As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there were various sources where you could find free cybersecurity courses and resources in Pakistan. However, I recommend checking for the latest information since the availability of free courses can change over time.

Free Cyber Security Courses    

Discover a world of incredible career opportunities in the cyber security sector, with our all-new range of free cyber security courses.  Now open for enrolment, these free online cyber security courses are exclusive to Oxford Home Study Centre and can be taken from anywhere in the world. 

Our free cyber security certifications come highly recommended to newcomers and experienced personnel – anyone looking to further their career in this dynamic sector. Demand for talented cyber security specialist is at an all-time high, making now the perfect time to consider a career change. 

Learn how to identify, address and prevent a broad range of threats and attacks, while building an in-depth knowledge of essential cyber security terminology.  Study from home at a time and pace to suit your lifestyle, with no fixed study schedules or time restrictions.

Learn more about our free cyber security courses online, or reach out to the team at Oxford Home Study Centre today for more information.

Students looking for free online cybersecurity courses can use MOOCs. Consider taking free cybersecurity classes as an introduction to the field.

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Some of the top colleges and universities in the world offer massive open online courses (MOOCs). These free classes cover many topics relevant to cybersecurity professionals, including networking, operating systems, database management, and security.

Most MOOCs require students to interact with other participants through message boards or forums. While many MOOCs do not offer college credit and are not geared toward postgraduate study, they can be useful tools for anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity.

This guide explores the top free online cybersecurity courses and who should take them.

Pros and Cons of Free Online Courses in Cybersecurity

The main benefit of free online cybersecurity training is cost. Because MOOCs are usually free, students can use them to explore topics relevant to degrees in cybersecurity or related fields without incurring high tuition bills. The main drawback is that most free online courses do not provide the hands-on experience of an in-person classroom.

Who Benefits From Free Cybersecurity Classes?

Students looking to enter the cybersecurity field from a variety of educational backgrounds can benefit from free online courses.

For students with no prior experience, free cybersecurity training can teach them about the basics of information security. Professionals who already work in the field but want to enhance their skills can benefit from classes that focus on current trends in cybersecurity. Organizations sometimes use free cybersecurity training courses for career development and employee training.

Free Online Cybersecurity Courses

Students can access all courses below for free, though our list is not exhaustive. Organizations such as edX and Coursera charge tuition for learners who want the graded class option and a certificate of completion. These companies also assess a fee for students who want to stack their courses to complete credentials like a MicroMasters® program.

CISSP® Introduction to Information Security 

Provider: Simplilearn
Duration: 12 hours
Lessons: 11 lessons

Topics Covered

• Security and risk management
• Asset security architecture and design
• Cryptography OSI and TCPIP models
• IP addresses
• Network security
• Identity and access management
• Security assessment and testing
• Software development security

Created for professionals with experience in security engineering or architecture, this course offers a video-based introduction to information security. The class provides 90-day access. Students who complete the coursework can earn a certificate.

Cybersecurity Basics 

Provider: IBM / edX
Duration: 16-32 hours
Lessons: 4 modules

Topics Covered

• Key cybersecurity terms
• Penetration testing basics
• Cryptography
• Firewalls
• Social engineering
• Attack models

Cybersecurity basics covers the history of cybersecurity, types of cyberattacks, and key security concepts and tools. This class serves beginning learners. Graduates can apply the course toward the requirements for the professional certificate in IBM cybersecurity fundamentals.

Introduction to Cyber Attacks 

Provider: New York University / Coursera
Duration: 19 hours
Lessons: 4 lessons

Topics Covered

• Cybersecurity
• Information security
• Denial-of-service attacks
• Risk assessment

Through this class, students can gain a basic understanding of analytical models used to address cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. The course also covers how cyberattacks are built and deployed. Graduates can apply this class to NYU’s four-course introduction to cybersecurity specialization.

