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Cybersecurity is a critical field, and having certifications not only boosts your credibility but also opens doors to lucrative career opportunities. According to the 2022 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 95% of decision-makers believe certifications positively impact their team and 90% of leaders prefer hiring certified professionals.
Here’s a curated list of the best free cybersecurity courses and certifications for 2025 to help you stay ahead.
Top Free Cybersecurity Certifications
🌟 Introduction to Cybersecurity
Link to course
A foundational course perfect for beginners who want to explore the cybersecurity landscape. Offered by Cisco Networking Academy, it introduces basic concepts and tools.
🌟 Cybersecurity Essentials
Link to course
Dive deeper into the world of cybersecurity with this course, designed to expand your knowledge of cyber threats and defense mechanisms.
🌟 Networking Essentials
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Understand networking fundamentals, which are the backbone of cybersecurity, through this comprehensive Cisco course.
🌟 Intro to Information Security (Udacity)
Link to course
Learn about information security principles, cryptography, and security policies with Udacity’s beginner-friendly course.
🌟 Network Security (Udacity)
Link to course
Gain insights into securing networks and mitigating risks with hands-on projects and detailed explanations.
🌟 Fortinet FCF, FCA
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This program covers various aspects of Fortinet’s security solutions, helping you understand real-world applications of cybersecurity tools.
🌟 Information Security (OpenLearn)
Link to course
Explore the fundamentals of information security, including data protection and risk management, in this free course by OpenLearn.
🌟 Network Security (OpenLearn)
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Get a comprehensive understanding of network security practices and how to safeguard systems effectively.
🌟 Risk Management (OpenLearn)
Link to course
Learn how to assess and mitigate risks in organizational settings with this insightful course.
🌟 Certified in Cybersecurity℠ – CC (ISC²)
Link to course
A globally recognized certification aimed at newcomers to the field, offering free online training and exams.
More Free Learning Opportunities
- Cybrary: Visit site
Explore a wide range of free courses on penetration testing, incident response, and more. - SANS Cyber Aces Online: Visit site
A beginner-friendly platform covering basics like operating systems, networking, and security. - IBM Security Learning Academy: Visit site
Free training on topics like threat management and cloud security. - Fortinet Training Institute: Visit site
Offers certifications and resources for network security professionals. - AWS Security Fundamentals: Visit site
Focuses on securing cloud environments with AWS-specific tools and best practices.
- Free Cybersecurity Certificate’s in Splunk
10 different courses to gain SIEM tool experience/skill build.
1. The Art of Investigation (Defense SOC Analyst): https://lnkd.in/gFd8x57P
2. Data and Tools for Defense Analysts: https://lnkd.in/gGVEYgRr
3. Developing SOAR Applications: https://lnkd.in/g_WqDjT8
4. Scheduling Reports & Alerts: https://lnkd.in/gJa9Bsbe
5. Security Operations and Defense Analyst: https://lnkd.in/gKWFq6pn
6. Introduction to Cybersecurity Awareness: https://lnkd.in/gXFUYwrN
7. Introduction to Enterprise Security: https://lnkd.in/gDhScUjz
8. Visualizations: https://lnkd.in/g2GSfJGj
9. The Cybersecurity Landscape: https://lnkd.in/g7TPZnHS
10. Understanding Threats and Attacks: https://lnkd.in/gjzjpkbH
NOW LET’S ASK AI:
Data Science, Programming, and IT
- Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
- URL: Google IT Automation with Python
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Learn Python, Git, and automation for IT roles. Free to enroll, with a certificate available upon completion613.
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
- URL: IBM Data Science
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Covers data science tools, Python, SQL, and data visualization. Free to enroll613.
- Machine Learning by Stanford University
- URL: Machine Learning
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: A comprehensive introduction to machine learning algorithms and applications613.
- CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University
- URL: CS50
- Platform: edX
- Description: A beginner-friendly course covering computer science fundamentals and programming1113.
- Python for Everybody Specialization
- URL: Python for Everybody
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Learn Python programming and data structures for beginners613.
Business and Management
- Digital Marketing Specialization
- URL: Digital Marketing
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Covers SEO, analytics, and social media marketing. Free to enroll613.
- Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills
- URL: Successful Negotiation
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Learn negotiation techniques for business and personal use13.
- Project Management Principles and Practices
- URL: Project Management
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: A beginner-friendly course on project management fundamentals13.
Web Development and Design
- Build a Full Website using WordPress
- URL: WordPress Course
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Learn to create a website using WordPress12.
- HTML5 and CSS Fundamentals
- URL: HTML5 and CSS
- Platform: edX
- Description: A beginner-friendly course on web development basics12.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng
- URL: AI for Everyone
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: A non-technical introduction to AI concepts and applications13.
- Generative AI for Everyone
- URL: Generative AI
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Explore generative AI models and their applications12.
Language and Communication
- First Step Korean by Yonsei University
- URL: First Step Korean
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: A beginner-friendly course for learning Korean513.
- English for Career Development by University of Pennsylvania
- URL: English for Career Development
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Improve English communication skills for professional settings513.
Cybersecurity and Networking
- Cybersecurity for Everyone by University of Maryland
- URL: Cybersecurity for Everyone
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: A beginner-friendly introduction to cybersecurity concepts513.
- Cryptography I by Stanford University
- URL: Cryptography I
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Learn the fundamentals of cryptographic systems12.
Creative and Soft Skills
- Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
- URL: Creative Thinking
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Develop creative problem-solving skills513.
- How to Speak to Anyone & Be Fearless
- URL: Public Speaking
- Platform: Coursera
- Description: Overcome fear of public speaking and improve communication skills10.
Additional Platforms Offering Free Courses
Alison: https://alison.com
edX: https://www.edx.org
FutureLearn: https://www.futurelearn.com
LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning (1-month free trial)
Udemy: https://www.udemy.com (Free courses available)
Why Certifications Matter
Certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and validate your skills in an ever-evolving field. From beginners to seasoned professionals, the courses listed above provide excellent opportunities to enhance your knowledge and career prospects—all for free!
Stay informed and take the first step towards mastering cybersecurity today.

References:
Linkedin.com
Cisco.com