13 Best Information Security Courses [2024 Career Guide]

Information security is one of the fastest-growing subsets of cybersecurity. And given that it’s a skill that’s transferable across so many different industries, information security analysts will always be in demand. 

If you’re looking to acquire some of these in-demand skills, then you have plenty of options, including a traditional four-year degree, learning on your own, and online courses. But if getting a bachelor’s degree is too costly and time-consuming, and if the idea of learning information security on your own sounds daunting, then you should definitely consider an online course. The only problem with these online courses is that there are so many available—how do you know which one is right for you?

That’s why we’ve created this guide. Below, we’ll tell you all about the 13 best information security courses, and what makes each of them great, so that you can choose the course that’s best for you. 

What Is an Information Security Course?

An Information Security (InfoSec) course covers the processes that organizations use to protect digital information. In addition to InfoSec processes, you’ll learn all about data security workflows, digital signature authentication, program security, network security architecture, and cryptography.

13 Best Information Security Courses

The following list of information security and cybersecurity courses features options for individuals with no cybersecurity experience and courses for beginners, as well as those with existing cybersecurity knowledge. With some of these cybersecurity courses, you will be ready to apply for some of the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs.

Springboard: Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Rating

Course Report: 4.64

SwitchUp: 4.68

CareerKarma: 4.65

Average: 4.65

Overview

Springboard’s online cybersecurity bootcamp is a beginner-to-advanced course that covers 380 hours of study, with pre-recorded sessions. You can also complete a capstone project as part of the course. By the end of the course, you will have a cybersecurity portfolio to show hiring managers. Bootcamp graduates see an average salary increase of $22,000 per year after completing the course and find the self-paced schedule ideal for those who want an intensive yet flexible approach. Springboard has a job guarantee, so you’ll get a refund if you don’t land a job after completing the course.

Best For

Cybersecurity can be hard to learn, so this course is ideal for those looking for a comprehensive, all-encompassing course and perpetual career support.

Duration

6 months

Prices Starting From

$9,900-$15,314

IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate

Rating

4.6 (based on 7,435 ratings on the course website)

Overview

This professional course by IBM constitutes eight online cybersecurity courses that cover:

• Introductory concepts and other foundational knowledge related to cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity roles and tools
• Compliance frameworks
• Network security
• Penetration testing
• Cyber threat intelligence

You also get access to case studies while you complete a capstone project. If you complete all the courses, including the capstone project, you will be ready to take on cybersecurity analyst roles.

Best For

This course is great for those without any cybersecurity experience whatsoever. And, if you later decide that you want to get a degree, you can put these credits towards a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree at the University of North Texas.

Duration

You can choose among the following course timelines: 1 month, three months, or six months

Prices Starting From

$48 (one month), $95(three months), and $143(6 months)

Heimdal Security: Cyber Security for Beginners

Rating

G2: 4.4

Gartner: 4.8

Capterra: 4.8

Average: 4.6

Overview

This unique course is delivered right to your inbox. You will receive twenty lessons in your inbox every two days for five weeks. These lessons contain an overview of cybersecurity systems and common cybersecurity terms. You will learn how to pick the right antivirus software and identify security gaps in your systems.

The course creator, Heimdal Security, provides cybersecurity services across the world. All the advice packed into the course is based on the millions of vulnerabilities and home security systems they analyze daily.

Best For

While this is not a career-oriented course, you’ll definitely learn some tips and tricks that even seasoned cybersecurity professionals may not know.

Duration

5 weeks 

Prices Starting From

Free

NYU: MicroBachelors® Program in Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Rating

Not available

Overview

This program, a bundle of nine online cybersecurity courses, teaches the fundamental concepts of access control, secure systems’ analysis, vulnerability checks done by vulnerability analysts, and cryptography. You will learn penetration testing and also understand how to report findings related to risk analysis.

Best For

This course is great for those who want to get the CompTIA’s Security+ certification, as this course covers most of the relevant material for the cybersecurity certification exam. You also get an exam voucher applicable towards the cost for exam attempts.

Duration

1 year, at the recommended study rate of 8-10 hours per week.

