8 Standout Security Courses for 2025

Now more than ever, you must ensure your data is secure and safe from threats that could attack your network. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the industry is expected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032. Plus, the average information security professional (which includes both network and cyber security professionals) earns over $100,000 per year. That is part of the reason we offer so much security training! 

Ready to begin or grow your career in information security? Here are the top eight CBT Nuggets security training courses to consider this year.   

1. CompTIA Security+ SY0-701

CompTIA's Security+ certification is an internationally recognized foundational IT security certification. It is an entry-level certification that covers essential principles for securing networks and managing risk. Passing this exam verifies you have a solid understanding of network security, including identifying and mitigating risks, managing security incidents, and implementing appropriate security controls.

The Security+ certification is often the first certification learners tackle when entering the field of cybersecurity. It covers various topics, including threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, architecture and design, implementation, operations and incident response, and governance, risk, and compliance.

If you want to expand your security knowledge, prepare for an IT security certification, or make a career change, Security+ training is a good choice. It will provide the knowledge and skills to understand and implement basic security measures and controls, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information on a network.

2. Juniper JNCIS-ENT (JN0-351) Layer 2 Security

The JNCIS-ENT is a specialist-level certification from Juniper Networks that covers enterprise routing and switching. This course is part of our seven-part series designed to help you pass the Juniper JNCIS-ENT exam. 

The JNCIS-ENT exam certifies proficiency in enterprise networking technologies. It covers Layer 2 technologies like VLANs and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), as well as Layer 3 protocols including Protocol Independent Routing, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). The exam also tests knowledge of tunneling protocols, high-availability solutions, and network security features related to enterprise environments.

Our Layer 2 Security course for Juniper JNCIS-ENT explains the concepts, operations, and benefits of many different Layer 2 security functions and firewall filters. The training shows you how to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot Layer 2 security features.

Our Layer 2 Security course for the Juniper JNCIS-ENT breaks down security within the Junos OS. Take the steps to learn about this specific course and eventually become a Juniper master.

3.  Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

If you previously earned the CCENT and want to specialize in network security, the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification is an excellent next step. This certification is designed to equip professionals with the skills to monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats, making it ideal for roles in security operations centers (SOCs).

The Cisco CyberOps Associate exam focuses on the fundamentals of cybersecurity operations, including threat analysis, monitoring, intrusion detection, and incident response. 

Our CyberOps Associate training course covers the fundamentals of cryptography, understanding the security flaws in the TCP/IP suite, recognizing and identifying patterns of suspicious behavior, and providing insights into the operation and purpose of Security Operations Centers. Additionally, you'll learn about workflow management systems and automation tools that can improve security effectiveness.

4. Cisco CCNP Security 300-207 SCOR

The Cisco CCNP Security is an advanced certification that equips you with the expertise needed to protect modern networks against sophisticated threats. Keep in mind, the CCNP Security curriculum was recently updated. 

Instead of the now-retired SITCS (300-207) course, you will take the Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR, 350-701) as the core exam, which covers a broad range of security topics and your choice of several concentration exams that focuses on specific security technologies, such as Cisco Firepower, Identity Services Engine (ISE), or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Our CCNP Security Online Training prepares you for the 350-701 SCOR exam, which is the core exam for the CCNP Security certification. This training covers topics you'll need to know to pass the core exam. We also offer training for a few of the concentration exams, including 300-710 SNCF, which covers using the Cisco Firepower Management Center. 

5. Introduction to Digital Forensics 

This entry-level digital forensics training with Erik Choron will prepare you for a career in digital forensics. Digital forensics is all about identifying, processing, and analyzing electronic data, and it relies heavily on finding (and using) the right tools. In this training, you'll learn how to sift through tons of data to find out what happened, where traffic went, who used a specific device, and what crimes were committed. 

This course is best for junior security admins or aspiring junior security admins. You'll learn the legal restrictions around obtaining digital evidence, how to keep evidence pristine, how to choose the right tools, and when to leverage custom code to find the information you need. 

After taking this course, you'll be well-prepared to kick-start a career in digital forensics. 

6. Cybersecurity Fundamentals (ITCA) 

Our Cybersecurity Fundamentals (ITCA) course with James Conrad prepares you to take the ISACA's Information Technology Certified Associate (ITCA), one of the most comprehensive cyber security certifications available. This cert verifies your knowledge of five essential IT-related job domains: computing, networks and infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, and data science. 

While this course only covers the cybersecurity domain, it packs a punch. You'll learn how to identify threats to organizational assets and basic security operations, cover the fundamentals of IT security, and understand how to monitor and respond to breaches or incidents. 

This course is ideal for anyone preparing for the ITCA, but it is also valuable for new IT professionals looking to expand their horizons or aspiring cybersecurity professionals looking to get started. Experienced cybersecurity professionals will find the material pretty familiar, but it is still helpful if you're prepping for the ITCA. 

7. Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) 

Our PCNSA Online Training with Keith Barker is an intermediate training that will prepare you for the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator exam. This training focuses on installing, maintaining, and managing Palo Alto's next-gen firewalls. It's not just for security folks. Whether you're a customer, value-add reseller, system engineer, or system integrator, this course is for you. 

You'll learn how to identify components of the Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform, automate tasks, reduce response time, configure firewalls, manage configurations, update networks, manage application-based security policy rules, and much more. 

This course is ideal for anyone who uses Palo Alto Network's next-generation firewalls and is especially relevant for new or aspiring security professionals or experienced professionals looking to earn the PCNSA. 

8. F5 BIG-IP LTM Specialist Training 

The BIG-IP LTM Specialist: Maintain and Troubleshoot EXAM 301B Online Training with Bob Salmans is designed to prepare network security admins to maintain and troubleshoot application delivery systems powered by F5's BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager. 

You'll learn how to administer BIG-IP services and devices, troubleshoot fundamental virtual server connectivity issues, and identify and resolve application or local traffic manager device issues. 

This training (and the associated certification) is considered associate level, which means it is designed for professionals with three to five years of experience in enterprise network security. If you're just getting started, this course is a good option if you work (or suspect you will work) with F5 network equipment. 

Start Your Next Security Course Today 

The field of cyber and network security is growing fast. As more and more data is stored on the cloud and in our networks, organizations need professionals with the skills to keep their systems and data safe and limit risks. These training sessions will equip you with the skills you need to protect systems and grow your career. 

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