Free Cybersecurity Course
Enter the cybersecurity field with our free introductory course. Learn the basics and build a strong foundation.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields today. Whether you’re a complete beginner, transitioning from a related career, or already have basic IT knowledge, this guide will help you map out a clear path to success. Learn essential skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and gain hands-on experience to make yourself a competitive job candidate.
We’ll walk you through step-by-step—from foundational knowledge to landing your first cybersecurity role. If you’re ready to turn your interest in cybersecurity into a thriving career, let’s dive in and explore how you can break into this exciting and rewarding industry.
Table of Contents
Can You Learn Cybersecurity on Your Own?
Yes, you can learn cybersecurity on your own using free online resources and courses from top universities and platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Springboard. These courses cater to all levels, from beginners to professionals looking to specialize, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques for protecting sensitive data and improving network security.
Become a Cybersecurity Analyst. Land a Job or Your Money Back.
Conduct vulnerability assessments into on-premise and cloud security risks. Work 1:1 with an industry mentor. Graduate with a CompTIA Security+ Certification. Land a job — or your money back.
How to Start Learning Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re completely new to tech, have related skills, or some basic cybersecurity experience, there’s a clear path for you to follow. Here’s how to get started based on your experience level and the corresponding steps you should focus on:
- No Experience? Start with Step 2 and Step 3. Begin by learning fundamental concepts such as networking, operating systems, and security principles. Free courses and interactive platforms like TryHackMe and Cybrary can help build foundational knowledge before diving into hands-on practice.
- Have Related Skills (IT, Programming, Data Analysis, etc.)? Focus on Step 1, Step 4, and Step 5. Leverage your existing expertise to fast-track your learning. For example, IT professionals can focus on security hardening (Step 4), while programmers can explore secure coding and penetration testing (Step 5). Certifications (Step 5) can validate your skills and improve job prospects.
- Already Have Basic Experience? Jump to Step 4, Step 5, and Step 6. If you already have some cybersecurity knowledge, enhance your hands-on skills with Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, penetration testing labs, and security certifications to move toward a professional role. Engaging in competitions and getting feedback (Step 6) will help refine your skills.
Step 1: Identify Transferable Skills
The first step to learning cybersecurity is leveraging your existing skills, which can give you a head start depending on your background. Here’s how specific skills translate into cybersecurity:
- Coding/Programming: Familiarity with languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL helps in malware analysis, writing security scripts, and identifying vulnerabilities.
- Data Analysis: Understanding data patterns aids in detecting breaches and monitoring threat intelligence.
- Network Administration: A solid grasp of network security helps in configuring firewalls and securing network traffic.
- System Administration: Experience managing operating systems aids in securing endpoints and mitigating attacks.
- Digital Forensics: Skills in forensic analysis can help investigate cybercrimes and breaches.
- Project Management: Managing teams and initiatives ensures that security measures are effectively implemented.
Step 2: Start With the Basics
Before diving into advanced topics, establish a strong foundation in the following areas:
- Operating Systems & Software: Learn Windows, Linux, and macOS security principles.
- Networking Fundamentals: Understand firewalls, VPNs, TCP/IP, and IDS/IPS.
- Cybersecurity Laws & Compliance: Familiarize yourself with FISMA, GDPR, and industry best practices.
- Ethical Hacking & Tools: Learn how to use security tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Kali Linux.
- Mobile Security: Understand how to secure mobile devices and mitigate remote work vulnerabilities.
Step 3: Take a Course
Taking a structured course accelerates learning. Here are some recommended platforms:
- Springboard: A six-month bootcamp with a job guarantee and mentorship.
- edX: Courses from MIT, Harvard, and NYU covering beginner to advanced cybersecurity topics.
- Coursera: Over 80 cybersecurity courses, including introductions and business security training.
- Udemy: Various cybersecurity courses, including ethical hacking and penetration testing.
Step 4: Find a Specialty
Cybersecurity is a vast field with multiple career paths. Choose a specialty that matches your interests:
- Application Security: Focuses on securing software development processes.
- Network Security: Involves managing firewalls, intrusion detection, and secure routing.
- Penetration Testing: Involves ethical hacking to identify security weaknesses.
- Threat Research: Studies real-world cybercriminal techniques and finds vulnerabilities.
