Cyber Security (Short Course)
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Free Cyber Security Online Course

At Oxford Home Study Centre, you can study our Free Cyber Security Online Course with free enrolment, online access and learning materials. This Level 1 course provides 20 hours of study, is ongoing and has no entry requirements.

You can compare other subjects through our full online course catalogue. For subject-specific progression, explore our cyber security courses online or compare free cyber security courses.

Cyber security covers a wide range of practices used to protect information, systems and people from digital and physical threats. This short course provides an introductory overview of security, cybercrime and common forms of online threat, helping you build a foundation in the subject.

About the Course

Understanding cyber security starts with recognising the different ways information and systems can be exposed to harm. The course begins with basic security concepts and physical protection before moving into cybercrime, its different forms and the reasons behind criminal activity.

The later topics introduce issues including cyber stalking, forgery and counterfeiting, software piracy and intellectual property-related crime, cyber terrorism, phishing and computer vandalism. Together, these areas provide a broad introduction to the terminology and issues covered within the course.

Who Is This Course For?

This course can suit beginners and learners who want a straightforward introduction to cyber security. It may be useful for:

  • Learners exploring cyber security for the first time.
  • People who want to understand basic security and cybercrime concepts.
  • Students interested in digital safety and information protection.
  • Individuals looking to understand common forms of cybercrime and online threats.
  • Anyone seeking flexible introductory study without formal entry requirements.

Free Study and Flexible Online Access

We provide free enrolment, online access and learning materials for this course, so you can begin your studies without paying a course fee. The course is ongoing and can be studied online, while the 20-hour study duration gives you a clear framework for working through the content. Certification is optional and purchased separately after successful completion; review our current certificate options and prices before ordering.

You can organise your learning around your existing commitments and study from any location with suitable online access. No entry requirements are listed, making the course a straightforward starting point for learners who want to explore cyber security.

Building Cyber Security Awareness

Cyber security awareness involves understanding how threats can affect information, systems and users. The course introduces both physical and digital aspects of security, helping you recognise why protection needs to consider more than online activity alone.

The content also introduces several forms of cyber crime and related threats. This is educational introductory material; it does not provide a professional security licence, regulated qualification or guarantee of employment in cyber security.

Further Learning

You can compare free cyber security courses, browse broader cyber security courses online, or use our full online course catalogue to explore other subjects and study routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Free Cyber Security Online Course free to study?

Yes. We provide free enrolment, online access and learning materials. Any certificate is optional and purchased separately after successful completion.

What does the course cover?

It covers cyber security, physical security, data protection, cyber crime, cyber stalking, phishing, cyber terrorism, software piracy, intellectual property-related crime and computer vandalism.

How long is the course?

The stated study duration is 20 hours. It is delivered online and is ongoing.

Do I need previous cyber security experience?

No entry requirements are listed, so the course can suit beginners who want to develop foundational knowledge.

Does the course provide a professional cyber security qualification?

The course provides introductory educational content. It is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification, professional registration or professional licence. If you need a specific credential for a particular purpose, confirm the relevant requirements independently before enrolling.

Can I purchase a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. After successful completion, you can choose to purchase an optional certificate separately. Review our current certificate options and prices before ordering.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the course, you can develop an understanding of:

  • The basic meaning and importance of cyber security.
  • The relationship between physical security and data protection.
  • The concept and classification of cyber crime.
  • Different forms of cyber crime covered in the syllabus.
  • Cyber stalking, phishing, cyber terrorism and computer vandalism.
  • Software piracy, forgery, counterfeiting and intellectual property-related crime.

Free Study and Optional Certification

You can enrol on our Cyber Security (Short Course), access all online learning materials and complete the course without paying a course fee.

After successful completion, you may choose to purchase optional certification:

  1. QLS-endorsed Certificate of Achievement
  2. CPD-accredited certificate issued by the CPD Standards Office as a record of continuing professional development

You may order either certificate individually or purchase both for the same completed course. Buying one does not require you to buy the other.

Each certificate option has its own price, and the total payable may vary according to the certificates selected, course level, format and delivery option. See our current certificate options and prices.

Certification is entirely optional and is not required to access or complete the course.

Course Content

This Free cyber security online Course covers the following topics:

What is Cyber Security?

Explore the basic meaning and scope of cyber security.

Importance of Security

Understand why security is important when protecting information and systems.

Physical Security

Explore physical security as part of a wider approach to protection.

Physical Threats

Consider different physical threats that can affect information and systems.

User Tracking

Examine user tracking within the course's security content.

Physical Protection of Data

Explore approaches to protecting data through physical security measures.

What is Cyber Crime?

Understand the basic concept of cyber crime.

Classification of Cyber Crimes

Explore how cyber crimes can be classified.

Reasons for Commission of Cyber Crimes

Consider reasons associated with the commission of cyber crimes.

Kinds of Cyber Crime

Examine different kinds of cyber crime covered by the course.

Cyber Stalking

Explore cyber stalking as a form of cyber-related misconduct.

Forgery and Counterfeiting

Examine forgery and counterfeiting in the context of cyber-related crime.

Software Piracy and Crime Related to IPRs

Explore software piracy and crime related to intellectual property rights.

Cyber Terrorism

Understand cyber terrorism as one of the threats included in the course.

Phishing

Explore phishing and its place within cyber security awareness.

Computer Vandalism

Examine computer vandalism as a form of cyber-related activity.

How It Works

 
1

Build your knowledge through clear and accessible online learning.

2

Complete the assignments and achieve the required marks.

3

Choose an optional certificate after completing the course.

Why Choose a Certificate?

 
Certificate Icon

An optional certificate provides a clear record of successful course completion. Add it to your learning portfolio and share it where relevant.

Completing the course and its assessments shows your commitment to developing subject knowledge through focused, independent learning.

Use your new knowledge to support further study, workplace development or personal goals. A certificate records completion but does not guarantee employment or professional status.

 
 
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Course Info

Course Level 1
Awarding Body OHSC
Study Method Online
Course Duration 20 Hours
Entry Requirements Open to All
Start Date Ongoing