11 free cybersecurity awareness training resources online

We’ve compiled a list of free cyber security awareness training materials, newsletters, articles and videos to make sure you and your family stay safe online.

It’s essential to learn tips and methods for preventing online identity theft. This article outlines practical steps you and your household can take to safeguard personal information, such as using identity protection solutions, freezing your credit, securing your home internet, enabling two-factor authentication, using digital wallets and being cautious of social engineering attacks.

You’ll learn how to prevent various forms of identity theft, including phishing attacks, fake online stores, social media scams, public WiFi sniffing, data breaches, SIM swapping and fraudulent job offers. By following the recommended tips, you’ll learn how to not fall victim to these common identity theft tactics. The article also includes advice on how to recognize signs of identity theft and what actions to take if your identity is compromised.

Amazon’s cybersecurity awareness training is designed to educate individuals, families and companies on identifying cybersecurity threats. On the website, you’ll find a detailed 15-minute training session covering essential topics like phishing, social engineering and data privacy.

After completing the training, you’ll have more knowledge about how to recognize and respond to cyberattacks and be able to educate your entire household on common cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

Public WiFi, while convenient, is often unsecure, making users vulnerable to cyberattacks. If you want to stay safe, you should avoid using public WiFi. In the guide, you’ll learn how to mitigate your risk using security measures, such as using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and avoiding accessing sensitive information while connected to public networks.

In addition, you’ll learn how to prevent several cybersecurity threats that occur on public WiFi, including: man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, rogue hotspots, packet sniffing, malware distribution and session hijacking.

This interactive website by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is designed to help individuals protect themselves from electronic surveillance. The EFF offers many step-by-step tutorials for installing and using privacy and security tools such as password managers, VPNs and the Tor Browser. The guide also focuses on helping users understand how to adapt to evolving privacy and security threats.

No matter if you’re a beginner or technically experienced, you’ll learn different strategies for preventing online surveillance and personal data threats, including phishing, data breaches and malware. You’ll also understand how to protect personal data, secure communications and mitigate risks from tracking and surveillance by governments, corporations or malicious individuals.

Similar to public WiFi, public charging ports are convenient – but have risks. This article explains why you should you never use a public charging port, covering the risks associated with using public charging ports, such as those found in airports, hotels or shopping centers.

You’ll learn about charging ports and USB-specific threats, like juice jacking or malware injection, which enable cybercriminals to steal data and install malicious software through compromised charging stations. The article offers best practices for protecting devices, including using personal chargers, portable power banks and USB data blockers.

The SANS Institute offers comprehensive cybersecurity training and certification programs for professionals at all levels, from beginners to experts. One of its key resources is the OUCH! Newsletter, a free, monthly publication designed to increase cybersecurity awareness for everyone. OUCH! covers current cyber threats and security tips for the whole family.

By providing detailed insights on these threats and offering training in areas like cyber defense, cloud security and incident response, the OUCH! Newsletter helps families and individuals to recognize, respond to and mitigate cyberattacks. SANS also provides over 60 hands-on courses, GIAC Certifications, degree programs and various educational materials such as cheat sheets, white papers and job tools.

The FBI’s online portal provides resources to help families protect themselves from cybercrime and internet threats. Most of the content covers how to recognize scams, protect internet systems and data as well as safeguard financial transactions. Users can access tools like IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) to report online crimes and receive advice on common scams.

The FBI’s Internet Safety Tips website also offers free security awareness training for individuals, parents, businesses and law enforcement, targeting phishing scams, email fraud, data breaches, identity theft and financial fraud. On the website, you’ll learn how to protect your internet connections, scrutinize URLs and handle online transactions safely. Additionally, if you feel you have been a victim of cybercrime, you’ll learn how to report cybercrimes to authorities.

Social media impersonation is a growing trend. In this guide, you’ll learn how malicious users create fake profiles or accounts that closely resemble legitimate ones to deceive users.

You’ll see how to conduct an in-depth analysis of impersonation schemes, examples of real-world cases and best practices for prevention. Specifically, the article covers types of impersonation attacks, including identity theft, business impersonation and deep fakes.

Keepnet Labs’ Tip Sheets are simple, informative documents that touch on a range of topics, from botnets to online gaming. These resources can be printed and shared for easier viewing, serving as quick, offline and free cyber security awareness training materials

Each tip sheet provides concise, practical advice on how to respond to specific security topics, such as securing mobile devices, creating strong passwords and understanding how hackers can access your data.

In this guide, you’ll learn about mobile phone security best practices and how to protect your device from hackers. Phone-based security can differ from computer-based security and includes specific threat sources such as malicious apps, network-based attacks, phishing and theft.

