Online cybersecurity courses
Learn about the fundamentals of cybersecurity, how it’s evolving alongside growing digital threats, and what leaders can do to innovate in the space with cybersecurity courses online.
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When there are more devices than people, safeguarding digital information and assets is a top priority for both businesses and individuals — one that is becoming increasingly difficult. The number of cyberattacks has surged from 579 attacks per second in 2021 to 7,000 password attacks per second in 2024, according to Microsoft tracking.1
At the same time, the industry faces a global shortage of almost 4 million cybersecurity professionals. And with consistent growth in demand, experts are not confident that supply will catch up soon.2 Experienced cybersecurity leaders and new professionals are critical to mitigating risk in all industries, from healthcare and government data to financial systems.
Cybersecurity online courses on GetSmarter can provide a thorough exploration of the field’s fundamental concepts and the advanced strategies needed to protect digital environments. Whether you’re launching your career or seeking to enhance your current skills, these expertly designed programs offer the knowledge and tools needed to thrive.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of guarding organizations’ and individuals’ computers, data, and networks from digital attacks. These cyberattacks can have a variety of aims, such as accessing or destroying sensitive information, extorting money, and interrupting business.3
Why is cybersecurity important? When critical infrastructure, such as medical equipment, transportation, and financial systems, rely on technology, the potential risk for disruption is even higher. At an individual level, a cyberattack victim can have their identity and money stolen, or lose access to precious personal data, like family photos. In our digitally interconnected world, a breach in one digital space can pose a threat to everything else.4
At an organizational level, security breaches threaten the security of entire populations. For example, all prior and current customers, alumni and students at a university, or a rental management company’s full list of residents.
There are three main pillars to cybersecurity: people, processes, and technology. People are often responsible for recognizing and preventing cyberattacks, like flagging phishing scams or leaving their device secured when they’re away. Processes ensure a consistent approach to digital security, and could include organizational audits or an incident response plan. Technology acts as the first line of defense from cyber threats and updated software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems can prevent bad actors from succeeding.5
Types of cyberattacks
The primary goal of cybersecurity is to keep digital threats at bay. Some examples of the different kinds of cyber threats include:
- Malware: Short for “malicious software,” malware is computer software or code written to harm users, such as a virus or spyware. They can give attackers access to sensitive information or damage the computer.6
- Phishing: A phishing attack is a text, email, or other message that tricks users into sharing personal information, downloading malware, or sending money. Messages impersonating trusted brands, such as banks or the USPS, that ask users to reset their password or respond to a security breach are common phishing scams.7
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that holds a computer system hostage, and potentially threatens the data on it, until the user sends the attacker money.8
- Man-in-the-middle attack: Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks are when an attacker acts as an eavesdropper on a digital transaction, inserting themselves into the traffic so they can steal data. Public Wi-Fi is a common entry point for eavesdroppers to interrupt information.9
- Denial-of-service attack: A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack floods a computer network with requests in an attempt to overwhelm and disrupt regular business operations. When a network is compromised this way, regular users are unable to access services such as their email, bank account, or certain websites.10
Cybersecurity jobs
Cybersecurity professionals work in a range of functions and industries, collaborating with one another and other information technology professionals to build a robust system of defenses and protocols to protect against bad actors. Some may be more involved in the technical and programming side of cybersecurity — building the software that recognizes and disrupts malware. Others help formulate the testing, response, and leadership teams that implement these defenses.
Some examples of cybersecurity-related careers include:
- Information security analyst: Plans and executes the security measures to protect an organization’s computer systems.11
- Cybersecurity engineer: Builds and maintains a computer network’s security system.12
- Penetration tester: Attempts to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system for the purposes of identifying and fixing weak spots.13
- Cybersecurity compliance analyst: Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s data and systems via audits and assessments.14
Why should I enroll in cybersecurity short courses?
Enrolling in cybersecurity online courses can help new professionals gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. From risk assessment and the regulatory environment to the technical architecture of security protocols, an introductory course can be a fast, flexible way to enter the space.
Current cybersecurity professionals might be interested in programs that target specific skill development or changes in the field. For example, how has digital risk management evolved as computer threats and systems alike become more complex?
