Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking

By the end, you can explain common attacks, secure a home network and accounts, use basic security tools in a safe lab, and talk confidently about Security+ level topics.

Job-ready skillAbout 160 hours3 stagesFree

0%complete

Lessons play here, from free YouTube courses.

Choose a lessonOpen on YouTube

Cybersecurity protects people and companies from scams, data theft and ransomware. South Africa is one of the most targeted countries in Africa, so entry-level security analysts are in demand.

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsUnderstand how networks, passwords, phishing and malware work.Task: Secure your own digital life: turn on two-step verification on email and WhatsApp, use a password manager, and write a one-page checklist a family member could follow.Core skillsLearn security fundamentals: threats, controls, logs and incident response.Task: Set up a free virtual lab (VirtualBox with Kali Linux and a practice machine) and complete five beginner rooms on TryHackMe. Write what each attack was and how to defend against it.Applied practicePractise legally and ethically, and prepare for an entry-level role.Task: Write a short incident report for a pretend phishing attack on a small business: what happened, how it was found, what was done and how to stop it happening again.

Your plan

My weekly pace

Study streak: 0 days

Ask a friend to hold me to it

Want a mentor to check in each week? Join check-ins.

What competent looks like

Explains phishing, malware, ransomware and social engineering
Secures accounts and a home network properly
Uses Linux basics and common tools in a lab only
Reads simple logs to spot unusual activity
Writes a clear incident report
Always works legally, with permission

The South African route

Only test systems you own or have written permission to test; unauthorised access is a crime under the Cybercrimes Act. CompTIA Security+ is the most common entry certificate, and Cisco Networking Academy offers free introductory cybersecurity courses.

Free resources

Introduction to Cybersecurity (free)
Cisco Networking Academy
Free beginner rooms
TryHackMe

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

Junior SOC analyst
IT security support
Cybersecurity intern
Help desk with security duties