We wanted you to get the most bang for your buck, so we compiled exhaustive research. We considered cost, prerequisites, course material, difficulty, and more to select our top picks. Below, we listed your best options to get you started and to help you stand out when you apply for a role in this lucrative field. You can enroll in courses that explain the fundamentals of particular career paths, whether as a system administrator or as a network engineer — and if you can ignore the cheesy thumbnails used to tout some of the courses, the actual content is valuable. The courses also come with an estimated time to completion and difficulty rating. You might want to explore some of these courses as introductory prep for other formal qualifications, such as the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) and CISSP. Virtual labs for tools including Wireshark and practice tests for qualifications including CompTIA Security+, CISM, and others are also available. However, it should be noted that the resources on offer, such as for the CEH, are not official courseware or lab sessions. Also of note is that Coursera offers suggested “paths” toward professional qualifications in line with industry standards, such as those managed by NIST. Courses can also be completed at your own pace, and some do result in formal qualifications after you pass. Some courses are free, while others require an enrollment or test fee. Pros
Excellent online resource for video-based courses in cybersecurityLearn the fundamentals of a career as a system administrator or a network engineerSome courses are free
Cons
Some courses require an enrollment or test fee
To get started, you should consider the CompTIA Network+ course, which teaches learners how to build a network from the ground up and how to identify different kinds of network topology and configurations. A solid foundation in networking protocols and standards can help you identify and understand network-based intrusions, propagation, and malware, including ransomware, operating on target networks. You can take Security+, a baseline qualification in security concepts and roles, risk analysis, hands-on troubleshooting, and more from this entry-level course. The Security+ exam has had a recent refresh to SY0-601. Pros
Learn how to build a network from the ground up Learn how to identify different kinds of network topology and configurationsThe Security+ exam has had a recent refresh to SY0-601
Cons
N/A
While certainly not a cheap undertaking, the in-depth course covers security metrics, audits, risk assessments, network protection, incident detection and response, and more. SANS says the course “will provide the essential information security skills and techniques you need to protect and secure your critical information and technology assets, whether on-premise or in the cloud.” As a course for working professionals, SANS offers flexibility through on-demand, online, or in-person training. You can complete the course virtually or in-person over six days. Pros
Flexibility through on-demand, online, or in-personIn-depth course covers security metrics, audits, risk assessments, moreLearn essential information and security skills and techniques
Cons
Certainly not a cheap
The vendor’s focus is on offense and hands-on learning rather than lectures, tickboxes, and completely academic study. Offensive Security encourages critical thinking and problem-solving with its “Try Harder” slogan. After all, if you can learn to think like an attacker, you can better protect systems against them. You will need a solid understanding of networking principles, and some understanding of Windows, Linux, and Bash/Python will help. Successfully completing the course will give you the OSCP certification — as long as you can handle the 24-hour exam. The vendor has recently added the course as an option on a subscription basis for busy individuals who need the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Pros
Learn to think like an attackerFocus is on offense and hands-on learning
Cons
You will need a solid understanding of networking principlesSome understanding of Windows, Linux, and Bash/Python will help24-hour examRelatively expensive
The course covers the design and implementation of cybersecurity programs, including engineering, security architectures, risk management, identity and access management, and software security, among other topics. CISSP can be taken in the classroom and led by instructors in real-time, but you will need years of experience in the field as a prerequisite. Online training is possible, but costs vary. Pros
One of the most well-known professional cybersecurity qualificationsCan be taken in the classroom and led by instructors in real-time
Cons
You will need years of experience in the field as a prerequisiteCosts vary
Therefore, this qualification isn’t suitable as a foundation course but rather could be valuable to move up the management chain in an enterprise security role. To become certified, you need to both pass the exam and have acceptable work experience. Still, afterwards, ISACA says the average salary of a CISM-certified individual can reach $118,000 (although there is an annual maintenance fee). If you’re interested in this course, it should be noted that the old syllabus was retired in June 2022 to make way for an updated exam. Pros
Valuable to move up the management chain in an enterprise security roleNewly updated exam
Cons
Isn’t suitable as a foundation course Certification requires you to pass the exam and have acceptable work experience
GIAC’s offerings include topics such as security administration, management, legal, auditing, cyberforensics, and software security. Depending on your areas of interest, you can follow roadmaps with suggested courses to broaden your knowledge and skill set. GIAC is an affiliate of the SANS Institute, and some courses, such as GIAC Security Essentials, correspond to training offered by its partner organization. Prices vary for different certifications. Pros
Offers an array of IT and cybersecurity qualificationsLearn security administration, management, legal, auditing, cyberforensics, etcAn affiliate of the SANS Institute
Cons
Prices vary for different certifications
However, it’s also important to have fun with it, and there are plenty of legal online hubs for learning about cybersecurity — without landing yourself in hot water. It’s not uncommon for your competition to have a computer science master’s. A graduate-level education is a great way to further your knowledge in vital skills like digital forensics, ethics, biometry, cryptography, and more. Before you invest in a cybersecurity certification, we suggest that you secure the proper education first. Since the right credentials are key to employment, we did all the research for you and compiled your best schools and programs for cybersecurity, plus a list of the best online cybersecurity degrees. However, the right certification is a great way to supplement your resume to stand out amongst the competition if you already have your degree. As a bonus, according to the BLS, cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030. This positive job outlook not only towers over the average occupation, but it also creates substantial job security. So, becoming certified may help you be successful in the future.
