If you are a student wondering on how to get started in cybersecurity or a professional looking to venture out in the world of cybersecurity– here’s good news for you! Cybersecurity offers both immense opportunity and the thrill of constant challenge. But where do you begin?
According to a recent article by Forbes, cybersecurity firms continue to hire actively—even amid widespread layoffs in the tech industry. The global demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high, with a staggering 4.8 million roles still unfilled. However, the report highlights a critical insight: having a degree alone may not be enough to secure a role in this field without demonstrating practical, hands-on skills.
To support aspiring professionals, we’ve put together a collection of high-quality, free resources to guide you through your cybersecurity journey. These materials are designed to help you build real-world skills, create impactful projects, and bridge the gap between talented individuals and hiring organizations.
Best Resources to Learn Cybersecurity for Free in 2025
Palo Alto Networks Cyber Security Courses:
Learn about the current cybersecurity landscape, how to identify cybersecurity threats, evaluate different malware types and cyberattack techniques, the relationship between vulnerabilities and exploits, how spamming and phishing attacks are performed, Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, attacks, and advanced persistent threats, and perimeter-based Zero Trust security models.
These courses cover:
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Network Security Fundamentals
- Cloud Security Fundamentals
- Security Operations Fundamentals
Click here to sign up.
SANS Cybersecurity:
SANS Institute provides free and exclusive access to tools, guides, and expert-driven content designed to help you enhance your skills, stay ahead of threats, and protect what matters most. Join our community for full access.
SEC275: Foundations – Computers, Technology, & Security
SEC275 is the best course available to learn the core knowledge and develop practical skills in computers, technology, and security foundations that are needed to kickstart a career in cybersecurity. The course features a comprehensive variety of innovative, hands-on labs, and practical exercises that go far beyond what is offered in any other foundational course in cybersecurity.
Click here to sign up.
EC-Council’s Free Cybersecurity Courses
EC-Council offers a range of cybersecurity courses, including several free options designed to enhance foundational knowledge in various domains. The free courses available include:
- Network Defense Essentials (N|DE): Introduces basic network security concepts and practices.
- Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE): Covers foundational principles of ethical hacking and penetration testing.
- Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE): Focuses on the basics of digital forensic investigations.
- DevSecOps Essentials (D|SE): Explores the integration of security practices into the DevOps process.
- SOC Essentials (S|CE): Provides an overview of Security Operations Center (SOC) operations and responsibilities.
- Cloud Security Essentials (C|SE): Introduces key concepts in cloud security and risk management.
- IoT Security Essentials (I|SE): Covers fundamental security considerations for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
- Threat Intelligence Essentials (T|IE): Provides insights into the basics of threat intelligence and analysis.
These courses are designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to pursue advanced certifications and careers in cybersecurity. For more detailed information and to access these free courses, you can visit EC-Council’s official website.
Click here to sign up.
TryHackMe:
TryHackMe is an interactive online platform offering cybersecurity training through hands-on exercises and labs accessible directly via your browser. They provide a variety of free courses tailored for individuals at different skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Notable free courses include:
- 25 Days of Cyber Security: A beginner-friendly series presenting daily security challenges over 25 days to introduce foundational cybersecurity concepts. TryHackMe
- Network Fundamentals Module: Focuses on core networking concepts, teaching how computers communicate and highlighting common network vulnerabilities. TryHackMe
- Basic Computer Exploitation Module: Provides practical experience in exploiting various applications and services, covering areas such as networking, web applications, and privilege escalation. TryHackMe
Additionally, TryHackMe offers free learning paths in both offensive and defensive security:
- Offensive Security Training: This path introduces penetration testing tools and techniques, allowing learners to engage in hands-on hacking exercises. TryHackMe
- Defensive Security Training: Focuses on strategies for protecting systems and networks, including threat detection and mitigation techniques.
These resources are designed to make cybersecurity education engaging, accessible, and affordable for everyone. For more detailed information and to explore additional free courses, you can visit TryHackMe’s official website.
Cybrary’s Free Courses:
Cybrary offers a variety of free courses aimed at individuals interested in cybersecurity
and IT. By signing up for a free account, users gain access to over 50 courses, including certification preparation content, select virtual labs, and one foundational career path.
