatively, you can enroll in a program that gives you flexibility. This is especially useful if you are a working professional. Some subscription models provide the same features as more expensive courses.
Instructor
An instructor’s credentials and reputation in the field is also important to consider. Is the program led by a professional still working in the field with the latest technologies? Is the instructor teaching about current trends alongside foundational basics? Learn about the instructor’s credentials while researching programs.
Flexibility of the Program
Online, remote-learning programs are enticing for people who want to learn on their own time. Typically these people have personal or professional commitments outside of the program they need to prioritize. If you plan to study part-time, consider the flexibility of the program being offered and whether you can study on your own time and at your own pace.
Why You Should Take Online Cyber Security Courses or Classes
You should take online cyber security courses or classes if you want to pursue a career in information security. These courses are far more affordable than most traditional degrees and they take less time to complete.
These courses teach the skills you need to thrive as a cyber security professional. They are ideal for beginners since they start from scratch and most offer hands-on training. There are also courses for students at other levels to help them improve their skills.
Above we reviewed some of the best websites and certifications if you are looking to get into the cyber security field. If you are IT-oriented and want to protect others against hackers, then it would be a good idea to choose the best course and certification for your interests and begin your journey toward becoming a cyber security professional.
Cyber Security Courses Online FAQ
Yes, a cyber security is a good career and is well-paying. According to PayScale, the average cyber security analyst earns $77,253 per year. Professionals in this role with more than four years of experience earn upwards of $90,000 to $109,000 per year on average, depending on location.
How long do cyber security courses take?
How long a cyber security course takes depends on the type of program you have enrolled in. For example, a course from a massive open online course (MOOC) could take anywhere from 3 hours to 3 months. A cyber security bootcamp program typically takes around six months to one year to complete.
Are online cyber security courses worth it?
Yes, online cyber security courses are worth it because they allow students to study remotely and on their own time. In general, cyber security is not hard to learn. This means more students can access the course and can schedule it around their existing commitments and priorities. Completing an online cyber security course can help you gain skills needed to advance in the workplace or change careers.
Are online cyber security courses important for professional development?
Yes, online cyber security courses are very important for professional development because the field is in high demand today. There are lots of cyber attacks and potential threats in our computer-focused world, and this field demands constant updates to keep intruders out. Studying online will help you prepare in a short amount of time for a career in this industry.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
