Cybersecurity skills are more essential than ever. In the last couple of years, almost 90% of organizations experienced some form of breach, partially attributed to a lack of cybersecurity expertise. This highlights the growing need for professionals equipped with the right skills to combat cyber threats.
With the rise of online learning, platforms like Coursera have made it easier to reskill and upskill in this critical field. However, Coursera isn’t the only option – there are many other platforms and learning paths tailored to different needs and budgets for cybersecurity training. Beginners, experienced IT professionals, and even cybersecurity experts looking to boost their skills can benefit from exploring various options to find the perfect fit for their goals.
What does Coursera offer in Cybersecurity?
Coursera provides a range of cybersecurity courses and specializations designed to equip learners with essential skills. It offers programs that cover topics from foundational cybersecurity principles to advanced threat detection and response strategies. Notable offerings include the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate.
With interactive assignments and industry-recognized certifications, Coursera’s cybersecurity programs provide practical, up-to-date knowledge. Most courses are self-paced, offering flexibility, but this can also make it challenging for some learners to stay motivated and complete their studies. Also, getting a vendor certificate doesn’t always yield a job offer or readiness to take a cyber role.
Top Alternatives to Coursera for Cyber Security Training
If you’re looking to start or expand your cybersecurity expertise, there are several excellent alternatives to Coursera that provide specialized content, hands-on labs, and flexible learning paths. Here are five top alternatives to consider:
TryHackMe:
TryHackMe offers accessible training for everyone, from beginners looking to build foundational knowledge to seasoned experts aiming to sharpen their skills. The platform immerses learners in real-world scenarios through interactive learning pathways that cover essential topics like penetration testing, SOC analyst tools, and programming languages. For those starting out, a free plan is available that provides access to basic content. For individuals who want to hit their goals faster with advanced resources and features, a premium subscription is available for $10.50 per month. TryHackMe’s step-by-step approach and virtual labs provide practical experience in a supportive environment.
Cybrary:
Cybrary provides access to over 2,000 self-paced, instructor-led courses on a wide range of cybersecurity topics. These courses cover both beginner-level content—building IT fundamentals—and advanced topics like penetration testing and incident response. It also features career paths, certification prep, and hands-on labs, making it a comprehensive resource for professional growth. Cybrary offers a free version for people looking to learn the basics about cybersecurity, a $49/month plan for individuals seeking their next career opportunity, and a $79/month plan for organizations aiming to reduce cyber risk through hands-on training for their cybersecurity teams.
Wawiwa Tech:
Wawiwa Tech focuses on reskilling and upskilling people to tech roles, including cybersecurity. Programs are tailored for individuals with no prior IT background, equipping them with job-ready cybersecurity skills in just a few months. Wawiwa’s cybersecurity programs include practical exercises and lab sessions where students apply their skills to real-world scenarios. Additionally, Wawiwa offers short upskilling courses lasting up to 40 hours – ideal for professionals looking to boost specific skills. Courses cover topics such as malware analysis, incident response, network forensics, and others. Wawiwa-powered programs and courses are offered by partners around the world, providing instructor-led, face-to-face training tailored to each market’s unique needs.
Altered Security:
Altered Security specializes in ethical hacking and advanced defensive strategies. It offers courses, online lab platforms, and focused bootcamps designed to teach both offensive and defensive tactics. Classes are available both on-site and virtually, providing flexibility for learners with different preferences. It’s known for its deep dive into critical areas such as Azure and Active Directory security, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to gain expertise in enterprise-level cybersecurity challenges. Course prices typically range from $249 to $699, depending on the course and lab access duration.
