Businesses, organizations, and individuals are depending more and more on connected networks, cloud services, and online platforms as a result of the rapid expansion of digitalization. Individuals can gain the cybersecurity skills and knowledge that they need from cybersecurity certifications to comprehend the dynamic threat environment and put practical security measures in place to protect sensitive data and important systems.
Cybersecurity has become a crucial problem for almost every industry due to the increased use of the Internet, cloud services, mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart technologies. A surge of interest in the best cybersecurity courses and certifications can be attributed to the lack of qualified persons to fulfill the expanding need for cybersecurity specialists across several industries.
Free Cybersecurity Courses & Certifications
1. Cyber Range (Sans Institute)
Discover SANS Cyber Security Training through the 65+ course demos that are available. Examine the level of difficulty, preview the course material, and test out our on-demand training system. SANS Cyber Ranges place a strong emphasis on the evaluation and practical application of hands-on cybersecurity training. The cyber range allows you and your team the chance to put newly acquired cyber security skills to use in a controlled and isolated setting, giving you an understanding of your strengths and areas that require more attention.
Cost- Free
2. EC-Council
The free 3-course series was created by specialists to provide the top cybersecurity certification for fundamental understanding in network security, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. The first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) series from EC-Council makes cybersecurity education and training available to everyone. They are: Ethical Hacking, Network Defense and Digital Forensics.
The Essentials Series was created to assist students, professionals in their early careers, newcomers, and educators in acquiring fundamental cybersecurity abilities and laying solid foundations for their future careers in cybersecurity.
Cost- Free
3.Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence (CS_AI) Certificate Program by Purdue University Northwest
The principles of computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity are covered in six courses on this subject matter, along with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and hardware security. In order to examine security issues for cyber systems and their software and hardware components, it focuses on strengthening learners’ skills and capacities to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning-based methodologies. Only permanent residents and citizens of the USA are eligible for this program.
Cost- Free
Paid Cybersecurity Courses & Certifications
1.Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate- Harvard
Cyber security professionals will learn the techniques and procedures required to understand, operate, and manage security technologies with this graduate cyber security certificate. You will also gain an understanding of the ethical, interpersonal, and political forces that shape the online world. Four courses are necessary for the professional graduate degree in cybersecurity:
- 2 certificate electives and 2 core courses
Students must be familiar with technology, technical jargon, and the reading and writing of technical documents in order to succeed in this certificate program. Students should also be able to reason clearly and break down complex problems into their component elements through analysis.
Cost- $3,220 (average)
2. Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate- Stanford University
With online, self-paced courses taught by top-notch Stanford experts and teachers, the Advanced Cybersecurity program will get you ready to succeed in this sector. You will discover how to utilize instruments like cross-domain security measures and cryptography. Establish and expand a program for information security. Team up with top stakeholders and involve them in cybersecurity measures.
- Online – Contains readings, exercises, video lectures, and written assignments.
- Self-paced – After course enrollment, materials are available on demand for 60 days. Many of the learners complete each course in 45 days, working on it for about 2 hours a week.
- 10–12 hours of coursework, depending on your prior knowledge of the subject and online learning prowess.
Cost–
Single Course (1)- $545 with no professional certificate
Full Certificate (6)- $3,270 with professional certificates
All-Access plan (7)- $3,250 with professional certificates
3.USCSI® – United States Cyber Security Institute
For the newest specialists, executives, IT experts, academics, businesses, organizations, universities, and authorities, the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®) offers the most potent and modern cybersecurity certificates. The cybersecurity initiatives of the USCSI® are created to address the cutting-edge problems of cyber threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities of systems, processes, and upgrades.
All the cybersecurity certification programs can give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to advance in your career in a variety of fields, including malware analysis techniques, DDoS flooding attacks, assessment of risks, risk mitigation, data and system protection, smart devices, and the Internet of Things. Its programs include-
- Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS®)
Duration- 4-24 weeks
Hours of learning- 8-10 per week
- Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™)
Duration- 4-20 weeks
Hours of learning- 8-10 per week
- Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™)
Duration- 4-24 weeks
Hours of learning- 8-10 per week
Cost– You can pay in installments or in full.
- Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS®)- $898 (all-inclusive for Self-Paced only)
- Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™)- $389 (all-inclusive for Self-Paced only)
- Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™)- $699 (all-inclusive for Self-Paced only)
Conclusion
These credentials not only increase cybersecurity career options but also improve employees’ general credibility and dependability in the eyes of stakeholders and clients. The need for knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals with up-to-date knowledge and certifications will continue to be a crucial part of keeping a secure digital environment as cyber threats continue to rise in complexity and frequency.
