Top 15 Best Free Online Courses to Learn About Cybersecurity

In an age where technology wraps around every corner of our lives, one must ponder the internet's darker, more dangerous side. One wrong click or download can cause problems for your accounts and personal data.

Every week, headlines seem filled with news on the latest data breach, leak, or cyberattack on businesses or someone who has become a victim of the latest scam that has threatened their online data.

Due to the risks we inevitably face online, it begs the question of what can be done to protect our digital privacy and equip ourselves with the knowledge and techniques to keep our data safe.

15 Best Free Online Courses for Learning About Online Privacy and Cybersecurity

Taking an online course in cybersecurity is the perfect method to understand how to protect your accounts or live a more private life online.

Not only will you find the best free online courses to start building your knowledge, but you'll also get insights into the different areas of cybersecurity, what salaries you can expect, and additional online courses to help you master all areas of digital security.

So, if you’re ready to take control, protect your assets, or embark on a career path that's as future-proof as they come, read on. These online courses offer a valuable investment in knowledge to help you and others stay safe online.

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity - Cisco Networking Academy

Cisco's Introduction to Cybersecurity, launched in 2013, is a revered course offering a stellar cybersecurity introduction. It covers the importance of cybersecurity types of threats and the best practices to safeguard against them.

Cisco, a titan in networking and cybersecurity, brings its expertise to the table making this online course one of the most popular due to its high reputation and high-quality materials.

This course is suitable for novices looking to understand cybersecurity essentials. With no prerequisites, it's accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Participants have praised this course for its clarity and real-world applicability. It enjoys a high rating, generally around 4.5 out of 5.

This course serves as a stepping stone for professionals in cybersecurity. With the solid foundation it provides, individuals can pursue advanced certifications and roles in cybersecurity, such as Security Analyst or Network Administrator.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
• Average Salary: $70,000 - $90,000.
• Complementary Course: "CompTIA Security+" for a broad base in cybersecurity principles.

2. Cybersecurity for Beginners - Heimdal Security

Heimdal Security’s Cybersecurity for Beginners, established in 2016, is a comprehensive guide for individuals stepping into cybersecurity. It covers many topics, including malware, network security, and online privacy. Heimdal Security’s prowess in threat prevention is reflected throughout the course.

There are no prerequisites, and it’s well-suited for individuals with little to no knowledge of cybersecurity. This course has received positive reviews for its simplicity and informative content, frequently receiving ratings of around 4.4 out of 5.

Upon completion, individuals may consider entering entry-level cybersecurity positions or advancing their studies further. The foundational knowledge gained here also benefits IT professionals seeking to incorporate cybersecurity best practices into their workflow.

• High demand In the United States, European countries (particularly Scandinavia), and Canada.
• Average Salary: $60,000 - $80,000.
• Complementary Course: "Network Security" by Heimdal Security to understand how to secure networks.

3. The Daily Security Tip - SANS Institute

The Daily Security Tip by SANS Institute is an unconventional and ongoing course. Its format makes it special: you receive a daily email containing a nugget of security wisdom. The SANS Institute has been an icon in information security training since 1989.

This is appropriate for busy individuals who want to gradually build their knowledge without the significant time commitment to other online courses. Users have commended the course for its practicality, with ratings often exceeding 4.7 out of 5.

As a supplement to traditional learning, it enhances the knowledge base of both newcomers and seasoned professionals. It can also catalyze individuals to explore more structured learning paths in cybersecurity.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa.
• Average Salary: Varied, as this course serves as supplementary knowledge.
• Complementary Course: "SANS SEC401: Security Essentials Bootcamp Style" for a deep dive into security concepts.

4. Internet History, Technology, and Security - University of Michigan

Launched in 2012, the University of Michigan's course, Internet History, Technology, and Security, provides a historical perspective of the Internet’s evolution and its relation to security. Dr. Charles Severance, a luminary in Computer Science Education, teaches this course.

