25 Free Online Security Guard Courses with Certificates


Free Online Security Guard Courses with Certificates

These free online security guard courses with certificates help individuals learn new information, brush up on skills, and show employers that continuing education matters to them. And, did we mention they are free!

In the face of one of the worst pandemics the world has ever seen, many people are trying to find the best methods of furthering their education and career without sacrificing their health. Luckily online courses are a great method of achieving both of these things and more. These courses are Massive Online Open Courses or MOOCs. MOOCs are free education focused on skill development and are open to all.

Free online courses won’t replace a degree. But for those already in the security field or considering a career change, free courses can have some real benefits. They help individuals get a feel for the occupation while learning new skills. Additionally, earning a certificate or certification that can increase your job market value.

1. Alison

  • Course: The Basics of Security Guard Work
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 3-4 hours of learning with a final assessment
  • More: Visit the website for more information on free courses.

Security Guards and security personnel will enjoy this free course. This security guard training course teaches the importance of security officers in security risk analysis and also the proper responses to an immediate crisis. Additionally, this security guard training offers skills to defuse tense situations and advice for starting a business. Successful completion of the self paced learning class qualifies individuals for a certificate. Additionally this class is an excellent first step to earn a security guard license

2. Oxford Home Study Center

  • Course: Security Guard (Short Course)
  • Level: Beginner – first step to earn a security guard license
  • Length: 20 hours
  • More: Visit the website for more information on security guard training.

This free online security guard training certificate course includes all learning materials and study aids. The flexible class is via an online learning platform and courses are self paced. Security Guard short course covers key topics in Risk Management, Occupancy and Human Factors, and also Facility IT Management.

3. Great Learning

  • Course: Introduction to Security Management
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 1 hour
  • More: Visit the website for more information on security guard training free courses.

The free online security guard training certificate course covers Security Policy, Contents on Security Policies, and also Categories and Guidelines of Security Policies. The various types of security policies include physical security, access control, incident management, and also information security. Successful completion of all of the modules and assessment test results in a Certificate of Completion for the course.

4. Amnesty International

The Digital Security and Human Rights course from Amnesty International provides students is one of many free online security courses gives students peace of mind in today’s ever-changing world. For students who want to protect their online identity, this course is the perfect way to delve into exactly how dangerous the online world can be, and exactly who has access to personal information.

Staying safe online is a human rights issue, and this course teaches students not only how to protect their own rights, but how to protect the rights of others. Amnesty International has a long-standing history of fighting for the rights of people who cannot fight for themselves. This free course allows the organization to reach an audience around the world with information that can help them to stay strong in the fight for human rights. Students in this course get the opportunity to connect with others around the world who share the same commitment to protecting others from injustice. Students who take this course have the option of paying for a completion certificate, which can be a valuable addition to any resume.

5. EIT Digital

  • Course: Security and Privacy for Big Data – Part 1
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 1 hour
  • More: Visit the website from more information on free courses for information security.

For learners who are interested in cybersecurity, EIT Digital’s free online security courses, including Security and Privacy for Big Data – Part 1, are a great way to start learning about digital security. This Security for Big Data course teaches students the basics of cryptography, including how to manage security access within their network systems. Earn a career certificate of completion and a shareable credential for your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV.

EIT Digital is a leading education provider in the digital security world. They work to make technical education available to professionals around the world. The organization works to make content public on a regular basis, allowing people to access their content for free in an effort to make the internet a safer place for all. EIT Digital is a European organization that provides high-quality tech education to professionals at all stages of their careers.

6. Erasmus University Rotterdam + coursera

The International Security Management course at Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the many free security courses online that can teach students how to stay safe and secure in today’s ever-changing world. In this course, students learn about organized crime and illicit trade, and how these activities run rampant online. Students also learn about various types of current information security efforts used to take down people who participate in these activities online.

Erasmus University believes in providing students with an education that’s engaging and fun, while also providing a deep understanding of the subject at hand. The University films its digital courses at several locations throughout Europe, allowing students to see their instructors in their home environment. Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the top 100 research universities in the world.

7. Georgia Institute of Technology + Coursera

  • Course: Introduction to Information Security
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: one semester

Today’s digital world means that people are more connected than ever. While an overwhelmingly positive notion, the interconnectedness of today’s digital world lends itself to one-of-a-kind security issues. At Georgia Institute of Technology, Intro to Information Security is one of several free online security courses that teach students how to stay safe in today’s ever-changing digital world. Topics in this graduate-level introductory course include security basics, security risk management, web security, and also mobile security.

