Cybrary is a leading online platform dedicated to cybersecurity and IT training, catering to individuals and organizations looking to enhance their skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Founded in 2015 by Ralph Sita and Ryan Corey, Cybrary has grown significantly, boasting over 3 million registered users and offering more than 1,200 courses across various topics in cybersecurity and IT.
Key Features of Cybrary
- Diverse Course Offerings: Cybrary provides a wide range of courses that cover essential cybersecurity topics such as ethical hacking, network security, incident response, cloud security, and compliance. The courses are designed for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals.
- Flexible Learning Options: The platform offers both self-paced and instructor-led training options. This flexibility allows learners to choose a learning style that suits their schedules, making it ideal for busy professionals.
- Hands-On Learning: Cybrary emphasizes practical experience through virtual labs and interactive exercises. These hands-on components enable learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing retention and understanding.
- Certification Preparation: Many of Cybrary’s courses align with popular industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CISSP. This alignment helps learners prepare effectively for certification exams.
- Community Engagement: Cybrary fosters a collaborative learning environment through its community forums. Learners can interact with peers, share insights, ask questions, and seek advice from industry professionals.
- Career Development Resources: Cybrary offers career path guidance and job placement assistance, helping learners advance their careers in cybersecurity. The platform also provides access to mentorship opportunities through its community.
Course Structure and Content
Cybrary’s course structure is designed to facilitate effective learning:
- Video Lectures: Courses typically include engaging video lectures delivered by industry experts. These lectures cover core concepts and provide insights into real-world applications.
- Interactive Labs: Practical labs allow learners to experiment with tools and techniques in a controlled environment. This hands-on approach reinforces theoretical knowledge and builds confidence.
- Assessments and Practice Tests: To ensure mastery of the material, Cybrary includes assessments and practice tests that simulate certification exam conditions. This feature helps learners gauge their readiness for actual exams.
- Progress Tracking: Learners can track their progress through the course material using tools like the Readiness Tracker. This feature helps identify areas that may need additional focus.
Unique Offerings
- Cybrary Insider Pro: This premium subscription service offers advanced features such as guided career paths, personalized coaching, exclusive content, and access to live instructor-led sessions. It is designed for individuals seeking deeper engagement with the material and those looking to advance their careers more rapidly.
- Skill Pathways: Cybrary has introduced structured pathways that guide learners through specific skill sets required for various roles in cybersecurity. These pathways help streamline the learning process by focusing on relevant skills needed in the industry.
- Credly-Certified Badges: Upon completing certain courses or pathways, learners earn badges recognized by employers through Credly. These badges serve as digital credentials that can be shared on professional networks like LinkedIn.
Community Support
Cybrary’s community is one of its strongest assets:
- Forums and Discussion Boards: Learners can engage in discussions about course content, share experiences, and ask questions. This collaborative atmosphere enhances the learning experience.
- Mentorship Opportunities: The platform connects learners with mentors who provide guidance based on real-world experience in cybersecurity roles.
- Active Social Media Presence: Cybrary maintains an active presence on platforms like Discord and Reddit, where users can interact with each other outside of formal coursework.
Pricing Model
Cybrary offers a mix of free courses along with subscription-based access to premium content:
- Free Courses: Many introductory courses are available at no cost, allowing users to explore various topics without financial commitment.
- Subscription Plans: The premium subscription (Cybrary Insider Pro) provides access to exclusive content, advanced features like personalized coaching, and additional resources for a monthly or annual fee.
What are the most popular courses on Cybrary?
Cybrary offers a diverse range of courses tailored to various aspects of cybersecurity and ethical hacking. Here are some of the most popular courses available on the platform:
1. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601)
- Duration: Approximately 19 hours
- Level: Beginner
- Overview: This course prepares learners for the CompTIA Security+ certification, covering essential cybersecurity principles, risk management, and security best practices. It is widely recognized as a foundational certification for entry-level cybersecurity positions.
2. Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
- Duration: 1 day
- Level: Intermediate
- Overview: This course focuses on the techniques and tools used in penetration testing. It covers various aspects of ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting.
3. Kali Linux Fundamentals
- Duration: 2 hours
- Level: Beginner
- Overview: This course introduces learners to Kali Linux, a popular operating system used for penetration testing and security assessments. It covers installation, basic commands, and essential tools available in Kali Linux.
