Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security

Supercharge your digital know‑how with our Level 2 Cyber Security course, the perfect first step into one of tech’s most exciting sectors.

Fully funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, you’ll build solid awareness of key cyber roles, security issues and the foundations every future cyber professional needs.

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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

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

Our graduates landed roles at...

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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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1. Eligibility

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2. Contact information

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Hear from the Netcom Training Alumni

"I really enjoyed my course, my tutor was very clear in the lessons and his pace when teaching was just right for me. I have learned things that interest me and feel a little more confident moving forward on my journey into cyber security "

E howe
05 March 2026

"The lessons were really helpful and engaging, I worked as part of a great group who persevered through from start to finish. Lots of engaging activities that got us thinking and improved on already existing skills and gave confidence for new ones like remembering what we learnt in previous lessons. This was all thanks to Shaun, a friendly, professional and extremely patient tutor who guided us through the workbooks and inspired us to elevate our understanding of Cyber Security; I regained an interest in the industry through this course and it has helped me to understand better, the type of role I wish to pursue and what I must do to reach my goals. Committing to a night school on top of working full time is far from easy and I questioned if I would see it through, given how much time I would have to sacrifice but I'm glad I completed it. Another achievement and qualification to go on the CV and hopefully a future involving IT security. "

Thomas Davies
05 March 2026

"My experience with NetCom was very good overall. I completed the Cyber Security Level 3 course, and the trainer, Shaun, was very nice, helpful, and excellent at explaining the material in a way that was easy to understand. The course material was very well made and clearly presented, which made it much easier to understand the topics covered throughout the course. The resources provided were also very good and helpful for learning and revising the content. They were easy to access and well organised, making it simple to find the information needed when studying or completing tasks. Netcom also does a great job supporting career progression."

Aafia Hussain
05 March 2026

"The style of teaching was Great, course work and materials were spot on and easy to access. Great Teacher/instructor."

papanaff
05 March 2026

"Learnt a lot from my cybersecurity course and enjoyed my time throughout. My tutor Shaun and my employability coaches were very helpful teaching me about cybersecurity and what to do next. "

Kamarl Grant
05 March 2026

"Had an excellent experience being taught by Shaun Bradley on the cybersecurity course. The classes were thorough and great, had a brilliant experience and would recommend this to anyone looking to get their foot in the door to learning some new technical skills."

Donovan Beckles-Hastie
05 March 2026

"shaun bradley was a great mentor enjoyed lessons and with the team."

shuborna
05 March 2026

"It went well for me as I learned a lot of things during the course. The modules are useful and really helpful. Special mention for Shaun as he was very professional and helped me whenever I needed him."

Justice
05 March 2026

"i enjoyed the cybersecurity course delivered by Netcom the tutor Antwan cant sing his praise high enough an awesome tutor with a passionate style of teaching makes it easy to engage helps you to feel comfortable and gently takes you out of your comfort zone. 10/10 "

L B
23 January 2026

"The course was informative and tutor Atwan Atkins made the experience fun. Feel more confident in cyber security now and looking forward to the next steps. If you want to learn something new or improve your skills, go to Netcom, you won't regret it."

William Brittain
23 January 2026

"The course was great and intuitive. The tutor was a great guy who offered as much support as possible. Loads of resources to help you out. I just wish the course was a bit longer and allowed for a bit more breathing room for submitting workbooks."

Eden Hobbs
23 January 2026

"Five stars for Netcom! The social media and web design course gave me the skills and confidence to launch my own business. Our tutor, Gary, was the best business mentor and teacher I could have asked for. Plus, the ongoing 1-2-1 support for CVs and job hunting shows they are truly invested in your future. Highly recommended for anyone looking to level up."

Petya Spencer
20 January 2026

"I joined the Web Design and Social Media Marketing training with little real hope, but that soon evaporated as Gary Murrain-Meade provided an inclusive training experience on how to prompt and drive AI accurately to create a business plan, website, and social posts within weeks. Gary was considerate of all our training needs and was by my side throughout the training/ up-skilling. Gary, thank you for giving me the confidence to pursue marketing within an AI environment. "

jeeten Taank
19 January 2026

"I have just completed social media marketing and web design course and what an experience. I can't believe how much I learnt in 6 weeks. I have never done an online course like this, where you have to be on a camera for so many ours, our trainer Gary was fantastic, the way he keeps the class dynamic and teaches from personal experience was exceptional. I highly recommend Netcom to anyone interested in any of the subjects they teach."

AC
17 January 2026

"Can’t believe this has ended. The become course with Gary has been exceptional, I’ve been inspired and have learned so much in these weeks. I will definitely recommend this course for anyone that wants to be self-employed. Worth every minute! "

Zoe Owusu
16 January 2026

"Course tutor 100/10 Netcom team 10/10 Course knowledge 10/10 I am grateful and happy I had the chance the do this course . Highly recommended. "

Abrar Mohammed
16 January 2026

"Taken the Social media and web design course and absolutely loved it. Our tutor Gary was an amazing teacher, calm with us and understanding of each others individuality towards learning. Had a blast, met some great people. Would do it all over again if i could. Recommend 100%"

David Bond
16 January 2026

"My head is still spinning from the amount of knowledge and practical skills I have gained over the past few weeks. Our tutor, Gary, was outstanding in the way he delivered highly detailed sessions while remaining energetic, engaging, and supportive throughout. I have gained a wealth of valuable information and also had the pleasure of connecting with a wonderful group of people. I am now excited to put these new skills into practice — watch this space!"

Lisa
16 January 2026

"Absolutely amazing training. Now that i have completed it, i cant believe what i have learned in such a short space of time. The education gained is better that i have experienced anywhere else. And now, i feel fully equipped and ready to start my own business in the AI web developer space. Thank you Netcom and a special thanks to our trainer Gary Murrain-Meade. Great teacher and his style was fantastic. Really kept the whole class engaged throughout the whole process. Many thanks "

Mr Haroon Qammar
16 January 2026

"I entered the program with a lower head and just wanted to get busy with something. Thanks to my instructor and the team, they helped my confidence, and I just received transferable skills I can always use in my projects. The classes are fun with a lot of banter. I can't believe I learnt a lot in 6 weeks."

Sulaimon Adams
16 January 2026

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