The best cybersecurity courses to become an expert in 2025

Becoming a cybersecurity expert in 2025 requires more than just technical knowledge – it demands a holistic understanding of emerging threats, defensive strategies, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing attack vectors. Today’s tech landscape has opened the doors to an era where cybercrime and security breaches are becoming more and more common. For many organizations, data protection and information security are top concerns, which means that IT pros with specialized skill sets in these areas are in high demand.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating your existing skills, in this guide, we’ll cut through the noise to highlight the most impactful cybersecurity courses that will truly prepare you for the challenges ahead.

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Google’s professional certificate in cybersecurity is an entry-level course that will help you become acquainted with the basics of threat detection and prevention, damage mitigation, and more. 

The self-paced coursework covers topics like programming for cybersecurity, intrusion detection systems, using SIEM (security information and event management) tools, and more. It even teaches you how to leverage AI tools to be more productive. With Google’s strong reputation and the course’s 4.8-star ratings, this is one of the best courses for cybersecurity. 

Course Length: 6 months, 7 hours per week

Estimated Cost: $49 (offered through Coursera)

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IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate

IBM offers a professional certificate program through which individuals in the IT security space can earn a Cybersecurity Analyst badge. Widely considered one of the best online courses for cybersecurity, the program is made up of seven modules that can be completed through Coursera. Modules include topics such as… 

• Intro to cybersecurity tools and cyber attacks
• Cybersecurity roles, processes, and operating system security
• Cybersecurity compliance framework and system administration
• Network security and database vulnerabilities
• Penetration testing, incident response, and forensics
• Cyber threat intelligence
• Breach response case studies

The comprehensive material in IBM’s badge program helps individuals gain real-world skills that they can apply to careers in the cybersecurity space. 

Course Length: 4 months, 10 hours per week

Estimated Cost: $49 (offered through Coursera)

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Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert Professional Certificate

Like Google and IBM, Microsoft offers its own professional certificate program in the field of cybersecurity. Microsoft’s program is focused on translating cybersecurity strategy into actual protection of an organization’s assets, business, and operations. The program equips individuals to design, guide, implement, and maintain security solutions that adhere to industry best practices, such as zero trust architecture and compliance. 

Where Microsoft’s program differs is in its requirements for prior experience. Candidates for this certificate should already have IT experience and should have at least some experience designing security solutions that include security technologies under the Microsoft umbrella.

Course Length: 6 months, 10 hours per week

Estimated Cost: $49 (offered through Coursera)

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Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp

Fullstack Academy’s cybersecurity boot camp has long been one of the top-rated and best online cybersecurity courses. This course equips those interested in a career in cybersecurity with both defensive and offensive skills to maintain a strong position against malevolent online actors. 

Fullstack’s course differs from some of the other courses on this list, as it provides live online classes led in real time by expert instructors. Rather than a self-paced course, this option gives you the chance to engage in a synchronous learning experience. 

Successful graduates of the course will leave with a Fullstack Academy certification, the assistance of extensive career prep, and strong preparation for the CompTIA Security+ exam. The curriculum includes over 30 key cybersecurity topics, training in leading cyber tools, and even sessions on applying AI in cybersecurity. 

Course Length: 12-26 weeks

Estimated Cost: $11,995 (payment plans are available with options as low as $226 per month)

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Cybersecurity for Everyone (University of Maryland)

The University of Maryland’s main campus, College Park, is now offering an exciting new course in cybersecurity and its impacts across various industries. The professor, Dr. Charles Harry, has an abundance of security knowledge gleaned from his illustrious career at the NSA. Unlike some of the other courses on this list, Cybersecurity for Everyone caters to a wide range of participants, from cybersecurity novices to those actively working in IT security. 

Course participants will gain a new perspective on the technical foundations of cybersecurity while also addressing macro-level questions about governance, privacy, and risk management. The course’s big-picture structure makes it stand out when searching for the best cybersecurity course online. 

Course Length: 6 weeks, self-paced

Estimated Cost: $49 (offered through Coursera)

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SANS Foundations: SEC275

Offered by SANS, the Foundations course (SEC275) is perfect for anyone who is looking for a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity. If you are looking for the best course for cybersecurity, SEC275 will help you go from zero to accomplished in this field. 

The 13-module course includes high-definition video lectures with supporting materials like audio recordings, hands-on labs, and practice exercises. The multimedia nature of SEC275 helps every graduate succeed. 

Based on reviews from prior students, it is clear that SEC275 can support individuals across a wide range of technical abilities and job seniority. From novice IT security personnel to more senior executives, SEC275 builds a strong foundation in cybersecurity to help IT pros of all levels bring a stronger security posture to their organizations.  

Course Length: Access for 4 months, 50-60 hours of total coursework

Estimated Cost: $3,400

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Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Entry-Level Certification by ISC2

The “Certified in Cybersecurity,” or CC, program by ISC2 is a great first step toward solidifying a rewarding cybersecurity career. This is one of the best online cybersecurity courses for beginners, and ISC2 is a well-respected training company that carries a lot of weight on a resume. 

Plus, the training is completely free as a part of ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity initiative. That program is focused on spreading the principles and knowledge of cybersecurity risks and importance throughout the world. 

The course’s five modules include key topics like security principles, disaster recovery, incident response, access control concepts, network security, and security operations. Familiarizing yourself with the ISC2 training format now can also be an asset if you choose to gain additional ISC2 certifications down the line. 

Course Length: 4 weeks, self-paced

Estimated Cost: Free

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MIT xPRO Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, is an incredibly well-ranked and well-respected university based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The MIT xPRO cybersecurity certificate gives learners of all ages the opportunity to build relevant career skills and learn the basics of cybersecurity in a high-caliber setting with genuine MIT professors. 

The program is divided into three, eight-week modules that demand about 15-20 hours per week from students. The main topics include introduction to cybersecurity, defensive cybersecurity, and offensive cybersecurity. Graduates of the program will leave with a certificate from a globally renowned university as well as 36 continuing education units (CEUs). There’s no doubt that MIT should be on your list if you are looking for the best course for cybersecurity. 

Course Length: 24 weeks

Estimated Cost: $6,502

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Become a cybersecurity expert this year

The courses we’ve outlined today represent more than just learning opportunities—they’re your gateway to becoming a sought-after cybersecurity expert. But here’s what sets successful security professionals apart: they understand that robust cybersecurity isn’t just about threat response—it’s about comprehensive IT management and proactive protection.

This is where Atera becomes your competitive advantage. Our platform empowers IT professionals with:

• Automated patch management to close security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited
• Advanced network discovery to maintain complete visibility of your infrastructure
• Real-time monitoring and alerts to catch potential security issues early
• Integrated helpdesk capabilities to manage security incidents efficiently
• Comprehensive reporting to track your security posture and compliance

Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or advancing your existing expertise, combining your new skills with powerful tools like Atera multiplies your effectiveness. Our platform automates routine security tasks, giving you more time to focus on strategic security initiatives and complex challenges.

Ready to elevate your cybersecurity practice? Start your free 30-day trial of Atera today and experience firsthand how the right tools can transform your approach to IT security. Your journey to becoming a cybersecurity expert isn’t just about what you know—it’s about having the right resources to put that knowledge into action.

Learn more about how you can change the way you do IT with a free 30-day trial of Atera.