Cisco Networking Academy
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Cisco's short free starter course on cyber threats, protecting your data and what a cybersecurity career looks like.
Free certificate
6 hrsBeginner
10 free courses
Free Cyber Security Courses
Cyber security skills are in demand across almost every industry. These free courses introduce threats, network defence and safe practices, with several offering free badges on completion.
10 free courses
Harvard Online
CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity
Harvard's free CS50 course on securing accounts, data, systems and software, and on preserving privacy.
Free certificateSelf-pacedBeginnerLinux Foundation Training & Certification
Cybersecurity Essentials (LFC108)
A one-hour free Linux Foundation primer on everyday cybersecurity: malware, breaches, mobile and social network safety.
Free certificate1 hrBeginnerIBM SkillsBuild
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
IBM's free foundational cybersecurity course covering threat actors, attack types, cryptography and incident response, with a Credly badge.
Free certificateSelf-pacedBeginnerAn eight-week Open University course on protecting yourself online, with a free badge and statement of participation.
Free certificate24 hrsBeginnerLinux Foundation Training & Certification
Understanding the OWASP Top 10 Security Threats (SKF100)
A free course explaining each OWASP Top 10 web application risk, from broken access control to SSRF.
Free certificate12 hrsBeginnerLinux Foundation Training & Certification
Developing Secure Software (LFD121)
A free OpenSSF course on writing secure software: secure design, input validation, safe output, verification and threat modelling.
Free certificate18 hrsIntermediateCisco Networking Academy
Ethical Hacker
A free, hands-on Cisco course on penetration testing, from scoping an engagement to exploitation and reporting.
Free certificate70 hrsIntermediatePart 1 of Microsoft's free SC-900 prep: core security, compliance and identity concepts such as Zero Trust and authentication.
Paid certificateSelf-pacedBeginnerCoursera
Cryptography I
Stanford's well-known course on how cryptographic primitives work and how to use them correctly, taught by Dan Boneh.
Paid certificate24 hrsIntermediate
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Questions about free cyber security courses
Can I start cyber security with no IT background?
Yes. Introductory courses assume no prior experience. More advanced courses may expect networking or Linux basics, which are listed as prerequisites.
Are the certificates really free?
Each course card states the certificate status: free means the provider issues a certificate or badge at no cost, paid means the learning is free but the certificate costs extra, and none means no certificate is offered. Always confirm on the provider's page before you enrol, as policies change.
Where do I enrol?
Every course links straight to the provider's own page. We do not host the courses or take payment; you sign up with the provider directly.