Prices Starting From

$1345

SANS Cyber Aces Free Cyber Security Training Course

Rating

Not available

Overview

This self-paced online course thoroughly covers Linux and Windows, reviewing the various configurations, software security and settings, and commands. It also covers network fundamentals, including masking, routing, communication, and transport. In the final section of this course, you’ll learn about Bash, PowerShell, and Python. With each video lesson, you get a handout for reference.

Best For

Ideal for beginners looking for a conceptual understanding of the basic concepts or have been self-taught so far and are looking to cement their knowledge.

Duration

The course content spans about nine hours.

Prices Starting From

Free

RIT: MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity

Rating

Not available

Overview

This bundle of five graduate-level courses covers information security risk management and network security solutions. After covering cybersecurity basics, you’ll learn about quantitative and qualitative methodologies for risk management, contingency planning, and intrusion detection.

Best For

This course is self-paced but does have deadlines for assignments, so it’s great for those looking for both flexibility and accountability. 

Duration

10 months, with a recommended average of 10-12 hours of learning per week. This includes the capstone project spanning eight weeks.

Prices Starting From

$1436

Harvard’s Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age

Rating

Not available

Overview

This course by Harvard centers around business risk regarding cyber threats. It covers the tenets of cyber risk management and how these are critical to protecting business systems and assets.

This course focuses on the following aspects of risk management:

• Analysis of an organization’s risk profile
• How to respond to cyberattacks
• Communication of security breaches
• Containment of cyberattacks
• Legal compliances
• Overall risk mitigation strategy

Best For

This course is designed for those in high-level business roles who want to understand how cyberattacks affect the various stakeholders of an organization. Technology experts or cybersecurity experts who want to transition to business roles will also benefit from this course.

Duration

9 weeks, with the first week dedicated to orientation, with 8-12 hours of learning per week

Prices Starting From

$1293

StationX VIP Membership

Rating

Trustpilot: 4.8

Overview

VIP access at StationX unlocks a repository of cybersecurity training material, courses, and practice tests and exams. These include over a thousand classes, virtual labs, and advanced certification exam prep resources. Some of the areas of study are:

• Network hacking
• Social engineering
• Ethical hacking
• Software security
• Endpoint protection

StationX has material to help you attempt the CompTIA Security+ certification, CompTIA CySA+ certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and many others.

Best For

Those who want customized cybersecurity career support, hands-on experience, and a resource that covers all the vital cybersecurity certifications.

Duration

There are about 240 courses of various durations, but you get yearly access to complete these.

Prices Starting From

$1199 (currently available for $149/year)

University of Washington: Professional Certificate in Essentials of Cybersecurity

Rating

Not available

Overview

This course by the University of Washington is a bundle of four courses. Put together, these courses will go over cybersecurity operations, the role of a Chief Information Security Officer, and the skills that go into becoming a cybersecurity professional. You will also engage in a self-assessment project to identify which cybersecurity role is proper for you.

Best For

This course is ideal for beginners looking for an overview of the cybersecurity industry and a guide to transitioning into the field with goal-building and upskilling.

Duration

This course will take about six months to complete, with a recommended commitment of 2-5 hours per week.

Prices Starting From

$717

Cybrary: Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity

Rating

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.1

G2: 4

Trustpilot: 3.7

Average: 3.9

Overview

The course goes over the key responsibilities of common cybersecurity roles, the tools that cybersecurity experts use, and the differences across these cybersecurity roles. This course aims to help you identify one field you want to work in by the time you are done. You also get career support once you choose the field you are interested in. This cybersecurity career support includes interview prep, resume writing, and training for technical questions.

Best For

This beginner-friendly course is great for anyone who is interested in cybersecurity but isn’t yet sure what niche they want to work in. 

Duration

The course is a little under 2 hours long.

Prices Starting From

Free

GIAC Security Essentials

Rating

N/A

Overview

This course is for those looking to get GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials) certified, which is an accreditation showing advanced knowledge of information security. This course teaches you how to create a security program that espouses information security fundamentals. You will learn about malware, network architecture, and multi-cloud security.

Through lab access, you will get the chance to identify vulnerabilities within a system using a wide range of tools and strengthen that system.

