Cybersecurity is a booming industry. According to the US Department of Labor, the demand for roles within the cybersecurity industry is expected to grow by an astonishing 32% from 2022 to 2032. This makes it one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
All this demand has been met by roles that offer higher-than-average salaries. For instance, Indeed estimates that one of cybersecurity’s highest-paying jobs, a penetration tester, earns about $123,765 a year.
Such factors make it easy to see why many people are drawn to this industry.
However, just as many people believe that a bachelor’s degree is the only way to enter this field, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You can learn cybersecurity online and work your way up regardless of your academic background.
That’s because there’s a ton of learning material that’s free and easily accessible online. You don’t have to attend a university’s bachelor’s degree to be skilled in cybersecurity; you can learn online for free and in the comfort of your house.
So, whether you’re simply interested in cybersecurity or looking to start a career in this field, we’ve highlighted five of the best ways to learn cybersecurity online for free.
How to Learn Cybersecurity Online For Free
Start by Gathering All Credible Information About This Industry
You might have heard about this rapidly growing cybersecurity industry or caught wind of some of its highest-paying jobs.
But before you do anything, it would be wise to first research and find all information related to cybersecurity. Researching and planning are integral to the success of anything we set out to do – and cybersecurity is no different.
Start by learning more about its essential branches, including network security, cloud security, application security, penetration testing, incident response, etc. Understand the skills and qualifications required to pursue successful careers. This will make finding your ideal cybersecurity course and specialization path easier.
Look up successful stories from people who’ve taught themselves cybersecurity online. Find out what they did and take a page off their book. Borrow helpful information where it suits you.
Remember this is your education, and you owe it to yourself to learn more about it before committing to a given program or course. And besides, such information is free online.
Understand the Basics: Consider Free Introductory Courses
Before diving into cybersecurity’s technical aspects, it’s best first to familiarize yourself with the basics. An introductory course is perfect for this, especially for beginners with little to no background in cybersecurity or its related concepts.
That’s because such programs give you more information about cybersecurity. They also lay the foundation for most concepts, terminologies, and specialization paths to expect as you progress with your lessons.
For instance, such courses will teach you more about the best cybersecurity practices, including the use of VPNs and the best antivirus software. It’s essential to learn the basics before moving on to other specialization concepts or programs. For example, try choosing a service that fits your device. If you’re using a Mac, consider exploring a VPN designed for Mac systems as part of your cybersecurity practices. If you use Windows, choose accordingly as well.
Fortunately, there are plenty of free introductory courses online, and all you have to do is do a quick search on Google. But consider authority platforms like EdX, Udemy, YouTube, or Code Academy, as they also feature free but elite introductory courses.
Look Up Free Cybersecurity Courses and Programs on edX and Similar Platforms
Speaking of online educational platforms, EdX is a popular one that offers a ton of courses in different academic fields, including cybersecurity. This non-profit was founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012 with the sole goal of increasing access to quality education.
This means you can trust their cybersecurity courses and programs to be high quality. But relevant to this topic, edX has a couple of free cybersecurity courses and programs from top universities that are definitely worthwhile.
EdX is just one platform out of a dozen platforms better known as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These platforms feature a lot of high-quality courses and educational programs from the best schools in the country.
Better yet, they are free and open to anyone with internet access. Leveraging such platforms exposes you to interactive courses, filmed lectures, problem sets, and readings. These courses from industry experts are self-paced, meaning you can learn at your own convenience and pace.
The best way to take advantage of such platforms is by choosing one course, committing to it, and completing it. Upon completion, you can exercise an option that gives you a certificate, but this will come at a cost.
Consider Specialization Programs and Professional Certifications
Certifications are learning programs offered by industry-accredited institutions. These documents are recognized by people in the industry, including employers. This makes certificates great for those looking to gain employment advantage or career advancement.
Google’s Cyber Security Professional Certificate is one of the best free professional certificates out there. But another comprehensive one to consider is CompTIA’s cybersecurity certification.
Although it’s not free, Comptia’s program offers a wealth of cybersecurity knowledge, covering almost everything you’ll need to know in this field.
Bolster Your Learning With YouTube Videos, Blogs and Podcasts
YouTube tutorials, professional podcasts, and professional blogs can bolster your education and help you have a more holistic and comprehensive learning experience that quickens your understanding.
And besides, information from these sources is free and easily accessible. YouTube and other similar sites are excellent for self-learning enthusiasts. It’s as easy as finding one course from a credible page or channel and sticking to it.
Bottom Line
Learning online is one of the best ways to become skilled in cybersecurity without following the traditional university route. You can learn cybersecurity online for free through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), YouTube videos, free educational sites, and cybersecurity certifications.
Remember, learning online and on your own has its own set of challenges. Staying disciplined and dedicated is massively important if you want to make any meaningful progress in this field.
Start by picking one course and finishing it before jumping to another. Frequently changing courses or referencing many learning materials can be a recipe for confusion, which can stagnate or deter your progress.
Cybersecurity is an exciting field that promises many opportunities and roles. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning online for free, and who knows – you might just land your dream job.
