Free course on TryHackMe
TryHackMe's Cyber Security 101 is a beginner-friendly introduction to cybersecurity concepts through interactive, hands-on labs. You learn threat models, defense strategies, and basic security principles in a gamified environment. The course is partially free (some rooms require TryHackMe Pro). After finishing, you understand cybersecurity fundamentals and have hands-on experience with attack scenarios. TryHackMe is one of the best platforms for learning hands-on security. The main limitation: free access is limited; most advanced content requires a subscription (around $10/month).
Cybersecurity roles are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs, with average salaries of $110k-$150k in the US (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor).
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.
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
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.