Cyber security is a critical and growing field. However, the different paths to learning it can be overwhelming. There are opportunities to learn cyber security at the undergraduate level, through professional development certificates, and through industry training. Within each of these pathways, there are numerous sub-paths and specializations.
Of course, the pathway you choose ultimately depends on your existing knowledge, the career goal you’ve set for yourself, the amount you’re willing to spend and spend time, your learning style, and the type of cyber security work you want to do.
If you’re just beginning your journey to learn cyber security, it may be helpful to take a course covering a broad base of cyber security. Some of these areas may include networking, operating systems, basic security, various threats and vulnerabilities, and Forensics. From there you can choose to specialize in areas such as operations and engineering, governance and assurance, and other areas.
A variety of online courses in cyber security are available. The courses are often interdisciplinary. Some focus on basic skills while others focus on more advanced and specialized areas. Courses and certificates are available through Google, ISC2, Cisco, and others.
When considering which course is right for you, consider the areas you wish to improve on and focus on the skills and knowledge you will gain rather than the certificate you will receive.
Courses cover concepts such as:
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
- Computer Networking
- Administration of Windows/Linux
- Network Security
- IAM
- Cryptography
- Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Security and Monitoring
- Incident Response and Handling
- Malware
- Forensics
- Cloud Security
- Application Security
- Automation of Security
- GRC and Compliance
- Awareness of Security
Some courses are entirely theory-based, while others include hands-on virtual activities (simulations, projects, labs, etc.)
Distinctions like these should be considered.
A course that taugher the concepts of firewalls can help you learn about firewalls. A course that uses virtual equipment to let you configure firewalls, review and interpret logs/alerts, and create case documents, can help you learn to use firewalls.
The field of Cybersecurity is very wide.
There are many career options including, but not limited to, the following:
Taking a course can help prepare you to enter the following fields:
- Security Engineer
- Digital Forensics
- Malware Analyst
- Cloud and App Security
- Threat and Security Analysis
- GRC and Security Administration
- Security Architecture
Cybersecurity Courses
You should familiarize yourself with the different types of courses and their intended outcomes before enrolling in cybersecurity courses.
1. Introductory Courses in Cybersecurity
These courses are for individuals with no experience in cybersecurity.
Topics covered may include:
- Defense of computer systems
- Attacks and threats
- Password and authentication
- controls
- Basic Networking and Operating Systems
- Vulnerabilities and controls
- Basics of Incident Response
You may take these courses if you are not familiar with terms such as IP addresses, DNS, firewalls and other security features, malware and other threats, and the concept of vulnerability.
Courses offered by Google and other organizations may help you learn about these concepts and build a foundation in cybersecurity. These courses are online and free.
2. Courses for Cybersecurity Certification
These courses help you attain your goal of taking a certification exam in cybersecurity.
Some of these certifications may include:
- CC (cybersecurity) by ISC2
- CompTIA Security+ and Cybersecurity
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Security certifications
- (ISC)2 CISSP
Other courses may help you with your preparation for the certification exams; however, keep in mind that taking a course and achieving a certification are different from each other.
3. Courses on Ethical Hacking
These courses are about legal and legitimate hacking for the purpose of testing and auditing information systems and networks.
Courses may teach these skills and related topics.
Topics covered include:
- Reconnaissance
- Vulnerability assessment
- Web Application Security
- Network Security
- Various types of Authentication
- Testing and Exploitation
- Threat Modeling
- Reporting and Remediation
Hacking is only authorized in approved training environments such as training labs, test systems, CTFs, and systems you have been given permission to hack.
4. SOC Analyst Training
Courses are geared towards defending a system and analyzing security alerts.
learning opportunities exist for:
- Incident Response
- Intrusion Detection
- Network Defense and Monitoring
- SIEM
- Threat Intelligence
This training is geared more toward the defensive side of security and is attractive to individuals who are interested more in system defense and less in system offense.
4. Cloud Security Training
The use of cloud based computing created the need for security professionals to understand cloud based environments.
Topics include:
- Cloud computing security
- Virtual networks
- Storage
- Logging
- Cryptography and Secure Systems
- Architecture
- Configuring and securing cloud based systems
- Monitoring cloud based systems
- The Concept of Shared Responsibility
There are that focus on securing AWS, Azure and other cloud based computing systems.
6. Digital Forensics Training
Digital Forensics is concerned with acquiring and analyzing data and providing evidence for a court of law.