Some of the free courses available include:
- Entry-Level Cybersecurity Training: A comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity concepts, covering topics such as network terminology, security controls, and risk management. Cybrary
- Python for Cybersecurity Professionals: Focuses on using Python programming to automate tasks and enhance cybersecurity measures. Cybrary
- Network Fundamentals: Provides foundational knowledge on networking concepts, essential for IT and cybersecurity roles. Cybrary
- OWASP Top 10 – 2021: Explores the most critical web application security risks as identified by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). Cybrary
- Linux Fundamentals for Security Practitioners: Teaches the basics of Linux operating systems with a focus on security applications. Cybrary
These courses are designed to help learners develop practical skills and prepare for various certifications in the cybersecurity field. For more detailed information and to explore additional free courses, you can visit Cybrary’s official website.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Courses:
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers a range of free cybersecurity training courses through its CISA Learning platform.
Key Features of CISA Learning:
- Extensive Course Library: Access over 850 hours of training content covering topics such as cloud security, ethical hacking, risk management, and malware analysis.
- Certification Preparation: Courses designed to prepare learners for certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
- Flexible Learning: Self-paced courses accessible from any computer or mobile device, allowing learners to progress according to their schedules.
Click here to sign up.
Google Cyber Security Courses:
The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a comprehensive online program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in cybersecurity. Developed by Google’s cybersecurity experts, this course requires no prior experience and can be completed at your own pace.
Career Opportunities:
Upon completion, you’ll be equipped for roles such as:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- SOC Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Security Analyst
- Cyber Defense Analyst
The Cyber Threat Intelligence 101 Courses:
The Cyber Threat Intelligence 101 course, offered by arcX, serves as an introductory program designed to provide foundational knowledge in cyber threat intelligence (CTI).
Course Overview:
- Delivery Mode: 100% online and on-demand self-study, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.
- Duration: Equivalent to a one-day classroom course, featuring over 4 hours of training content, including approximately 2.5 hours of video lectures.
Content Structure:
- Video Lectures: 11 videos totaling over 2.5 hours, serving as the primary instructional medium.
- Quizzes: A series of tests designed to consolidate learning and challenge understanding.
- Practical Exercises: Four exercises ranging from brief tasks to comprehensive research projects aimed at assessing comprehension of key concepts.
- Additional Reading: Downloadable reports and research papers to reinforce the topics covered.
- Assessment: The course culminates in a final exam, accessible upon completion of 95% of the course content. One free exam retake is included. Successful candidates receive the arcX Foundation Level Threat Intelligence Analyst (FTIA) Certificate.
Click here to sign up.
Security Blue Team Courses:
The “Introduction to OSINT” course, offered by Security Blue Team, is a free, entry-level program designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
Security Blue Team also offers a range of other free courses related to defensive cybersecurity, including topics like Digital Forensics, Network Analysis, and Threat Hunting. These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills for individuals interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
Click here to sign up.
International Information System Security Certification Consortium(ISC2):
ISC2, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, is offering a free entry-level cybersecurity training and certification exam through its “One Million Certified in Cybersecurity” initiative. This program aims to provide foundational cybersecurity education to one million individuals worldwide, enhancing the global cybersecurity workforce.
Training Content: The self-paced online training covers essential cybersecurity topics, including:
Security Principles
Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), and Incident Response Concepts
Access Controls Concepts
Network Security
Security Operations
Click here to sign up.
Fortinet Cyber Security Courses:
Fortinet offers a comprehensive range of free cybersecurity training courses through its Training Institute, designed to cater to various skill levels from beginners to advanced professionals. These self-paced courses aim to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in network security and related areas.
Key Features of Fortinet’s Free Training:
Extensive Course Library: Access to a wide array of courses covering topics such as network security, cloud security, security operations, and zero-trust network access.
Flexible Learning Options: Courses are available in self-paced formats, allowing learners to progress according to their schedules.
Certification Pathways: Fortinet provides certification programs, including the Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity, which validates mastery of technical knowledge required for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Continuing Education Credits: Learners can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for every hour of training completed with Fortinet. These credits contribute towards maintaining certifications such as CISSP and CompTIA.
Click here to sign up.
NetAcad CISCO Cyber Security Courses:
Cisco Networking Academy offers a free, self-paced course titled Introduction to Cybersecurity, designed to provide foundational knowledge in the field of cybersecurity.
You will learn cybersecurity basics to protect your personal digital life and gain insights into the biggest security challenges companies, governments, and educational institutions face today. Cybersecurity professionals who can protect and defend an organization’s network are in high demand.
Click here to sign up.
Before you move on from this blog
Let’s be real, not every course covers everything, and maybe what you’re passionate about is a niche skill. That’s where Rishsec’s 1:1 Cybersecurity Career Counselling and Mentorship comes in. We’ll create a personalized roadmap based on your individual assessment, and you’ll receive a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Don’t settle for a generic path. Click the button below to request more details and discover your personalized path.