8 Free Online Cybersecurity Courses 2025

Computer networks are used in every facet of life, from healthcare administration to business. These networks house data that can be used in identity theft and other cybercrimes. With data's rising importance, cybersecurity professionals have become more in demand.

Most entry-level security professionals complete an on-campus or online cybersecurity degree to learn fundamental skills for network security, including identifying vulnerabilities, cloud computing, and incident response. However, some of these skills can be learned through free online cybersecurity certificate programs and other online courses.

These free online cybersecurity courses are offered by some of the leading companies in the industry as well as top-ranking universities for students who want to study cybersecurity for free.

Free Cybersecurity Courses Online

Learners trying to develop new cybersecurity skills or brush up on previously earned knowledge who want to wait to enroll in an affordable online cybersecurity degree can participate in free online courses. These programs cover a wide range of security concepts and can be used for personal and professional development. Many of these programs are completely free, while others can be made free through financial aid.

1. A Practical Introduction to Cloud Computing

This free course offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) introduces concepts related to cloud security and computing. Students will complete five modules on topics such as the different types of cloud service models, cloud deployment, and security. This beginner three-hour course can be completed after making a free account on the EC-Council Learning platform.

2. The Foundations of Cybersecurity

Kennesaw State University teaches this certification course through the Coursera platform. Over approximately eight self-paced hours, students will focus on the basics of the field of cybersecurity. Lessons start with key concepts and terminology before moving to vulnerability identification and incident response.

This course is part of KSW's larger Managing Cybersecurity Specialization and can be audited for free after creating an account. Auditing doesn't result in a certificate, but students can watch lectures and do practice assignments.

3. Automate Cybersecurity Tasks With Python

This course is part of Google's larger Cybersecurity Professional Certificate program and can be audited with a free Coursera account. Students will develop skills associated with the Python programming language and how this can be used in cybersecurity automation. Coursework can be completed at your own pace, with most students taking around 29 hours to complete.

4. Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools and Cyberattacks

IBM has been a leading provider of computer systems and technology security for decades. Because of their experience, they have created multiple cybersecurity programs. This specific cybersecurity training program focuses on the tools that cybersecurity analysts use to identify threats and protect their organization's digital and physical assets. This course can be audited for free, but earning a certificate requires payment or a financial aid application.

The course takes around 11 hours to complete, but it can lead to additional courses in the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate or IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization programs.

5. Cybersecurity Compliance Framework, Standards, and Regulations

IBM offers this course on Coursera that focuses on the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity. Topics include risk management, using artificial intelligence, and both domestic and international regulations. Students will work primarily from a private sector perspective, but many of these concepts can apply to people pursuing public sector work.

Online coursework takes around 11 hours to complete. This program can be audited as a learning experience for learners who don't need a certificate.

6. Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks

This Google-taught course teaches skills directly related to risk assessment and management. Learners will develop skills like penetration testing/ethical hacking to identify vulnerabilities, as well as the role of IT security tools and frameworks to protect organizational and client data.

This self-paced program takes around 11 hours to complete and is part of the larger Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate course, but it can be taken alone. Students can audit this course after making a Coursera account.

7. Homeland Security and Cybersecurity Specialization

This online course is taught by professors from the University of Colorado. This course uses hands-on projects to teach cybersecurity concepts across multiple areas, such as utility infrastructures, aviation security, and homeland security. This program is focused on defensive measures against cyberattacks on infrastructure as well as cyber threat identification.

All coursework is completed on Coursera and can result in a certificate. Students can apply for financial aid based on financial need through Coursera to help cover the costs of this program.

8. Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialization

This specialization course is offered on the Coursera platform from IBM. This approximately 31-hour long course is divided into three modules that include topics such as cybersecurity essentials, cybersecurity architecture, and information about the various cybersecurity careers available. This program can result in an IBM-issued certificate with payment. This course can't be audited, but it does qualify for financial aid.

Our Selection Criteria

There are many free cybersecurity training courses available across the internet. Just because a program is free doesn't mean it can help you start or move further along your career path. We used a few key criteria to assemble this list of programs.

• Who provides the course: We focused on courses taught by leaders in the field, both companies and universities.
• Free or can be made free: All of these programs can either be completed for free or you can qualify for financial aid programs to cover costs.
• Skills covered: Cybersecurity jobs are highly technical. We selected courses that provide a wide set of skills to help new cybersecurity professionals develop new skills or established professionals brush up on previously learned information.

FAQs About Free Cybersecurity Courses

Cybersecurity is still a relatively new field. Whether you're considering a cybersecurity career or looking to upskill your current knowledge base, it's common to have questions about online cybersecurity courses. Some of the most common questions include eligibility for these courses, how to enroll, and how much you can learn in a short time.

Who Is Eligible To Take Free Cybersecurity Courses?

Anyone can take free cybersecurity courses. There are many intermediate and advanced courses, but a larger number of courses are aimed at beginners with no degree or training. These courses are a good way for students looking to learn more about the career to gain knowledge without the time and money commitments that come with cybersecurity degree programs.

What Are the Steps To Enroll in a Free Online Cybersecurity Course?

The steps to enroll in a free online cybersecurity course will vary based on where the program is offered. Most students will be required to create a free account on the learning platform through which the program is hosted, such as Coursera. Some programs that require payment might need credit card information, even if you qualify for financial aid that will cover costs. If you intend to audit a course, you will need to select that option when enrolling.

Can I Learn Cybersecurity in Three Months?

You might be able to learn individual concepts in three months, but cybersecurity will take much longer to learn and understand. Most of these online courses can be completed in a matter of hours or weeks, but they only cover segments of knowledge. The Professional Certificate Programs from Google and IBM generally take six months or longer, and earning a degree will take years.

Explore Free Online Classes and Enroll Today

The field of information security is only expected to grow in popularity. Learners looking to start a career or switch to this industry can enroll in free online cybersecurity courses to develop or redevelop the skills they need. Use our resources to learn more about the certificate programs and affordable online cybersecurity degrees that can help you meet your career goals.