Cybersecurity is paramount in today’s digital landscape, where most businesses operate online. With the rise of cyber threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has surged, making it a highly sought-after career path.
Many online cybersecurity courses are available to meet this demand, catering to novice and experienced IT professionals. These courses aim to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in cybersecurity.
This blog post presents an overview of the top 10 online cybersecurity courses to help advance your career in this exciting field.
Top 10 Best Online Cyber Security Courses
I have compiled a list of the top ten cyber security courses, which are as follows:
- The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed! (Udemy)
- The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security! (Udemy)
- The Complete Cyber Security Course: Anonymous Browsing! (Udemy)
- Cybersecurity Certification by the University of Maryland (Coursera)
- Cybersecurity for Business Specialization by University of Colorado (Coursera)
- MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity by RIT (edX)
- Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU (Coursera)
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Cybersecurity for Everyone (Coursera)
- Cyber Security Certification Courses (Simplilearn)
1: The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed! (Udemy)
This comprehensive cybersecurity course offers a complete introduction to the subject, providing 12 hours of engaging video lectures and accompanying resources, all accessible with lifetime access.
Starting with the fundamentals of vulnerability and threat assessment, the course delves into more complex topics, including the mindset of cyber criminals, the Darknet, and state-run hacking infrastructures.
You’ll also learn about privacy and security issues such as encryption, phishing, and social engineering threats, as well as the defenses against them. The course is tailored to meet the needs of those seeking to secure their home internet, personal privacy, and anonymity, but the concepts covered can also be applied to businesses.
Taught by experienced cybersecurity expert Nathan House, upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate that can be used to claim CPE credits.
Key Features of the Course
- 12 hours of video lectures and downloadable resources.
- Knowledge of security through virtual and physical isolation and compartmentalization, covering sandboxes, application isolation, Whonix, Qubes OS, and virtual machines.
- Understanding of intelligence agencies such as NSA, FBI, CIA, GCHQ, and China’s MSS.
- Certification of completion signed by Nathan House to claim CPE credits.
2: The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security! (Udemy)
This 12.5-Hour Video Course is designed to enhance your network security expertise, providing you with practical skills and knowledge to defend against online threats, identify vulnerabilities, and implement effective security measures.
“Discovering Threats and Their Mitigation” covers various topics, including firewalls, tracking techniques, and wireless security. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of wireless security, encryption weaknesses, and how to configure your network for maximum security.
“Maximizing Network Security” covers the latest tools and techniques for network monitoring, such as Syslog, Tcpdump, and Wireshark, to help you identify potential hackers. You’ll also learn about the best authentication methods, including passwords and multi-factor authentication, and the best password managers.
“Architecting the Network for Maximum Security” teaches advanced-level skills for configuring a small network for maximum wireless and physical security. You’ll learn about firewalls and their configurations, host-based firewalls, and application-based firewalls. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to secure your network.
3: The Complete Cyber Security Course: Anonymous Browsing! (Udemy)
This comprehensive 13.5-hour video course, taught by experienced cybersecurity expert Nathan House, focuses on online privacy and anonymity. It thoroughly explains the various methods for maintaining the privacy and staying anonymous online, including Tor, VPNs, bulletproof hosting, proxy servers, live operating systems, cellular networks, off-site connections, Operation Security (OPSEC), SSH Secure Shell, I2P, and JonDoNym.
The course is designed to help you safeguard your privacy and stay anonymous online, even against powerful adversaries, on all major platforms such as MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Whonix, Tails, and others. You’ll learn about the strengths and weaknesses of various privacy and anonymity methods and how to mitigate potential attacks.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to maintain privacy and stay anonymous online, as well as the ability to bypass proxies and firewalls. You’ll be equipped to navigate the digital world confidently with advanced knowledge in these areas.
4: Cybersecurity Certification by the University of Maryland (Coursera)
The University of Maryland’s Cyber Security Certification Course is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge, technical skills, and expertise necessary to excel in cybersecurity.
Through a series of 5 courses, participants will understand fundamental concepts for constructing secure systems, including software, hardware, and the human-computer interface and using cryptography for secure interactions.
The curriculum covers various topics, including usable security, software security, cryptography, hardware security, and a capstone project, providing a comprehensive education in cybersecurity. Upon completion, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to defend against adversaries, the principles of human-computer interaction, software vulnerabilities, and attacks.
The course concludes with an intensive hands-on project, where participants will build a secure software system, putting their newfound skills and knowledge into practice. The program is eight months long, with a time commitment of 2 hours per week. By the end of the course, individuals will be well-equipped to defend against cyber threats and advance their careers in cybersecurity.
5: Cybersecurity for Business Specialization by University of Colorado (Coursera)
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive Cybersecurity Specialization designed to equip beginners with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure computer systems and protect against threats.