Techniques to recover data from storage systems and memory are covered along with Network Forensics and Incident Response.
7. Securing Software and Systems Training
Courses cover the protection of systems from design and development through deployment.
Topics may include:
Also included: Secure development of software; security testing; integration of security within DevOps.
NIST’s 2026 update of the NICE Framework incorporates DevSecOps to represent the importance of Security within Development and Operations.
As of 2022, degree programs in cybersecurity are available at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These programs include:
- Bachelor of Cybersecurity (BSc., BTech., BCA)
- Master of Cybersecurity (MSc., MCA, MTech.)
These programs cover a range of topics including mathematics, programing, networks, and security, and may include research.
Course Type Suitable For Typical Focus
Beginner courses No/minimal background in cybersecurity Basics of cybersecurity
Google Cybersecurity Certificate Beginners, especially career-switchers Basic cybersecurity skills
ISC2 CC course Beginners wanting an entry-level credential Concepts of cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+ course Learners wanting an extended view of cybersecurity Concepts and skills of cybersecurity
Cisco Cybersecurity course Interested learners of networking and cybersecurity Basics of networking and cybersecurity
Ethical hacking course Learners interested in offense Basics of hacking and security testing
SOC course Learners interested in defense Monitoring and responding to incidents
Cloud security course IT and Cloud professionals Security of Cloud and related infrastructure
Digital Forensics course Learners interested in investigation Recovering and analyzing digital evidence
Traditional degrees Students Extensive knowledge of Cybersecurity and related areas
Beginner courses available via online courses and degrees are plenty. Cybersecurity offerings on Coursera have beginner level courses by ISC2, Google, IBM and Microsoft.
Google Cybersecurity Certificate
This program is 100% online, and as stated by Google, prior Cybersecurity experience is not required. The program is intended to develop skills necessary for a career in Cybersecurity, and has 181 hours of content, split into eight modules, in its version offered in India.
This program is useful to get started with online learning of Cybersecurity. Along with other programs, it covers various topics and skills that are evaluated in Security+ certification.
While obtaining the certificate may be considered the end of your education in the field of Cybersecurity, it is advisable to continue other practical activities, as Cybersecurity is a practical field.
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ISC2 Certified in Cyber Security (CC)
ISC2 promotes its CC credential as an entry level cyber security certification. Per the ISC2 website, there is no work experience requirement for the CC certification. The CC certification exam covers the following domains: security principles; security governance; IAM (identity and access management); networking and cloud security; and, security operations and incident management.
Consider the CC if you want to:
- Develop your foundational knowledge in cyber security
- Achieve your first cyber security industry recognized credential
- Familiarize yourself with Cyber security industry terminology
- Achieve a credential that may assist you in attaining more advanced cyber security industry recognized credentials
Note, requirements and cost are subject to change, therefore check the ISC2 website prior to application to ensure you have the most current information.
Cisco Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity and networking fundamental courses are offered through Cisco’s Skills for All program and are free of charge.
Cisco’s courses are aligned to the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) credential.
Although networking may seem unrelated to cyber security, understanding the fundamentals of the two may benefit you in your career.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is a core cyber security certification.
To be prepared to take the Security+ certification exam, it is recommended you develop foundational knowledge of the fields of information technology and networking.
Refer to the Security+ certification exam guide to gain an understanding of the security industry domains of: threat and vulnerability; architecture and services; access control and system security; and, assurance.
Additionally, review domain of incident response and security controls.
Familiarize yourself with security services and operations.
Learn risk management.
Before purchasing certification prep materials, ensure you have the latest and final prep materials.
Free Cybersecurity Education and Training
Free and low-cost cybersecurity learning opportunities exist and can help you determine if you want to pursue the field further.
Some of these opportunities include:
- Courses offered by Cisco, such as their Skills for All series, which offer introductory cybersecurity training.
- Other training providers offer course series on various platforms (e.g. Coursera).
- Various security related documentation and labs.
- Other training opportunities include capture the flag (CTF) exercises, vendor trainings, training available through universities, and training available through other organizations.
When considering a training opportunity, assess if the opportunity contains learning aids. Learning aids can include examples, exercises, quizzes, and/or lessons.
To gain more information about available courses, consider assessing if the course contains learning aids, and if the examples and/or exercises are recent.