Leaders in the space can also find value in online cybersecurity courses. Research reveals a skills gap among cybersecurity managers that their staff is noticing. In a survey of professionals, communication and a lack of clear direction was the most-cited complaint about leadership.15 Ensuring that cybersecurity work is understood by stakeholders and team members alike is a key component of driving organizational security.
Sources
1Jakkal, V. (Feb, 2025). ‘How AI is transforming cybersecurity: tackling the surge in cyber threats’. Retrieved from Microsoft Source Canada.
2(Apr, 2024). ‘Strategic cybersecurity talent framework white paper’. Retrieved from World Economic Forum.
3(Nd). ‘What is cybersecurity?’. Retrieved from Cisco. Accessed on March 17, 2025.
4(Feb, 2021). ‘What is cybersecurity?’. Retrieved from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
5(Sep, 2023). ‘The three pillars of cybersecurity: people, process, and technology’. Retrieved from LinkedIn.
6(Nd). ‘What is a cyberattack?’. Retrieved from Cisco. Accessed on March 17, 2025.
7Lindemulder, G & Kosinski, M. (Aug, 2024). ‘What is cybersecurity?’. Retrieved from IBM.
8(Nd). ‘Types of cyberattacks’. Retrieved from Fortinet. Accessed on March 18, 2025.
9(Nd). ‘What is a cyberattack?’. Retrieved from Cisco. Accessed on March 17, 2025.
10Baker, K. (May, 2024). ‘12 most common types of cyberattacks’. Retrieved from Crowdstrike.
11(Aug, 2024). ‘What information security analysts do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
12Sherwood, J. (Sep, 2023). ‘Your next move: cybersecurity engineer’. Retrieved from CompTIA.
13(Nd). ‘What is penetration testing? | What is pen testing?’. Retrieved from Cloudflare. Accessed on March 18, 2025.
14(Nd). ‘Discover the skills of a cybersecurity compliance analyst’. Retrieved from Salesforce Trailhead. Accessed on March 18. 2025.
15(Dec, 2024). ‘ISC2 survey: more cybersecurity leadership training needed’. Retrieved from ISC2.
Register for cybersecurity online courses
When there are more devices than people, safeguarding digital information and assets is a top priority for both businesses and individuals — one that is becoming increasingly difficult. The number of cyberattacks has surged from 579 attacks per second in 2021 to 7,000 password attacks per second in 2024, according to Microsoft tracking.1
At the same time, the industry faces a global shortage of almost 4 million cybersecurity professionals. And with consistent growth in demand, experts are not confident that supply will catch up soon.2 Experienced cybersecurity leaders and new professionals are critical to mitigating risk in all industries, from healthcare and government data to financial systems.
Cybersecurity online courses on GetSmarter can provide a thorough exploration of the field’s fundamental concepts and the advanced strategies needed to protect digital environments. Whether you’re launching your career or seeking to enhance your current skills, these expertly designed programs offer the knowledge and tools needed to thrive.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of guarding organizations’ and individuals’ computers, data, and networks from digital attacks. These cyberattacks can have a variety of aims, such as accessing or destroying sensitive information, extorting money, and interrupting business.3
Why is cybersecurity important? When critical infrastructure, such as medical equipment, transportation, and financial systems, rely on technology, the potential risk for disruption is even higher. At an individual level, a cyberattack victim can have their identity and money stolen, or lose access to precious personal data, like family photos. In our digitally interconnected world, a breach in one digital space can pose a threat to everything else.4
At an organizational level, security breaches threaten the security of entire populations. For example, all prior and current customers, alumni and students at a university, or a rental management company’s full list of residents.
