Online Courses and Tutorials for Cyber Security: Ever wanted to become a cyber security expert and help protect sensitive information from digital attacks? You’re not alone. With data breaches and cyber attacks on the rise, learning cyber security skills is more important than ever for anyone working with technology. The good news is you can gain knowledge and get certified in cyber security without going back to college full-time. Online courses and tutorials make it possible to learn at your own pace, on your schedule.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online learning options for mastering cyber security, from free materials to paid certificate programs. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to level up your skills, these online resources can equip you for an exciting career safeguarding our digital world. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Cyber Security
If you’re interested in a fast-growing, highly rewarding career, cybser security is a field you should consider. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, the need for cyber security experts grows. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Why is Cyber Security Important?
Cyber security, also known as information technology security, focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs and data from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction. As more of our lives go digital, from banking and shopping to social interactions and even managing infrastructure, the risks to our security and privacy increase exponentially.
Cyber security professionals help identify vulnerabilities, monitor for threats and attacks, strengthen security controls and investigate incidents. They help keep sensitive data, financial information and critical infrastructure safe from cyber threats.
What Do Cyber Security Professionals Do?
Cyber security roles include security architects, security engineers, security analysts, security administrators and ethical hackers. Responsibilities may include:
- Monitoring networks and systems for security threats
- Investigating attempted intrusions and attacks
- Performing regular security audits and risk assessments
- Developing and implementing security policies and best practices
- Educating employees on security risks and procedures
- Staying up-to-date with advancements in cyber security tools, techniques and threats
A career in cyber security provides an opportunity to protect people and society in a meaningful way. If problem-solving, technical skills and cutting-edge work appeal to you, this could be an ideal field. With hard work and the right certifications or degree, you can launch a successful career as a cyber security professional.
Top Online Cyber Security Courses
Udemy
Udemy offers a variety of courses for learning cyber security skills. Their courses cover topics like ethical hacking, network security, and cloud security. Udemy works with instructors to provide engaging video tutorials and hands-on projects so you can learn by doing. Courses range from free up to $200, depending on the instructor and course. Udemy is a great option if you’re looking for interactive courses to build real-world cyber security skills.
Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to offer online courses, specializations, and degrees in cyber security. Options include courses and specializations in information security, network security, and software security. Courses are very interactive, with video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on projects. Many courses offer a free audit option or financial aid is available. Coursera is ideal if you want to learn from leading experts in the field at a low cost.
Udacity
Udacity focuses on courses for developing technical and vocational skills, including a number of courses in cyber security, information assurance, and IT security. Their cyber security courses teach skills like risk management, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. The courses feature video lectures, code exercises, projects, and mentor support. Udacity partners with major tech companies like AT&T and IBM to develop their courses. They offer a free trial and monthly subscription plans. Udacity is a great choice if you want to build immediately applicable job skills.
With many free and low-cost options available, online courses are an accessible way to start learning cyber security skills. Whether you want a broad overview or want to focus on a specific area like cloud security or network defense, there are interactive courses to suit your needs. Online courses can teach you in-demand skills and open up new career opportunities in the fast-growing field of cyber security.
Certifications and Credentials in Cyber Security
To establish yourself as a cyber security professional, certifications and credentials are essential. They demonstrate your competence and skills to employers. Some of the top certifications in the field include:
CompTIA Security+
This is an entry-level certification that covers network security, compliance, and operational security. It’s a great way to break into the cyber security field and provides a solid foundation in information security.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Considered the gold standard in cyber security certifications, CISSP validates your knowledge and experience in information security. It requires 5 years of relevant work experience, but you can become an Associate of ISC2 by passing the exam.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
This certification demonstrates your skills in identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in target systems. CEH is aimed at penetration testers and information security professionals. It teaches you how to scan, test, hack and secure target systems.
GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
This advanced certification covers intrusion detection, incident response, malware analysis, and penetration testing. To qualify, you need a minimum of 10 years of cyber security experience. GSE is one of the most prestigious credentials in the industry.
Other options include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). The certifications you pursue should align with your career goals and interests in cyber security. Some focus on management, others on technical roles like penetration testing or forensics.
Continuous learning is essential in this fast-changing field. Pursuing professional certifications and keeping them up to date with continuing education will ensure your skills stay relevant and in-demand. The opportunities in cyber security are abundant for those willing to dedicate themselves to becoming experts in this crucial domain.
Learning Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Ethical hacking and penetration testing are critical skills for any cybersecurity professional to have. As a cybersecurity expert, you need to understand how hackers operate and think like them so you can better defend systems and networks. Several popular courses focus on teaching you the tools and techniques used by hackers and penetration testers.
