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CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

Harvard's free CS50 course on securing accounts, data, systems and software, and on preserving privacy.

Taught byHarvard Online
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About this course

CS50 Cybersecurity is a non-technical-friendly introduction from Harvard. Each week pairs a lecture with an assignment, moving from account and data security to securing systems and software and finally to privacy, followed by a final project. It focuses on understanding trade-offs rather than on hacking tools.

Best for: Anyone, technical or not, who wants a rigorous but accessible grounding in cybersecurity.

What you will be able to do

  • Secure online accounts with strong authentication
  • Explain how data is protected with encryption
  • Evaluate security risks in systems and software
  • Make informed decisions about personal privacy

Syllabus and your progress

Tick modules off as you finish them on Harvard Online.

0 of 5 modules done

Progress is saved in this browser only. No account needed.

Cost and certificate

Free certificate

Free to take through Harvard's OpenCourseWare site; the separate edX verified certificate is paid.

Harvard Online sets the terms and can change them. Check the course page before you commit serious time, and tell us if something changed.

Quick answers

Is CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity really free?
Yes, the course material is free on Harvard Online. Free to take through Harvard's OpenCourseWare site; the separate edX verified certificate is paid.
How long does CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity take?
Harvard Online does not publish an hour estimate. It is video lectures, so you set the pace.
Do I need experience before CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity?
No. It is a beginner course with no prerequisites listed.

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CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

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