Are you interested in breaking into the exciting field of cybersecurity but unsure of where to start? With cybersecurity job openings on the rise and salaries continuing to climb, now is an excellent time to begin your journey towards a rewarding career in this in-demand industry. However, getting your foot in the door can be challenging, especially for those without prior IT or security experience.

Fortunately, there are several free online certifications and courses available that can help you develop the foundational knowledge and skills needed to launch your cybersecurity career. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 free entry-level cybersecurity certifications you should consider taking to get your career off the ground.

Why Free Cybersecurity Certifications are Worth Your Time

You may be wondering, are free cybersecurity certifications even worth pursuing? Isn’t it better to invest in more prestigious, paid certifications from organizations like CompTIA or (ISC)²? While those higher-level certifications certainly have their place, free entry-level options can provide immense value, especially for beginners.

For starters, the cost of cybersecurity certifications has been steadily rising in recent years, making the free alternatives an increasingly attractive option. Many of the paid certs can now cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars – a significant investment for those just starting out. Free certifications allow you to get certified without draining your wallet.

But the benefits go beyond just cost savings. As a newcomer to the cybersecurity field, it’s crucial that you develop a well-rounded understanding of the various roles, tools, and skills involved. Free certifications are an excellent way to explore different cybersecurity specialties and find the area that best aligns with your interests and strengths. This exposure can help you make a more informed decision about which certification path to pursue next.

Additionally, many of these free programs are created by respected cybersecurity experts and organizations. They offer high-quality training content that can give you a strong foundation in essential cybersecurity concepts. Earning these certs demonstrates your commitment to learning and your eagerness to grow your skills – qualities that can impress potential employers.

So if you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey, don’t overlook the value of free entry-level certifications. They can be a strategic stepping stone towards achieving higher-level certifications and landing your first cybersecurity role.

Top 5 Free Cybersecurity Certifications to Consider

Now, let’s dive into the top 5 free cybersecurity certifications that can help kickstart your career:

1. Introduction to Information Technology (IT) by Coursera

The first certification on our list is the “Introduction to Information Technology” course offered by Coursera. This comprehensive program provides a solid foundation in core IT concepts, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the tech industry.

Over the course of 7 modules, you’ll gain a deep understanding of fundamental IT topics such as hardware, software, networking, databases, and cybersecurity. The curriculum also covers essential job search and career preparation skills, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to land your first IT or cybersecurity role.

Taught by renowned cybersecurity expert Josh Madakor, this Coursera course is entirely self-paced and online, allowing you to learn at your own convenience. By the end, you’ll earn a shareable certificate to showcase your newly acquired IT expertise.

2. Cybersecurity for Beginners by Cybrary

Next up is the “Cybersecurity for Beginners” course from Cybrary, a leading provider of online cybersecurity training. This 2-hour program offers a high-level overview of the various cybersecurity roles and specialties, making it the perfect introduction for those unsure of which path to pursue.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore the responsibilities and required skills for positions such as systems administrator, network administrator, digital forensics analyst, penetration tester, cloud engineer, and more. This exposure can help you determine which cybersecurity domain aligns best with your interests and talents.

In addition to the role-specific modules, the course also covers fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including threats, vulnerabilities, and defense mechanisms. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and be better equipped to choose your next certification or training program.

3. Blue Team Security Analyst Pathway by Security Blue Team

For those interested in pursuing a career as a security operations center (SOC) analyst, the “Blue Team Security Analyst Pathway” from Security Blue Team is an excellent free option to consider.

This 6-course bundle provides a comprehensive introduction to various blue team specialties, including threat hunting, vulnerability management, digital forensics, network analysis, and dark web operations. You’ll learn about the tools, techniques, and skills required to effectively detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats as part of a security operations team.

Completing this 30-hour pathway can give you a solid foundation in security operations and prepare you for Security Blue Team’s paid “Blue Team Level 1” certification – a respected entry-level credential for aspiring SOC analysts. By starting with the free pathway, you can explore the blue team domain and determine if it’s the right fit for your cybersecurity aspirations.

4. Cyber Threat Intelligence 101 by ARCX

Moving on, the “Cyber Threat Intelligence 101” course from ARCX offers a specialized introduction to the world of threat intelligence analysis. This free program delves into the core responsibilities and skills required for this crucial cybersecurity role.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to identify, analyze, and respond to cyber threats by leveraging various intelligence-gathering techniques and tools. Topics covered include threat actor profiling, vulnerability assessment, indicator of compromise (IOC) analysis, and threat reporting.

By the end of this self-paced, online training, you’ll have a solid grasp of the threat intelligence lifecycle and be prepared to take ARCX’s paid “Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst” certification exam. This free course is an excellent starting point for those interested in pursuing a career as a cybersecurity threat analyst.

5. Free Courses by TCM Security

Last but not least, we have the collection of free courses offered by TCM Security, a respected cybersecurity training provider founded by the renowned “Cyber Mentor.”

Within the free tier, TCM Security provides four distinct courses:

– Linux 100 Fundamentals

– Practical Help Desk & Programming 100 Fundamentals

– Soft Skills for the Job Market

– AI Security and Governance Certification

These programs cover a diverse range of topics, from essential Linux administration skills to the fundamentals of AI governance and risk management. The AI Security and Governance certification, in particular, stands out as a unique offering that can give you a head start in this emerging field.

By completing these free TCM Security courses, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and certifications to complement your growing cybersecurity skillset. The combination of technical and soft skills training can make you a more well-rounded and attractive candidate for entry-level cybersecurity roles.

Conclusion: Kickstart Your Cybersecurity Journey Today

The cybersecurity industry is experiencing tremendous growth, with an ever-increasing demand for skilled professionals. While breaking into this field may seem daunting, especially for those without prior experience, the free certifications and courses outlined in this blog post can provide an excellent starting point.

By taking advantage of these valuable resources, you can develop a solid foundation in essential cybersecurity concepts, explore different specialties, and demonstrate your commitment to learning and professional development. Whether your interests lie in security operations, threat intelligence, or emerging technologies like AI, there’s a free certification here to help you get your foot in the door.

Remember, the journey to a successful cybersecurity career is a marathon, not a sprint. These entry-level certifications are just the first step, but they can open the door to more advanced training, higher-level certifications, and exciting job opportunities in the years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Start your cybersecurity journey today by exploring these top 5 free certifications and set yourself up for long-term success in this dynamic and in-demand field.