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The offers insights into the value of a cybersecurity career. Job opportunities in cybersecurity are expected to grow 32% in the next 10 years, which is faster than most other occupations. This field is also lucrative.��

An information security analyst, for�� example, earns a median salary of $112,000 per year. Considering that the is $59,428, a cybersecurity salary is above average. also reports that there are 3.5 million cybersecurity positions worldwide. About 85% of small and midsize businesses also plan to increase their cybersecurity spending.��

According to , there is very high demand for cybersecurity experts around the world.

However, cybersecurity requires advanced technical knowledge and continuous learning to combat well known and emerging threats like quishing. The courses in this guide are all online, so you can study at your own pace. These range from short courses for beginners to undergraduate degrees.��

Note: As at this time (October 2023), some of these courses have tuition discounts. In addition, the salary projections are based on data between September and October 2023.

Based on intense analysis carried out by �ļ�ֱ�� backed over a decade of experience in this sector, these are the best cybersecurity courses:

If you are specifically interested in free courses, please check our comprehensive list of free cybersecurity courses right now.��

1. IBM Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity Analyst via edX��

Duration: 9 months

Cost: $1,072.80 (discounted from $1,192)

Prerequisites: None

This gives students a good entry into cybersecurity careers. It covers key cybersecurity concepts over eight courses, from basics to hands-on projects. It also includes virtual labs that simulate real cybersecurity breaches. The core modules in this course include:

• Operating system security��
• Network and database security
• Penetration testing and incident response
• Cybersecurity compliance
• Threat intelligence.

Speaking of penetration testing, it’s important to distinguish it from vulnerability scanning. We have a detailed article discussing the key differences between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.��

Instructors are part of the , which offers upskilling courses for individuals, enterprises, and learning institutions. It's important to note that this certification has more value to companies built on IBM infrastructure. Otherwise, organizations that rely on Microsoft or Google infrastructure may prefer candidates with specific certifications from these companies.

Graduates can launch careers as , earning a median salary of $112,000. There are nearly 17,000 job opportunities for cybersecurity analysts every year.

2. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certification via Coursera��

Duration: 6 months

Cost: $49 per month after a 7-day free trial��

Prerequisites: ���DzԱ���

This is taught by Google cybersecurity experts who focus on critical skills for a successful career.

The course is recognized by over 150 employers, including Google, American Express, and Deloitte. Like the IBM certification above, this course is more valuable to employers who use Google infrastructure. Students can learn critical skills like:��

• Python and SQL programming
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
• Security information and event management (SIEM) tools��

According to , 75% of graduates see a positive outcome in their careers within 6 months of completing the course.

Graduates can qualify for security operations center (SOC) jobs, earning an average of .

3. Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate

Duration: 13 hours

Cost: $165

Prerequisites: Knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows and Linux OS

This is ideal for individuals seeking to understand Microsoft Security technologies. It is essentially a threat mitigation course using tools like Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Sentinel. It teaches how to reduce organizational risks by monitoring and responding to cyber threats.

As a student in this course, you can opt for self-paced learning or have an instructor to guide you through the modules.

The course also prepares you for the , which is a Microsoft security operations assessment. About pass the exam and qualify for cybersecurity jobs. A security engineer with this certification can earn an average of .

In addition, students should be aware of this course’s certification . Renewals are free of charge and conducted every six months. The renewal assessment tests the same skills as the certification exam, which include:

• Deploying Microsoft Defender��
• Managing Microsoft Sentinel workspaces��
• Connecting Microsoft services to Sentinel��
• Using audit features in Microsoft Purview Standard to investigate threats.

However, the renewal exam focuses more on technology and industry updates. Once passed, the certification is extended for a year.

4. Complete Introduction to Cybersecurity 2023 via Udemy

Duration: 2 hours 40 min

Cost: $16.99 (discounted from $74.99)

Prerequisites:�����DzԱ���

This is designed to teach cybersecurity from scratch in the shortest possible time. It comprises 40 lectures lasting between 15 minutes and just over an hour long. These lectures cover topics like:

• IT fundamentals, e.g., computer hardware, software, and cloud computing
• Physical and virtual cyber attacks
• Cybersecurity technologies and software.

It’s important that you know how to pace yourself for this course. While it is very highly rated, some students have noted that the delivery is quite fast. Udemy offers full lifetime access, so you can still use the course content after you complete the program. The course content is on demand and accessible on TV and mobile devices.

