Free Online Cybersecurity Courses to Join in 2025

Secure Your Future: Best Free Cybersecurity Courses You Can Take in the Year 2025

Cybersecurity continues to be one of the most critical and fast-growing fields in the tech industry. Whether you're a beginner looking to break into the field or a professional aiming to enhance your skills, 2025 offers a wide array of free online cybersecurity courses that combine practical skills, expert instruction, and industry recognition.

Here are the top free courses to consider this year:

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity – Cisco Networking Academy

• Platform: Cisco NetAcad
• Duration: ~15 hours
• Best For: Beginners

Cisco's introductory course offers a well-structured foundation in cybersecurity. You'll explore cyber threats, types of attacks, and how to protect yourself online. A great first step for anyone curious about the field.

2. Cybersecurity for Everyone – University of Maryland (Coursera)

• Platform: Coursera
• Duration: 12 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Certificate: Yes (Free if audited, paid for verified)

Taught by Dr. Charles Harry, this course covers the basics of cybersecurity in a way that's understandable for non-techies too. It emphasizes real-world cyber risks and how to handle them.

3. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity – edX (RIT)

• Platform: edX
• Offered by: Rochester Institute of Technology
• Duration: 8 weeks (self-paced)
• Certificate: Available for purchase

This course goes deeper into systems security, cryptography, and risk management. It's ideal if you're thinking of pursuing cybersecurity professionally.

4. Google Cybersecurity Certificate – Google via Coursera

• Platform: Coursera
• Duration: ~6 months (at 10 hours/week)
• Level: Entry-level
• Certificate: Paid, but audit option available for free learning

Google's Cybersecurity Certificate is a full-fledged training program that prepares learners for entry-level roles. It covers tools like Python, Linux, and security information event management (SIEM).

5. Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity – Cybrary

• Platform: Cybrary
• Duration: 5 hours
• Level: Beginner

Cybrary is known for its career-focused tech training. This free course gives a solid overview of the IT landscape and where cybersecurity fits into it. Great for deciding on your cybersecurity career path.

6. Cybersecurity Essentials – IBM via Cognitive Class

• Platform: Cognitive Class (by IBM)
• Duration: 8–10 hours
• Level: Beginner

IBM's course explains the key cybersecurity concepts and introduces tools and technologies used to secure data and systems.

7. Computer Security and Internet Safety for Beginners – Alison

• Platform: Alison
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Certificate: Free (PDF format)

This quick course is perfect for everyday users and young learners. It explains computer viruses, password protection, and internet safety best practices.

Why Choose Free Courses in 2025

Stay current with evolving cyber threats

Learn industry tools like Kali Linux, Wireshark, SIEM, Python

Build a portfolio for jobs or certifications (e.g., CompTIA, CEH, CISSP)

Ideal for upskilling on a budget

Final Thoughts

In 2025, learning cybersecurity doesn't have to cost a fortune. With world-class content from top institutions and tech giants like Cisco, Google, and IBM, these free online cybersecurity courses provide the perfect launchpad to build your skills and future-proof your career. Whether you're exploring options or aiming to specialize, the time to start learning cybersecurity is now.