There are no prerequisites, making it suitable for anyone with an interest in the history of the Internet and its security. It enjoys positive feedback, generally receiving ratings above 4.5 out of  5.

Understanding the history of the internet can be beneficial for students and professionals as it provides context for current cybersecurity challenges. This knowledge also benefits educators, journalists, and historians focusing on technological evolution.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Australia.
• Average Salary: Varied, as this course is more historical and foundational.

Complementary Course: “Computer Security and Networks” by Coursera to build upon historical knowledge.

5. Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity - Cybrary

Cybrary's Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity, available since 2015, offers a comprehensive overview of IT and cybersecurity. Topics include network engineering, system administration, forensics, and cybersecurity fundamentals.

There are no prerequisites, and it's ideal for individuals considering a career in cybersecurity. With ratings frequently around 4.6 out of 5, users often commend the depth and range of topics.

After completing this course, individuals are well-positioned to pursue other online courses, such as CompTIA Security+, and explore careers in cybersecurity.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, India, United Kingdom, and Australia.
• Average Salary: $65,000 - $85,000.
• Complementary Course: "Ethical Hacking" by Cybrary to understand security from an offensive standpoint.

6. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Architecture - SANS Institute

This advanced course by SANS Institute, available since 2017, is tailored for professionals looking for online courses that deepen their understanding of cybersecurity architecture. It focuses on the principles of designing and implementing secure network infrastructure.

The course requires a basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts. It’s especially well-suited for experienced IT professionals. It is highly regarded, often receiving ratings above 4.5 out of 5.

Professionals who complete this course can move towards specialized roles such as Security Architect, and it's a valuable addition for anyone pursuing CISSP certification.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
• Average Salary: $90,000 - $120,000.
• Complementary Course: "CISSP Certification Training" for a more comprehensive understanding of security principles.

7. Cybersecurity and Its Ten Domains - University of Georgia

Cybersecurity and Its Ten Domains, launched in 2015, is unique due to its extensive cybersecurity coverage. Dr. Humayun Zafar, an experienced information security professional, teaches this course.

There are no prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in cybersecurity online courses. It typically receives ratings in the vicinity of 4.3 out of 5.

Students completing this course gain a broad understanding of cybersecurity, which benefits those entering the field and working professionals looking to broaden their knowledge. It’s particularly advantageous for aspiring security consultants and analysts.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and India.
• Average Salary: $70,000 - $95,000.
• Complementary Course: "Information Security Management" by Coursera to understand managing security in organizations.

8. Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities in IT Systems - Open University

This course, launched in 2014 by Open University, focuses on recognizing and mitigating threats in IT systems. The Open University, with its long-standing history in distance learning, provides excellent resources to its students.

With no prerequisites, it suits IT professionals and anyone interested in understanding IT system security. It generally enjoys positive reviews with ratings around 4.4 out of 5.

Participants are well-equipped to pursue roles that involve securing IT systems and can build on this knowledge for advanced cybersecurity positions.

• High demand in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and European countries.
• Average Salary: $70,000 - $100,000.
• Complementary Course: "Network Security & Database Vulnerabilities" by Udemy to understand network and database threats.

9. Understanding the GDPR - University of Groningen

Available since 2018, this course is essential for anyone handling data related to EU citizens. The University of Groningen, renowned for its strong legal programs, offers an authoritative guide to the GDPR.

This certification has no prerequisites, and it’s especially relevant for data protection officers, managers, and IT professionals working with European data. It usually receives ratings of about 4.5 out of 5.

Knowledge of GDPR is crucial for European businesses and opens prospects for specialized data protection and compliance roles.

• High demand in European Union countries and the United States (for international businesses).
• Average Salary: $65,000 - $90,000.
• Complementary Course: “Data Protection & Privacy Law” by Alison to cover data protection laws worldwide.

10. Secure Coding Practices - Cybrary

Secure Coding Practices by Cybrary, launched in 2016, is dedicated to teaching developers how to write secure code.