After learning about possible threats, check out the step-by-step tips for enhancing your phone’s security, including using strong passwords, updating software, being cautious with public WiFi and using tools like VPNs and Find My Device. You’ll also learn how to back up data and set parental controls for enhanced protection.

If you have kids and are looking for cybersecurity resources to help them stay safe online, check out this article on protecting children from online threats. In the guide, you’ll learn how to educate children about cyberbullying, online predators, phishing scams and identity theft.

The resources offered include educational websites, interactive games, apps, online courses and print materials aimed at teaching kids responsible and secure internet use. These resources help kids build cybersecurity awareness, sharpen critical thinking and develop ethical responsibility in their online behavior.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an annual effort to highlight the importance of online security. The campaign encourages individuals and businesses to take proactive steps to safeguard their digital information. This October, take time to inform yourself and your household about cybersecurity.

Let’s take a look at some tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month below.

Keeping your software updated is one of the most straightforward and effective methods to shield yourself from cyber threats. In fact, 22% of consumers are still using Windows 7, despite the fact that it lost mainstream support over a year ago.

Enable automatic updates for your operating system, router, antivirus software, browsers and apps. Regular updates fix security gaps and enhance the protection of your devices and data.

Using reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software is critical. PCs without anti-virus software are 5.5 times more likely to be infected. To make the most of your software, run regular scans to reduce your risk of cyber threats.

Make sure to install your anti-virus and anti-malware software on all your devices, not just your computer. Smartphones, tablets and even smart home devices can be vulnerable to attacks and should be protected accordingly.

Children should learn about cybersecurity early for protection from online threats like cyberbullying, phishing and identity theft. In 2022, some 1.7 million children fell victim to a data breach, meaning 1 in every 43 kids had personal information exposed or compromised.

The right cybersecurity resources for kids can introduce key concepts such as recognizing scams, safeguarding personal information and handling cyberbullying. Adults can also learn how to content filter and monitor their kids’ online activity using parental controls.

Especially on public WiFi, protect your data with a Virtual Private Network. Public WiFi networks are often unsecured, leaving your personal information exposed to hackers.

When using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, you prevent anyone on the same network from seeing your browsing activity, passwords or any sensitive

If you’re concerned about your cybersecurity, try using a password manager. 30% of users have experienced security breaches due to weak passwords.

Password managers, like 1Password (which are included in services with eero Plus), offer better security. They store all login credentials in an encrypted vault and only require you to remember one master password.

Explore these cybersecurity solutions to strengthen and secure your network.

Astound’s Whole Home WiFi subscription includes eero Secure at no additional cost. eero Secure has many security features including parental controls, ad blocking and internet backup so your family is always connected.

If you’re looking for a more robust solution that includes all the features of eero Secure and then some,  consider adding eero Plus. Beyond blanketing your home in a layer of reliable WiFi, eero Plus delivers comprehensive protection for your home network and offers advanced tools like malware and virus defense, a built-in VPN for encrypted browsing and ad blocking to minimize exposure to online threats.

In addition, eero Plus ensures that every device connected to your network is shielded from potential cyber risks. For households that value strong online safety, eero Plus provides an all-in-one solution to safeguard your digital environment.

If you’re worried about your home’s WiFi security, make sure your WiFi network is using the latest security standard, WPA3, which offers stronger protection against unauthorized access. Regularly updating your router’s firmware ensures you’re equipped with the latest security patches, while changing default settings such as usernames and passwords minimizes vulnerabilities.

For added protection, consider disabling remote management features, which can open up your network to external attacks. Incorporating a VPN can further shield your online activity by encrypting your data, providing an extra layer of privacy. These combined steps create a robust defense, ensuring a more secure and worry-free internet experience for everyone in your household

Creating a secure guest WiFi network can enhance the safety of your home internet while offering access for any visitors. With a separate network, you’ll prevent any guest devices from interacting with your main network, reducing the risk of cyber threats, like malware, spreading to your personal devices. Additionally, divided networks keep guests from accessing sensitive information, such as login credentials.

With a guest WiFi network, you can also control and manage your bandwidth more effectively. By assigning a designated amount of bandwidth to your guest network, you ensure that visitors can browse the internet smoothly – without impacting the performance of your primary network
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Cybersecurity awareness is essential. Cybersecurity awareness equips you with the knowledge to spot phishing scams, create strong passwords and recognize malicious links—critical skills that help secure your life online.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to review free cybersecurity awareness resources and implement best practices to protect your home and family from cyberattacks. Whether you’re setting up secure WiFi networks, updating software or educating your children about online safety, taking these proactive steps can ensure a safer online experience.