By Francis Smith
In today’s interconnected society, where smartphones have become a necessity and kitchen appliances are linked to the internet, cybersecurity is no longer a concern reserved for IT departments. It is a shared responsibility essential for professionals, municipalities, organizations and individuals alike. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and remote work becomes more common, practical and accessible cybersecurity education is more critical than ever.
To meet this growing need, the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) offers FEMA/DHS-funded, web-based training courses designed for all users… technical or not! In other words, these courses are available at no cost to participants! These self-paced, web-based modules target core vulnerabilities in our everyday work and personal tech use, and they aim to reduce risk across entire communities. The following are a few introductory courses designed to help increase cyber resiliency at every level:
AWR-300-W: End-User Security and Privacy, focuses on practical digital hygiene. It equips participants with the knowledge to identify phishing attempts, manage secure passwords, and understand data privacy concerns. Designed for everyone who touches a keyboard, from educators to administrative staff, this course builds the foundation for a security-aware culture across organizations.
AWR-385-W: Mobile Device Security and Privacy, dives into best practices for smartphone and tablet usage. As mobile devices increasingly serve as both personal and professional lifelines, protecting them from malicious apps, unsecured networks, and unauthorized access is essential. This course is ideal for field employees, small business owners, and remote workers whose mobile habits directly impact organizational security.
AWR-431-W: Remote/Home-Office Cybersecurity Preparedness, is particularly timely in the post-pandemic shift toward remote and hybrid work environments. Participants learn how to secure home Wi-Fi networks, identify common threats when working outside of secured corporate systems, and implement key technical practices such as VPN use and device hardening. This course is well-suited for city and county employees, telehealth providers, non-profit teams, and anyone whose office is now just a few steps from their kitchen.
From individual user behavior to organizational policy, these courses are perfect for large-scale implementation within public institutions, school districts, city governments, small businesses and non-profit networks. Participants receive a certificate upon completion, offering a tangible credential that can enhance grant/career competitiveness and professional development portfolios.
Enrollment is fast, free and open to all. With cybercrime growing exponentially and the human factor remaining the weakest link in many breaches, taking proactive steps like these courses is more than a best practice, it is a critical investment in digital safety and operational continuity.
To explore these and other NCPC offerings, visit our courses page today!
Francis Smith is an assistant course developer at the Center for Information Assurance at The University of Memphis.