Your first steps in cybersecurity training are free!
Are you personally intrigued by cybersecurity or want to change careers to a field of the future like ours? Want to dip your big toe to estimate the temperature of the water before completely diving in?
Here are some cybersecurity training courses for beginners that are available for free on the internet! These will allow you an accessible entry into the subject, regardless of your level of knowledge.
Free training offered by CIRA
The CIRA is a non-profit organization that manages the .ca domain name in Canada and internationally. They are therefore very well placed to present cybersecurity training that takes into account our geographical reality.
Their free training, called Cybersecurity Practices for Remote Workers, is designed to be accessible to anyone using the internet and revolves around 6 main themes: How to secure home Wi-Fi, create strong passwords, virtual private networks, protection of confidential information, personal devices and phishing.
Let’s go to France
This training comes from our French cousins at the Autorité nationale en matière de sécurité et de défense des systèmes d’information (ANSSI). This training is offered free of charge and takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete. Supported by video capsules, written courses and quizzes to test your knowledge. It contains many examples from real-life business situations.
By successfully completing the training, you will obtain a certification. However, this is not an official certification in Canada.
Access the training (in French only).
CISCO Training
The multinational CISCO is a world leader in the field of network equipment. CISCO offers training on its platforms for all levels and on a wide variety of topics such as networks, operating systems and information technology, programming, programmable infrastructure (the internet of things/automation of infrastructures) and of course, cybersecurity.
Their training is offered in free open access at the pace of each person. You can also use a paid version when supported by a trainer. Note that their website is not fully translated, but their training courses are. You will therefore need some English knowledge to navigate their site.
IBM Training
We all know the computer giant IBM! They offer many free and accessible courses for beginners on Coursera. But first, we must tell you that the training is offered in English with French subtitles, and no certification is offered for free auditors. In other words, people who do not pay to have access to the training won’t get a certification.
Despite this, the Cyber Threat Intelligence training is an interesting starting point for those who wish to take their first steps in the field of cybersecurity.
Other Training Options
There is plenty of free training on various subjects online. You can search (or Google) according to your fields of interest to find the ones that suit you best.
However, who says free, sometimes says scam.
Make sure that the courses offered are supported by recognized organizations or companies. You will want to avoid the irony of wanting to learn about cybersecurity… and being a victim of cyberattacks!