Browse cybersecurity courses for beginners

Employers worldwide have an acute need for cybersecurity professionals. Start learning today and forge your path into this high-demand, high-paying field.

It's possible to build working knowledge of cybersecurity in just a few months, even if you're completely new to the field. Your journey starts with a first step, which you can take by enrolling in courses or programs in cybersecurity for beginners.

Explore the field of cybersecurity and connect with introductory learning opportunities from trustworthy providers.

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Why take beginning courses in cybersecurity?

You don't have to be an aspiring tech professional to pursue a cybersecurity education: Learning cybersecurity can benefit virtually anyone who's active online. Managerial professionals in organizations that hold significant digital assets and executives can also benefit from learning cybersecurity.

Courses in cybersecurity for beginners cover:

Cybersecurity attack vectors and threat types
Basic threat mitigation strategies
The fundamentals of incident response

By learning these skills, you'll gain new insights into online threats and the tools and processes you can use to avoid them. Cybersecurity knowledge also transfers well across many job roles and industries.

Cybersecurity paths for beginners

Build foundational knowledge

Standalone cybersecurity courses for beginners offer a structured way to start learning cybersecurity. They're ideal for people with little to no working knowledge of cybersecurity principles and processes and for learners who want to determine whether cybersecurity is right for them.

Consider these courses:

Develop targeted skills

Once you've built some fundamental knowledge, you can target more technical and complex skills. Certificate programs guide your way, bridging your way from cybersecurity for beginners to the intermediate level.

Advance your learning goals with programs like these:

Get a degree

If you've decided to pursue a career in cybersecurity, a degree program can help you get there. You'll learn the hard skills cybersecurity professionals rely on to protect systems, networks, and digital information from unauthorized access and attacks.

Start your journey with:

FAQ about learning cybersecurity as a beginner

Can I work in cybersecurity with no experience?

Employers may hire candidates with no professional experience if the job-seeker can demonstrate mastery of the cybersecurity skills the role demands. However, you'll likely need some kind of credential — like an undergraduate or graduate degree — to counterbalance your inexperience.

Can I teach myself cybersecurity?

Yes, it is possible to learn cybersecurity with a self-guided program you design yourself. If you choose this path, it's wise to validate your skills with a recognized cybersecurity certification. This can help you attract attention from employers, as you'll likely be competing with credentialed candidates for jobs.

Can I learn cybersecurity for free?

Yes. Many sources, including technology companies and online knowledge platforms, offer free cybersecurity resources for beginners, intermediate learners, and experts. However, many newcomers to the field prefer the guidance that instructor-led courses and programs offer.

What is the best cybersecurity certification for beginners?

Widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications include CompTIA's A+, Network+, and Security+ credentials, along with ISC2's Security Certified Practitioner and GIAC's Security Essentials programs. To earn these certifications, you must pass examinations that test your technical cybersecurity knowledge.