Top 10 Cyber Security Courses, Certification & Training Online in 2023

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. Cybersecurity is an important aspect of information technology (IT), as cyber threats continue to increase in frequency and sophistication.

Cybersecurity involves various methods and technologies to secure computer systems, including firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption. It also includes policies and procedures to ensure that computer systems are used in a secure manner, such as access controls, password policies, and security awareness training.

Cybersecurity professionals work to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats, including hackers, viruses, malware, and other forms of cyber attacks. Cybersecurity professionals may work in various roles, such as cybersecurity analysts, security architects, penetration testers, and incident response analysts.

There are many resources available for individuals interested in learning about cybersecurity, including online courses, certifications, and degree programs. Some popular cybersecurity certifications include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

1. Cybersecurity Certification by University of Maryland (Coursera)

The University of Maryland offers a Cybersecurity Certification program through Coursera. The program is designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to work in the field of cybersecurity. The certification program consists of five courses, each covering a different aspect of cybersecurity.

The courses included in the program are:

1. Usable Security: This course focuses on the challenges of creating usable security systems and the methods used to design them.
2. Software Security: This course covers the fundamentals of software security, including secure coding practices and techniques for testing and debugging software.
3. Cryptography: This course covers the principles and applications of cryptography, including encryption, digital signatures, and cryptographic protocols.
4. Hardware Security: This course covers the basics of hardware security, including physical security, hardware attacks, and security architectures.
5. Cybersecurity Capstone: This course provides learners with an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the program to a real-world cybersecurity project.

The program is self-paced, allowing learners to complete the courses on their own schedule. Learners who successfully complete the program will receive a Cybersecurity Certification from the University of Maryland. This certification can help learners to demonstrate their expertise in the field of cybersecurity and may be useful for those seeking employment in the cybersecurity industry.

Key Highlights

• Have a better understanding of how your adversaries think and how you can build systems that help you defend yourself against them
• Learn the basic principles of human-computer interaction, and how to apply these insights to the design of secure systems
• Learn about important software vulnerabilities and attacks that exploit them — such as buffer overflows, SQL injection, and session hijacking
• Intensive hands-on project that involves building a secure software system

Duration : 8 months, 2 hours per week
Rating : 4.5
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2. Cybersecurity for Business Specialization by University of Colorado (Coursera)

The Cybersecurity for Business Specialization is offered by the University of Colorado on Coursera. The specialization is designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and mitigate cybersecurity threats in a business environment. The specialization consists of four courses, which can be taken individually or as part of the specialization.

The courses included in the specialization are:

1. Foundations of Cybersecurity: This course covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including security principles, risk assessment, and the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity.
2. Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors: This course covers the various types of cyber threats, including malware, phishing, and social engineering attacks.
3. Cybersecurity Risk Management: This course covers the process of assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, including risk identification, analysis, and mitigation.
4. Cybersecurity and the X-Factor: This course covers advanced cybersecurity topics, including insider threats, supply chain security, and incident response.

The courses are taught by cybersecurity experts and include a combination of lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises. Learners who successfully complete the courses will receive a certificate of completion for each course, as well as a certificate of completion for the specialization.

The Cybersecurity for Business Specialization is ideal for business professionals, IT professionals, and anyone interested in understanding cybersecurity risks and mitigating those risks in a business environment. The skills and knowledge gained through this specialization can be valuable for those seeking employment in the cybersecurity industry or for those looking to enhance their cybersecurity skills in their current role.

