Cybersecurity courses can help you learn network security, risk management, encryption techniques, and incident response strategies. You can build skills in threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, and implementing security protocols to protect sensitive information. Many courses introduce tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) software, showing how these tools support the skills needed to safeguard digital environments.

Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Security Controls, Cyber Attacks, Security Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Incident Response, Cyber Risk, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Information Assurance, Data Ethics, Network Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Network Security, Threat Management, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Hardening, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Security Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Bash (Scripting Language), Debugging, Linux, Interviewing Skills, Python Programming, SQL
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Data Security, Computer Security Awareness Training, Authentications, Authorization (Computing), Application Security, Security Controls, Personally Identifiable Information, Security Awareness, Identity and Access Management, Information Privacy, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Hardening, Encryption, Vulnerability Assessments, Multi-Factor Authentication, Data Integrity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Cyber Threat Hunting, Incident Response, IT Service Management, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Computing, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Endpoint Security, Malware Protection, Penetration Testing, Computer Security Incident Management, Linux Commands, Database Management, Network Security, Networking Hardware, Cybersecurity, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Interviewing Skills, Cyber Security Assessment
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Penetration Testing, Azure Active Directory, Network Security, Computer Systems, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Testing, Encryption, Cybersecurity, System Testing, Cloud Security, Threat Management, Vulnerability Scanning, Cloud Computing, Authentications, Active Directory, Operating Systems, Data Management, Computer Security Incident Management
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Maryland, College Park
Skills you'll gain: Cyber Risk, Cyber Security Policies, Security Management, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Governance, Computer Security, Threat Modeling, Infrastructure Security, Telecommunications, Threat Detection, Enterprise Security, Security Awareness, General Networking, Data Security, Vulnerability, Public Safety and National Security, Governance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Infosec
Skills you'll gain: MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Cyber Threat Hunting, Threat Detection, Threat Modeling, Exploit development, Cybersecurity, Network Security, System Monitoring, Cyber Operations, Continuous Monitoring, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Exploitation techniques, Scripting, IT Automation, Network Monitoring, Command-Line Interface, Persistence, Python Programming, Data Access, Computer Programming
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Incident Response, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Security Controls, Configuration Management, Governance, Cybersecurity, Security Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Attacks, Computer Security Awareness Training, Information Assurance, Data Security, Infrastructure Security, Risk Management Framework, Event Monitoring, Encryption, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Authorization (Computing)
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Cisco Learning and Certifications
Skills you'll gain: MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Incident Response, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Threat Hunting, Key Management, Data Security, Threat Modeling, Computer Security Incident Management, File Systems, Endpoint Security, Cryptography, Network Security, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Linux, Malware Protection, Operating System Administration, Vulnerability Assessments, Encryption, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

LearnKartS
Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Cybersecurity, Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Security Controls, Threat Management, Business Risk Management, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Operations, Threat Detection, Cloud Security, Risk Management, Cyber Governance, Security Strategy, Security Awareness, Vulnerability, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Vulnerability Scanning, Vulnerability Assessments
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Incident Response, Cybersecurity, Computer Security Incident Management, Network Security, Threat Detection, Cyber Attacks, Authentications, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Security Awareness, Security Controls, Multi-Factor Authentication, Human Factors (Security)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Anomaly Detection, Generative AI, Fraud detection, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Malware Protection, Continuous Monitoring, Cybersecurity, Threat Detection, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Feature Engineering, Network Analysis, Cyber Security Strategy, Threat Modeling, Email Security, System Design and Implementation, Network Security, Jupyter, Authentications, Deep Learning, Machine Learning Software
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the cybersecurity courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
These beginner-friendly courses are designed for learners new to cybersecurity and don’t require prior experience:
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate spans 6 months, focusing on topics such as:
It uses tools like SQL and Linux.
On the other hand, the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate also lasts 6 months but emphasizes:
It uses tools like Power BI and GitHub.
Both courses prepare you for a cybersecurity analyst role, but Google’s course is beginner-friendly with no prerequisites, whereas Microsoft’s course requires prior experience. Choose based on your current skill level and preference for specific tools and topics.‎
Think about whether you're exploring cybersecurity fundamentals, preparing for a job in the field, or aiming for certification.
Take a short quiz to discover which cybersecurity course aligns best with your goals—whether you're interested in threat analysis, ethical hacking, network security, or preparing for a certification like CompTIA Security+. Take the quiz to find your best starting point.
Prefer a guided comparison? Use ChatGPT to compare top-rated cybersecurity courses and find one that meets your needs.‎
Yes. You can start learning cybersecurity on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in cybersecurity, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Cybersecurity courses cover skills like identifying threats, securing networks, managing incidents, and using tools such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. Some courses also include real-world simulations or labs to help you practice.‎
Not necessarily. Coursera offers beginner-friendly cybersecurity courses that explain key concepts in plain terms. If you’re new to the field, you can start with foundational topics and work your way up to more technical skills.‎
A cybersecurity risk assessment is the process of identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing risks to an organization’s digital assets and systems. It helps determine where to focus security efforts and how to reduce potential threats. Courses like Cybersecurity for Business from the University of Colorado on Coursera can help you learn key principles and frameworks.‎
A cybersecurity governance certification demonstrates your ability to manage risk, enforce security policies, and align cybersecurity strategies with organizational goals. It’s ideal for professionals in leadership, compliance, or risk roles. Courses like Security Governance & Compliance from the University of California, Irvine on Coursera offer foundational knowledge to support certification prep.‎