Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online is a self-paced online course delivered by The Open University (OpenLearn). It is free, takes about 24 hours, and awards a digital badge and statement of participation (24 CPD points, CPD Standards Office accredited) (free).
FreeChecked on 7 October 2026
- Relevance to work
- 2.4 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 2 / 2
- Credential
- 1.5 / 1.5
- Currency
- 1.5 / 1.5
- Total
- 9.4 / 10
Provider learner rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 269 ratings on OpenLearn course page, as at 2026-10-07
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree. Free statement of participation and Open University digital badge on completion. Free OpenLearn account needed. |
|---|---|
| Time | 24 hours (provider stated) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | none |
| Credential | digital badge and statement of participation (24 CPD points, CPD Standards Office accredited) (free) |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-10-07 |
Topics:Cybersecurity
Things to know
- CPD points are UK CPD Standards Office points; check acceptance with your Australian professional body
- 24 hours spread over 8 weeks
- Module names are summarised from the provider's stated outcomes
Summary
An eight-week Open University course on protecting your digital life at home and at work. It covers recognising threats, malware, network security, cryptography and identity theft, and was developed with support from the UK Government's National Cyber Security Programme. Completion earns a badge and 24 CPD points.
Why it's listed
Builds Networks and cybersecurity, number 15 on the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2025 core skills list.
Also supports Technological literacy.
From the course: Weeks on malware, network security, cryptography and identity theft
See how the AI Adaptation Profile treats Networks and cybersecurityYou will be able to
- Recognise the main online threats to people and organisations
- Reduce your risk from malware, viruses and trojans
- Explain the basics of network security and cryptography
- Protect yourself against identity theft
Modules
- Protecting your digital life
- Recognising threats
- Reducing risk
- Malware, viruses and trojans
- Network security
- Cryptography and identity theft
Who it suits
Anyone who uses computers at home or at work and wants to understand and reduce their cyber risk. No technical background needed.
Who is behind it
- Delivered by
- The Open University
- Hosted on
- OpenLearn (open.edu/openlearn)
- Funded by
- Supported by the UK Government's National Cyber Security Programme
- Partners
- Not stated
Related courses
Questions
Yes. It is free for anyone, anywhere in the world. Free. Free statement of participation and Open University digital badge on completion. Free OpenLearn account needed. Checked 7 October 2026 against the provider's own page.
The Open University Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online takes about 24 hours.
Yes. The Open University awards a free digital badge and statement of participation (24 CPD points, CPD Standards Office accredited) for The Open University Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online.
The Open University Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online is best for anyone who uses computers at home or at work and wants to understand and reduce their cyber risk. No technical background needed.
ApplyAI rates The Open University Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online 4.7 out of 5. Best for anyone who uses computers at home or at work and wants to understand and reduce their cyber risk. No technical background needed. Watch for: CPD points are UK CPD Standards Office points; check acceptance with your Australian professional body.
Sources
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