As the field of cybersecurity continues to boom, the training and educational courses available also are growing in number. It seems logical that training in this field include courses offered on the Internet. Heimdal Security offers a list of over 50 such courses. Some courses are free while others require payment.
Blogger Andra Zaharia notes that beginners face a number of challenges, such as learning technical vocabulary. This is where free online courses can offer a real advantage, giving entry-level professionals the opportunity to learn the vernacular at their own pace, in their own time. The first item on the list is a free course, delivered by e-mail, that aims to meet and overcome many of those challenges.
The list was last updated in May 2016. Here are a few new sites not on the original list of 50.
- Federal Virtual Training Environment: “Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) is an free online, on-demand cybersecurity training system that is available at no charge to for government personnel and veterans. Managed by DHS, FedVTE contains more than 800 hours of training on topics such as ethical hacking and surveillance, risk management, and malware analysis.”
- Boston University Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity, Graduate Certificate: “Ideal for law enforcement officers, computer science-related personnel, and business personnel who wish to enhance their expertise in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity techniques, the online graduate certificate program in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity (CIC) offers an interdisciplinary approach that combines criminal justice and cybersecurity.”
- FBI Cyber Investigator Certification Program (CICP): “This self-guided, online training program is now available—free of charge—to all local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement personnel.” “First responders interested in talking the course can access it through their Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) account.”
- Homeland Security Training for Cybersecurity Careers: “Training is essential to preparing the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow, and for keeping current cybersecurity workers up-to-date on skills and evolving threats. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to providing the nation with access to cybersecurity training and workforce development efforts to develop a more resilient and capable cyber nation.”
The training you need is out there. But, as in so many areas, buyer beware. A Google search for “cyber security online courses” brings up Stanford and MIT, but also shows a number of very small institutions which may not have the resources necessary for a quality educational experience.
Do you have a favorite online cybersecurity course or training program? Share it in the comments.
