Top Cybersecurity Courses for Beginners in 2025

Introduction

Congratulations, you’ve decided to join the cybersecurity workforce! It’s the perfect time: Organizations are desperate for cybersecurity experts.

But it can be a challenging industry to break into. That’s why cybersecurity courses for beginners are the perfect starting point. These courses break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, covering essential topics like network security, threat detection, and ethical hacking.

Let’s look at some of the best courses to help you build a strong foundation, gain confidence, and take the first step toward a successful career in cybersecurity.

Why Beginner-Focused Cybersecurity Courses Matter

Beginner-focused cybersecurity courses are essential because they help bridge the skills gap, create a more diverse security culture, and strengthen an organization’s security.

1. Beginner courses bridge the cybersecurity skills gap.

Cybersecurity is a highly technical industry requiring in-depth training and continual professional development. It can be an intimidating industry to enter. Beginner courses lower the barrier to entry, allowing professionals from IT, law enforcement, and even non-technical backgrounds to pivot into cybersecurity.

2. Beginner courses foster diversity in cybersecurity.

Making cybersecurity accessible to beginners brings in people from various backgrounds. This leads to more diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving, and dynamic workplaces.

3. Beginner courses strengthen an organization’s security posture.

Companies benefit when all employees—even non-security personnel—have foundational cybersecurity knowledge. It helps employees recognize phishing attempts, use strong passwords, and follow best practices.

Criteria for Selecting the Top Beginner Courses

A quick Google search shows you hundreds of cybersecurity courses to choose from. How do you know which ones are worth the investment? Here’s how we evaluate each course we recommend:

1. Foundational Scope: Does the course cover fundamental topics like threat types, security principles, network security, and best practices? The class should be structured for beginners: you want to build foundational knowledge before moving on to advanced concepts.
2. Includes Practical Exercises: Does it include ample opportunities to dig into the material? You want to regularly complete practical exercises, hands-on labs, and real-world simulations to reinforce learning.
3. Industry Aligned: Is the course backed by reputable organizations, universities, or cybersecurity industry leaders? Look for courses that align with the NICE framework, DOD 8140, or MITRE ATT&CK. Or take a class that will prepare you for an entry-level certification (like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CyberOps Associate).

Curated List of Introductory Cybersecurity Courses on Cybrary

We’re a bit biased, but Cybrary is a great learning platform for beginners. We offer foundational courses with industry-aligned content and in-depth hands-on learning opportunities. Here are our top recommendations for beginners:

IT and Cybersecurity Foundations Career Path

First, what’s a Career Path? Good question. Cybrary’s Career Paths are comprehensive training programs that prepare you for real-world cybersecurity jobs. They comprise courses, labs, challenges, and assessments and are structured around our “Learn, Practice, Prove” pedagogy.

In our IT and Cybersecurity Foundations Career Path, you will study foundational topics and learn relevant vocabulary that applies to every role in the industry. That’s why it’s so perfect for beginners.

What will you learn?

• Operating System Fundamentals: You’ll learn the basics of Windows and Linux operating systems, including command line interfaces, file systems, Windows services, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
• Network Fundamentals: This class covers all things communication and networking. You’ll learn about the OSI and TCP/IP reference models, IP addressing, network devices, Wireshark Nmap, VPNS, and network troubleshooting.
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: You’ll learn key cybersecurity concepts and technologies, including cryptography, access control, backup and recovery, patchup, antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners.
• Scripting and Programming Fundamentals: You’ll master the widely-used scripting and programming languages, including BASH, PowerShell, and Python.

The Career Path consists of 30 courses, hands-on virtual labs, and regular assessments. As you work your way through the path, here are three titles to pay specific attention to:

1. Careers in Cybersecurity: There are so many different options in cybersecurity that many experience decision paralysis. This course is great because it allows you to get hands-on with four of the most common career options: defensive security; offensive security; engineering and operations; and governance, risk, and compliance. After trying all four, you’ll know your strengths and interests and better understand which job is right for you.
2. Network Basics: This course introduces you to fundamental networking and network security concepts. You’ll walk away familiar with basic networking terminology and topics, including the CIA triad, networking models, standard ports and protocols, common network-based threats, and network infrastructure security. It’s the perfect foundation from which to dive into more advanced networking courses.
3. Cybersecurity Basics: In under two hours, you’ll learn the most important cybersecurity concepts and terminology. You’ll cover security controls, access management, data protection, encryption, incident response, GRC, and more. It’s the perfect place to start as a beginner.

Entry Level Cybersecurity

If a Career Path feels like too much to take on, we recommend starting with our Entry Level Cybersecurity course. Just under 4 hours, this course will introduce you to all you need to know to get started. After taking the course, you’ll be able to:

• Explain security concepts related to information assurance (e.g., the CIA Triad)
• Articulate basic concepts of computer networking
• Describe common network threats and attacks
• Explain basic concepts related to network security infrastructure
• Articulate the importance of data security and security controls
• Explain access control concepts
• Describe physical access controls
• Describe Incident Response (IR)
• Define Business Continuity (BC)
• Define Disaster Recovery (DR)
• Define and explain the need for security awareness training
• Describe the concepts of governance, risk management, and compliance

In short, you’ll be well on your way past the beginner stage.

Certification Prep: CCNA, A+, and Security+

Certifications are an excellent way for cybersecurity professionals of all levels to prove their aptitude to potential employers, but they are especially important for beginners. They show you’ve not only invested time and money into learning critical skills but have also mastered them.

Here are the top three certifications we recommend for beginners:

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

This entry-level certification prepares you for a networking role in IT by teaching you how to manage and optimize networks. You’ll learn about IP connectivity and IP services and get hands-on with Wireshark and Nmap basics. It’s perfect for those interested in all elements of a modern network infrastructure. Plus, you can take practice exams through Cybrary to ensure you’re ready to ace the real thing.

2. CompTIA A+ (220-1101, 220-1102)

A+ is a great certification for beginners because it reinforces your knowledge of everyday technology, hardware, and software in the workplace. This certification consists of two exams. Core 1 focuses on the hardware side of A+, including configuring peripheral devices, repairing devices, and other elements that provide critical IT support. Core 2 focuses on the software side, including operating system support, software troubleshooting, and more.

3. CompTIA Security+ (SYO-701)

CompTIA Security+ is the perfect certification if you have a bit of a foundation and are looking to expand into other roles in cybersecurity. This certification equips IT professionals with cybersecurity principles and security best practices and is often used as a requirement for entry-level cybersecurity positions.

Additional Support Resources from Cybrary

Beyond its beginner-friendly courses, Cybrary offers a range of additional resources. We have active discussion boards where you can connect with peers, ask questions, and share insights. And we can connect you with a mentor from our vast network of experienced cybersecurity professionals. We are here to help you navigate your career path and overcome industry challenges.

Cybrary also includes progress-tracking tools that allow you to monitor achievements, identify skill gaps, and map out your next steps—whether advancing to intermediate courses or preparing for industry certifications. Our structured approach ensures beginners continuously build on their skills and achieve their cybersecurity career goals.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Jump in head first with our full IT and Cybersecurity Career Path, or take it one building block at a time with Entry Level Cybersecurity. And if you’re ready to pursue certification, start with CNNA, A+, or Sec+. All will give you the foundational knowledge and skills to build a thriving cybersecurity career. Cybrary is here to help. Sign up today.