- Information Security (InfoSec): Protects sensitive data and mitigates risks.
Step 5: Get a Certification
Cybersecurity certifications help validate your cybersecurity expertise. Here are some valuable credentials:
- CompTIA Security+, Network+, and CySA+: Ideal for entry-level professionals.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Best for those interested in penetration testing.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized for managerial roles.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on IT security governance.
Step 6: Enter Contests or Get Feedback
Hands-on experience is crucial. Test your skills through competitions and feedback:
- Cybersecurity Competitions: Try events like the Global Cyberlympics or Cyber Quests.
- Practice Platforms: Use Vulnhub and Hack The Box to build hands-on experience.
Get To Know Other Cybersecurity Students
Dipen Patel
Cybersecurity Analyst at Accenture
Eric Rivera
IAM Security Specialist at Dearborn Group
Catherine McKoy
Consumer Compliance Systems Analyst at Alaska USA Credit Union
Building a Career in Cybersecurity
Breaking into the cybersecurity industry requires more than just technical knowledge. Here’s how to strengthen your job search:
Create a Strong Resume
- Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and hands-on projects.
- Use measurable achievements (e.g., “Identified and mitigated security vulnerabilities in a simulated network environment”).
- Tailor your resume to different job descriptions to increase your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Develop a Portfolio
- Showcase real-world projects on GitHub or a personal website.
- Include case studies or blog posts explaining security challenges you’ve solved.
- Employers value proof of practical experience over theoretical knowledge.
Networking is Key
- Engage in cybersecurity communities, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
- Join cybersecurity groups on platforms like Discord and Reddit to stay updated.
- Many job opportunities come through referrals, so building relationships in the industry is crucial.
Gain Experience Through Internships & Freelancing
- Look for entry-level roles, apprenticeships, and internships to gain hands-on experience.
- Consider freelance cybersecurity gigs on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to build real-world skills.
- Participate in bug bounty programs like HackerOne and Bugcrowd to demonstrate practical expertise.
Prepare for Interviews
- Study common tools and frameworks like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.
- Many cybersecurity roles involve technical interviews and problem-solving scenarios.
- Practice answering security-related questions and working through real-world attack scenarios.
Advice from Experts
“It took me seven years to land my first cybersecurity role, and if I could go back in time, this is exactly how I would do it.”
UnixGuy shares a comprehensive guide on breaking into cybersecurity without a college degree, emphasizing mindset, qualifications, and job application strategies. They highlight the importance of self-learning, practical experience, and networking for success in the field.
“IT fundamentals, that’s what you should learn.”
Grant highlights the significance of mastering IT fundamentals as a foundational step for those aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field, discussing key areas such as hardware, software, networking, applications, and basic security principles. The video suggests that beginning with these core concepts sets up learners for greater success in cybersecurity.
FAQs About Learning Cybersecurity
Is It Hard To Learn Cybersecurity?
Initially, getting into cybersecurity can be hard, especially if you plan to be a self-taught cyber security expert. But with time and patience, learning these skills can be quite manageable. You may think that you need to have a head full of impressive degrees from prestigious colleges, but you can easily master cybersecurity concepts through online courses, free learning resources, and bootcamps.
How Long Does It Take To Learn Cybersecurity?
A Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity will take four years to complete. You can follow it up with a two-year Master’s degree. Alternatively, you can learn cybersecurity through online resources and courses. Doing so will take you anywhere from six months to a year to learn the basics and be ready for a workplace. If you want to master a certain specialty, you’ll have to enroll in a bootcamp, which adds three to six months to your learning journey.
What Are the Minimum Requirements To Get Into Cybersecurity?
The minimum requirement for a career in cybersecurity is a high school diploma or GED, but a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is recommended. Specializing through cyber security courses or bootcamps, and knowledge in areas like cloud computing, SQL injection, and ethical hacking enhance prospects. Soft skills like critical thinking and communication are essential. Learning can be self-directed using online courses, forums, and tutorials, with community support available for guidance.
Since you’re here…
There are hundreds of thousands of vacant cybersecurity jobs, and one of them has your name on it. You can enter the industry in 6 months flat with our Cybersecurity Course. We’ve helped over 10,000 students make huge career changes with our fully flexible mentor-led bootcamps. Explore our free cybersecurity course curriculum today to start your career switch story.