Best For

Those with some knowledge and experience in the information security niche will get the most out of this course. Security managers, IT engineers, forensic analysts, and penetration testers can also benefit from this course if they want to upskill.

Duration

Depending on your chosen course structure, the duration can be four months, a few weeks, or six days.

Prices Starting From

$8275

The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed!

Rating

Udemy: 4.5 (based on 44,818 ratings on the course website)

Overview

This hacking course will teach you the basics and advanced topics related to Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The course covers:

• Global tracking and hacking
• Darknet and other threat landscapes
• Phishing, vishing, and identity theft
• Social engineering and cybersecurity threats
• Encryption
• Application isolation, sandboxes

As long as you know the essential workings of the internet and software downloads, this course is for you. Even professionals from the industry can benefit from this course if they want to explore the inner workings of hacking infrastructures from a home-security perspective.

Best For

This course is great for anyone who wants a one-in-all course that takes them from cybersecurity beginners to experts. This course will not make you job-ready since it is tailored for those looking for cybersecurity resources on home Internet security.

Duration

With over 120 lectures, this course spans 12 hours.

Prices Starting From

$42.50

(ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional

Rating

N/A

Overview

This certification course focuses on cloud security and will help you pass the Certified Cloud Security (CCSP) exam. The course covers nine mini-courses, all of which cover various aspects of cloud and infrastructure security concepts. You also get access to hands-on lab components. The course package includes practice tests, skill assessments, and access to community support.

Best For

The certification helps you bypass the five-year professional experience requirement of the CCSP exam, so it’s great for those who want to pass the CCSP exam. 

Duration

The course videos span over twelve hours, and you can get access to it on a yearly subscription basis.

Prices Starting From

$299/year

How Do You Choose an Information Security Course?

Consider the following factors when picking a course:

Course Curriculum

The course you choose should not include only theory. Go for the ones that have hands-on projects, quizzes, live assessments with feedback sessions, or at least an exam. Also, check if the course has ties with a certification exam provider that can give you discounts on the exam fees.

Instructor Credibility

Look up the instructors on LinkedIn to find out more about their background. How long have they been in the industry, as an instructor and as an industry expert? Have they worked in your dream company? These questions will help you identify instructors you want to network with during your course.

Schedule

Go for a course that has a schedule that fits your needs. This could be a flexible schedule because you are a busy professional or have other responsibilities. It could also mean choosing an intensive course because you want to enter the information security job market as soon as possible. Go with what feels right!

Fee Structure

Many of the courses above have flexible payment options. Explore those before you discard the courses you deem too expensive. Look at the curriculum to understand the exposure you will get and then assess if the course price is worth that. Do not hesitate to work out flexible payment terms, regardless of the course’s cost.

Reviews & Ratings

You want to go for a course that has excellent reviews even outside of the ones the course website features. Tap into review forums and talk to people about their experience with the course syllabus, the instructors, and the assignments’ difficulty level. Get as much intel as possible on a course before making a decision.

Making the Most Out of Your Information Security Course

Once you have chosen a course, it’s about prepping yourself before day one. Here are some questions you should consider:

How Does an Information Security Course Work?

Once you pick a course, you will have weekly assignments and submissions, depending on your choice. If you chose a slow-paced option, you might have a few weekly readings and some quizzes. All the courses will require some degree of self-study. 

Don’t hesitate to try free resources that go into the foundations of cybersecurity to enhance your knowledge. If you have picked a course with live lectures, consider note-taking mechanisms that work for you and implement them from day one.

What Should You Expect To Learn From an Information Security Course?

You will learn concepts related to the three principles of information security:

• Availability. This refers to authorized users with access to the information they need without being blocked out by security protocols.
• Confidentiality. This concept goes over safeguarding data and controlling who can access particular information.
• Integrity. Integrity functions ensure that any program can be modified only in fixed ways and by authorized persons.

What Will Your Course Schedule Look Like?

If you have chosen live courses, your schedule will be rigid. But if you choose a course with pre-recorded sessions, you can create a schedule to ensure that you do not fall behind on the recordings and can keep up with the recommended timeframes for the course.

Information Security Course FAQs

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

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