Certification

Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners in 2025 Your Friendly Hacker May 21, 2025 9:15 pm No Comments 4 Min Read Introduction Table of Contents In today’s digital world, where cybercrime is rising fast, cyber security certifications are the key to launching a career in one of the most in-demand fields globally. Whether you’re a student, IT professional, or someone switching careers, getting certified is the best way to prove your skills and get noticed by employers. This blog covers the top 10 beginner-friendly cyber security certifications in 2025, what each one offers, how much it costs, how long it takes, and where to get affordable, high-quality training. Table of Top Cyber Security Certifications for Beginners Table Coming Soon 1. CompTIA Security+ If you’re searching for the best cyber security certification for beginners, CompTIA Security+ is a strong contender. It’s vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and often a requirement for government and private sector roles. CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification that covers foundational security skills like threat management, risk assessment, and network security. It’s ideal for beginners looking to start a career in IT security. 🧠 Key Features: Exam Fee: ~$392 Focus: Threats, risk management, cryptography Validity: 3 years Take the full Security+ training with practice exams on Udemy or Coursera. 2. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera) Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera) is a beginner-friendly, self-paced certification program designed to teach essential cybersecurity skills like threat detection, network security, and incident response. Offered on Coursera, it prepares learners for entry-level jobs with no prior experience required.  Key Features: Cost: $49/month Duration: ~6 months Topics: Risk management, security tools, networking basics Start learning cybersecurity from Google on Coursera. 7-day free trial! 3. Cisco Certified Support Technician – Cybersecurity Cisco Certified Support Technician – Cybersecurity is an entry-level certification that introduces foundational cybersecurity concepts, including network defense, security operations, and basic threat analysis. It’s ideal for beginners aiming to start a support or security technician role in IT. For those with a networking background, Cisco’s CCST Cybersecurity certification teaches threat detection and mitigation in real-world environments. 🧠 Key Features: Exam Fee: $125 Duration: 2–3 months Format: Multiple-choice Prepare for CCST Cybersecurity with Cisco Networking Academy. 4. Microsoft SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity Interested in cloud security? This Microsoft certification gives an overview of security concepts within Azure and Microsoft 365. Microsoft SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals is a foundational certification that covers core concepts of security, compliance, and identity within Microsoft cloud services. It’s ideal for beginners who want to understand Microsoft’s security solutions and start a career in cloud-based cybersecurity. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: $99 Ideal for: Beginners in cloud and compliance Get SC-900 fundamentals on LinkedIn Learning. 5. (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) is a free entry-level certification designed for beginners with no prior experience, offering foundational knowledge in security principles, network security, and access controls. It’s a great starting point for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity. This free certification is designed for complete beginners and introduces core cybersecurity concepts like access control, network security, and governance. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: Free (for a limited time) Duration: 1–2 months Offered by: (ISC)² Enroll for (ISC)² CC Certification for free on (ISC)²’s Official Site. 6. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) If you’re unsure whether cybersecurity is for you, this entry-level IT cert is a great place to start. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is an entry-level certification that introduces basic IT concepts such as hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity. It’s perfect for absolute beginners exploring a potential career in information technology or cybersecurity. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: ~$130 Focus: Computer basics, software, security Learn ITF+ basics on Pluralsight or Udemy. 7. Fortinet NSE 1–3 Certifications (Free) Want free cyber security certifications that still carry weight? Fortinet’s NSE 1–3 cover foundational concepts with real-world examples. Fortinet NSE 1–3 Certifications are free, self-paced certifications that cover basic cybersecurity concepts, threat landscapes, and Fortinet product awareness. They are ideal for beginners wanting to understand network security fundamentals and explore a career in cybersecurity. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: Free Focus: Threat landscape, firewalls, access control Join Fortinet’s NSE program at Fortinet NSE Institute. 8. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an entry-level certification that provides a broad understanding of AWS cloud services, security, pricing, and support. It’s ideal for beginners interested in cloud computing and how security operates within the AWS ecosystem. A strong foundation for cloud security roles, this AWS certification introduces cloud architecture and security best practices. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: ~$100 Best for: Cloud security careers Learn AWS Cloud fundamentals via A Cloud Guru or Coursera. 9. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst (Coursera) IBM Cybersecurity Analyst (Coursera) is a beginner-friendly certification program that teaches essential skills like threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. Offered on Coursera, it prepares learners for entry-level cybersecurity analyst roles with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios. This beginner-to-intermediate level certificate includes practical labs and real-world tools like QRadar, Wireshark, and more. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: $49/month Duration: ~6 months Outcome: Portfolio-ready capstone projec Best for: Cloud security careers Learn from IBM on Coursera. Includes hands-on labs. 10. CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker If your dream is to become an ethical hacker, CEH is a great place to start. It’s expensive, but highly respected. CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker is a well-known certification that teaches how to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities ethically. It’s designed for those interested in penetration testing and offensive cybersecurity to help organizations strengthen their defenses. 🧠 Key Features: Cost: ~$950+ Topics: Scanning, hacking tools, malware, web app security Get trained for CEH via EC-Council or iClass. Conclusion: Which Cyber Security Certification is Right for You? Here’s a quick guide based on your goals: General security foundation: CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Certificate Cloud-focused: Microsoft SC-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner Free entry point: (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity or Fortinet NSE Hands-on labs: IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Ethical hacking: CEH by EC-Council Investing in a cyber