Udemy: The Complete Ethical Hacking Course
This comprehensive course on Udemy covers everything from footprinting and reconnaissance to system hacking and malware. It will teach you how to use many of the tools used by hackers like Nmap, Wireshark, and Kali Linux. You’ll learn skills like how to crack passwords, hack Wi-Fi networks, and find vulnerabilities. The course provides hands-on labs and projects to give you experience.
Cybrary: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Cybrary offers a free course to teach you how to hack ethically and become a penetration tester. It covers many of the same topics as the Udemy course but may go into more depth on certain areas like vulnerability scanners and exploit tools. The course teaches you how to think like a hacker to find weaknesses and also prepare to take the Certified Ethical Hacker exam.
Google Cybersecurity Certificate
Google offers an entry-level certificate in cybersecurity that includes modules on ethical hacking and penetration testing. The hands-on labs will teach you skills like how to conduct a penetration test, find vulnerabilities, and remediate security issues. Earning the Google Cybersecurity certificate can help prepare you for an entry-level job as a penetration tester.
To become an expert in ethical hacking and penetration testing, you need to continuously practice your skills. Set up a home lab to conduct your own penetration tests and capture the flag exercises. You can never stop learning in the cybersecurity field, as new threats and vulnerabilities emerge every day. Staying up-to-date with the latest hacking techniques and tools will make you a highly effective penetration tester. With dedication, you can become an expert and help organizations strengthen their cyber defenses.
Developing Cyber Security Skills With Hands-on Projects
Hands-on experience is essential for developing strong cybersecurity skills.There are many ways to gain practical experience, including:
Doing Cybersecurity Certifications
Industry-recognized certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CompTIA Security+ require you to demonstrate your skills through practical exams and projects. Preparing for these certifications is a great way to build hands-on experience.
Participating in Hackathons
A hackathon is an event where cybersecurity professionals collaborate to solve problems and build solutions. Participating in hackathons allows you to work on real-world cybersecurity challenges, network, and build your skills. Many hackathons focus on cyber defense and penetration testing.
Doing Your Own Penetration Testing
If you want to become a penetration tester or ethical hacker, conducting your own penetration tests is the best way to gain experience. You can download vulnerable virtual machines and try to hack into them, testing your ability to find and exploit cyber vulnerabilities. Always make sure you have permission before hacking any system.
Contributing to Open Source Projects
The open source community has many cybersecurity projects you can contribute to, like Wireshark, Kali Linux, and OpenVAS. Helping build and improve these tools is a great way for aspiring cyber professionals to gain valuable experience. You can report and fix bugs, add new features, help with documentation, and more.
Taking Online Cybersecurity Courses
There are many free and paid online courses that provide hands-on cybersecurity projects and labs. These interactive courses allow you to conduct real-world tasks like analyzing packet captures, cracking passwords, finding vulnerabilities, and compromising systems in a controlled environment. Online courses are an accessible way to build your practical cyber skills from anywhere.
Gaining real-world experience through hands-on cybersecurity projects is key to developing in-demand technical and soft skills. Take advantage of opportunities to get involved in hackathons, open source projects, online courses, penetration testing, and more. Over time, you’ll build up experience and have plenty of examples to show employers your abilities.
Continuing Education Options for Cyber Security Experts
As an expert in the cyber security field, continuous learning is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and threats. There are many options for you to advance your knowledge and skills through continuing education.
Online Certification Programs
One of the most popular ways to keep your expertise sharp is through online certification programs. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity offer cybersecurity courses and certifications in areas like ethical hacking, cloud security, and risk management. These courses allow you to learn at your own pace and often provide hands-on experience. Earning an additional certification in a specialized cyber security domain can help boost your career opportunities.
Professional Development Workshops
Attending professional development workshops is an excellent way to network with others in your field and get training on the latest tools and techniques. Many local chapters of organizations like ISSA, ISACA, and ISC2 host low-cost or free workshops. Some companies that provide popular cyber security tools also offer free product training workshops. These in-person events allow you to ask questions, gain insights from experts, and make valuable connections.
Industry Conferences
Major industry conferences like RSA, Black Hat, and DEF CON are must-attend events for cyber security professionals. At these conferences, you can hear from leaders in both the public and private sectors, find out about new products and services, learn the latest threat intelligence, and connect with others who share your passion for cyber security. While conference tickets can be pricey, many employers offer reimbursement or the opportunity to attend as part of your professional development.
Continuous learning and improving your skills is a key part of career success as a cyber security expert. Taking advantage of the many continuing education opportunities available will ensure you stay on the cutting edge and open up more career opportunities. The cyber security field is constantly evolving, so never stop learning!
Transitioning to a Cyber Security Career
If you want to transition into a career in cyber security, there are several paths you can take. A great place to start is by earning industry-recognized certifications. Some of the top certifications for breaking into cyber security include:
CompTIA Security+
This entry-level certification covers core security concepts and technologies. It’s a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, and more.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Considered the gold standard in cyber security certifications, the CISSP requires five years of relevant experience. It shows employers you have advanced knowledge across a wide range of security topics. Many cyber security professionals start with an entry-level certification like Security+ and work their way up to the CISSP.