Key Highlights

• Use real-world system architectures to learn how to identify risks and protect systems
• Assess real-world data branches and determine what exploits and threats lead to the data breach and the defense mechanisms that would have prevented the breach
• Exploit a live system to show the risks of insecure web applications
• The course material can help you pass some of the leading computer security examinations in the industry such as CISSP and Security+
• Project that will allow you to test your skills in a safe environment

Duration : 5 months, 2 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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3. Cybersecurity Training Online (Cybrary)

Cybrary is an online platform that offers a wide range of cybersecurity training courses for free. Some of the cybersecurity training courses offered by Cybrary include:

1. CompTIA Security+: This course covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including network security, cryptography, and access control.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This course covers the tools and techniques used by ethical hackers to test and secure computer systems and networks.
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security: This course covers the security concepts and technologies used to secure Cisco networks.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This course covers the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and manage an effective cybersecurity program.
5. Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering: This course covers the methods and tools used to analyze and reverse engineer malware.
6. Cybersecurity Incident Response: This course covers the methods and techniques used to respond to cybersecurity incidents, including incident detection, analysis, and containment.
7. Introduction to Cybersecurity Careers: This course provides an overview of the various career paths available in the cybersecurity industry.

These courses are designed to be self-paced, allowing learners to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. Cybrary also offers hands-on labs and virtual labs to provide learners with practical experience in a safe and controlled environment.

Overall, Cybrary’s cybersecurity training courses are a great option for anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity, whether for personal or professional development.

Key Highlights

• By completing Cybrary’s online training through courses, practice tests, and virtual labs, you will be prepared for in-demand industry certifications. The content of the courses is directly tied to the learning objectives of the exam.
• Cybrary offers hundreds of browser-based virtual labs to help you get the much-needed hands-on experience. It will allow you to work with technologies and applications of the industry in a secure, objective-based scenario, from anywhere.
• There are more than 200 skill assessments on Cybrary that can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, track your career development, and get clarity on what your next step is.

Duration : Self-Paced
Rating : 4.6
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4. MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity by RIT (edX)

The MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity is a graduate-level program offered by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) through edX. The program consists of four courses and a capstone exam and is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in cybersecurity.

The courses cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including network security, cryptography, risk management, and incident response. The program also includes hands-on labs and exercises to provide learners with practical experience in real-world cybersecurity scenarios.

The courses in the MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity are:

1. Cybersecurity Fundamentals
2. Network Security
3. Cybersecurity Risk Management
4. Cybersecurity Capstone

Each course takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete and requires 8-12 hours of effort per week. Learners who successfully complete all four courses and the capstone exam will earn a MicroMasters® credential from RIT, which can be used to apply for a master’s degree in cybersecurity at RIT or other universities.

Overall, the MicroMasters® Program in Cybersecurity is a comprehensive and rigorous program that provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a cybersecurity career. It is a great option for anyone looking to advance their cybersecurity skills and knowledge and for those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Key Highlights

• Learn to set up secure computer networks and systems
• Explore Information security risk management methodologies and framework
• Learn how to detect intrusions and implement network security solutions
• Learn to conduct a digital forensics investigation that is admissible to the court
• Practice cybersecurity skills in real-world scenarios

Duration : 10 months, 10-12 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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5. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU (Coursera)

The Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization is offered by New York University Tandon School of Engineering through Coursera. The specialization is designed for beginners who want to gain a foundational understanding of cyber security concepts and practices.

The specialization consists of four courses:

1. Introduction to Cyber Security
2. Cyber Security Tools for Systems Administrators
3. Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors
4. Cyber Security Capstone

The first course covers basic concepts of cyber security, including confidentiality, integrity, availability, risk management, and threat modeling. The second course focuses on tools used in cyber security, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners. The third course covers common cyber threats and attack vectors, such as phishing, malware, and denial of service attacks. The final course is a capstone project that allows learners to apply the concepts and skills they have learned in the previous courses to a real-world cyber security challenge.

Each course takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete and requires 2-4 hours of effort per week. Learners who successfully complete all four courses and the capstone project will earn a certificate of completion from NYU.

Overall, the Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization is a great option for beginners who want to gain a foundational understanding of cyber security concepts and practices. It covers a wide range of topics and provides learners with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-world cyber security challenges.