5. The Open University Introduction to Cybersecurity

Duration: 8 weeks��

Cost: $159 one-off, or $244.99 for 1 year unlimited subscription��

Prerequisites:��None

The course enables students to identify and manage cybersecurity threats. It covers topics like authentication, malware, and cryptography. It is accredited by the leading cybersecurity institutions in the UK. This gives the certificate global recognition. These institutions are:

• (Association of Project Managers)
• (CIISec) (formerly Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP))
• (NCSC)��

So far, over 344,000 students have taken this course. It is a good foundation for more advanced cybersecurity courses. If you are looking for great opportunities in entry-level cybersecurity jobs, this is the right course to unlock them. For example, an IT support specialist can earn an average salary of .��

6. AWS Certified Security Specialty 2023 via Udemy��

Duration: 34 hours

Cost: $34.99

Prerequisites:��AWS basic knowledge or AWS solutions architect experience

This widely-recognized uses real-world labs to teach cybersecurity in the AWS environment. Students gain deep insights into cybersecurity for enterprises. It covers the six domains of AWS security:

• Threat detection and incident response��
• Security logging and monitoring
• Infrastructure security��
• Identity and access management (IAM)
• Data protection
• Management and security governance.

The course also serves as preparation for the , which is the AWS specialty certification. This exam costs $300 and gives graduates more credibility as a cybersecurity expert.

According to , there are 232 jobs requiring this certification as of October 2023. These jobs include cybersecurity engineers, cloud security architects, and AWS infrastructure engineers.

7. The Complete Cyber Security Course by StationX

Duration: 50 hours

Cost: $500

Prerequisites:��Basic knowledge of networking and operating systems��

This is a set of four cybersecurity courses designed for beginners. It focuses on practical skills to help students navigate cybersecurity threats in everyday life.

You will have lifetime unlimited access to course materials after enrolment. The main skills learned from this course include:

• Identifying and stopping hackers
• Using advanced anonymous browsing techniques
• Network and WiFi security��
• Anti-virus and malware best practices

As a bonus, you’ll get a 200-page companion ebook and a question-and-answer (Q&A) forum.

StationX courses are typically ideal for preparing for certification exams like (CCSP) and (CISM). These can increase the chances of getting cloud engineering jobs that earn an average of .

8. Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity Essentials by EC-Council via edX

Duration: 1 month

Cost: $348.30 (discounted from $387)

Prerequisites:��None

This comprises three beginner courses which are the foundation for . These courses are:��

• Network Defense Essentials (NDE), which covers network security��
• Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE), which covers penetration testing and cyber threat fundamentals��
• Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE), which covers computer forensics for dark web, Windows and Linux environments.��

It’s important to note that each of these courses has its own certification exam. Once complete, students can opt to pursue specializations like ��

According to the EC-Council, get promotions, and 92% of recruiters prefer candidates with this certification. These courses can help to secure cybersecurity specialist jobs which pay an average of .

9. Cybersecurity for Managers: A Playbook by MIT

Duration: 6 weeks

Cost: $2,950

Prerequisites: Business��management experience at any level

The MIT Sloan School of Management designed this for non-technical business leaders. These include entrepreneurs, general managers, and C-level executives in any industry. It teaches cybersecurity awareness in terms of assessing risks and technologies for an organization. The playbook has six modules:

• Understanding the threat landscape��
• Organizing cyber management priorities
• Measuring risk exposure
• Improving defenses with systems and technology
• Building a culture of cybersecurity��
• Exploring ethics in cybersecurity��

Students gain a practical understanding of how to implement cybersecurity policies in the workplace. This course can enable graduates to work as . This role involves governing company data using cybersecurity best practices. Knowledge managers earn an average of .��

10. Cybrary Insider Pro��

Duration: 2 months��

Cost: Free but limited access, or $29 for one month

Prerequisites:��None

The is an IT and cybersecurity foundation course for beginners. It covers skills like firewalls, cryptography, and vulnerability scanning. Graduates can venture into any cybersecurity specialization upon completion, such as:��

• Incident handling��
• Penetration testing
• Network engineering

The Cybrary allows for free access but with certain limitations. A free subscription means students can only access 25% of the modules. In addition, you can upgrade from a one-month subscription to an annual membership. That gives you more time with the course materials. Graduates can pursue careers as chief information security officers (CISO). A CISO earns an average of .

