Free Cisco Cybersecurity Online Courses with Digital Badges

Cisco Networking Academy, run by the global technology company Cisco, offers free online cybersecurity courses that anyone can take, from complete beginners to people who want a career in cybersecurity. The courses are self-paced, and you can earn digital badges to show your new skills.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the world, and these courses are a great place to start.

Free cybersecurity courses

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity

Level: beginner · Time: about 6 hours

Learn what cybersecurity is, the common threats people and organisations face, how to protect yourself online and the career opportunities in the field. No experience needed.

2. Endpoint Security

Learn how to secure computers, mobile devices and other "endpoints" connected to a network.

3. Network Defense

Learn how to monitor networks, protect them from attacks and evaluate security alerts.

4. Cyber Threat Management

Learn about cybersecurity governance, risk management and how organisations respond to threats.

5. Ethical Hacker

Level: intermediate · Time: about 70 hours

Learn penetration testing: how ethical hackers find weaknesses in systems before criminals do.

6. Junior Cybersecurity Analyst career path

A guided learning path that combines several courses to prepare you for an entry-level cybersecurity job and for Cisco's cybersecurity certification.

Benefits

• Free courses on the official Cisco Networking Academy platform
• Self-paced: learn whenever it suits you
• Digital badges you can share on LinkedIn and your CV
• Hands-on labs and practical activities
• Preparation for Cisco certifications, which can help you get a job in IT
• Available in several languages

Who can join

• Everyone, from any country
• Students, graduates, career changers and professionals
• No previous experience needed for beginner courses
• You only need an internet connection and a free account

How to enrol

1. Go to netacad.com and create a free account.
2. Search the course catalogue for "cybersecurity".
3. Choose a course. If you're new, start with Introduction to Cybersecurity.
4. Click Enroll and start learning at your own pace.
5. Complete the course and pass the final assessment to earn your badge.

Suggested learning order

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
2. Endpoint Security
3. Network Defense
4. Cyber Threat Management
5. Ethical Hacker (once you have the basics)

Or follow the Junior Cybersecurity Analyst career path for a complete, guided programme.

Tips

• Study a little every day. Even 30 minutes adds up quickly.
• Do the labs. Hands-on practice is what employers value most.
• Share your badges on LinkedIn to show your skills to employers and scholarship committees.
• The courses are free on netacad.com. Never pay anyone to "register" you for them.