Cybersecurity Online Courses

Our 5Ws of Cybersecurity training has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but learning can continue. There is an abundance of cybersecurity online courses and we curated those that are free and if possible have an Africa context.

 

1.     Introduction to Cybersecurity: Cisco Networking Academy

The Cisco Networking Academy Introduction to Cybersecurity course covers trends in cybersecurity and career opportunities available in this field. Cybersecurity refers to the people, products, and processes that protect electronic data from those with malicious intent. This course introduces students to a variety of networking professionals who discuss the exciting and growing industry of cybersecurity. The syllabus covers:

  • The Cybersecurity Industry

  • Malware and How to Protect Yourself

  • Overview of Cyber-security in Finance and Telecommunications

  • Cisco Security Solutions

  • Defending Against Global Threats

This course takes 15 hours to complete: https://www.netacad.com/courses/security/introduction-cybersecurity  

 

2.     Introduction to IoT: International Technology Union through Cisco Networking Academy

Those who invest in learning IoT (Internet of Things) skills can help transform any business in any industry, from manufacturing to saving endangered species. The combination of increased global Internet access and a growing number of devices designed to connect is creating endless opportunities. The syllabus covers:

  • Introduction to IoT: Explore the introductory concepts and challenges of the digital economy

  • Connecting Things: Learn to build an IoT solution with electronic prototypes or PT 7.0

  • Big Data & Analytics: Learn fundamental terminology and data center systems architecture, and perform data analysis activities

  • Hackathon Playbook: Work as a team to develop a rapid prototype and present a business idea for an IoT solution

This course takes 20 hours to complete and you can access it here: https://www.netacad.com/courses/iot/introduction-iot

 

3.     Fundamentals of Cybersecurity: University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town Fundamentals of Cybersecurity online short course introduces you to the key elements of cybersecurity management, from both a South African and international perspective. Become the defender of sensitive company data and learn how to make sound decisions to support your organization in both thwarting attacks and responding appropriately to incidents. On completion of this course, you will walk away with:

  • An understanding of the fundamental principles of cybersecurity management and the relevant legislative environment

  • The ability to evaluate cybersecurity risks, and analyze corporate information security policies

  • The skills to design a secure network model and a suitable incident response plan for an organization

  • Insight into cybersecurity software and hardware products, and knowledge of the measures that can be implemented to protect a business from cyber threats.

This course starts on the June 1st and you can access it here: https://www.getsmarter.com/courses/za/fundamentals-of-cybersecurity-online-short-course

 

4.     Hacking and Patching: Coursera

This course is run by the Colorado University. The syllabus covers: Injection Web App Attacks and their defenses, Hack SQL Databases and Patch Web Apps with SQL Injection Vulnerabilities, Memory Attacks and Defenses and Penetration Testing. The entire course takes 12 hours of learning with tests and videos. The course costs $49 per month although Coursera offers a 7-day free trial period before one is required to pay.

You can access it here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/hacking-patching

 

5.     Introduction to Cyberattacks: Coursera

This course is run by New York University Tandon School of Engineering and is about detecting and dealing with potential cyber-attacks. The syllabus covers: Introduction to Cyber Security, Understanding Basic Security Frameworks, Examining Cyber Threats More Closely, and Introducing Security Risk Analysis. This course costs $39 dollars a month. Some of the skills one is set to gain include, Cybersecurity, Denial-of-service Attack (DOS), Risk assessment and Information Security. 

The entire course takes approximately 15 hours to complete and is available here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-cyber-attacks  

  

6.     Microsoft Professional Capstone: Cybersecurity

The Enterprise Security Hands-On Lab provides a simulated environment in which you must detect, protect, and respond to a cyber threat at a fictitious company. The syllabus covers: 

  • Scenario 1: Front end attack using an e-mail that leads a compromise of a host and user's credential theft

  • Scenario 2: Data leak attack focuses data discovery and protection methods

  • Scenario 3: Web server attack that leads to defacement/data leak

This 1-week course is free though there is a paid option to be certified. Find out more here: https://www.my-mooc.com/en/mooc/microsoft-professional-capstone-cybersecurity/

 

7.     Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Rochester Institute of Technology

In this introduction to the field of computing security, you will be given an extensive overview of the various branches of computing security. You will learn cybersecurity concepts, issues, and tools that are critical in solving problems in the computing security domain. You will have opportunities to learn essential techniques in protecting systems and network infrastructures, analyzing and monitoring potential threats and attacks, devising and implementing security solutions for organizations large or small. The syllabus covers:

  • Unit 0: Getting Started

  • Unit 1: Computing Security Concepts and Problems 1

  • Unit 2: Computing Security Concepts and Problems 2

  • Unit 3: Cryptography

  • Unit 4: Networking 1

  • Unit 5: Networking 2

  • Unit 6: Systems Administration

  • Unit 7: Detection and Prevention

  • Unit 8: Malware and Forensics

  • Unit 9: Conclusion​​

This course takes 8 Weeks and you can access it here: https://www.classcentral.com/course/edx-cybersecurity-fundamentals-7844

 

8.     Cybersecurity and Its Ten Domains: University System of Georgia

Participants will engage in community discourse and online interaction to gain knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity and its domains. They will engage with expertly produced videos, gain insight from industry experts, participate in knowledge assessments, practice assessing their environmental awareness, and gain access to materials that address governance and risk management, compliance, business continuity and disaster recovery, cryptography, software development security, access control, network security, security architecture, security operations, and physical and environmental security. You do not need prior experience in the IT security to do well in this course. The syllabus covers:

  • Introduction to Security, Access Control, and Software Development Security.

  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning and Cryptography.

  • Information Security Governance and Risk Management & Legal, Regulations, Investigations, and Compliance.

  • Operations Security & Physical and Environmental Security.

  •  Security Architecture and Design & Telecommunications and Network Security

The course takes 8 hours to complete and you can access it here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cyber-security-domain

 

9.     Web Security Fundamentals: KU Leuven University

This MOOC will introduce you to the web security landscape. You will gain insights into the threats that modern web applications face and build an understanding of common attacks and their countermeasures. You’ll be provided with an overview of current best practices to secure web applications. Although no previous security knowledge is necessary to join this course, it will help to be familiar with the basic concepts behind web applications, including HTTP, HTML, and JavaScript. 

This course take 4-6 week and you can access it here: https://www.classcentral.com/course/edx-web-security-fundamentals-8726

 

10.  Cybrary

This is an online free platform offering courses in cyber security and IT. Some of the courses are free and others paid for. Courses include: Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking, Introduction to Cyber Security, CompTIA Security +. The platform uses instructors with diverse backgrounds offering more experience- based training to students.

Access the site here: https://www.cybrary.it/

 

11.  Cybersecurity for Beginners: Heimdal Security

This course covers the basics of cyber security with lessons offered after every two days. There are step-by-step instructions so that even a non-tech person is able to easily follow through and learn.

This is a 5-week course and you can access it here: https://cybersecuritycourse.co/

 

12.  Sans Institute

The Sans Cyber Aces Online course can be taken by anyone, with or without an IT background. The course covers operating systems, networking, and system administration.

Access the site here: https://www.cyberaces.org/courses.html