11. Online Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Threat Hunting by University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

Duration: 1 year (18 credits)

Cost:��

• $318 per credit (in-state)��
• $499 per credit (out-of-state)
• $250 per credit for military students��

Prerequisites:��Must be an admitted student of UMGC

UMGC undergraduate certificate courses are a way for enrolled students to gain specialized credentials alongside their degrees. The course is ideal for students pursuing both technical and non-technical degrees. It teaches the tried-and-true methods of uncovering cyber threats and covers the following courses, each worth three credits:��

• Fundamentals of computer troubleshooting
• Fundamentals of networking
• Network security
• Ethical hacking
• Penetration testing and cyber red teaming
• Threat management and vulnerability assessment��

According to , cyber threat hunting jobs pay between $47 and $65 per hour. However, a cyber threat hunter must be prepared to work outside of business hours and on call. This is because cyber attacks can happen any moment.

We have a resource covering network security, specifically network security certifications.��

12. Online BSc in Cybersecurity from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Duration: 4 years (120 credits)

Cost:��

• $990 per credit
• $231 per credit for military students and their spouses��

Prerequisites:��Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 ©��

This is a fully online degree in cyber security that prospective students can apply for at any time. There are six starting dates distributed throughout the year. This means prospective students can match enrollment to their schedules.

The indicates that this course is not for US residents. International students are welcome to apply. This degree is also validated by the (NSA) as a cyber defense program.

The degree offers concentrations in data analytics and project management. This means you learn how to identify cybersecurity challenges in a business context. Graduates can work as cybersecurity managers, earning an average of .

13. Bachelor of Cyber Security from the International University of Applied Sciences��

Duration: 6 semesters, with three completion options:��

• 36 months full-time
• 48 months part-time
• 72 months part-time��

Cost:��

• Full-time: €192/$202 per month (discounted from €583/$613)
• Part-time 48 months: €161/$170 per month (discounted from €489/$514)
• Part-time 72 months: €124/$130 per month (discounted from €375/$394)

Prerequisites:

• High school diploma��
• English language proficiency
• Application documents in English or German

This online degree is one of the most flexible cybersecurity programs today. Students can enroll and start at any time. Although it is an EU program, the degree is internationally recognized. You can transfer credits to other schools to further your cybersecurity education. The program covers four key areas:��

• Digital forensics
• Distributed applications and cloud computing
• Risk management��
• Data analysis��

With this course, you can work in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. One valuable career path is as a digital forensic analyst, earning an average of .

14. Network Engineering + CyberOps Training by NGT Academy��

Duration: 480 hours

Cost: $10,500

Prerequisites:��Basic IT knowledge��

This is designed for what the academy calls «zero to engineer students». It means that anyone can apply. Students can start with no technical background and graduate as cybersecurity experts.��

That said, the training is more beneficial for students who already have a technical degree. Experience in IT or the military is also an added advantage. You can can get 9 networking and cybersecurity certifications within the course, including:��

• (CCNA)
• (FSNA)
• (FSNE)

According to , NGT Academy is among the top three schools for cybersecurity and network engineering. Students get dedicated career coaching to secure a cybersecurity job upon completion. Graduates can qualify for a position like network defense specialist, earning an average of .

15. The Complete 2023 Cybersecurity Developer & IT Skills Bundle from Entrepreneur

Duration: 408 hours

Cost: $69.99 (discounted from $754.99)

Prerequisites: None

This is a comprehensive suite of 26 cybersecurity courses at great value. You learn everything from Microsoft Azure Security to ethical hacking and disaster recovery. So far, over 2,700 students have purchased this bundle. It covers important cybersecurity certifications, so you can use it to prepare for various exams including:��

• (CISSP)

This bundle enables students to learn critical skills all from one platform. However, you are encouraged to organize the order of the courses to suit your individual needs. Otherwise, there is the risk of blending beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses together.��

On completion, this course can enable you to specialize in cybersecurity software engineering, earning an average of .��

Which are the top destinations for cybersecurity talent?

A looked at the best opportunities for cybersecurity experts around the world. The study found that the following locations had the most cybersecurity opportunities:����

• Singapore
• Washington D.C.
• London.��

In terms of payment, Luxembourg paid the highest salaries for cybersecurity experts, followed by Denmark, Japan, and Switzerland.

The following countries offered the most remote opportunities for cybersecurity experts:

• Brazil
• Colombia
• Portugal��

That said, most cybersecurity jobs have education and experience requirements that applicants must meet. A survey by Burning Glass Technologies found that 65% of cybersecurity job listings required a bachelor’s degree. About 46% required 3-5 years of cybersecurity experience as well. Only a small fraction of jobs (12%) accepted applicants without degrees. Around 15% of listings required less than 2 years of experience.

Therefore, the path for a cybersecurity career at the highest level begins with a degree, followed by certifications and work experience. With this, you can easily make the most of cybersecurity courses and tap into this rewarding career.

While still here, you might want to check the best free certifications in cybersecurity.