Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security

Course Details:

5 weeks FT or 10 weeks PT

100% online learning

Career development

110 guided learning hours

Level 2, NCFE Certificate

Adult Skills Fund

Build strong cyber security foundations

This qualification introduces you to the core principles of cyber security, helping you understand how cyber crime happens, how to recognise vulnerabilities, and how individuals, businesses and nations can protect themselves.

You’ll explore motivations behind cyber attacks, common threat types, the role of cyber security professionals, and the importance of reporting and safeguarding digital information.

Explore cyber security concepts

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how cyber criminals operate, how organisations defend their systems, and how legislation shapes cyber security practices. You’ll also gain insight into social engineering, malicious software, physical security risks and the importance of teamwork in cyber roles.

This makes the course ideal for learners looking for a cyber security awareness course, an online cyber security qualification, or a pathway into further technical training.

Online training with
expert support

Delivered entirely online with structured tutor support, this course offers flexibility without compromising depth. Whether you’re aiming to start a career in cyber security, enhance your digital skills or meet professional development goals, this NCFE Level 2 cyber security course equips you with the essential knowledge needed to operate safely and confidently in today’s digital world.

Do you qualify for a fully funded place?

You could learn for free if you meet the eligibility criteria:

You live in South Yorkshire
You’re aged 19 or over
You earn below the gross annual wage cap of £24,570
You’re not currently undertaking any other government‑funded training
You’re not in the UK on a student, graduate, postgraduate or sponsorship visa, or a dependent of someone who is

Apply now

The curriculum

Here's a sample of what you'll learn in our Cyber Security course.

Introduction to Cyber Security

Understanding cyber crime
Motives behind cyber attacks
Threat actors (individuals, companies, nations, hackers, hacktivists)
Targeted vs untargeted attacks
Cyber vulnerabilities for individuals, businesses and nations
Impact and importance of cyber security

Cyber Security Terminology

Hardware, software, data management and networking
LAN vs WAN
Key concepts: vulnerability, threat, risk, attack, protection, recovery
Organisational strategies (SOC, NOC)
Current and emerging challenges: IoT, dark web, cloud services, deepfakes

Legal & Ethical Aspects

Key legislation: Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act, Official Secrets Act, PECR
Protecting stored data
Encryption (symmetric & asymmetric)
Data in transit vs data at rest
Ethical vs unethical conduct in cyber security

Common Cyber Threats

Phishing, vishing, smishing, waterholing
Synthetic identities
Malicious software: ransomware, viruses, spyware, trojans, worms
Infection methods and removal techniques

Maintaining Cyber Security

Routine maintenance methods
Vulnerability testing
Penetration testing
Security updates and patching
User access control principles
Firewalls and network traffic

Working with others in Cyber Security

Team dynamics
Benefits of collaboration
Conflict resolution
Interpersonal skills for cyber roles
Written communication: incident reports, vulnerability reports, policies

Explore other courses available in your region

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South Yorkshire

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Where could the Netcom Cyber Security course take your career?

Break into cyber with roles like:

Cyber Security Support Assistant — £20,000–£28,000

Supports cyber teams with monitoring, reporting and basic security tasks. Ideal for those beginning their cyber career.

IT Support Technician — £19,000–£26,000

Handles technical support, system maintenance and basic security checks. A common first step into cyber security.

Security Operations Centre (SOC) Trainee Analyst — £22,000–£30,000

Monitors security alerts, identifies suspicious activity and supports incident response teams.

Information Security Administrator — £21,000–£28,000

Maintains security controls, manages access permissions and supports compliance processes.

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Let’s get your career on track together!

Please complete the form below for more information. We will contact you as soon as we receive your online application. You can call us on 0121 450 9300 to discuss the course

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Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security