Prerequisites include a basic understanding of coding. This course is best suited for software developers and programmers. It's praised for its practical approach, with ratings often above 4.5 out of 5.

After completion, participants are well-prepared to ensure security in software development, potentially leading to specialized roles such as Security Engineer or Application Security Analyst.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
• Average Salary: $80,000 - $110,000.
• Complementary Course: "OWASP Top 10" by Cybrary to understand common web application vulnerabilities.

11. Security in Google Cloud Platform - Coursera

This course, launched in 2018, is offered on Coursera in collaboration with Google Cloud. It's focused on implementing security in cloud services, particularly the Google Cloud Platform.

It's suitable for IT professionals and developers working with cloud technologies. Participants should have a basic understanding of cloud computing. It boasts high ratings, typically around 4.6 out of 5.

The knowledge gained from this course is crucial for roles that focus on cloud security and can lead to specialized positions in cloud architecture and administration.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Australia.
• Average Salary: $100,000 - $130,000.
• Complementary Course: “AWS Security Fundamentals” to understand security in another major cloud platform.

12. Managing Identity - Microsoft

Microsoft has been offering this course focusing on identity management since 2019. It's perfect for IT professionals looking to understand identity management strategies.

Prerequisites include basic IT knowledge. The course typically receives ratings around 4.4 out of 5.

Upon completion, professionals can look towards systems administration and security management roles.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
• Average Salary: $80,000 - $110,000.
• Complementary Course: “Directory Services Infrastructure” by Microsoft for a deeper understanding of identity infrastructure.

13. The Absolute Beginners Guide to Cybersecurity - GoGoTraining

Launched in 2017, this course by GoGoTraining is one of the online courses aimed at absolute beginners. It covers cybersecurity and online privacy essentials in an accessible manner.

There are no prerequisites, making it perfect for novices. It has been received positively, with ratings often above 4.3 out of 5.

This online course provides a stepping stone into cybersecurity, and participants can look to further their education with more advanced courses. To enhance your learning experience, they have also incorporated a quiz maker to check your understanding of key concepts.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Australia.
• Average Salary: $60,000 - $80,000.
• Complementary Course: “Computer Forensics” by Cybrary to understand the investigative side of cybersecurity.

14. Security Awareness Training - KnowBe4

Launched in 2015, this interactive course by KnowBe4 focuses on recognizing and avoiding security threats.

There are no prerequisites, and it's suitable for individuals and businesses looking to improve security awareness. It enjoys high acclaim, with ratings often exceeding 4.7 out of 5.

Participants are better prepared to recognize security threats, making it a particularly useful online course for companies looking to train their employees and increase their security practices.

• In demand in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
• Average Salary: $65,000 - $85,000 (as a part of broader security roles).
• Complementary Course: “Cybersecurity Culture” by FutureLearn to understand how to create an organizational security culture.

15. Social Engineering - Cybrary

Launched in 2015, this Cybrary course focuses on the human aspect of cybersecurity. Its unique focus on social engineering techniques makes understanding these threats essential.

There are no prerequisites, and it suits anyone interested in cybersecurity. It often receives ratings around 4.5 out of 5.

Knowledge of social engineering is invaluable for security professionals and is highly relevant for roles such as Security Consultant or Security Analyst.

• High demand in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
• Average Salary: $70,000 - $95,000.
• Complementary Course: "Human Hacking: The Art of Social Engineering" by LinkedIn Learning to delve into psychological aspects.

Start studying for your cybersecurity online course today!

With this wealth of knowledge, starting your journey into cybersecurity is now more accessible and easier than ever, thanks to these online courses. Whichever option you choose, you will be helping make the internet a better place for people by providing the skills and knowledge to protect businesses and the general public from cyber threats.

Let’s not forget that if you switch to a career in cybersecurity, Internxt Drive is the perfect place to store your course materials, such as eBooks and presentations, in a secure, private place.

Also, if you have a valid education email address for your course, you may also be eligible for a 50% education discount. Bonus!