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 certificateCyber Security
6 hrsBeginner
Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
An eight-week Open University course on protecting yourself online, with a free badge and statement of participation.
Taught byOpenLearnAbout this course
This badged OpenLearn course covers the security basics everyone should know. Weekly sections deal with the threat landscape, passwords and two-factor authentication, malware, how the internet works, cryptography, firewalls and VPNs, identity theft and managing security risks, each with a short quiz.
Best for: Everyday internet users and beginners who want a structured, badged introduction to staying safe online.
What you will be able to do
- Understand today's main online threats
- Improve password and authentication practices
- Explain how malware spreads and how to stop it
- Describe firewalls, VPNs and cryptography at a basic level
- Plan what to do if your defences fail
Syllabus and your progress
Tick modules off as you finish them on OpenLearn.
0 of 8 modules done
Plan your pace
At 4 hours a week you would finish in about 6 weeks, using the course time estimate above.
Progress is saved in this browser only. No account needed.
Cost and certificate
Free certificate
Free statement of participation, plus a free Open University digital badge for passing the quizzes.
OpenLearn 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 Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online really free?
- Yes, the course material is free on OpenLearn. Free statement of participation, plus a free Open University digital badge for passing the quizzes.
- How long does Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online take?
- Plan for about 24 hrs in total (Provider estimate: 24 hours (8 weeks)). It is self-paced, so you can go faster or slower.
- Do I need experience before Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online?
- No. It is a beginner course with no prerequisites listed.
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