How to learn Cyber security for free

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, theft, or damage. With the increasing number of cyber threats, cybersecurity is a critical field, and there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals to protect personal and organizational data.

Key Concepts in Cybersecurity:

1. Network Security – Protects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and systems by controlling network traffic and defending against threats like malware and DDoS attacks.
2. Application Security – Ensures that software applications are designed, developed, and deployed in a secure way to prevent vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, etc.
3. Endpoint Security – Protects devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets from cyber threats.
4. Incident Response – Involves preparing for, detecting, and responding to security breaches or cyberattacks.
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Controls who can access what resources in an organization and ensures only authorized individuals can view or modify sensitive data.
6. Cryptography – The practice of securing data through encryption algorithms and key management techniques.
7. Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking – Simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

Free Resources to Learn Cybersecurity:

1. Cybrary

   • Free Tier: Offers many free courses on cybersecurity topics such as ethical hacking, security fundamentals, and network security.
   • Premium Access: While there is a paid tier, there is plenty of free content for beginners to get started.

2. TryHackMe

   • Free Access: TryHackMe is a platform designed for beginners and intermediate learners to practice hacking and cybersecurity in a safe, legal environment.
   • Learning Paths: TryHackMe offers structured learning paths, with free introductory rooms focusing on hacking, penetration testing, and security basics.
   • Labs: Hands-on labs to practice ethical hacking and incident response in a controlled environment.

3. Hack The Box (HTB)

   • Free Tier: Hack The Box offers free access to its training platform, where you can practice hacking on real-world virtual machines and systems in a penetration testing environment.
   • Challenges: HTB has a wide range of challenges from beginner to expert level, including web application security, network security, and system exploitation.

4. OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)

   • OWASP offers free educational resources on web application security. It’s an essential organization for anyone looking to dive deep into secure coding practices.
   • OWASP Top 10: The OWASP Top 10 is a foundational resource for understanding the most critical web application security risks, and it’s freely available to all.

5. SANS Cyber Aces

   • Free Courses: SANS Institute, one of the leading cybersecurity education providers, offers free introductory cybersecurity courses through Cyber Aces.
   • Topics: Includes basic network security, operating system security, and essential security practices for IT professionals.

6. Coursera & edX (Free Audits)

   • Platforms like Coursera and edX offer free access to courses from top universities. You can audit courses for free, meaning you have access to the course materials, but you don’t get a certificate unless you pay.
   • Recommended Courses:
     • Introduction to Cyber Security (by NYU on Coursera)
     • Cybersecurity Fundamentals (by University of Maryland on Coursera)
     • Cybersecurity for Business (by University of Colorado on Coursera)

7. OverTheWire

   • Wargames: OverTheWire offers “wargames” for beginners to practice hacking and cybersecurity skills by solving challenges on virtual machines.
   • Start with Bandit: Bandit is a great beginner game for learning Linux command-line skills and basic cybersecurity concepts.

Practice Labs for Cybersecurity:

1. Vulnhub: Provides vulnerable virtual machines to practice penetration testing and ethical hacking in a safe environment.
2. Cuckoo Sandbox: A free and open-source automated malware analysis system to learn about malicious software and how to handle it.
3. Metasploit: Metasploit Framework is a powerful tool for penetration testing, helping you discover vulnerabilities in systems.

Certifications to Consider (Free or Low-Cost):

1. CompTIA Security+ – A well-regarded entry-level certification in cybersecurity (though it typically requires payment, there are free study resources).
2. Cisco’s CCNA – Focuses on networking and security. There are free resources to prepare for it.
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Though typically expensive, there are free resources and practice exams online that can help you prepare.
4. Google IT Support Professional Certificate – Available on Coursera, includes some basic cybersecurity topics and is beginner-friendly.