4. Offensive Penetration Testing
- Duration: 15 hours
- Level: Advanced
- Overview: Targeted at experienced professionals, this course dives deep into offensive security techniques. It includes advanced exploitation methods and hands-on labs to practice skills in a controlled environment.
5. Computer Hacking and Forensics
- Duration: 18 hours
- Level: Intermediate
- Overview: This course combines ethical hacking techniques with digital forensics. It teaches learners how to investigate cybercrimes and recover data while understanding the legal implications involved.
6. Defensive Security and Cyber Risk
- Duration: Varies
- Level: Beginner
- Overview: This course provides foundational knowledge in defensive security strategies and risk management concepts. It explores frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).
7. MITRE ATT&CK Defender (MAD) ATT&CK Fundamentals Badge Training
- Duration: 1 hour
- Level: Beginner
- Overview: This course introduces the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which is essential for understanding adversary tactics and techniques in cybersecurity.
8. Networking Fundamentals for Security Practitioners
- Duration: 1 hour
- Level: Intermediate
- Overview: This course covers essential networking concepts relevant to cybersecurity practitioners, including network protocols, architecture, and security measures.
9. Advanced Penetration Testing
- Duration: 14 hours
- Level: Advanced
- Overview: Building on foundational penetration testing skills, this course covers advanced techniques and tools used by professional ethical hackers.
10. Executive Vulnerability Management
- Duration: 2 hours
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Overview: This course is designed for executives and managers responsible for vulnerability management within their organizations. It covers strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities effectively.
Are there any free courses on Cybrary that are highly rated?
Cybrary offers a variety of free courses that are highly rated and beneficial for those looking to enhance their cybersecurity skills. Here are some of the notable free courses currently available on Cybrary:
1. CompTIA Security+ Certification Prep
- Overview: This course is designed to prepare learners for the CompTIA Security+ certification, which is essential for entry-level cybersecurity positions. It covers fundamental security concepts, risk management, and best practices.
- Key Features: The course includes video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on labs to reinforce learning.
2. Defensive Security and Cyber Risk
- Overview: This course provides foundational knowledge in defensive security strategies and cyber risk management. It covers essential concepts such as risk assessment and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
- Key Features: Learners engage with interactive content that helps them understand how to protect systems against cyber threats.
3. Malware Threats
- Overview: This course focuses on understanding malware types, their behaviors, and mitigation strategies. It includes practical labs that allow learners to analyze malware in a controlled environment.
- Key Features: Hands-on labs enhance the learning experience by providing real-world scenarios.
4. Introduction to Docker
- Overview: This course introduces learners to Docker, a platform used for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers. It covers installation, basic commands, and use cases for Docker in cybersecurity.
- Key Features: Practical exercises help learners understand containerization concepts effectively.
5. Intermediate SQL
- Overview: This course teaches intermediate SQL skills necessary for managing databases securely. It covers advanced querying techniques and database security practices.
- Key Features: Learners can practice their SQL skills through interactive exercises.
6. Intro to Data Science
- Overview: While not exclusively focused on cybersecurity, this course provides valuable insights into data science principles that can be applied in security analytics.
- Key Features: The course includes practical applications of data science in analyzing security data.
7. Azure ARM (Azure Resource Manager)
- Overview: This course covers Azure Resource Manager concepts essential for managing resources in Microsoft Azure securely.
- Key Features: It includes hands-on labs that allow learners to apply what they’ve learned in a cloud environment.
8. Executive Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Overview: This course provides an overview of risk management frameworks relevant for executives overseeing cybersecurity initiatives.
- Key Features: It emphasizes strategic decision-making and risk assessment methodologies.
These courses are part of Cybrary’s commitment to providing accessible education in cybersecurity, allowing users to gain valuable skills without financial barriers. By signing up for a free account on Cybrary, learners can access these courses along with many others, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to advance their knowledge in the field of cybersecurity.
Cybrary stands out as a comprehensive platform for anyone looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity or enhance their existing skills. With its diverse course offerings, flexible learning options, hands-on approach, and supportive community, it provides an excellent foundation for both aspiring ethical hackers and seasoned professionals alike. Whether you are preparing for a certification exam or seeking to deepen your knowledge in specific areas of cybersecurity, Cybrary offers valuable resources that can help you achieve your goals effectively.