Georgia Institute of Technology’s Network Security course is one of several free online security courses that can teach students how to keep themselves safe when sharing their information online. This course is applicable both on a personal and business level and can be useful for professionals who want to learn how to keep their work information safe. Students in this course learn the basics of systems security, cryptanalysis, and cryptography.

8. Google

  • Course: IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 31 hours
  • More: Visit the website from more information on this information security course.

Technology giant Google is no stranger to IT security issues. And the company is provides free online security courses to people who are interested in learning more about how to protect themselves in cyberspace. Google’s free course, IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts, teaches students how to identify and protect themselves against nefarious agents online. This course delves deep into complicated online security concepts. But, it also teaches students how to break down those concepts and explain them to others who may not have technical expertise. This course is part of Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

Google is one of the top technology research facilities in the world, and learning from the tech giant is a fantastic addition to a resume. The company asks the hard questions when it comes to technology, and isn’t afraid to look at what isn’t working and how it needs to change. From firewalls to encryption, this course tackles many aspects of technology and breaks them down in a way that students can understand. Now worth over $64 billion, Google has the ability to conduct state-of-the-art industry research in technology. Additionally, this course is part of Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

9. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  • Course: Information Systems Auditing, Controls, and Assurance
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 8 hours, 4 modules
  • More: Visit the website from more information on this free course.

Hong Kong University through Coursera offers the Information Systems Auditing, Controls, and Assurance class. It is one of many available free online security courses that teach students how to understand the information they’re putting online, and how to control who does, and does not, have access to that information. This teaches students how to manage information in the workplace as well, and how to place controls on information to choose who does and does not have access.

This course is taught by Garvin Percy Dias, an associate professor of business at Hong Kong University. Students who have taken the course state that Dias is a fantastic instructor who explains things in a way that is clear and concise, and students feel that he truly cares about them as individuals. Devoted to tech and science research, Hong Kong University is widely respected as a leader in the tech field worldwide.

10. Leiden University + coursera

  • Course: Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: six weeks, six modules, 17 hours
  • More: Visit the website for more about free courses.

The global threat of terrorism can create a scary world, and it’s vital to understand how terrorism and counterterrorism work in order to feel safe. Leiden University’s Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice is one of several free online security courses that work to help students understand the threat of terrorism, as well as what is being done around the world to stop this threat.

  • Course: Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 8 hours, 7 modules
  • More: Visit the website for more about free courses.

In today’s digital world, staying safe is more important than ever. Leiden University’s Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World is one of many free security courses online that teach students how to protect themselves against global security threats. In this class, students learn about global security threats, and why digital security is such a vital part of keeping individual countries safe.

11. New York University + Coursera

  • Course: Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization
  • Level: Intermediate
  • More: Course more information on this free security course
  • Length: 4 courses

Situated in the heart of New York City, NYU attracts some of the best faculty in the world, allowing students to learn from world-class experts. New York University’s Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization is one of several free online courses designed to help students understand the complexities of staying safe in an increasingly online world. In this 4 course series, students learn how to develop a plan to stay up to date on the latest in cybersecurity, learn about the latest security techniques (as well as what techniques are now out of date), be able to summarize why security matters, and discuss the basics of cybersecurity.

NYU works hard to develop students into lifelong learners and prioritizes helping students make plans that keep them coming back to get more from their education. This mindset is key in staying at the top of an ever-changing digital world.

12. New York University + coursera

  • Course: Real-Time Cyber Threat Detection and Mitigation
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Length: 4 modules, 13 hours
  • More: Course

For students who work in areas where cyber threats can be a matter of life and death, understanding how to detect a threat is key. NYU’s Real-Time Cyber Threat Detection and Mitigation is one of several free security courses online that can provide students with the information they need to identify and stop cyber threats.

Seventeen percent (17%) of students who participated in this course got a promotion or pay increase, making it clear that cyber threat detection is a well-respected skill in today’s digital workplace. This class caters to busy professionals, as the deadlines are flexible. Students are able to learn on their own schedule, making it simple to keep up with the demands of the course. Students at NYU have the opportunity to participate in unique symposiums and cultural opportunities unlike anything else in the world.

