Unlocking Your Cybersecurity Journey: 15 Free Beginner Courses from EC‑Council
In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity skills have never been more in demand. EC‑Council, a global leader in cybersecurity certification, offers a superb collection of free online courses tailored for absolute beginners. Their “Cyber Novice” program delivers 15 essential courses that lay foundational technical and management skills, all accessible via their CodeRed/Cybersecurity Exchange platform.
1. Python for Absolute Beginners
Ideal for those new to coding, this course covers the basics of Python 3 programming—variables, loops, functions—equipping learners to automate tasks or build simple applications.
2. Selenium Automation Testing for Beginners
This introduces Selenium, a popular framework for automating web browser testing. You’ll learn to create scripts that simulate user interaction—an important skill in test automation and security validation .
3 & 5. Introduction to Raspberry Pi & Hardware Projects Using Raspberry Pi
These two courses open the door to coding and hardware tinkering via the Raspberry Pi. From setting up the device and learning basic Linux and Python, to building electronics projects—learners gain hands‑on experience in embedded systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).
4. Learn Brackets – The Open Source Text Editor
Ideal for beginners coding HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, this course guides you through Brackets, a versatile code editor designed for web development.
6, 10 & 11. Agile, Scrum, Kanban – Concise Introductions
Covering the essentials of modern software project management, these courses explain Agile methodology and its key frameworks—Scrum and Kanban—helping learners enhance teamwork, adaptability, and project delivery skills.
7. Learn Python 3 with Turtle
Leveraging Python’s Turtle graphics library, this creative coding course helps students grasp programming fundamentals through drawing commands—a playful way to build logic and problem-solving skills.
8. Introduction to TypeScript
TypeScript enhances JavaScript with static types, improving code reliability. This course introduces the language and its benefits for developing scalable, secure web applications .
9. DIY Bluetooth Phone‑Controlled BB‑8 Droid with Arduino
More than just a fun project, this course merges hardware skills with wireless programming—building a phone‑controlled droid with Arduino teaches IoT fundamentals and embedded cybersecurity awareness.
12. Agile Product Management: A Concise Introduction
This course covers how to manage product development in Agile environments, emphasizing user-centric design, iterative workflows, and adaptive planning .
13. Jira Agile Project Management + Jira Administration + Jira Agile
With practical training on Jira, a staple tool in Agile teams, students learn to manage projects, sprints, and workflows effectively—key for coordinating security projects.
14. Ultimate JavaScript Strings
Focusing on string handling in JavaScript, this course dives into manipulation methods, templates, regex, and security best practices like input validation—all essential in preventing injection attacks.
15. Raspberry Pi–Based Smart Emergency Alert System Helmet
An advanced Raspberry Pi project, this course involves designing a smart helmet with alerting features—melding IoT, embedded systems, and safety/security principles.
Click to more: https://www.eccouncil.org/cybersecurity-exchange/cyber-novice/free-cybersecurity-courses-beginners/
Why These Courses Matter
Zero-Background Entry: Tailored for novices—no programming or cybersecurity experience needed.
Holistic Skill Building: Combines coding, IoT hardware, and project management—creating versatile cybersecurity talent.
Hands‑On & Project‑Driven: Learners don’t just watch—they build real-world projects from automated tests to IoT devices.
Strategic On-Ramp: These courses prepare you for EC‑Council’s intermediate certifications (like Ethical Hacking Essentials and Certified Ethical Hacker).
Taking the Next Step: From Novice to Cybersecurity Professional
After completing these free courses, consider enrolling in Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE)—a free 15-hour beginner‑level program covering threats, pen‑testing fundamentals, web attacks, IoT hacking, social engineering, and cloud security. Learners gain practical skills across 12 video modules and optional labs, with certification available as an upgrade.
Once confident, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is the next milestone, offering in-depth hands‑on training, labs, and real‑world simulations. It’s globally recognized and showcases your readiness for professional roles in cybersecurity.
Final Thoughts
EC‑Council’s suite of 15 free beginner courses presents an accessible, diverse, and project-oriented foundation in technical skills, hardware systems, and agile project management. They’re an invaluable starting block for anyone eager to transform from novice to cybersecurity professional. Completing them builds confidence and knowledge, paving the way toward intermediate certification and a career defending global digital assets.
Embrace the learning path—start with Python, dive into Raspberry Pi projects, master Agile workflows, and progress toward Ethical Hacking Essentials. EC‑Council’s free training ecosystem equips you to confidently step into the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.