Free course on Microsoft Learn
Microsoft's Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) is a free course on Microsoft Learn introducing Microsoft security and compliance services. You learn identity, access control, data protection, and regulatory compliance. The course prepares for the SC-900 exam. After finishing, you understand security in Microsoft cloud. Security is increasingly critical and well-paid. This course is entry-level but opens doors to security-focused roles. The main limitation: SC-900 is foundational. For real security work, you need deeper knowledge (certifications like SC-200 or advanced courses).
Security professionals earn 15-25% more than average software developers, with average salaries of $130k-$180k in the US (source: Glassdoor and Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Microsoft Learn's path for the SC-900 certification. Covers security, compliance, and identity concepts, Microsoft Entra (Azure AD), and Microsoft security solutions. Free with an aligned cert.
CybersecurityBeginner
Harvard's introduction to cybersecurity for technical and non-technical audiences. Covers threats, authentication, networking, system security, and operational security. Free to audit; certificate available via edX.
CybersecurityBeginner
TryHackMe's free Pre-Security learning path. Covers cybersecurity careers, basic networking, web fundamentals, Linux, and Windows. Designed for total beginners with no IT background.
CybersecurityBeginner
TryHackMe's flagship beginner path covering the breadth of cybersecurity: networking, web exploitation, cryptography, defensive security, and incident response. Mostly free with hands-on rooms.