Cyberattack Countermeasures 

Provider: New York University / Coursera
Duration: 19 hours
Lessons: 4 lessons

Topics Covered

• Cybersecurity
• Cryptography
• Public-key cryptography

In this course, learners study the basics of cyberdefense, including foundational models such as Bell-LaPadula and information flow frameworks, authentication solutions and protocols, and cryptography. Graduates can apply this class to NYU’s four-course introduction to cybersecurity specialization.

Real-Time Cyber Threat Detection and Mitigation 

Provider: New York University / Coursera
Duration: 15 hours
Lessons: 4 lessons

Topics Covered

• Basic network security
• Security architecture
• Enterprise network security

This class teaches enrollees about TCP/IP security hacks, network security, and firewall solutions. This course is for intermediate learners. Graduates can apply this course to NYU’s four-course introduction to cybersecurity specialization.

Enterprise and Infrastructure Security 

Provider: New York University / Coursera
Duration: 15 hours
Lessons: 4 lessons

Topics Covered

• Hybrid cloud security
• Blockchain, anonymity, and critical infrastructure protection
• Mobility security and deception

In this course, learners explore enterprise compliance frameworks. Topics include security issues in the Internet of Things, blockchain, and blinding algorithms. This class is for intermediate learners. Graduates can apply the course to NYU’s four-course introduction to cybersecurity specialization.

Penetration Testing – Discovering Vulnerabilities 

Provider: New York University / edX
Duration: 40-50 hours
Lessons: 4 modules and a final exam

Topics Covered

• Penetration testing
• Identifying potential target systems
• Identifying possible entry points into a tested system
• Configuring vulnerability scanners and analyzing their results

In this self-paced course, learners explore ethical hacking. Topics include scoping penetration tests, reconnaissance, and vulnerability enumeration. Students can use this course to prepare for CompTIA’s security+ certification exam. This course is part of NYU’s nine-course sequence leading to their cybersecurity fundamentals MicroBachelors program.

Computer Forensics 

Provider: Rochester Institute of Technology / edX
Duration: 80-96 hours
Lessons: 7 modules and a course review

Topics Covered

• Legal validity of investigative procedures
• Windows and Unix/Linux file systems and their recovery processes
• Forensics tools and system images
• Forensics reporting and reviewing

Learners in this class study digital forensics fundamentals, including the four-step procedure concept. The course then moves into Unix/Linux fundamentals and Windows forensics and investigations. This course makes up part of NYU’s five graduate-level course sequence leading to the MicroMasters® program in cybersecurity.

Building a Cybersecurity Toolkit 

Provider: University of Washington / edX
Duration: 12-30 hours

Topics Covered

• Cybersecurity tools and skills
• Knowing the proper tools for common security scenarios
• Applying knowledge of toolkits to various cybersecurity roles

This introductory course teaches students about the tools, skills, and characteristics needed for successful cybersecurity careers. It makes up part of UW’s professional certificate in essentials of cybersecurity.

Introduction to Cybercrime 

Provider: Simplilearn
Duration: 2 hours
Lessons: 10 lessons

Topics Covered

• Identifying cyberattacks
• Preventing cybercrime

Learners in this class explore the skills and tools required for successful information security careers. The course teaches students about various cybersecurity attacks and how to prevent them.

Cloud Security Basics 

Provider: University of Minnesota / Coursera
Duration: 13 hours
Lessons: 4 lessons

Topics Covered

• Network cryptography
• Network security
• Cloud computing security
• Cybersecurity
• Common vulnerability scoring system

In this free online course, students learn to design a secure cloud service, assess vulnerabilities and risk levels in cloud services, and employ network security techniques for the cloud. Graduates can apply this course toward the four courses required to earn the cybersecurity in the cloud specialization at UMN.

Managing Cybersecurity Incidents and Disasters 

Provider: University System of Georgia / Coursera
Duration: 15 hours
Lessons: 4 lessons

Topics Covered

• Cybersecurity contingency planning
• Incident response
• Disaster recovery
• Contingency and continuity strategies

One of five courses in the managing cybersecurity specialization from the University System of Georgia, this course focuses on contingency planning. Students learn to manage operations during non-normal security situations, including cybersecurity hacks.