Let’s make it work for you
- Categories:
- Cyber Security
- Level:
- Fundamentals
- Code:
- QAOFSECFUN
- Exam:
- Not Applicable
Overview
SEC-100 Security Essentials provides a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity for learners at the beginning of their careers. Covering a breadth of essential topics across governance and risk frameworks, offensive, defensive, and secure-by-design disciplines. The course also integrates general technical competencies, including scripting, networking, and cloud fundamentals. With a focus on practical application, participants will engage in hands-on labs, building core skills.
Learners who successfully complete the course and pass the proctored, hands-on OSCC SEC-100 exam will earn the OffSec CyberCore Certified certification, validating their readiness to enter the cybersecurity field.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites.
Recommended:
- Basic computer literacy and familiarity with operating systems
- Willingness to learn and engage with hands-on technical content
Target audience
This course is ideal for:
- Career starters and recent graduates seeking entry into cybersecurity
- IT professionals looking to transition into security-focused roles
- Service Desk and Helpdesk teams responsible for triaging security incidents
- Organisations aiming to upskill staff in foundational cybersecurity disciplines
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Virtual?
Live, instructor-led training delivered online
Interactive online sessions led by subject matter experts. Learners join live classes, take part in discussions, and complete practical exercises from any location, making it easy to fit collaborative learning into busy schedules.
If you prefer to connect to a course that is taking place in a physical classroom, you can choose our Remote Access option. .
Best for: Teams and individuals who want expert guidance, real-time collaboration, and flexible access.
What's included?
5 Days instructor led course
Online exam voucher
6 month free access to QA learning platform
Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan
Included FREE with every instructor‑led course
Get free guided access to the QA Learning Platform. Assess your skills, explore in-demand topics, and understand which areas to focus on.
Learn AI, Cloud, Data, and Leadership skills at your own pace.
Put skills into practice with hands-on Labs and Simulabs.
Validate knowledge and highlight gaps with skills assessments.
What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Identify offensive and defensive techniques used in modern cyber operations
- Apply basic scripting in Python and PowerShell to security tasks
- Configure and manage secure systems across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments
- Recognise and respond to common security incidents and threats
- Demonstrate secure-by-design principles in software and system architecture
- Understanding the anatomy of cybersecurity and the CIA Triad, a foundational model that defines core security objectives
- Integrating industry-recognised frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001 to implement effective security practices
- Address the risks and vulnerabilities associated with cloud computing
- Examine AI's influence, both as a threat and as a tool to enhance offensive and defensive capabilities
- Exploring what a Penetration Test (Pentest) is, how they are performed, and what their objectives are
Course outline
Basic cybersecurity information
- Anatomy of cybersecurity and key concepts
- Cybersecurity GRC frameworks and standards
General skills
- Windows & Linux Basics
- Data Transformation Fundamentals
- Python & PowerShell Scripting Fundamentals
- Networking Fundamentals
- Enterprise Network Fundamentals
- Introduction to Network Firewalls
- Cloud Computing Fundamentals
- Background to Contemporary AI
- Cryptography Fundamentals
Offensive security skills
- Penetration Testing Process
- Information Gathering and Enumeration
- Understanding Web Attacks
- Attacking Endpoints
- Defence Evasion
- Offensive Cloud Fundamentals
Defensive security skills
- SOC Management Processes
- Defensive Security Processes
- Vulnerability Management
- Malware Analysis
- Social Engineering and Phishing
- Ransomware, DDoS, and Availability
- Wi-Fi Security
- Security of Embedded Systems
- Industrial Control Systems and OT
- Risk Management in Cybersecurity
Build (secure-by-design)
- Software Engineering Security
- Foundational Input Validation Concepts
- Cloud Architecture Fundamentals
- Introduction to Assurance Security Testing
- Critical thinking for a Career in Cybersecurity
Exams and assessments
This course includes two attempts at the OffSec CyberCore Certified (OSCC SEC-100) certification exam.
- The proctored, hands-on exam lasts six hours
- It tests offensive, defensive, and system administration capabilities
- The assessment includes three parts: Attack, Defend, and Build
- Learners will complete practical tasks within a controlled environment to demonstrate applied knowledge
Hands-on learning
This course includes:
- 12 months access to digital course content and interactive labs
- Realistic lab scenarios for offensive, defensive, and system hardening tasks
- Simulated cybersecurity environments designed to reflect real-world systems
- Hands-on scripting, firewall configuration, and penetration testing exercises
- Practical challenges aligned to OSCC SEC-100 exam objectives
Good to know
QA is proud to be the UK official partner with Offensive Security.
Click here to view all our OffSec courses.
Click here to view the Learn Online subscriptions.
Cyber Security learning paths
Want to boost your career in cyber security? Click on the roles below to see QA's learning pathways, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Cyber Defensive Operations learning paths
Want to boost your career in Cyber Defensive Operations? View QA's learning pathways below, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Offensive Cyber Operations learning paths
Want to boost your career in the world of Offensive Cyber Operations? View QA's learning pathway below, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Get in touch for team bookings and exclusive discounts
Ready to book? Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your options.
Let’s make it work for you. Speak to one of our learning experts today.
What our customers are saying
“I would say the secure software engineering programme QA built, is beyond training. It is more around making transformation in the mindset of people, and this was exactly what we are looking for.”
Emil Minev
Senior Consultant & Programme Manager, Paysafe Group
“I really enjoyed the practical experience given by the labs, and also being able to make use of the expertise of the trainers and learn tips and tricks from them. Overall, it was an excellent overview of the cyber security profession as a whole. The learning experience was fun and exciting!”
QA learner
“I loved learning about Open Source Intelligence - the things you can do just with Google are amazing! Also, being able to meet, work with, and chat to other people interested in cyber was fantastic.”
QA learner
Portfolio Director
Richard Beck
Portfolio Director – Cyber
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.