Industry Recognised Free Online Cyber Security Courses

Cyber security is an extremely fast-growing industry in Australia and all over the world. As the world becomes more reliant on digital systems and connectivity, there is naturally an increased need for professionals with the skills to protect our valuable online infrastructure.

Whether you’re completely new to cybersecurity or already working in ICT and looking to expand your expertise, free cyber security courses provide an excellent opportunity to learn the basics without making a financial commitment.

In this guide, we’ll explore free cyber security courses, what they offer, and how you can get started with a long and rewarding career in cyber security.

What are free cyber security courses?

Free cyber security courses are online programs designed to teach the foundational skills of protecting networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. These courses are typically introductory, offering basic knowledge on topics such as threat detection, incident response, and risk management. Some are more specialised, such as Python for Cybersecurity, and these are often appealing to people who want to upskill.

The main appeal of free courses is accessibility—they allow anyone with an interest in cybersecurity to start learning without the financial cost of a more comprehensive IT degree. Plus, if you’re looking for a career change, free online cyber security courses are great for filling knowledge gaps.

What types of courses are available?

Most free cyber security courses are online, making them easily accessible to anybody with internet access. Typically, free courses can be broken into two main groups:

• Introductory courses: Perfect for beginners, covering basics like network security and common cyber threats, such as an Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials.
• Specialised courses: Focused on specific skills, such as coding for cyber security (Python for Cybersecurity) or understanding attack and defence strategies (Cybersecurity Attack and Defense Fundamentals).

Different learning formats on cyber security training

As we mentioned, most free courses are delivered online and include:

• Video lectures: Pre-recorded modules you can watch at your own pace.
• Quizzes and assignments: Tools to test your understanding.
• Interactive labs: Some advanced courses offer simulated environments for practical learning (e.g., network penetration testing).

These formats make learning flexible and accessible, allowing you to study anywhere, and on your schedule. Since most online cyber security courses are self-paced, you can save your progress and go back to it later. Online learning offers you the flexibility to juggle school, employment or other responsibilities with your training.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in free cyber security courses?

One of the best aspects of free cyber security courses is that they often have no prerequisites. They are designed to cater to beginners, so you don’t need formal qualifications or prior experience to get started.

Courses like Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals are particularly welcoming for industry newcomers because you don’t need prior IT experience. This makes them ideal entry points for people of all knowledge levels.

However, if you’ve got prior IT training or already work in a related field and want to learn more about the specifics of cyber security, such as Python for Cybersecurity, you should find your experience meets the entry requirements.

Do you need prior IT experience?

Many free cyber security courses, such as Foundations of Cybersecurity, are structured to teach you the basics from scratch. That means you don’t specifically need any IT experience. Presumably, however, an interest in cyber security would indicate you have at least a basic knowledge of IT.

Having a general understanding of computers, networks, and operating systems can be beneficial, especially for more technical courses. So, while prior IT experience isn’t usually a requirement for completing free cyber security courses, employers in the industry are likely looking for people with good IT skills.

How long do free cyber security courses take to complete?

The duration of free cyber security courses varies, especially because many of them are self-paced. This is great because it allows you to balance learning with other commitments. However, most courses require a specific time investment, and this can range from 10 hours to a few months.

Do free courses offer certifications or certificates of completion?

Yes, many free courses offer certificates of completion. For instance, platforms like Coursera provide certificates you can share on LinkedIn or include in your resume. These certificates demonstrate your commitment to learning and can make you stand out to potential employers. Depending on the course, the certificate may be issued from companies such as IBM or Google, which carry some weight even if the training is not formally recognised.

What additional certifications should you consider after completing free courses?

To advance your career in cyber security, consider pursuing industry-recognised certifications, such as:

• Accredited IT Training: Complete a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course to gain a nationally recognised qualification. If you are a school leaver or you have little or no IT experience, the Certificate III in Information Technology can help you gain a broad understanding of IT and build a strong foundation to build upon. If you already have some IT knowledge, the Certificate IV in Information Technology allows you to build advanced IT skills with the option to specialise in a specific field.
• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification covering essential security skills.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Ideal for experienced professionals aiming for senior roles.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focused on penetration testing and hacking strategies.

