Should You Take the “Introduction to Cyber Security” Course on Udemy?
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields today, with businesses and individuals constantly seeking ways to protect digital assets from hackers and cyber threats. If you’re brand new to cybersecurity and want an affordable way to get started, Udemy’s Introduction to Cyber Security course by Grant Collins could be a great first step.
But is it worth your time and money?
In this in-depth review, I’ll break down everything you need to know, from key course features and pros and cons to real student reviews and competitor comparisons. By the end, you’ll know if this course is the right fit for you—or if there’s a better alternative.
Course Overview: What You’ll Learn
The Introduction to Cyber Security course is designed for beginners who want a foundational understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
📌 Key course details:
- Instructor: Grant Collins (Cybersecurity Engineer)
- Duration: 3 hours of on-demand video
- Format: Video lectures + downloadable resources
- Access: Lifetime access on mobile & TV
- Certificate: Yes, after completion
🔍 Topics covered include:
- What is cybersecurity? (Basic concepts and key terminology)
- Understanding IT infrastructure (Hardware, software, networks, and cloud computing)
- Types of cyber threats (Phishing, malware, social engineering, network attacks)
- Cybersecurity defenses (Firewalls, antivirus, SIEM, IDS/IPS)
- Hands-on cybersecurity lab demo (Practical application)
- Next steps for learning cybersecurity
🌟 Bottom line: This course provides a broad but beginner-friendly introduction to cybersecurity. While it’s not a deep dive, it covers enough material to help absolute beginners understand key security concepts and threats.
Pros and Cons: Is This Course the Right Fit?
✅ Pros (What’s Great About the Course)
- ✔️ Beginner-Friendly – No prior knowledge required.
- ✔️ Covers IT Fundamentals – Essential for those new to tech.
- ✔️ Affordable Pricing – Often as low as $19.99 on sale.
- ✔️ Hands-On Lab Demo – Provides some basic hands-on experience (though limited).
- ✔️ On-Demand Learning – Lifetime access means you can revisit materials anytime.
❌ Cons (Potential Downsides)
- ❗ Only 3 Hours of Content – Limited depth compared to longer courses.
- ❗ Minimal Hands-On Exercises – Only one cybersecurity lab demo.
- ❗ No Advanced Topics – Doesn’t cover certifications like Security+ or ethical hacking in-depth.
- ❗ Not Enough for a Cybersecurity Job Alone – Best used as a first step, not a full training program.
🌟 Bottom line: If you’re looking for a simple, low-cost introduction to cybersecurity, this course delivers. But if you want a more hands-on, certification-focused approach, you may need to supplement this course with additional training.
How Does It Compare to Other Cybersecurity Courses?
| Course | Best For | Price | Content Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy – Introduction to Cyber Security | Beginners who want a quick intro | $19.99 – $74.99 | Basic overview (3 hrs) |
| CompTIA Security+ (Cert Course) | Those seeking entry-level cybersecurity jobs | $300+ | In-depth security concepts (40+ hrs) |
| Cybrary – Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity | Free alternative for IT & cybersecurity basics | Free | Less structured but decent content |
| SANS SEC301: Intro to Cyber Security | Those who want a top-tier cybersecurity course | $6,000+ | Very advanced & hands-on training |
🔍 Which one should you choose?
- If you’re brand-new to cybersecurity and want something simple & affordable, Udemy’s Introduction to Cyber Security is a good first step.
- If you’re serious about getting a cybersecurity job, look into the CompTIA Security+ Certification or SANS SEC301 for deeper learning.
- If you’re on a budget and need a free option, Cybrary might be worth checking out (though it’s less structured).
Real User Reviews: What Do Students Say?
Here’s what actual students are saying about the Udemy Introduction to Cyber Security course:
From Udemy:
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very informative and easy to understand. Great course for beginners!”
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good introduction, but I wish there were more hands-on exercises.”
From Reddit:
- 💬 “Took this course as a complete newbie. It gave me a solid foundation, but you’ll need to supplement with other resources to really get job-ready.” – u/cybernewbie123
- 💬 “Decent starter course, but there are more comprehensive options if you’re willing to spend more.” – u/securitypro456
🌟 Big takeaway: Most students agree this course is a solid entry point but not enough for an in-depth cybersecurity education.
Who Should Take This Course?
✔️ Complete Beginners – If you have zero knowledge of cybersecurity, this course is a great starting point.
✔️ IT Professionals Exploring Cybersecurity – If you’re in IT and want to understand security basics, this course provides a solid foundation.
✔️ Casual Learners – If you’re just curious about cybersecurity and want general knowledge, this is an affordable way to start.
❌ Who Should SKIP This Course?
- 🚫 If you’re looking for a job-ready cybersecurity certification (Consider Security+ or CEH instead).
- 🚫 If you want extensive hands-on labs (Try SANS or Offensive Security instead).
- 🚫 If you need deep technical content (3 hours isn’t enough for serious cybersecurity training).
Conclusion: Is This Course Worth It?
🌟 Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
💡 The Introduction to Cyber Security course on Udemy is a great starting point for beginners, offering essential cybersecurity knowledge at an affordable price. However, it shouldn’t be your only resource if you’re serious about a career in cybersecurity.
🎯 Final Verdict: Buy it if you’re a beginner who wants a lightweight introduction to cybersecurity. If you’re aiming for a job in cybersecurity, you’ll need to supplement this course with more advanced training and hands-on experience.
🔹 Ready to Get Started with Cybersecurity?
🚀 Invest in your cybersecurity knowledge today!