Career advice

Become a Cyber Security Specialist

Cyber security specialists work in a range of fields, protecting the data and networks of both public and private sector organisations. Learn about the cyber security skills you'll need for the job and get them with short online cyber security courses.

  • Median base salary £35,000
  • Entry requirements 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • UK job openings/month 3,000
  • Job satisfaction 4.0/5
Source: Glassdoor's Cybersecurity Salary page

What skills do you need for a job in cyber security?

  • Technical background

    Most professional cyber security specialists already have a technical background, whether a computer science or mathematics degree, or hands-on experience of administering IT systems.

  • Specialist knowledge

    There are a range of specialisms within a cyber security career. You could choose between fields such as network security or app security, or specific roles such as security analyst or ethical hacker.

  • Industry certifications

    As you specialise and progress in your cyber security career, you’ll need to achieve specific qualifications. There a wealth of certifications to choose from, depending on your route.

  • Soft skills

    Understanding risks, developing strategies to protect organisations from them, and communicating your thinking clearly – often to laypeople – is a key part of working in cyber security too.

Develop these skills. Take short cyber security courses online

Coventry University & Institute of Coding

An Introduction to Cryptography

4.7 (31 reviews)

Explore how code breakers and spies influenced cryptography and investigate the role it plays in modern secure communication.

2 weeks

6 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

Find out more
Coventry University & Institute of Coding

Basics of Network Security

4.3 (31 reviews)

Explore the basic concepts of networks and network security and the tools used by network engineers and attackers.

2 weeks

6 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Coventry University

Network Defence Management Overview

5.0 (9 reviews)

Explore the basic requirements of network defence management.

2 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Coventry University & Institute of Coding

Security Operations

Examine the role and composition of a security operations centre (SOC) and how it works within an organisation.

2 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Coventry University

The Cyber Security Landscape

4.6 (31 reviews)

Understand cyber security today: explore threats and the key functions of cyber security within a commercial organisation.

2 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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The Open University

Introduction to Cyber Security

4.6 (182 reviews)

Discover essential cyber security knowledge and skills, and learn how you can better protect your digital life.

8 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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UCL (University College London) , UCL Consultants & PA Consulting

Introduction to GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation

4.6 (59 reviews)

Learn how to handle data in the digital economy safely, securely and respectfully.

3 weeks

2 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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University of Groningen

Understanding the GDPR

4.7 (43 reviews)

Get to grips with the General Data Protection Regulation and take the first steps to ensuring that your organisation is compliant.

4 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Raspberry Pi Foundation & National Centre for Computing Education

Introduction to Encryption and Cryptography

4.8 (26 reviews)

Learn how encryption keeps information safe, and teach your students how it's used in the world today. Supported by Google.

2 weeks

2 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Browse more courses in Business & Management and IT & Computer Science

What do experts think of these cyber security courses?

If you want an introduction to the subject that provides an overview or to improve your own personal information security, it is an excellent course - enjoyable, informative, engaging and authoritative.

Tony Morbin, Editor-in-Chief, SC Magazine
Learner on Introduction to Cyber Security

I was impressed. The content is really relevant and dynamic and not just your basic security tips - there’s a bit more to it than that. It’s very user interactive.

The North East Regional Cyber Crime Unit (UK)
Learner on Cyber Security: Safety at Home, Online, in Life

How to take cyber security courses online

Learn flexibly online, for free

Develop valuable skills with a short, online cyber security course wherever you are. Start learning for free, on desktop, tablet or mobile.

Upgrade or buy Unlimited for extra benefits

Upgrade your course for ongoing access to the course content, tests, and the chance to gain a Certificate of Achievement. Buy Unlimited for access to hundreds of short courses in a year and the ability to keep access to courses you gain a certificate on.

Meet cyber security experts

Learn the latest thinking from experts at top universities. Network with cyber security specialists all over the world.

Cyber Security Month logo

CyberSecMonth

1-31 October 2019

October 2019 is European Cyber Security Month, it aims to raise awareness of and promote cyber security among citizens and organisations. FutureLearn has a range online cyber security courses, enabling you to:

  • Improve your awareness of cyber security threats
  • Find out how to protect your personal information online
  • Protect the organisation you work for – whether it’s large or small

Find out more about CyberSecMonth