What Courses Are Good for Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a field concerned with protecting networks, devices, and data from cyber-attacks and unauthorized access. It's an in-demand career field that requires problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Many courses and certification programs can train students to become cybersecurity experts. Keep reading to learn the top courses for cybersecurity.

Top Courses for a Career in Cybersecurity

There are several certification courses available to those who want to learn cybersecurity. We've listed a few top options below.

CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA is an organization that provides a variety of computer science and information technology certifications. One of the top certifications for cybersecurity is the CompTIA Security+ certification.

This program offers online and in-person learning opportunities, interactive labs, and study guides that will provide students with fundamental skills like:

• general security concepts
• security operations
• threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations
• security program management and oversight
• security architecture

You must take the CompTIA Security + exam to obtain this certification. This exam is 90 minutes and multiple-choice. The exam can be taken online or through a Pearson VUE testing center.

CompTIA CASP+ Certification

The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Certification is an advanced certification for security architects and senior security engineers charged with leading and improving an enterprise's cybersecurity readiness.

Online and in-person training is available. There are also interactive labs, study guides, and other types of test prep. The program covers cybersecurity skills like:

• security architecture
• governance, risk, and compliance
• security operations
• security engineering and cryptography

Like with the Security+ certification, you will need to pass an exam. The exam is 165 minutes and multiple choice. You can take this exam online or in person at a Pearson Vue testing center.

CompTIA CySA+ Certification

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is for cybersecurity professionals focusing on incident detection, prevention, and response. Training is offered online and in person, and study guides and interactive labs are available.

The CySA+ cybersecurity training covers topics such as:

• security operations,
• incident response and management
• vulnerability management
• reporting and communication

The exam for this certification lasts 165 minutes and is multiple-choice. It's offered online and in person through a Pearson Vue testing center.

ISACA's CISM Certification

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a certification program offered by the ISACA, an organization dedicated to training those on the information security and information technology career paths.

This program offers a manual, review course, and database of study materials to help students prepare for the certification exam. The curriculum highlights emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain and focuses on:

• information security governance
• information security programs
• information security risk management
• incident management

ISACA's CRISC Certification

Another cybersecurity certification the ISACA offers is the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credential. This certification focuses on risk management by covering topics like:

• corporate IT governance
• risk response and reporting
• IT risk assessment
• information technology and security

To help students study for their certification exam, the ISACA allows learners to enroll in online courses. Students can also download manuals and subscribe to a database of self-paced cybersecurity resources.

ISACA's CISA Certification

The ISACA's Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is for cybersecurity experts in IT security audits. It covers topics such as:

• information systems auditing process
• information systems acquisition, development, and implementation
• protection of information assets
• governance and management of information technology
• information systems operations and business resilience

ISACA has recently updated the study materials for this certification exam, including a review manual, online courses, and a study database.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification. It covers a range of cybersecurity topics, including:

• Linux fundamentals
• network security devices
• digital forensics
• Windows security infrastructure
• vulnerability scanning and penetration testing

Online and on-demand courses are available to help students prepare for this course. Free course demos are available.

GIAC Incident Handler (GCIH) Certification

Another option to help you further your cybersecurity career is the GIAC Certified Incident Handler Certification (GCIH). This certification focuses on responding to and managing security incidents, including topics like:

• incident response and cyber investigation
• memory and malware investigation
• password attacks
• scanning and mapping

Certification courses are available on demand. Many allow students to work at their own pace.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification is a certification offered through ISC2 that focuses specifically on countering cyberattacks in cloud computing. It covers topics such as:

• cloud data security
• cloud platform and infrastructure security
• cloud application security
• cloud security options

The CCSP training course is available online through instructor-led and self-paced formats and an in-person option. Other certification study tools available include:

• textbooks
• study guides
• practice tests

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certification

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a Coursera program of courses that leads to cybersecurity certification through Google. It's an entry-level program and contains eight total courses:

• Foundations of Cybersecurity
• Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks
• Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security
• Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL
• Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
• Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response
• Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python
• Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs

This certificate is a self-paced program that most students finish in six months. Learners will prepare to take the CompTIA Security+ exam, and graduates of the Google Cybersecurity Certificate can access the CompTIA Security+ exam and training at a discounted price.

What Topics Are Covered in Cybersecurity Courses?

The topics covered in a cybersecurity course can vary depending on what the core focus of that course is. Topics covered in cybersecurity courses include:

• cyber threats like malware and phishing
• Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems
• cybersecurity tools
• vulnerability assessment

Some courses offer hands-on labs to give you a taste of what real-world cybersecurity entails.

Are There Any Prerequisites for Enrolling in a Cybersecurity Course?

Some cybersecurity courses, like the Google courses, don't require any prerequisites. However, having a general understanding of computer science and information technology will help. Others require a more in-depth knowledge of computer and systems security. You may need to have experience working in cybersecurity before you can take the course and become certified.