Free Resources to Learn Cybersecurity for Beginners

By Devonte Longmire

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is about protecting your devices, data, and privacy from bad actors—like hackers, scammers, or viruses. It’s like having locks on your digital doors and windows.

Who Is This For?

This guide is for complete beginners—even if you don’t know what a firewall is or have never touched a line of code. Whether you’re a teen, a working adult, or someone who’s just curious, you can start today.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

You use technology every day—phones, emails, online banking. If you don’t know how to protect yourself, you could fall for scams, lose personal info, or worse. Learning cybersecurity means protecting yourself, your family, and maybe even landing a new career.

How to Get Started (for Free or Cheap)

1. Start With YouTube (Totally Free)

There are amazing free videos made for beginners:

NetworkChuck – Energetic videos about hacking, security, and tools.

David Bombal – Explains networking and cybersecurity step by step.

The Cyber Mentor – Beginner-friendly ethical hacking tutorials.

Tip: Search for “Cybersecurity for Beginners” or “How to Get into Cybersecurity.”

2. Explore Free Online Courses

These platforms offer real classes from professionals:

Cybrary – Free intro courses on IT and security topics.

TryHackMe – Hands-on learning in a virtual lab. Free beginner paths like “Pre-Security.”

Hack The Box (HTB Academy) – Practical labs with free modules like Linux Basics or Intro to Networking.

Coursera – Offers free auditing of courses (just don’t buy the certificate). Try Google’s “IT Support” course.

3. Udemy (Cheap, Frequent Discounts)

Udemy often runs $10–$15 sales on premium courses. Recommended beginner courses:

The Complete Cyber Security Course – Volume 1 (by Nathan House)

Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch (by Zaid Sabih)

You own the course forever once you buy it.

4. Check Out Your Local Library

Libraries often offer:

Free access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

Books on Cybersecurity and Hacking

Technology workshops or free computer classes

Ask your librarian: “Do you have any beginner cybersecurity resources?”

5. Use Free Tools and Apps

Hands-on practice is key. Try:

Kali Linux (free virtual machine for testing tools)

Wireshark – See how internet traffic works.

OpenDNS / Pi-hole – Learn how to protect your home network.

Note: Always practice ethical hacking in legal environments, like your own devices or training labs.

6. Join Communities and Forums

Surround yourself with people on the same path.

Reddit – r/cybersecurity, r/netsecstudents

Discord Servers – Search for beginner cybersecurity groups.

Twitter / LinkedIn – Follow cybersecurity pros who share advice and free events.

7. Get Free Certifications and Badges

Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate (Free if you’re eligible through Coursera or nonprofits)

IBM Cybersecurity Analyst on Coursera

Cisco Networking Academy – Offers free courses like “Introduction to Cybersecurity”

These may help you build a resume and get your first internship or job.

What Should You Learn First?

Here’s a path:

1. Basic Computer and Internet Concepts – What is a file? IP address? Router?

2. Networking – Learn how computers talk to each other.

3. Security Basics – What are firewalls, malware, phishing?

4. Operating Systems – Get comfortable with Windows and Linux.

5. Hands-on Practice – Try virtual labs on TryHackMe or HTB.

6. Ethical Hacking & Tools – Start with basic command-line tools.

Final Words

You don’t need a degree to start cybersecurity. You just need curiosity and consistent effort. Use what’s free, ask questions, take notes, and practice in safe environments.

Quick Links:

TryHackMe.com

Cybrary.it

Udemy.com

Coursera.org

LinkedIn Learning (free with many library cards)