Overview
Cyber Security Foundation has been developed by and is under license from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and is exclusively available through QA.
Understand the landscape.
Recognise threats.
Respond with confidence.
Cyber threats are growing in pace and complexity – and awareness at every level is vital.
The Cyber Security Foundation course is designed for professionals working in or with government who need to build core cyber knowledge and skills. Delivered face-to-face by industry experts, it combines national guidance with real-world scenarios to deepen understanding and strengthen first-line defences.
Across four immersive days, learners explore the foundations of cyber security – from threat types and attack vectors to incident response and national policy.
With a focus on practical application, the course equips participants to spot vulnerabilities, reduce risk, and support stronger cyber decision-making.
Whether learners are new to cyber or want to build confidence, this course will help you explore real-world scenarios and national guidance, gaining the awareness needed to help protect organisations and support the UK’s cyber resilience.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for government department employees, public sector professionals, and anyone supporting or working within national digital infrastructure who needs a foundational understanding of cyber security. No prior technical knowledge is required.
Learning objectives
- Strengthen your cyber awareness in a national security context.
- Understand current and emerging threats facing the UK.
- Build confidence in identifying, preventing and responding to attacks.
- Learn directly from NCSC-aligned guidance and frameworks.
- Support your department’s risk management, compliance and governance goals.
Course Outline
Over four immersive days, learner’s will explore:
Pillar 1 – Landscape
- Types of threats and threat actors
- Role of the NCSC and UK Cyber Security Strategy
- National and international regulation and standards
- Cyber risk management and governance
Pillar 2 – Technology
- Network components and vulnerabilities
- Malware types and notable attacks
- Internet of Things and system weaknesses
Pillar 3 – Prevention
- Key protective actions for individuals and teams
- Encryption and cloud security basics
- Managing your personal digital footprint
Pillar 4 – Response
- Signs of an attack and reporting processes
- Monitoring tools and response channels
- UK law enforcement and case studies of prosecutions
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.