A course containing out-dated examples and/or exercises may hinder your ability to learn the skills being presented.
Multiple training opportunities exist within India, including online courses and training, in-person (classroom and lecture) training, and degrees.
When evaluating an Indian cybersecurity training opportunity, don’t solely consider the duration of the training, and/or the training placement rate.
It is important to understand the course content. Learn more about the instructor. Find out if you can earn a certificate. Understand what type of work you will create. Consider if you will receive mentoring. Find out if the content will be taught in a traditional classroom or online. Learn the costs associated with the course. Find out if there are any prerequisites for the course. Find out what type of work you will create.
In regards to the content, determine if the course is aligned with your career goals.
Beginner’s Cybersecurity Training Roadmap
When first starting out, it is best not to take on too much. You can quickly become overwhelmed.
An effective plan is as follows.
First you must learn computer basics.
You should know the differences between:
- Different types of hardware and software.
- Virtual machines.
- Troubleshooting.
- What is Process Management?
- What is a file? What are permissions?
- What is an operating system?
Second you must learn about networking.
- What are ports?
- What is switching?
- What is DNS?
- What is TCP/IP?
- What is HTTP/HTTPS?
- What is VPN?
- What is a firewall?
Third you must learn about Linux.
- What is a user or group?
- What are permissions?
- What are processes?
- What are services?
- What are commands?
- What is shell scripting?
Fourth you must learn about security.
- What is Authentication?
- What is Authorization?
- What is Availability?
- What is Integrity?
- What is confidentiality?
- What are threats?
- What are vulnerabilities?
- What are security controls?
- What is risk?
Once these basics are learned, other areas of Cybersecurity can be explored.
Example Exploratory areas may include:
- Digital Forensics
- Blue team
- GRC
- Application Security
- Cloud Security
- Penetration Testing
Security Engineering focuses on creating and implementing security solutions.
NIST’s NICE framework separates cybersecurity work into distinct elements such as tasks and skills. This is useful when describing security work as opposed to combining all elements into a single, less specific security-related job.
Step 6: Build Hands-On Skills
Work on your skills using virtual and game-based training.
Consider:
- Configuring a firewall
- Hacking a virtual machine
- Analyzing packet captures
- Answering security questions
- Conducting a vulnerability assessment
- Participating in a Capture the Flag competition
- Creating a security-related project or demo
Step 7: Build a Portfolio
A resume should not be your only demonstration of skill.
A portfolio can contain:
- A demo script
- A network diagram
- A walkthrough describing how an incident was handled
- Detection rules or other rules describing how a system should be secured
- A report describing the results of a vulnerability assessment or secure coding assessment
- Automation scripts
- A description of a CTF or other security competition
- A Cloud configuration guide
Be mindful not to post documents describing unauthorized or illegal activities.
What Should I Expect to Learn from a Beginner Level Cybersecurity Course?
Beginner level courses should cover both knowledge and skills.
Course
A course contains the information needed to learn a skill or knowledge.
Certificate
A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of an educational program.
Certification
A certification is awarded after an individual demonstrates knowledge or skill in a particular area.
It is important to note that completing a cybersecurity course will not result in the award of an ISC2 CC or any other related certification.
When researching programs, ask:
“What will I receive after completing this program?”
Understanding this will help avoid confusion.
How long will it take to learn cybersecurity?
The length of time will differ from person to person.
The fundamentals of cyber security can be learned in a short period of time.
In order to perform cyber security functions, it will take a good deal of practice and/or training.
It may take between 1 to 2 months to learn the fundamentals of cyber security.
Learning and practicing core cyber security skills may take between 2 to 4 months.
In the areas of specialization in cyber security, it may take between 4 to 8 months to learn and practice skills to a proficient level.
Practice and specialization may take between 6 to 12 months and beyond.
Selecting the Best Cybersecurity Course for You
Are you curious about what a particular course offers before enrolling? Use this checklist to determine if the course is right for you.