There are three main pillars to cybersecurity: people, processes, and technology. People are often responsible for recognizing and preventing cyberattacks, like flagging phishing scams or leaving their device secured when they’re away. Processes ensure a consistent approach to digital security, and could include organizational audits or an incident response plan. Technology acts as the first line of defense from cyber threats and updated software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems can prevent bad actors from succeeding.5
Types of cyberattacks
The primary goal of cybersecurity is to keep digital threats at bay. Some examples of the different kinds of cyber threats include:
- Malware: Short for “malicious software,” malware is computer software or code written to harm users, such as a virus or spyware. They can give attackers access to sensitive information or damage the computer.6
- Phishing: A phishing attack is a text, email, or other message that tricks users into sharing personal information, downloading malware, or sending money. Messages impersonating trusted brands, such as banks or the USPS, that ask users to reset their password or respond to a security breach are common phishing scams.7
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that holds a computer system hostage, and potentially threatens the data on it, until the user sends the attacker money.8
- Man-in-the-middle attack: Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks are when an attacker acts as an eavesdropper on a digital transaction, inserting themselves into the traffic so they can steal data. Public Wi-Fi is a common entry point for eavesdroppers to interrupt information.9
- Denial-of-service attack: A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack floods a computer network with requests in an attempt to overwhelm and disrupt regular business operations. When a network is compromised this way, regular users are unable to access services such as their email, bank account, or certain websites.10
Cybersecurity jobs
Cybersecurity professionals work in a range of functions and industries, collaborating with one another and other information technology professionals to build a robust system of defenses and protocols to protect against bad actors. Some may be more involved in the technical and programming side of cybersecurity — building the software that recognizes and disrupts malware. Others help formulate the testing, response, and leadership teams that implement these defenses.
Some examples of cybersecurity-related careers include:
- Information security analyst: Plans and executes the security measures to protect an organization’s computer systems.11
- Cybersecurity engineer: Builds and maintains a computer network’s security system.12
- Penetration tester: Attempts to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system for the purposes of identifying and fixing weak spots.13
- Cybersecurity compliance analyst: Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s data and systems via audits and assessments.14
Why should I enroll in cybersecurity short courses?
Enrolling in cybersecurity online courses can help new professionals gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. From risk assessment and the regulatory environment to the technical architecture of security protocols, an introductory course can be a fast, flexible way to enter the space.
Current cybersecurity professionals might be interested in programs that target specific skill development or changes in the field. For example, how has digital risk management evolved as computer threats and systems alike become more complex?
Leaders in the space can also find value in online cybersecurity courses. Research reveals a skills gap among cybersecurity managers that their staff is noticing. In a survey of professionals, communication and a lack of clear direction was the most-cited complaint about leadership.15 Ensuring that cybersecurity work is understood by stakeholders and team members alike is a key component of driving organizational security.
Sources
1Jakkal, V. (Feb, 2025). ‘How AI is transforming cybersecurity: tackling the surge in cyber threats’. Retrieved from Microsoft Source Canada.
2(Apr, 2024). ‘Strategic cybersecurity talent framework white paper’. Retrieved from World Economic Forum.
3(Nd). ‘What is cybersecurity?’. Retrieved from Cisco. Accessed on March 17, 2025.
4(Feb, 2021). ‘What is cybersecurity?’. Retrieved from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
5(Sep, 2023). ‘The three pillars of cybersecurity: people, process, and technology’. Retrieved from LinkedIn.
6(Nd). ‘What is a cyberattack?’. Retrieved from Cisco. Accessed on March 17, 2025.
7Lindemulder, G & Kosinski, M. (Aug, 2024). ‘What is cybersecurity?’. Retrieved from IBM.
8(Nd). ‘Types of cyberattacks’. Retrieved from Fortinet. Accessed on March 18, 2025.
9(Nd). ‘What is a cyberattack?’. Retrieved from Cisco. Accessed on March 17, 2025.
10Baker, K. (May, 2024). ‘12 most common types of cyberattacks’. Retrieved from Crowdstrike.
11(Aug, 2024). ‘What information security analysts do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
12Sherwood, J. (Sep, 2023). ‘Your next move: cybersecurity engineer’. Retrieved from CompTIA.
13(Nd). ‘What is penetration testing? | What is pen testing?’. Retrieved from Cloudflare. Accessed on March 18, 2025.
14(Nd). ‘Discover the skills of a cybersecurity compliance analyst’. Retrieved from Salesforce Trailhead. Accessed on March 18. 2025.
15(Dec, 2024). ‘ISC2 survey: more cybersecurity leadership training needed’. Retrieved from ISC2.