The program consists of four courses covering various topics, from computer security to the types of threats and attack vectors. Participants will gain hands-on experience in identifying risks, protecting systems, analyzing data breaches, and exploiting live systems.
This specialization is ideal for senior business leaders, system administrators, and middle management and prepares individuals for leading computer security exams such as CISSP and Security+.
With a five-month duration and a two-hour commitment per week, this program is an excellent investment for anyone seeking a career in cybersecurity. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Cybersecurity Specialization from the University of Colorado is a comprehensive and valuable resource for advancing your knowledge and skills.
6: MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity by RIT (edX)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers a comprehensive education in cybersecurity through its Certification in a cybersecurity program.
Designed for individuals with a STEM Bachelor’s degree or over five years of technical experience, this program provides a comprehensive education in cybersecurity, including courses on networks and systems administration, vulnerability assessment, risk assessment, risk analysis techniques, and digital forensics analysis.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to establish secure computer networks, study information security risk management methodologies and frameworks, develop the ability to detect intrusions and implement network security solutions, and conduct digital forensics investigations that can be presented in court. The program culminates in a capstone project, allowing you to apply your newfound knowledge and skills to a real-world scenario.
With a duration of ten months and a time commitment of 10-12 hours per week, this program is an ideal investment for anyone seeking to advance their career in cybersecurity. By the end of the program, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the field and the skills necessary to succeed in various cybersecurity roles.
7: Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU (Coursera)
The Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU provides a comprehensive education in cybersecurity, thoroughly exploring modern information system protection methods and technology.
This program caters to a wide range of individuals, including developers, students, engineers, managers, and private citizens. The four courses cover the basics of cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, authentication solutions, cryptography, and advanced topics such as cloud security and mobile security.
Through interactive projects, quizzes, and specialized interviews with industry partners, learners can reinforce their understanding and retention of the material. The program also includes real-world scenarios based on practical enterprise and infrastructure deployments to enrich the learning experience.
Key Features of the Course
- Comprehensive understanding of basic cyber security risk analysis
- Understanding of important concepts and techniques of cryptography, such as cipher block chaining and triple-DES
- Insights into the pros and cons of security through obscurity
- Exploration of advanced security issues in blockchain, blinding algorithms, Internet of Things (IoT), and critical infrastructure protection
- Hands-on experience with real-time cyber security techniques and methods
The program duration is four months, with a recommended time commitment of 4 hours per week. With a high rating of 4.7, reflecting the quality of the content and its impact on learners’ careers, this program is an excellent investment for anyone seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.
8: IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Coursera)
The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Course provides individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to become successful cybersecurity analysts. The course comprises eight comprehensive modules covering various aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, threat intelligence, and data protection.
Whether you’re new to the field or looking to transition into a career in cybersecurity, this course offers hands-on experience through virtual labs and the use of industry-standard tools such as Wireshark, IBM Resilient, and IBM QRadar.
You’ll learn about system and network fundamentals, key compliance, and threat intelligence concepts through real-world case studies and hands-on practice. You’ll also develop crucial incident response and forensics skills.
With just 4 hours of study per week for eight months, you can acquire the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Course is an excellent investment in your future.
9: Cybersecurity for Everyone (Coursera)
This self-paced cybersecurity course is designed for individuals who want to understand cybersecurity and protect themselves online. The course is taught by experienced cybersecurity experts from the University of Maryland and covers the following essential topics:
- Introduction to cybersecurity
- Protecting devices
- Passwords and authentication
- Network security
- Malware and social engineering
- Data protection
- Incident response
Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on exercises that reinforce your learning and deepen your understanding of the material. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to expand your knowledge, this self-paced cybersecurity course is an excellent way to get started.
Let’s move to the last online cybersecurity course.
10: Cyber Security Certification Courses (SimpliLearn)
SimpliLearn offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity certification courses that include Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Expert, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v11), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), COBIT 2019, and CompTIA Security+.
The curriculum of these courses is designed to provide a practical learning experience, incorporating real-world case studies and industry examples. The courses are self-paced, allowing learners to study at their own pace and convenience, and upon completion, individuals will receive an industry-recognized certificate, demonstrating their skills and knowledge.
With a high rating of 4.5, SimpliLearn’s cybersecurity certification courses are an excellent investment for anyone looking to develop in-demand skills and advance their career in the cybersecurity field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, SimpliLearn’s courses will provide you with the knowledge and training you need to succeed.
Conclusion
I have curated a list of ten online cybersecurity courses to help you advance your knowledge and skills in this critical field. These courses offer a comprehensive education in cybersecurity fundamentals and advanced topics such as network security, web security, ethical hacking, and more.
By enrolling in these courses, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity skills and boost your career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your expertise to the next level, these online cybersecurity courses will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking. Please understand that I recommend these resources because they are useful, not just because of my commissions. Please do not purchase unless you need the materials to achieve your goals. Read the disclaimer.
I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.
