Cybersecurity for Absolute Beginners: Online Security
Learn Online Security Fundamentals, Web Privacy, Browser Security, Tor, Passwords, Email Protection & More
Why Online Security Matters
The average person spends over 7 hours a day online, yet most don't know how to protect themselves effectively. With tracking technologies, data breaches, and privacy invasions increasing every year, understanding how to protect yourself on the Internet is no longer optional—it's essential.
Comprehensive Learning Resources
This course provides practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately to protect your online privacy and security.
- 5 Hours of Video Lecture: Step-by-step instruction covering everything from browser security to password management.
- Live Demonstrations: Watch real-time demonstrations of privacy tools, VPNs, Tor, and secure email in action.
- Practical Tool Recommendations: Learn which browsers, email services, VPNs, and security tools are most effective—and see them demonstrated.
- Lifetime Access: Learn at your own pace with permanent access to all materials and future updates.
What You'll Learn
This course is Part 2 of a comprehensive cybersecurity series. While Part 1 focused on core IT security concepts, Part 2 teaches you how to protect yourself in your daily online activities.
- How You're Tracked Online: Understand cookies, browser fingerprinting, tracking pixels, and all the methods companies use to monitor your online behavior.
- Web Browser Privacy & Security: Learn which browsers are most secure, how to configure privacy settings, and which extensions protect you from tracking and malware.
- Anonymizing Services: Understand the difference between proxies and VPNs, how they work, and when to use each one to protect your identity online.
- Introduction to Tor: Learn how The Onion Router works, how to access it safely, and understand the dark web and hidden services.
- Password Management: Master password best practices, learn about password managers, and understand multi-factor authentication implementation.
- Email Privacy & Security: Discover which email providers are most secure, how to encrypt emails, and how to protect yourself from phishing and email-based attacks.
What Students Are Saying
"I highly recommend this course for everyone that is interested in internet privacy, security, and online self-protection. It provides high-value content and benefits everyone. The instructor does a fantastic job covering a board range of topics using visuals and real-time materials. I implemented some changes right away after taking the course. Another amazing course from this instructor!!"
— NF ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Although stated as an absolute beginner course, there was still a great amount of content covered in a very understandable way. Alton is a great instructor and I highly recommend this course for really getting a head start for online security. I learned a ton and did my own deeper dive research on topics that sparked my interest."
— Dave G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The instructor is not only knowledgeable but breaks it down into simple terms. The true teacher understands their topic and can explain it to anyone. Not just use big terms to hide behind gaps in their understanding. Alton is a great teacher that has a wealth of knowledge to share, and to be honest has become one of my favorites to check my knowledge base and to push me to expand what I know."
— Wayne Seavolt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Course curriculum
-
-
How Web Requests Work (Simplified)
-
HTTP vs HTTPS
-
-
-
Section Introduction
-
Who Tracks Us Online
FREE PREVIEW -
HTTP Referers
-
Cookies & Super Cookies
-
3rd Party Connections
-
Browser Fingerprinting & Volunteered Information
-
Search Engine Tracking
-
-
-
Section Introduction
-
Online Privacy, Anonymity and Pseudonymity
FREE PREVIEW -
Privacy-Focused Search Engines
-
Tips for Private and Anonymous Searching
-
-
-
Section Introduction
-
Browser Vulnerabilities & Privacy Concerns
FREE PREVIEW -
A Quick Note on Endpoint Protection & Anti-Virus Software
-
Understanding Browser Private Mode
-
Browser Choices
-
Brave Browser
-
Mozilla FireFox Browser
-
Recommended FireFox Privacy Extensions
-
Microsoft Edge Browser
-
Apple Safari Browser
-
CCleaner
-
About this course
- $49.95
- 67 lessons
- 5 hours of video content
Your Instructor & Practical Approach
About Alton Hardin
Alton is the founder of Alton Teaches LLC and a former college professor. He spent 12 years as a cybersecurity specialist at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, working in governance, risk, and compliance. He holds an MBA in Information Assurance and Security Management and multiple certifications, including CISSP, Security+, and Network+.
250,000+ students taught across cybersecurity and IT courses. 90,000+ copies sold of his bestselling books.
Hands-On, Practical Learning
This isn't just theory—you'll see these security measures in action through live demonstrations. The course shows you:
- Privacy-Focused Browsers: Live demonstrations of browsers like Firefox and Brave, including privacy extensions and settings.
- VPN Services: How VPNs work to protect your online activity and location, demonstrated in real-time.
- Tor Browser: Live demonstration of accessing The Onion Router and understanding how anonymous browsing works.
- Email Security: See encrypted email in action and learn which providers respect your privacy.
Ready to Take Control of Your Online Privacy?
Join 250,000+ students learning practical security skills. Lifetime access, 14-day money-back guarantee.
Common Questions
Do I need to complete Part 1 before taking this course?
Part 1 is recommended but not required. This course focuses specifically on online privacy and security in your daily internet activities. While I occasionally reference concepts from Part 1 (Essential Concepts), you can look up any unfamiliar terms on your own if needed.
Is this course technical? Do I need IT experience?
Yes, this is technical content—we cover VPNs, Tor, encryption, and browser security in depth. However, it's designed for absolute beginners with no IT experience required. Everything is explained in plain language with live demonstrations showing you exactly what to do. If you can browse the web, you can learn this material.
How long will it take to complete?
The course contains 5 hours of video content. Most students complete it within one to two weeks, but you have lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace.
What's included with enrollment?
You get 5 hours of video lectures with live demonstrations, practical tool recommendations, and lifetime access to all materials.
What's the difference between Parts 1, 2, and 3?
Part 1 covers essential cybersecurity concepts and workplace security. Part 2 (this course) focuses on personal online security—protecting yourself on social media, shopping safely online, securing your browser, managing passwords, and email protection. Part 3 covers operating system security for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Each course stands alone.
What if I'm not satisfied?
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may request a refund within 14 days of the original purchase date.