StationX:
StationX provides over 1,000 classes covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics, from penetration testing and Python programming to CompTIA certification prep and cybersecurity forensics. Their all-access pass allows learners to explore courses from beginner to expert levels. Whether you’re working toward certification or seeking to specialize in a niche area, StationX’s flexible offerings make it an attractive alternative for continuous learning. The platform offers a variety of pricing options, with some short courses available for as low as $26 during special promotions.
| Provider | Delivery Method | Course Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Coursera | Online | Self-paced & Instructor-led |
| TryHackMe | Online | Self-paced |
| Cybrary | Online | Self-paced & Instructor-led |
| Wawiwa Tech | On-site & Virtual | Instructor-led |
| Altered Security | On-site & Virtual | Instructor-led |
| StationX | Online | Self-paced |
What to Consider Before Choosing a Cyber Security Course
With many options available, selecting the right cybersecurity training can feel overwhelming. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider several factors based on your learning style, career goals, and availability.
Evaluate the depth and focus of the course content. Some courses are designed for beginners and cover general cybersecurity concepts, while others delve into advanced topics like ethical hacking, digital forensics, and threat analysis.
Decide whether you prefer online or face-to-face learning. Face-to-face training is often more effective for cybersecurity due to its emphasis on hands-on practice, peer collaboration, and immediate feedback from instructors. However, on-demand online learning offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to learn from anywhere and fit your studies around work and personal commitments. Despite this convenience, online learners may face challenges such as lack of support and difficulty in maintaining motivation, which can hinder progress.
Next, think about whether you want an instructor-led or self-paced course. Instructor-led courses provide structured learning, mentorship, and live interaction, making them ideal for those who benefit from accountability and expert guidance. Self-paced courses, in contrast, offer control over your learning schedule and the ability to revisit material as needed. However, the lack of a live trainer and accountability to a real person can lead to procrastination and lower completion rates, especially for complex topics like cybersecurity.
We believe that instructor-led, face-to-face learning, which includes real world scenarios practiced in a cyber lab with peers, is the superior approach for learning cybersecurity properly. By considering these factors, you can choose a cybersecurity course that aligns with your learning preferences and career objectives, setting yourself up for long-term success in this high-demand field.
A Spotlight on Wawiwa Tech: Cybersecurity Reskilling Programs and Upskilling Courses
Wawiwa is a global tech education provider, offering instructor-led reskilling and upskilling programs tailored to the latest industry trends. Wawiwa’s cybersecurity reskilling programs, such as Cybersecurity Analyst and IT and SOC Analyst, are tailored to meet industry needs, equipping participants with the skills to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on training and virtual cyber labs, ensuring that graduates are job-ready for roles in high-demand areas.
The Cybersecurity Analyst Program prepares individuals without any previous background to become job-ready Cyber Security Analysts or Security Operations Center (SOC) team members in 8 months. The entire program is run as an ongoing lab during which students are required to install attack and defense environments, set up and build cybersecurity tools, and experience scenarios simulating real-world events.
Similarly, the IT and SOC Analyst Program is ideal for individuals without previous background, who wish to advance their careers in entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles in just 5-6 months. The program includes practical exercises and lab sessions where students apply their skills to real-world scenarios.
Wawiwa also offers an array of cybersecurity upskilling courses designed to accommodate learners at all levels. With flexible learning paths tailored to different levels of expertise, learners can choose courses that align with their current roles and future career aspirations. The courses emphasize hands-on practice, enabling participants to gain efficiency in the latest tools and technologies needed to excel in the cybersecurity landscape.
For example, Wawiwa offers a 40-hour course on Cybersecurity and Incident Response for IT Professionals, teaching you how to handle common security incidents, and explaining how to leverage cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics investigations to improve incident response. Another 40-hour upskilling course is the Malware Analysis Investigator, providing participants a deep dive into malware threats and malware analysis techniques. The Network Forensics Course is designed to elevate the capabilities, skills, and knowledge of students in cybersecurity investigations and network forensics, ideal for individuals eager to deepen their understanding and proficiency.
“As someone who works closely with Wawiwa and is involved in its cyber security programs and courses, I can confidently say they provide real-world, hands-on experience that employers value. Students graduate confident and equipped with skills they can apply immediately”, said Gali Michaeli, CEO of Excyt.
One great success story comes from a graduate who shared amazing feedback with us after completing the Cybersecurity Analyst Program.
