Getting started in cyber security can feel confusing.
There are many courses, paths, and opinions out there.
That often leaves beginners unsure where to begin.
This post is designed to help you cut through the noise.
Below are 5 recommended beginner cyber security courses you can take online.
They focus on real learning — not hype — and are great first steps for anyone new to the field.
Most of them are available on Coursera — a popular education platform that partners with universities and tech companies to deliver high-quality online training.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to enrol through them, CyberHive may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend courses that are beginner-friendly and genuinely useful.
How These Courses Were Chosen
These courses were selected based on:
- beginner accessibility
- structured learning paths
- reputation and credibility
- real-world relevance
- availability on Coursera
If you want to build a foundation before moving into hands-on labs or specialised tools, these are a great place to start.
1.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
This is the course I completed first — and it set the foundation for everything else I’ve learned.
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is designed to take someone from zero experience to a strong beginner level.
It covers:
- core security concepts
- risk management
- threat types and mitigation
- practical tools and methods
You can find it on Coursera here:
👉 Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Who it’s best for:
Beginners who want structured, step-by-step learning with real examples and practice.
2.
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is another strong beginner-oriented program.
It explores how to protect systems, monitor networks, and respond to security incidents.
You can find it here on Coursera:
👉 IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
Who it’s best for:
Learners interested in a career-oriented pathway — especially if you like security operations and practical defensive skills.
3.
Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization (NYU)
Offered by New York University, this specialization provides a strong conceptual grounding in how cyber security works.
Topics include:
- identification and authentication
- security weaknesses
- basic threat response techniques
Link on Coursera:
👉 Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization
Who it’s best for:
Learners who want to understand concepts deeply before moving to tools and hands-on practice.
4.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
This shorter course on Coursera focuses on foundational cyber security principles.
It’s a good first taste of the field without committing to a full certificate.
Take it here:
👉 Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
Who it’s best for:
Absolute beginners who want a gentle introduction.
5.
Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Bonus)
Another beginner-friendly security certificate available on Coursera is offered by Microsoft.
This one is useful if you’re interested in how security works in corporate environments, especially where Microsoft tools and services are common.
If you want to include it in your Top 5, you can link it here:
👉 https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/microsoft-cybersecurity-analyst
How I’m Using These Courses
I started with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, because it gave me a broad foundation and made the rest of the field feel much more approachable.
From there, I plan to:
- explore the IBM certification
- compare practical skills with hands-on labs
- continue adding depth with other foundational programs
Because most of these courses are on Coursera, you can follow a structured learning path without flipping between platforms.
How This Fits into CyberHive
Learning about cyber security is not something anyone should do alone.
At CyberHive, we aim to help people learn together, step by step — just like bees in a hive.
In future posts, I’ll share:
- my personal progress through these courses
- what I learned in real terms
- comparison posts between structured courses and hands-on labs
What to Do Next
If you’re new to cyber security:
- Pick one course above and register
- Work through it at your own pace
- Reflect on what you learned
- Come back here and share your journey
Many minds. One secure hive. 🐝