IBM · on edX

IBM: Cybersecurity Basics: Tools and Cyberattacks

Beginner 24 hours English Course CertificateFREE
Our recommendation
IBM's introduction to cybersecurity, free to audit on edX, covering the basics — key security tools, common cyberattacks and how organisations defend against them. It is a solid, accessible first course in security, part of IBM's cybersecurity series. The certificate is an optional paid extra.

Good for: Complete beginners who want a free introduction to cybersecurity.

Less suitable if: You already know security basics, or you want hands-on tools.

Skills you'll gain

CybersecuritySecurity toolsCyberattacksThreatsDefenceSecurity basics

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You are new to cybersecurity
You want a free introduction
You are exploring the field

Consider something else if you…

You already know the basics
You want hands-on tools
You want a job-focused programme

Requirements: None.

Realistic time: About 24 hours; a few weeks part-time.

About this course

This course opens IBM's Cybersecurity Analyst learning path: it covers the evolution of cybersecurity, the motivations behind different attacker types, malware and ransomware threats, security architecture and controls, and identity/physical access management, with hands-on labs and a final project, plus video segments where working cybersecurity practitioners discuss their own careers and perspectives.

What you'll learn

Apply key cybersecurity concepts, tools, and methodologies to protect digital and physical assets
Identify various security threats, including malware and ransomware
Understand authentication and identity management for safeguarding an organization
Relate critical thinking to common cybersecurity practices and architecture
Understand cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and the organizations behind them
Complete a hands-on final project demonstrating cybersecurity fundamentals

This course includes

24h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Free to audit on edX; a verified certificate is an optional paid extra.

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Is the certificate recognised?

Issued through edX with IBM, as part of its cybersecurity series. The learning is the value.

Instructor

I
Instructor
edX instructor

Coreen Ryskamp is a learning content lead at IBM, contributing to IBM's Cybersecurity Analyst and Cybersecurity Fundamentals Professional Certificate tracks on edX.

About this provider

ED
edX
Non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. 45M+ learners worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions

Yes to audit on edX. A verified certificate is an optional paid extra.
Yes as a free, accessible first introduction to cybersecurity concepts, tools and attacks.
Yes. It assumes no background and introduces the basics.
Only if you pay for the verified certificate; the learning itself is free to audit.
The rest of IBM's cybersecurity series, or a job-focused programme like the Google or IBM Cybersecurity certificates.
Free
to audit
Enroll now