13. Open SUNY + coursera

  • Course: International Cyber Conflicts
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 8 hours, 2 hours a week for 3 weeks to complete
  • More: Course

The State University of New York (SUNY) has a total of 64 individual institutions, and is the largest system of higher learning in the United States. For students who want to learn more about cyber warn, International Cyber Conflicts at Open SUNY is one of many great free online security courses offered by the school. Students in this course leave understanding the characteristics of cyber conflicts and threats, and what is currently being done around the world to improve cybersecurity.

Taught by Sanjay Goel, students speak highly of this course, stating that Goel’s description of the psychology behind certain cyber behaviors is fascinating. This course digs deep into not only how people use cyberspace to facilitate conflict, but also why they choose this medium. Students walk away from this class with a deeper understanding of the threats of today’s digital world.

14. Stanford University + coursera

  • Course: Cryptography I
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 23 hours
  • More: Course

One of several free online security courses, Stanford University’s Cryptography I class is perfect for students who want to learn more about the basics of cryptography. Cryptography is a tool for protecting information within computer systems. Students will learn how cryptographic systems work, and how to apply this knowledge to real-world applications.

39% of students who took this course went on to a new career path. Stanford University is a well-respected research institution, and adding this course to a resume can be a valuable tool in the competitive cybersecurity job market. Course instructor Dan Boneh won the Ishii award for education innovation.

15. The University of Queensland + edX

  • Course: Psychology of Criminal Justice
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 8 weeks

Located in the capital city of Australia, The University of Queensland attracts some of the most creative minds in the world and is known as one of the best universities in Australia. The Psychology of Criminal Justice is one of the free online security courses offered by the University of Queensland for students who want to learn more about the reasoning behind the criminal justice system, and how it affects those involved. This course works to teach students how behavioral science can work to change and improve the criminal justice system. By understanding the complicated behaviors behind crime and recidivism, it’s possible to change the factors that lead to crime in the first place.

This fascinating course works to take students through the steps of solving an actual crime, putting the pieces together not only to figure out who did what – but why they committed each behavior. This course provides a unique look into the factors that affect security and crime in today’s increasingly digital world. Students benefit from the immersive approach to learning that this course provides. This course also focuses on where the criminal justice system can go wrong and opens students’ eyes to the fact that the world of criminal justice is far from foolproof.

16. University of California Davis + coursera

  • Course: Secure Coding Practices Specialization
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Length: 68 hours, 4 classes
  • More: Course

UC Davis a offers free online 4 course series Secure Coding Practices Specialization. This course is perfect for students who want to get started with coding or are curious about coding but aren’t sure if it would be a good career choice for them. In this course, students learn to apply basic cryptography to threat models, improve program security, remediate fragile code, and find and fix injection problems within security systems.

This course includes an application project, perfect for students who are not yet familiar with coding and cybersecurity. This provides students with the real-world experience they need in order to successfully apply the skills they’ve learned to technology program. This course is taught by Dr. Matthew Bishop, a leader in the field of coding.

17. University of Adelaide + edX

  • Course: Cyberwar, Surveillance, and Security
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 6 weeks, self paced
  • More: Course

The University of Adelaide is the third-oldest university in Australia, established in 1874. For students who are curious about how the digital age has affected security, the University of Adelaide is offering Cyberwar, Surveillance, and Security, one of the many free security courses online available to people who want to learn more about cybersecurity.

This course is a quick way to learn more about cyberwar. In just six weeks, and in only two to three hours a week, students will be prepared to actively participate in the ongoing debate on cybersecurity. Students have the opportunity to purchase a certificate showing their completion of the course.

18. University of Colorado

  • Course: Advanced System Security Design Specialization
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length:
  • More: Course

University of Colorado’s Advanced System Security Design Specialization course is one of the free online security courses available to students who are interested in expanding their digital security knowledge. Students learn how to work securely within cloud services, how to apply basic security in blockchain systems and TOR networks, how to evaluate and analyze DDoS attacks, and how to understand attribute and geo-location-based access security. Students also learn how to apply XACML in ABAC systems.

  • Course: Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 2 months at 10 hours a week
  • More: Course

This course includes an online applied learning project, which gives students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. An applied learning project also gives students feedback from their instructor, helping them to improve their skills before they use them on the job or in higher education.

At the University of Colorado, Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization is a course for learners who want to learn about security in the digital world. Students walk away from this course with several new skills, including the ability to hack web applications, the ability to find and patch vulnerabilities within web applications, the ability to install/ sign/ and verify public and private keys for both client authentication and web servers, and the ability to create certificate requests. Students will also be able to write secure web apps.

