Most introductory or beginner level cybersecurity courses are not truly beginner level. Most of them assume some level of technical competence and expect that cybersecurity is not your first technical job role. However, as I've successfully mentored people coming from fields such as nursing, aviation (an airline pilot!), and real estate, I've learned that these people are underserved as far a true introduction. This Learning Path is an answer to that gap.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations
This course is part of Cybersecurity Foundations Specialization
Instructor: Keatron Evans
31,666 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(452 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 2 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
What Cybersecurity is
What an Operating System is
What Risk Management is
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Cybersecurity Foundations Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This course is an introductory cybersecurity path for people who have not been exposed to cybersecurity concepts in the workplace before. In these courses, a cybersecurity professional will walk the student through foundational concepts, commands and tools.
What's included
1 video
This course introduces you to the basic concepts that are usually not covered in other classes and bootcamps for people entering the industry. If you've been trying to break into cybersecurity and felt like the courses you've taken didn't address enough of the foundational aspects of cybersecurity and technology in general, this course is for you. It is the missing piece for brand-new cybersecurity students.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
This course is an introduction to networking and how networks work. When data moves, it generally moves from one network to another. Here, we teach the learner about the fundamentals of networking and how network technologies apply to cybersecurity.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
This course is an introduction to cloud computing. It builds from the Network Fundamentals course in this path and prepares the learner for learning cloud security.
What's included
7 videos2 assignments
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (164 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Computer Security and Networks
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 452
4.7
452 reviews
- 5 stars
81.73%
- 4 stars
13.26%
- 3 stars
2.82%
- 2 stars
0.65%
- 1 star
1.52%
New to Computer Security and Networks? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.