These certifications often require formal study and exams, but free courses can help lay the foundation for future learning.

What job roles are available in cyber security?

Cyber security offers a range of roles to suit different skill sets and interests. The following cyber security roles are currently in-demand in Australia:

• Cyber Security Analyst: Monitoring networks for vulnerabilities and responding to incidents.
• Penetration Tester: Testing systems for weaknesses by simulating attacks.
• Incident Response Specialist: Handling and mitigating security breaches.
• Security Consultant: Advising organisations on improving their cyber defences.

Cyber security often crosses over with other IT industry roles, so if you’re trained in this area, it can be a handy add-on to have on your resume.

Can I start working in cyber security after completing a free course?

Free courses are an excellent starting point, but most roles will require additional certifications or formal qualifications. However, they can prepare you for entry-level positions, internships, or further training.

Most high-level cyber security roles require extensive IT training or experience. So, while free online cyber security courses are a great way to build skills, show a commitment to learning, and explore a new career, they won’t qualify you for a specific role.

How much can you expect to earn in entry-level cyber security jobs in Australia?

Roles such as Cyber Security Analyst typically offer salaries between $105,000 and $125,000 per year. With experience and advanced certifications, senior analysts can earn up to $170,000 per year.The term ‘entry-level’ is a little difficult to qualify in cyber-security. For example, you may work on IT helpdesks as a first job in order to gain valuable skills. This is something highly recommended by employers in the industry. The wages are more likely to be around $60,000 - $80,000, but this really depends on the role.

What formal qualifications would be beneficial for a career in cyber security?

Formal qualifications, such as a Bachelor of Cyber Security or a Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) are highly valued by employers. These programs offer in-depth knowledge and practical skills to complement what you learn in free courses.

However, your pathway to a career in cyber security might look different depending on whether you’re a school leaver or a mature-age student. School leavers should focus heavily on achieving the best ATAR possible to gain entry into university courses like those above. The average ATAR for entry into a Bachelor of Cyber Security program typically falls between 70 and 85, depending on the university and intake year.

Mature-age students can explore VET qualifications as a pathway to university. Many universities also provide alternative entry options, such as completing a foundation course before progressing to a bachelor's program. Be sure to check the specific entry requirements for each university, as they can vary.

What are the pathways for career advancement?

Starting in an entry-level role, you can progress to specialised or senior positions by gaining experience, earning certifications, and pursuing advanced studies. Common pathways include moving from Cyber Security Analyst to roles like Penetration Tester or Security Consultant, and eventually Program Manager or Director of Cyber Security.

Like most careers, investing time in gaining experience is key. Many employers talk about the importance of gaining foundational IT experience to succeed in cyber security. It’s an industry where learning is highly valued, so showing your willingness to branch out and specialise is a good way to take your career further.

Will AI impact a career in cyber security?

AI is reshaping cyber security by automating tasks like threat detection and incident response. While this technology can improve efficiency, human expertise remains critical for interpreting data, developing strategies, and addressing complex threats. Skilled cyber security professionals will always be in demand, even as AI evolves.

The other consideration is the fact that AI actually has the potential to supercharge our technological advancement. Ultimately, as technology improves, so do the abilities of those seeking to take advantage of it, meaning cyber security is now more important than ever.

What are the best free online cyber security courses?

Here’s a list of free cyber security courses that are industry-recognised and delivered by trusted organisations:

• Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
• Foundations of Cybersecurity
• Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Cybersecurity Attack and Defense Fundamentals
• Python for Cybersecurity

Free cyber security courses offer an accessible and flexible way to start your career in this high-demand field. They’re also great for exploring a career change or upskilling when paired with an IT qualification. These free courses offer specialised cyber security skills and knowledge that can make you stand out in a competitive employment marketplace.