19. University of Colorado

  • Course: Homeland Security & Cybersecurity Connection – It’s Not About the Terrorists
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 11 hours
  • More: Course

One of the University of Colorado’s free security courses online, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity Connection – It’s Not About the Terrorists, is perfect for students who want to learn more about how the nation needs to protect itself from cyber threats. Students in this track work through four courses: homeland security/ cybersecurity connection, cybersecurity policy for water and electricity, cybersecurity policy for aviation, and homeland security/ cyber security future. Students get a well-rounded education that helps them fully understand how cybersecurity and homeland security go hand in hand.

This is a beginner-level course with flexible deadlines that allow students to take advantage of the time they have available. Geared toward adult learners, this online class lets students learn at their own pace, on their own time. Students get the benefit of interacting with other busy professionals who are putting in the work to further their education while also furthering their careers.

20. University of Colorado

  • Course: Homeland Security and Cybersecurity Future
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length:
  • More: Course

Homeland Security and Cybersecurity Future are one of the free online security courses for students who want to learn more about how cybersecurity and network protection will affect the future of the United States. This course teaches students about the personal considerations they may want to make before they decide whether the field of cybersecurity is a good career choice for them.

While most courses focus on how students who are interested in cybersecurity can help others, this course turns the focus inward and encourages students to consider whether a career in cybersecurity is a good fit for them. This is a key part of future career satisfaction, and it’s important that students consider whether they can handle the stress and constantly changing nature of a career in cybersecurity.

21. University of Georgia

  • Course: Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 4 modules
  • More: Course

University of Georgia’s free online security courses are a great way for students interested in technology to learn more about how to stay safe online. Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things is a class designed to delve into how the Internet of Things (IoT), which involves smart devices such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, can pose threats to security. Students interested in how the internet connects people to the items in their homes will enjoy this course.

33% of students report that they started a new career after completing courses on the IoT. More and more, devices are working their way into everyday life, and it’s important for today’s cybersecurity professionals to understand how these items work to intertwine real life and cyber life. Many people in today’s digital world are afraid of how digital devices listen in to everyday conversations, and people who are experts in how the IoT works to collect information can be assets to companies that utilize these technologies in their products, as they have the ability to calm fears and reassure consumers. One of the oldest schools in the United States, The University of Georgia was founded in 1785.

22. University of Maryland

  • Course: Cybersecurity Specialization
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Length: 5 courses

University of Maryland’s Cybersecurity 5 Course Specialization is one of the school’s several free security courses online. In this course, students learn about the intersection of the user interface, privacy, and cybersecurity. They also explore the fundamentals of the creation of secure systems, how these systems play a role in protecting valuable digital information.

This course puts a heavy focus on real-world application. While students learn theory, they also learn how to take practical skills and use them at work. 43% of students were able to begin a new career path after completing this specialization, utilizing the skills they learned to help them advance in their field.

23. University of Maryland

  • Course: Usable Security
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 7 modules, 7 weeks
  • More: Visit the website for more about this training course.

The Usable Security course at the University of Maryland is one of the many free online security courses offered to students around the world. Often, security systems only focus on how to protect the system, with little focus on how the security changes affect the user. In this course, students learn how to design secure systems in a way that also improves usability. This helps improve human performance while also improving the overall security of a system.

The University of Maryland is one of the best research institutions in the country. Additionally, it is heralded in the world of technology for its advances in innovation. Students in the course gain access to world-class faculty who are there to answer their questions online. This fully online course provides students with an unmatched education in how to create systems that make sense not just for companies that want t keep their data safe – but for users as well.

24. University of Michigan

  • Course: Internet History, Technology, and Security
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length: 15 hours, 11 modules
  • More: Visit the website for more about this training course.

University of Michigan’s Internet History, Technology, and Security is one of the many free online security courses available to students around the world. This class is perfect for students who want to learn more about the history of how the internet has affected security issues around the world over time. History buffs who also love technology will thrive as they learn about how these two worlds combine.

Students at the University of Michigan get to learn from top faculty about the issues facing our IoT, and this course provides students with information about how these issues came to be. Nearly half of students who completed this course found that they were able to begin a new career path with the information that they learned. This class has unbeatable value for students and is a great way to take advantage of the free learning opportunities available online today.

