Free Online Cybersecurity Certificates 2025

The field of cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding sub-field within information technology. Cyber attacks and cyber threats often dominate headlines as cloud computing and data storage have led to vulnerabilities for companies and their clients; this creates a need for cybersecurity professionals.

Students looking to get into cybersecurity often have questions about whether they must earn a new degree, they can leverage their previous education, or they can study cybersecurity for free.

Depending on the role, learners can acquire the skills needed in cybersecurity career by using certification programs found online. These programs use quizzes and forums to teach skills throughout a course; they're typically broken into modules to make learning more accessible.

What Is a Cybersecurity Certificate?

A cybersecurity certificate is a program that teaches cybersecurity skills, often in a single deep dive. These programs vary in length from a few weeks up to a year.

Professional certificates can complement a degree in a related field or allow a learner to apply for entry-level cybersecurity jobs. Some programs are run like traditional courses, while others are self-paced to allow working professionals to fit the course into their schedule.

Courses may be offered by multiple providers, including colleges and technology companies, such as Microsoft and Google. Cybersecurity training often involves hands-on work, so it's important to ensure you have a stable internet connection and a good computer.

Can You Earn an Online Cybersecurity Certificate for Free?

Some cybersecurity certification courses can be earned for free, but others require payment. Students can also enroll in free cybersecurity training sessions that don't result in a certificate. These programs still teach valuable skills that can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile, even without a certification.

How Do You Sign Up?

You can enroll in free online cybersecurity courses in multiple ways. Programs run through learning platforms may require you to create an account that can be used to take free cybersecurity courses and any other courses available. If your program is offered through a community college or university, you might have to apply for admission to the school before being accepted to the program.

Top Free Online Cybersecurity Certificates

Beginning a cybersecurity career starts with education. The cybersecurity fundamentals can be learned through certification programs, while more advanced careers might require a formal degree in cybersecurity. Below are some free options you can consider.

A Practical Introduction to Cloud Computing offered by EC Council

This program from the EC Council covers the basics of cloud computing and cloud security for beginners. Students will complete multiple hands-on projects to show real-world experience before earning this certificate. Coursework focuses on establishing the differences between cloud-based computing and traditional computer systems to prepare them for work with information security.

Cybersecurity for Businesses - The Fundamental Edition offered by EC Council

This program is also offered by the EC Council. It focuses on the business applications of cybersecurity. Students will learn how to perform the basics of data science and risk management and how it relates to corporate and client data.

Introduction to Cybersecurity offered by Udacity

Beginners can learn the basics of cybersecurity for free at their own pace with Udacity. The program takes roughly three months to complete and covers cryptography, penetration testing, and other basics used daily in a cybersecurity job.

Cybersecurity for Everyone offered by the University of Maryland

This certificate is designed for beginners to learn the basics of cyber threats, ethical hacking, and other in-demand skills. This program takes 21 hours over three weeks, using readings, video lessons, and quizzes to monitor progress.

Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization offered by New York University

Cybercrime involves multiple facets, like phishing, hacking, and using malware. Students in this course will learn incident response tactics, the basics of digital forensics to diagnose problems, and other skills needed to be a security professional. This certificate can serve as a good starting point to become a security engineer or security manager with additional training.

Security Engineer offered by Udacity

This certification program covers skills essential to cybersecurity from the programming side. Students should have a working knowledge of Linux, but programs like SQL and Python would also be beneficial. This program is considered intermediate and will take roughly four months to complete.

Introduction to CISSP offered by SkillUp

SkillUp's Introduction to CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) has 11 courses spread out over 12 hours that cover the basics of cybersecurity. This course is a preparatory course for the CISSP examination, which is a paid certification. The full CISSP certification is one of the most respected within the industry and can qualify holders for various jobs within the field.

IBM: Cybersecurity Basics offered by IBM

IBM has been a leader in the technology space for decades and continues to be a leader with their security courses. This course is self-paced, but it is designed to be completed over four weeks with roughly four to eight hours of work each week. The program is broken into 5 modules and a final exam before certification is awarded.

Cyber Attack Countermeasures offered by New York University

Stopping cyber attacks is the goal of all cybersecurity professionals. Students will learn various countermeasures from leaders within the industry, developing skills associated with stopping attacks and reducing data leaks and vulnerabilities.

UWashingtonX: Building a Cybersecurity Toolkit offered by the University of Washington

Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field that requires professionals to have a diverse set of skills, called a toolkit, which is a combination of skills and programs. This program can be completed for free through EdX, but the free version of the course comes with fewer supplemental aids and doesn't result in a certificate at the end.

You might want to take this course if your goal is to advance your knowledge base, but if you need a certificate for a job application, you might be better served by other programs.

FAQs About Free Online Cybersecurity Certificates

Cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, and even professionals within the field have questions about pursuing certificates for new or continuing education. Getting answers to your questions can help you pick the right program for your goals.

Do Cybersecurity Certificates Have Prerequisites?

Most beginner-level programs will have no formal prerequisites beyond basic computer knowledge, but it varies from program to program. Once you get into intermediate and advanced degree programs, there will be certain skills expected and even specific course requirements before enrollment.

What Institutions Offer Free Cybersecurity Certificates Online?

Cybersecurity certificate courses are offered by institutions related to education and cybersecurity. Most programs are offered by companies like Google and Microsoft, but others are offered through colleges and universities. Schools like NYU offer programs through third-party hosting sites, but some run programs through their main online course system.

Is a Google Cybersecurity Certificate Worth It?

The cybersecurity certificate offered by Google is a well-respected certificate within the field. This program teaches the relevant skills to prepare students for careers like cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity expert, and cybersecurity specialist.

This program can benefit students looking to learn new skills or upskill their past education. Completing a certification exam from a respected leader in cybersecurity and IT security like Google can go a long way in the eyes of employers.