• A course provides focused knowledge, such as Managing Cybersecurity Incidents and Disasters.
• A Specialization is a series of courses for building subject depth—like the Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization.
• A Professional Certificate prepares you for a cybersecurity job through practical, end-to-end training—such as the Google Cybersecurity Certificate or IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate. ‎

Take a short quiz to discover which cybersecurity course aligns best with your goals—whether you're interested in threat analysis, ethical hacking, network security, or preparing for a certification like CompTIA Security+. Take the quiz to find your best starting point.

Prefer a guided comparison? Use ChatGPT to compare top-rated cybersecurity courses and find one that meets your needs.‎

Yes. You can start learning cybersecurity on Coursera for free in two ways:

• Preview the first module of many cybersecurity courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
• Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in cybersecurity, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Cybersecurity courses cover skills like identifying threats, securing networks, managing incidents, and using tools such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. Some courses also include real-world simulations or labs to help you practice.‎

Not necessarily. Coursera offers beginner-friendly cybersecurity courses that explain key concepts in plain terms. If you’re new to the field, you can start with foundational topics and work your way up to more technical skills.‎

A cybersecurity risk assessment is the process of identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing risks to an organization’s digital assets and systems. It helps determine where to focus security efforts and how to reduce potential threats. Courses like Cybersecurity for Business from the University of Colorado on Coursera can help you learn key principles and frameworks.‎

A cybersecurity governance certification demonstrates your ability to manage risk, enforce security policies, and align cybersecurity strategies with organizational goals. It’s ideal for professionals in leadership, compliance, or risk roles. Courses like Security Governance & Compliance from the University of California, Irvine on Coursera offer foundational knowledge to support certification prep.‎