If you are new to cybersecurity and looking to learn more, courses should cover:
- Basics of security and computing
- Basics of networking
- Hands-on Labs
If you have experience in Information Technology (IT), consider courses that focus on areas such as:
- Security
- Networking
- Engineering
If you are interested in Ethical Hacking, take courses that cover:
- Networking
- Linux
- Web Applications
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
- Hacking and Attacking
- Report Writing
If you wish to work in a Security Operations Center (SOC), consider courses covering:
- Networking
- Windows and Linux
- Logs and Syslog
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Threat Intelligence
- Incident Response and Handling
If you are interested in Cloud Security, take courses that cover:
- Cloud Computing and Services
- IAM
- Networking and Security in Cloud
- Configuring and Securing the Cloud
If you are interested in learning to protect and secure Cloud Applications and Services, consider courses that cover:
- Configuring and Securing Cloud
- Designing Secure Applications and Services
- Hands-on Labs
Consider the following when deciding on an expense Cybersecurity course:
Price does not reflect quality. Look at other aspects such as lab work, projects, and support.
The course does not cover areas of high interest.
There are numerous paths to learn the skills required for Cybersecurity. While some offer careers, be wary of the details.
Do not focus on collecting certificates. Knowledge is more valuable than certificates.
While it may be tempting to take a course that covers a specific, more advanced, hacking techniques and concepts, be sure to cover the basics, such as Networking.
Ignoring basics of Computing and Security will prove to be more difficult in the long-run.
Ask:
Is this a placement program or a direct employment opportunity?
How many partnering companies are involved? What positions are available?
Are there prerequisites?
Are results for this program validated by a third-party?
Is it worth it to take a Cybersecurity course?
Cybersecurity courses can be worth the money if they provide the user with the opportunity to learn and practice skills pertaining to Cybersecurity in an organized manner.
Other factors that affect the worth of a Cybersecurity course are:
- The content and format of the course.
- The experience of the user.
- The certification, if any, pertaining to Cybersecurity.
- The goals of the user.
- The user’s existing skill sets, experience and knowledge.
- The time and money required by the course.
A course is a means to an end. The user is encouraged to pursue other means, including but limited to, experience based learning, personal development and networking.
What is the most effective beginner Cybersecurity course?
There is no most effective course for beginners. Look for courses that help the user learn the basics of Computing and Networking, as well as help the user learn skills pertaining to Security.
The ISC2 CC and Google’s Cybersecurity certificate are examples of effective courses for beginners.
Is it possible to learn Cybersecurity without IT?
Yes. While it may help to learn the basics of Computing and Networking, it is not required or necessary to learn Cybersecurity. The ISC2 CC and Google’s Cybersecurity certificate require no IT experience.
Is learning Cybersecurity for free possible?
Yes. There are many educational and corporate resources available to learn Cybersecurity. Cisco’s Skills for All offers Cybersecurity courses for free.
Is programming required for a career in cybersecurity?
It is not essential to learn programming for a career in cybersecurity. However, writing simple scripts can help you perform several advanced tasks related to security in your career. For example, simple scripts can automate repetitive security-related tasks or assist in security analysis and penetration testing.
Is ethical hacking a subset of cybersecurity?
No.
Ethical hacking is just one of the many activities that constitute the cybersecurity field. Others include developing and implementing protective security controls, security monitoring and response to security incidents, managing security of the organization, and security of various organizational assets.
Should I take a course or get a certificate first?
For first time seekers of cybersecurity jobs, it is advisable to take a course first, as it strengthens the understanding of security principles and prepares the candidate for the certification exam. In some cases, courses are integrated with the certification prep.
Should I pursue a cybersecurity credential just for the sake of it?
It is advisable not to pursue credentials just to add them to your resume. You should consider your level of knowledge, and the career goal before taking a decision to pursue a credential.
Are online cybersecurity training programs valuable?
Programs that provide course content and integrate workshops, labs, and other activities, can be valuable. Online programs offer the convenience of learning at your own pace.
The relevance of a cybersecurity course lies not in the fact that it is offered online, but in the opportunities for strengthening one’s skills that it provides.
Final Thoughts
Interest in cybersecurity often represents an interest in high technology, and cybersecurity courses provide a good starting point in this regard.
However, interest in this area should not be confined to ethical hacking and certification courses.
The field of cybersecurity is much broader. An interest in a particular area should be defined by enjoyment in the activities related to that area rather than the field’s impact on employment.
Learn the essentials of security. Consider networking and other areas of technology. Become familiar with the concepts that apply to different areas of security, and implement what you learn in an authorized environment.
You should become more concerned with the skills you will acquire rather than the courses you will take, and consider the cost, the employment opportunities and the certification as well as the content of the courses.
The aim should not be to complete the maximum number of courses in the field of cybersecurity. Rather, it should be to enhance your ability to address security concerns.