25. University of Pittsburgh

  • Course: Epidemics, Pandemics, and Outbreaks
  • Level: Beginner
  • Length:
  • More: Visit the website for more about this training course.

The University of Pittsburgh’s free online course, Epidemics, Pandemics, and Outbreaks, is designed to help students understand how public health professionals work to stop epidemics and keep epidemics from becoming pandemics. Coursework includes information about public health response, bioterrorism, quarantining, and other relevant policies.

The University of Pittsburgh is one of the nation’s most prominent research institutions, and their School of Public Health is one of the highest-ranked in the world. Students in the Epidemics, Pandemics, and Outbreaks course can earn a shareable certificate for credentialing. The courses take approximately seven hours to complete. However, the schedule is flexible so students can start and stop at their convenience.

Why Should You Consider Free Online Security Courses?

Online security guard training provides lectures, learning materials, and assessments for professionals to learn on their own time. Additionally, many courses help students earn a shareable completion certificate. Which may be the first step to a career change or career advancement.

Training Opportunities:

If you want a career in online security, a free online security course is perfect. This will allow you to pursue an education in security without having to pay or rearrange your schedule.

Continuing Education:

Additionally, continuing education is also a major benefit of taking free online security courses. If you are presently working in a position that requires you to regularly update or upgrade your present knowledge and skills, an online security course will enable you to take the course and upgrade your skills without sacrificing your time or money.

Learning New Specialized Skills:

If you are looking for ways to upgrade your resume to make yourself more employable, taking a free online security course can do just that. This will allow you to gain a specialized skill without having to spend any money to do so.

Variety of Program Options:

No matter what type of security course you want to take, you can likely find a free version online. If you want to step up your online security knowledge for personal or professional use, you can find a variety of free online security courses to help you do just that.

Comfortable Learning Environment:

Another free benefit of taking free security courses online is that you can learn in the comfort of your own home. While many people tend to find an academic setting to be overwhelming or even intimidating, taking a free online security course will allow you to learn wherever you feel most comfortable doing so.

Avoid Commute:

Another reason you should consider a free online security course is because it allows you to avoid lengthy commutes. In the long run, this will not only save you time but money as well.

More Interaction:

While some may be nervous about the lack of physical interaction, an online security course can actually allow you to get greater interaction with your professor. Unlike a typical class setting, a free online security course will allow you to learn at your own pace and ask well-thought-out questions that the professor will have the time to consider and provide an answer to.

What Kinds of Security Courses Can I Take for Free Online?

There are a variety of free online security courses that students can take virtually. Some of the most popular are as follows listed below.

Homeland Security:

If you are seeking free online cyber security courses, you should consider trying homeland security courses online for free. Taking free homeland security courses online will not only allow you to become more knowledgeable on homeland security-related topics, but you will also be a much more viable candidate in the professional world. Some courses are offered at bioterrorism, domestic preparedness, public health preparedness, disaster recovery, and more.

Big Data:

Another great free online cyber security course involves wiretaps and also big data. This course teaches the evolution of users’ rights and privacy concerns. Additionally, students learn about security laws, contemporary surveillance, and cryptography.

Usable Security:

If you are seeking to better understand the role humanity plays in the overall security process, usable security is a great cybersecurity course to try. This course teaches topics like designing and building a security system with a human-centric focus. Additionally, it covers mobile security and privacy on social media networks.

Software Security:

For those seeking free online cyber security courses, software security is an excellent option. This course teaches you to better protect your computers at the workplace. Additionally, the same information helps you to keep your computers secure at home. This course covers defenses to prevent and eliminate attacks, innovative measures of testing, and also software security. Additionally, students learn how to spot vulnerabilities and the attacks that can potentially exploit them, and much more.

Public Privacy:

Another excellent cyber security free online course is on public privacy. For example, many have an interest in human rights and cyber security. This course covers what role the government plays in maintaining cyber security and how individuals can contribute.

You may want to learn more about the intersection of international human rights, cyber security, and the internet. If so, this is one of the top free cyber security courses online to consider. Since the world relies heavily on the internet, courses such as these are highly-ranked on the cyber security MOOCs websites.

Online Courses and Free Security Guard Training

There are many benefits to online courses. You can learn new skills and show employers that continuing education is important to you. Finding the education that is right for you should balance with training for the world we live in. If you can combine the two you will have a successful career!

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