Key Highlights

• Get an introduction to basic cyber security risk analysis
• Overview of how threat-asset matrices can be used to prioritize risk decisions
• Explain the pros and cons of security through obscurity
• Learn about important cryptographic techniques such as cipher block chaining and triple-DES
• Learn about real-time cyber security techniques and methods in the context of the TCP/IP protocol suites
• Discuss emerging security issues in blockchain, blinding algorithms, Internet of Things (IoT), and critical infrastructure protection
• Program includes authentic scenarios based on practical enterprise and infrastructure deployments to enhance the learning experience

Duration : 4 months, 4 hours per week
Rating : 4.7
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6. MicroBachelors® Program in Cybersecurity Fundamentals by NYU (edX)

The MicroBachelors® Program in Cybersecurity Fundamentals is offered by New York University Tandon School of Engineering through edX. This program is designed for individuals who want to build a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices and develop skills in areas such as threat analysis, cryptography, and network security.

The program consists of 5 courses:

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
2. Cybersecurity Fundamentals
3. Network Security
4. Cybersecurity Risk Management
5. Applied Cybersecurity

The first course covers basic concepts of cybersecurity, including confidentiality, integrity, availability, risk management, and threat modeling. The second course focuses on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including network security, cryptography, and access control. The third course covers network security concepts and technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. The fourth course focuses on cybersecurity risk management and covers topics such as vulnerability assessment, incident response, and disaster recovery. The final course is an applied cybersecurity course where learners will apply the concepts and skills they have learned in the previous courses to a real-world cybersecurity challenge.

Each course takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete and requires 6-8 hours of effort per week. Learners who successfully complete all five courses will earn a MicroBachelors® Program credential from NYU.

Overall, the MicroBachelors® Program in Cybersecurity Fundamentals is a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of topics in cybersecurity. It provides learners with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-world cybersecurity challenges and prepares them for further study or a career in cybersecurity.

Key Highlights

• Get an introductory understanding of operating systems, networking, and programming
• Prepare for opportunities available for employment in the cybersecurity sector
• Program covers much of the material that is assessed on the CompTIA’s Security+ certification exam
• Learn from the experts at NYUx
• Students enrolled in the verified track get a free coaching to help with career exploration, navigating resources, staying motivated, and solving problems

Duration : 10-12 months, 8-10 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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7. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Coursera)

The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is a program offered on Coursera that provides learners with the skills and knowledge needed to become a cybersecurity analyst. The program is designed for learners with a basic understanding of computer systems and networks, and no prior cybersecurity experience is required.

The program consists of 6 courses:

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks
2. Cybersecurity Roles, Processes & Operating System Security
3. Network Security & Database Vulnerabilities
4. Penetration Testing, Incident Response & Forensics
5. Cybersecurity Compliance Framework & System Administration
6. Cybersecurity Capstone Project

The first course covers basic cybersecurity concepts, including threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks, and introduces learners to common cybersecurity tools. The second course focuses on the roles and processes involved in cybersecurity operations, as well as operating system security. The third course covers network security and common database vulnerabilities. The fourth course covers penetration testing, incident response, and forensics, including how to investigate and respond to cyber incidents. The fifth course focuses on cybersecurity compliance frameworks and system administration. The final course is a capstone project where learners will apply the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the program to a real-world cybersecurity challenge.

Each course takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete and requires 3-5 hours of effort per week. Learners who successfully complete all six courses will earn the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate.

Overall, the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, as well as practical skills in areas such as network security, penetration testing, and incident response. This program can help learners prepare for a career in cybersecurity or advance their existing cybersecurity skills.

Key Highlights

• Develop knowledge of cybersecurity analyst tools including data protection; endpoint protection; SIEM; and systems and network fundamentals
• Learn about key compliance and threat intelligence
• Real-world cybersecurity case studies that help gain skills for incident responses and forensics
• Learn at a pace that is convenient for you
• Gain hands-on experience to develop skills via capstone project

Duration : 8 months, 4 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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8. Essentials of Cybersecurity Certificate by University of Washington (edX)

The Essentials of Cybersecurity Certificate is a program offered by the University of Washington on edX. The program provides learners with a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, as well as practical skills in areas such as network security, cryptography, and risk management. The program is designed for learners with little to no prior experience in cybersecurity.

