Learn these Free Online Cybersecurity Courses to Secure your Career in AI

Last Updated on November 26, 2023 by SPN Editor

As digital Technology continues to expand and evolve, the importance of cybersecurity as a discipline has grown exponentially. A variety of free online cybersecurity courses are available from reputable platforms like Great Learning, edX, Coursera, IBM, and Udemy. These courses offer a thorough overview of key cybersecurity concepts such as firewalls, information security, cyber forensics, network security, and the basics of encryption.

Knowledge of cybersecurity can be especially beneficial in AI positions that require the security of AI systems and the preservation of data privacy and integrity. Hence, these free online cybersecurity courses can serve as a valuable resource for those looking to break into the AI industry.

Benefits of Learning Cybersecurity Courses

For those aspiring to work in AI, free online cybersecurity courses can offer significant benefits:

Security Protocols: Cybersecurity courses can enhance one’s understanding of security protocols, which is crucial as AI systems often process sensitive data. This knowledge can help ensure the security of these systems and the privacy of the data they handle.

Risk Assessment: These courses impart skills in identifying and mitigating potential security risks, which are essential when creating and managing AI systems.

Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with cybersecurity can aid in ensuring that AI systems adhere to all required data protection regulations and standards.

Trust and Reliability: AI systems that incorporate robust security measures are more likely to earn the trust of users and stakeholders. Thus, knowledge of cybersecurity can be a valuable asset for AI professionals.

Career Advancement: The growing convergence of AI and cybersecurity has led to a high demand for professionals skilled in both areas, potentially leading to more advanced job opportunities.

Not only do these courses provide learners with the tools to safeguard information systems from cyber threats, but they also confer certificates upon successful completion. Furthermore, these courses can act as a launchpad for a career in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Roles in AI often demand robust mathematical abilities, familiarity with machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and cloud applications, and proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, and Scala.

Learn these free online cybersecurity courses offered by esteemed platforms such as Class Central, Coursera, and IBM. These platforms host a variety of courses from top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania, providing learners with a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.

Udemy: A Comprehensive Resource for Free Online Cybersecurity Courses

Udemy, a leading online learning platform, offers a diverse range of free online cybersecurity courses. These courses, taught by industry experts, cover a broad spectrum of topics, from the basics to more advanced concepts in cybersecurity.

The Complete Cyber Security Course: This comprehensive series, led by Nathan House, delves into various facets of cybersecurity. The series encompasses courses such as ‘Hackers Exposed!’, ‘Network Security’, ‘Anonymous Browsing’, and ‘End Point Protection’. Each course zeroes in on a specific aspect of cybersecurity, providing learners with an in-depth understanding of the subject.

2023 Beginner’s Guide to Cyber Security: This course serves as a thorough guide to cybersecurity for novices. It touches upon the essentials of cybersecurity and equips learners with the knowledge to safeguard themselves online against the latest threats.

Complete Introduction to Cybersecurity 2023: This course lays the groundwork for IT and cybersecurity fundamentals. It is tailored for those who are new to the field.

Cyber Security: From Beginner to Expert (2023): This course demystifies cybersecurity for absolute beginners. It is conducted by an industry expert with a PhD.

The Ultimate Dark Web, Anonymity, Privacy & Security Course: This course instructs learners on how to navigate and utilize the dark net and the clear net privately, anonymously, and securely.

Cyber Security Training for Absolute Beginners: This course aids learners in understanding the cybersecurity industry. It sheds light on various job roles, certifications, salaries, and career paths.

The Cyber Security Series: Introduction to Cyber Security: This course serves as an introduction to cybersecurity and hacking at a beginner’s level.

These courses span a wide array of topics, from the rudiments of cybersecurity to more advanced concepts like network security, application security, and cyber forensics. They are designed to arm learners with the skills required to shield computers and networks from diverse cyber threats. Upon completion of these courses, learners can earn course completion certificates, a testament to their newly acquired knowledge and skills.

Class Central: A Hub for Cybersecurity Learning

Class Central opens up a world of over 1100 free online cybersecurity courses and certifications. These courses, offered by top universities worldwide, cover various aspects of cybersecurity, equipping learners with the skills needed to protect information and systems from cyber threats.

Notable courses include Google’s professional certificate course on cybersecurity. This course, designed to be completed in less than six months at under ten hours per week, prepares learners for a new career in the high-growth field of cybersecurity, with no degree or experience required.

Another highlight is the ‘Cybersecurity Essentials’ course from Cisco, recommended for those planning to study for CCNA or CyberOps Associate Certifications. This course helps learners understand security controls for networks, servers, and applications and teaches valuable security principles and how to develop compliant policies.

The ‘Introduction to Cyber Security’ course from The Open University, guided by Cory Doctorow, is an eight-week course that helps learners recognize online security threats and explore steps to minimize risk.

Coursera and IBM: Pioneers in Cybersecurity Education

Coursera and IBM offer a range of online cybersecurity courses, including ‘Introduction to Cyber Attacks’ and ‘Cybersecurity Basics’.

‘Introduction to Cyber Attacks’ provides learners with a baseline understanding of common cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. The course includes an overview of how basic cyber attacks are constructed and applied to real systems, with examples such as simple Unix kernel hacks, Internet worms, and Trojan horses in software utilities.

‘Cybersecurity Basics’, also known as ‘Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials’, is offered by IBM via Coursera. This course helps learners recognize common security threats and risks, such as theft, tampering, and destruction of sensitive information. It covers the characteristics of cyber-attacks and teaches best practices to guard against them. The course also covers using strong passwords, good password management, multi-factor authentication, device hardening, encryption, and safe browsing practices.

Upon completion of these free online cybersecurity courses, learners can earn course completion certificates, providing a tangible testament to their newfound knowledge and skills.

Great Learning: Your Gateway to Cybersecurity

Great Learning provides a plethora of free online cybersecurity courses, offering a broad spectrum of topics for learners at all levels.

Introduction to Cybersecurity: Gain foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and understand how to manage cyber threats.
Firewalls and Information Security: Learn about the role of firewalls in network protection and the importance of safeguarding information from unauthorized access and disruption.
Cyber Forensics: Understand the process of collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence to combat cybercrime.
Types of Cybersecurity: Explore the various types of cybersecurity, including network security, application security, information security, and operational security.
Network Security: Learn how to protect the integrity of your network and data by preventing unauthorized access and misuse of network resources.
Encryption Basics: Discover the art of encryption, a technique used to convert data into a code to prevent unauthorized access.

edX: Become a Cybersecurity Specialist

edX also offers a wide array of free online cybersecurity courses designed to help you become a cybersecurity specialist.

What is Cybersecurity?: This course provides foundational knowledge in the field of cybersecurity, helping you understand and manage cyber threats.
Application Security: Learn about the security practices involved in software development and deployment, including application security and system interactions.
Network Security: Understand how to protect the usability and integrity of your network and data, including preventing unauthorized access and misuse of network resources.
Cloud Security: Discover the security considerations and best practices for cloud-based services and infrastructures.
Mobile Security: Learn about the unique security challenges and considerations related to mobile devices and applications.

In addition to these courses, edX also offers a free introductory course called “Try It: Cybersecurity Basics”. This course covers the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) Triad, a fundamental concept in cybersecurity, and provides a practical encryption-decryption challenge. This course is perfect for those who are new to the field and want to learn the basics of cybersecurity.