You should also consider pursuing a degree in cyber security or a related field like computer science or information technology. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees in cyber security are available. Coursework typically covers topics such as risk management, digital forensics, networking, and programming.
Look for entry-level jobs like Information Security Analyst or Cyber Security Specialist. These roles analyze systems for vulnerabilities, monitor networks for security breaches, and help protect data and systems. With the right certifications and experience, you can advance to higher-level positions such as Security Architect, Security Engineer, or Chief Information Security Officer.
The cyber security field is growing rapidly, with over 500,000 job openings expected worldwide by 2021 according to estimates. While the work can be challenging, a career in cyber security is a great way to help organizations protect people, information, and infrastructure in an increasingly digital world. With hard work and persistence, you can successfully transition into an exciting and impactful role in cyber security.
Building a Home Lab for Cyber Security Training
To become a cyber security expert, practical experience is essential. One of the best ways to gain hands-on experience in cyber security is to build your own home lab. A home lab allows you to practice your skills in a controlled environment without impacting any live systems or networks.
To set up a basic home lab, you’ll need a few key components. First, you’ll want a computer that can be dedicated as your “target machine.” This is the system you’ll practice attacking and defending. You’ll also want a “host machine” – a separate computer that you’ll use to launch attacks against the target system. These can be physical computers or virtual machines.
For the software, install virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware on your host machine so you can spin up virtual target systems. You’ll also want to install tools like Kali Linux, which is a penetration testing platform filled with useful cyber security tools. Other useful tools include Wireshark for packet analysis, Nmap for network scanning, and Hashcat for password cracking.
To practice your skills, you can perform tasks like:
- Conducting vulnerability scans and penetration tests on your target systems.
- Analyzing network traffic to identify security issues.
- Attempting to crack passwords and encryption.
- Setting up and attacking web servers, databases, and other infrastructure.
- Testing defensive techniques like firewall rules, user access controls, and system hardening.
A home lab is an invaluable resource for any aspiring cyber security professional. It allows you to gain practical experience with both offensive and defensive techniques in a safe environment. The skills you learn and practice will prepare you for real-world cyber security work and help you pass certification exams. Build your lab and start honing your skills today!
Tutorials for Cyber Security FAQs
Once you decide to pursue a career in cybersecurity, you’ll likely have many questions about the best way to get started. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding online cybersecurity courses.
What are the benefits of online cybersecurity courses? Online courses offer flexibility and convenience. You can study on your own schedule and at your own pace. They are also often more affordable than traditional college programs. Many respected universities and platforms offer online cybersecurity courses, including Coursera, Udemy, and edX.
What topics do the courses cover? Popular course topics include ethical hacking, network security, information security, cloud security, and risk management. Courses teach skills like how to identify vulnerabilities, prevent cyber attacks, and protect data and systems. Many courses prepare you for industry certifications like the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
How long do the courses take to complete? Course length varies depending on the topic and level. Some basic courses may take 10-15 hours, while a full professional certification course could take 3-6 months of regular study. Many platforms offer both short courses and more intensive “nanodegree” programs. You can choose courses that fit your current knowledge and availability.
What skills or experience do I need to get started? For introductory courses, you typically don’t need any prior experience. However, for more advanced topics, it helps to have a background in IT, computer science, or related fields. Strong skills in areas like networking, programming, and operating systems will provide a good foundation. But with hard work and persistence, people from a variety of backgrounds can build a career in cybersecurity.
Are there any costs involved? Many popular course platforms offer free or low-cost options. You can audit courses for free or pay a small fee for a verified certificate of completion. Some platforms like Coursera and edX offer financial assistance for certain courses. Paid options range from $50 to $500+ for more advanced courses. With the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the investment in your education can be well worth it.
In summary, online cybersecurity courses offer an accessible path to this fast-growing field. With hard work and persistence, you can gain valuable skills and land an exciting new career in cybersecurity. The opportunities are out there—you just have to get started!
Conclusion
So that’s a quick overview of some of the best online courses and tutorials out there for getting started in cyber security. Whether you’re looking to land your first job in the field or move up the ladder, taking some time to boost your skills and knowledge can really pay off. The key is finding a program that fits your learning style, schedule and budget. With so many options available, from free materials to in-depth bootcamps, you’re bound to find something that works.
Just remember that hands-on practice is crucial – don’t stop at just passively absorbing information. The more you actually apply what you learn through projects and exercises, the better prepared you’ll be. Who knows, you may even uncover a new passion and completely change career paths. The exciting world of cyber security is calling. Will you answer?