The program consists of 3 courses:

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
2. Cybersecurity: The CISO’s View
3. Cybersecurity: Securing Networks and Systems

The first course covers the basics of cybersecurity, including threats, vulnerabilities, and risk management. The second course focuses on the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in managing cybersecurity within an organization. The third course covers network security, including common threats and vulnerabilities, as well as methods for securing networks and systems.

Each course takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete and requires 3-5 hours of effort per week. Learners who successfully complete all three courses will earn the Essentials of Cybersecurity Certificate from the University of Washington.

Overall, the Essentials of Cybersecurity Certificate provides learners with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices, as well as practical skills in areas such as network security and risk management. This program can help learners prepare for a career in cybersecurity or advance their existing cybersecurity skills.

Key Highlights

• Learn about the vast array of roles and sectors in the field of cybersecurity
• Understand the relationship between technology and management in cybersecurity protection
• Apply the basic concepts and terminology of cybersecurity
• Identify the appropriate type of security controls for the different threats
• Assess your knowledge, abilities, and skills for identifying the right path for you

Duration : 6 months, 2-5 hours per week
Rating : 4.5
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9. Cyber Security Certification Courses (Simplilearn)

Simplilearn offers a wide range of cybersecurity certification courses, including:

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification Training: This course teaches learners how to think like a hacker to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
2. CompTIA Security+ Certification Training: This course covers the fundamental principles of cybersecurity and prepares learners to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification Training: This course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity concepts and prepares learners for the CISSP certification exam.
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification Training: This course covers the key concepts and best practices in information security management and prepares learners for the CISM certification exam.
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification Training: This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of auditing and information security, and prepares them for the CISA certification exam.
6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification Training: This course covers the best practices for securing cloud-based environments and prepares learners for the CCSP certification exam.
7. Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+) Certification Training: This course covers the key concepts and best practices in cybersecurity analysis and prepares learners for the CySA+ certification exam.

These courses are designed for learners with different levels of experience in cybersecurity, from beginners to experienced professionals. They provide comprehensive training in various aspects of cybersecurity and prepare learners for industry-recognized certification exams. Simplilearn’s courses are taught by industry experts and offer hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity tools and techniques.

Key Highlights

• Opportunity to learn from global experts
• Lifetime access to the content and self-paced learning
• Case studies and industry examples
• Industry-recognized certificate for completing the course

Duration : Self-Paced
Rating : 4.5
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10. Cybersecurity: Developing a Program for Your Business Specialization by University System of Georgia (Coursera)

Yes, that’s correct. The Cybersecurity: Developing a Program for Your Business Specialization offered by the University System of Georgia on Coursera is designed to help learners develop a comprehensive cybersecurity program for their business. The specialization includes four courses:

1. Cybersecurity: Developing a Program for Your Business: This course provides an overview of the cybersecurity landscape and introduces the key components of a cybersecurity program.
2. Cybersecurity: Policy for Technology and Security Professionals: This course covers the development and implementation of cybersecurity policies and procedures.
3. Cybersecurity: Technology, Application, and Policy: This course provides an in-depth look at cybersecurity technologies and applications, including cryptography, network security, and security testing.
4. Cybersecurity Capstone Project: In this project-based course, learners will apply the knowledge and skills gained in the previous courses to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity program for a business.

The specialization is designed for IT professionals, cybersecurity analysts, and business owners who want to develop a cybersecurity program for their organization. The courses are taught by cybersecurity experts and provide learners with practical skills and knowledge to protect their business from cyber threats.

• Understand the ever-changing field of cybersecurity and its impact on the business environment
• Great fit for those looking to transition toward a managerial role in cybersecurity and mobility
• Learn about various types of InfoSec policies and the risk management process
• Readings, videos, case studies, guest lectures, and quizzes to help make sure learners understand the material and concepts

Duration : 5 months, 3 hours per week
Rating : 4.6
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