There’s no escaping the fact that cyber security is growing in importance – whether protecting confidential information at work or keeping your online transactions safe at home. If you’re baffled by the detail and want to know a bit more, the Open University offers a free Introduction to Cyber Security course.

This online course will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognise the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you.

With cyber security often in the news today, the course will also frame your online safety in the context of the wider world, introducing you to different types of malware, including viruses and trojans, as well as concepts such as network security, cryptography, identity theft and risk management.

The lessons are delivered via various media and there’s an active discussion forum for students to talk through the issues.

More information: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/introduction-to-cyber-security/