In 2023, the surge in cybercrime has generated a significant demand for cyber security professionals. This leads to a growing need for selecting the right and best cyber security courses which help aspiring individuals excel in this field.
The United States alone saw over 769,736 cyber security job postings between October 2021 and September 2022, indicating the vast demand for qualified experts. Despite the increasing opportunities, recruiting skilled cyber security professionals for effective assessments remains a challenging task, resulting in vacant positions.
Nevertheless, this article will help you learn about the best cyber security courses of 2023 that will give you an edge and speedy career growth over others.
Best Cyber Security Certifications for Cyber Professionals in 2023
With the job outlook projected to grow by 35 percent between 2021 and 2031, the competition for competent cyber security professionals has intensified. Below, you’ll find credible cyber security certifications, ranging from entry to advanced levels, to give you the edge in securing your desired job and enhancing your skills in this field.
1. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level credential, the ideal starting point for a security career, providing knowledge in network, application, and mobile device security installation and configuration, as well as expertise in threat management, cryptography, and identity management.
- Requirements: None. Though the Network+ certification and two years of IT experience (security focus) are necessary.
- Cost: $392
- Exam: SY0-601: 90 questions, 90 minutes to complete, pass at 750/900. Certification is valid for 3 years.
- Resources: Sample questions, CertMaster online training, training kits, and a study guide are available on the website.
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
It is offered by ISACA and validates expertise in assessing security vulnerabilities, implementing controls, and ensuring compliance. A recognized certification for cyber security auditing careers, demonstrating the ability to protect critical information and enhance cyber security practices.
- Requirements: Five years of IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance experience required. A two or four-year degree can replace one or two years of experience, respectively.
- Cost: Members pay $575, non-members pay $760.
- Exam: 150 questions, 4 hours.
- Resources: ISACA offers virtual instructor-led sessions, on-demand training, review guides, and question repositories.
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Ethical hacking (white hat hacking or red teaming) involves legally probing organizations for vulnerabilities. The (EC-Council) credential equips holders with hacking skills, including network scanning, system hacking, web server hacking, and penetration testing.
- Requirements: Formal training is recommended. Without it, two years of experience in information security (InfoSec) and educational background is a must.
- Cost: Range ($950 to $1,199) based on testing location.
- Exam: 312-50 (ECC Exam) and 312-50 (VUE), 125 questions, 4 hours.
- Resources: Skill assessments, online courses, and much more are available on EC-Council’s website.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP, an advanced-level certification by (ISC)2, is ideal for IT professionals pursuing infoSec careers. It covers all IT security aspects, cultivating strong InfoSec expertise. CISSP holders are authoritative decision-makers, skilled in developing, guiding, and managing security standards, policies, and procedures in their organizations.
- Requirements: Formal training is recommended. Without it, two years of experience in information security (InfoSec) and educational background is a must.
- Cost: Range ($950 to $1,199) based on testing location.
- Exam: 312-50 (ECC Exam) and 312-50 (VUE), 125 questions, 4 hours.
- Resources: Skill assessments, online courses, and much more are available on EC-Council’s website.
5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification from ISACA validates your managerial expertise in information security, covering governance, program development, incident, and risk management. Transitioning from technical to managerial cyber security roles, CISM holders oversee enterprise-level information security systems, ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency.
- Requirements: 5 years of infosec management experience. Two years can be replaced with general infosec experience. Another certification or relevant graduate degree may waive 1 or 2 years each.
- Cost: Members pay $575, non-members pay $760.
- Exam: 150 questions, 4 hours.
- Resources: Study material is available on ISACA’s website in multiple languages, job practice area information, primary references, articles, review courses, exam prep community, glossary, and more.
6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The CCSP certifies IT and infosec leaders in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. It is ISC accredited and was developed with the Cloud Security Alliance. Specialize in cloud-based security for a promising career with the growing prevalence of cloud-based services.
- Requirements: Five years of paid IT experience, with three years in information security and one year in (ISC)² CCSP CBK domains. (ISC)² CISSP can replace the entire CCSP experience requirement.
- Cost: $599
- Exam: 125 questions in 3 hours. Passing score: 700/ 1000. Certification is valid for 3 years.
- Resources: All the material is available on its website.
Best Cyber Security Courses in 2023
Some of the best cyber security free courses are mentioned below:
1. Cyber Security Course for Beginners
This course helps you to safeguard yourself against hacker attacks, equipping you with the knowledge to counter freely available hacking tools developed by security researchers for vulnerability discovery.
- What you’ll learn: You will gain insights into internet security. Configure security parameters in Google Chrome, surf anonymously, data encryption, online file scanning, and email security. and apply settings to Firefox.
2. Introduction to Cyber Attacks [Free Coursera course for audit]
It is ideal for aspiring cyber security specialists. This comprehensive course provides essential concepts and provides a strong foundation to jumpstart a cyber security career.
- What you’ll learn: You will get an overview of cyberattacks, vulnerabilities, and risks. Learn defense techniques, including authentication solutions and cryptography.
3. Staying Safe Online [Udemy Free Course]
This course is ideal for internet beginners. The course shields against hackers and social engineering attacks. Protect against exploitation, including hacking accounts and misuse of pictures.
- What you’ll learn: Gain insights about password cracking, social media risks, and protection against phishing and social engineering attacks.
Now that we have discussed the best cyber security free courses, we’ll uncover the best Premium cyber security courses of 2023:
4. Cybersecurity Specialization Coursera
Coursera offers a CyberSecurity Specialization course by the University of Maryland. It covers five modules in which the concepts are taught through real-world examples and hands-on exercises. These include:
- Usable Security
- Software Security
- Cryptography, Hardware Security
- Cyber Security Capstone Project.
- What you’ll learn: It provides insights into constructing secure systems, covering hardware, software, and human-computer interfaces and the use of cryptography for securing interactions.
- Price: Start with a free trial, then continue learning for $39 USD per month.
5. Complete Cybersecurity Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery
This is an 11-hour online training course, perfect for aspiring Cyber Security Engineers. You will gain in-depth knowledge and skills for roles like Penetration Tester and Cyber Security Engineer in 2023.
- What you’ll learn: It covers Cyber Security concepts and ecosystems from the start. You will also learn about modern tools and techniques for network security and protecting digital resources and infrastructure.
- Price: $39 / month
6. The Absolute Beginners Guide to Cyber Security 2023
This introductory Cyber Security course covers basics like firewalls, malware, and the role of cyber security professionals in preventing online threats. Essential for aspiring Cyber Security and Information Security professionals.
- What you’ll learn: cyber security principles like monitoring, malicious software, network security, worms, phishing, data encryption, biometrics, BYOD, etc.
- Price: $74.99
Wrap Up
In today’s digital landscape, where personal information is stored online, investing in cyber security knowledge becomes crucial. Learning about Internet Security empowers individuals to protect their data and avoid potential threats. As companies prioritize online safety, enrolling in the best cyber security courses becomes essential for both personal and professional growth in 2023.
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FAQs
What do I need to know before taking a cyber security course?
Before enrolling in a cyber security course, ensure you have a solid understanding of software skills, data types, networks (firewalls, IDS, VPNs), cyber security laws (FISMA), and ethical hacking tools.
What is the highest paying cyber security certification?
According to Skillsoft, CISSP accredited by (ISC)2 is a highly sought-after and well-paying cyber security certification, earning an average of $154,168* per year.
How do I choose the best cyber security course?
You can choose the best cyber security course based on your career goals. General certifications suit beginners and managerial roles, while specialized certifications validate skills for advanced professionals.