Guide for free Cyber Security Training for Beginners and Practitioners (2026)
- Reto Zeidler
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Free cyber security training resources for beginners and professionals. Updated 2026 guide covering certifications, hands-on labs, AI security, OT/ICS security, and industry-recognized learning platforms.
Cyber security skills are in high demand, but high-quality training does not always have to be expensive.
This guide provides an updated, curated overview of free cyber security training resources for beginners, career switchers, and experienced professionals. It includes official certification programs, hands-on platforms, vendor-neutral learning, and emerging AI-security topics.
Important note:“Free training” does not always mean a “free certification”. Many platforms offer free learning with optional paid exams or certificates. I added comments so you can see what's "free".
1. Official Free Certification Programs (Rare, high value)
ISC2 – Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Level: Beginner to early professional
What’s free: Full self-paced training + exam voucher
Credential: Yes (industry-recognized)
Why it matters: One of the very few completely free cyber security certifications from a globally recognized body
ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity initiative provides free access to training and the certification exam. This is an excellent entry point for anyone starting a cyber security career.
2. University & Platform-Based Free Cyber Security Courses
Coursera – Free Course Audit
Level: Beginner to intermediate
What’s free: Full course content (audit mode)
Certificate: Optional (paid)
Coursera allows learners to audit many cyber security courses for free, including content from universities and industry leaders.
IBM SkillsBuild – Cybersecurity & AI Skills
Level: Beginner to professional
What’s free: Structured learning paths + digital badges
Focus areas: Cybersecurity fundamentals, AI, data protection
IBM SkillsBuild is particularly valuable for learners interested in AI-related cyber security skills and practical, job-oriented learning.
Great Learning – Free Cybersecurity Courses
Level: Beginner to intermediate
What’s free: Short courses with certificates of completion
Topics include network security, cryptography, cyber risk, and basic forensics.
3. Vendor & Industry-Backed Free Trainings
Fortinet – Training Institute
Level: Beginner to professional
What’s free: Self-paced courses (NSE levels 1–3)
Focus: Network security, Zero Trust, AI-driven security operations
Fortinet’s free courses are well-structured and widely used in enterprise environments.
SANS Institute – Cyber Aces
Level: Beginner to intermediate
What’s free: Cyber Aces courses, labs, and workshops
SANS Cyber Aces provides foundational cyber security knowledge and hands-on labs backed by one of the most respected training providers in the industry.
EC-Council – Free Cybersecurity Courses
Level: Beginner
What’s free: Multiple introductory cyber security courses with certificates
EC-Council offers free awareness-level courses covering cloud, security basics, and cyber hygiene.
Microsoft Learning – Free Cyber Security Training (Beginner to Professional)
With Microsoft Learn, Microsoft provides a comprehensive free learning platform, offering interactive, self-paced training modules and learning paths across cyber security, cloud, identity, compliance and risk management.
Level: Beginner to Expert
What’s free: Structured learning paths + digital badges
Certificate: Microsoft Certification Exams are at a cost (check https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/ for details)
4. Hands-On Learning & Practical Skill Development
Immersive Labs – Cyber Million (Free Hands-On Cyber Skills & Career Path)
Cyber Million is a free, hands-on cyber training initiative, designed to help individuals build practical cyber security skills and reduce barriers to entry for defensive security roles.
Level: Beginner to advanced
What’s free: Self-paced cyber training modules in selected learning paths and labs
Focus: All training is interactive, encouraging active practice over passive video watching.
TryHackMe – Free Labs
Level: Beginner to advanced
What’s free: Selected learning paths and labs
Focus: Practical skills, CTF-style exercises
TryHackMe is ideal for learners who want to practice rather than just read theory.
Capture-The-Flag (CTF) Platforms (Learning by Doing)
CTFs simulate real-world attack and defense scenarios
Excellent for improving hands-on skills and problem-solving
5. Free Training for Operational Technology (OT / ICS Security)
CISA – ICS Cybersecurity Training
Level: Beginner to advanced
What’s free: ICS/SCADA cyber security courses
Focus: Critical infrastructure, industrial environments
Highly valuable for professionals working with energy, manufacturing, utilities, or critical infrastructure.
How to Use This Guide Effectively
Beginners:Start with ISC2 CC, IBM SkillsBuild, or SANS Cyber Aces.
Career switchers:Combine structured learning (Coursera, Great Learning) with hands-on labs (TryHackMe).
Professionals:Use free vendor training (Fortinet, IBM) and OT-specific programs (CISA ICS) to deepen specialization.
Final Thoughts
Free cyber security training has matured significantly. While advanced certifications still usually require investment, it is now possible to build solid foundational and even intermediate skills entirely for free.
This guide will be updated regularly as new programs and initiatives emerge.