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.

Read more +

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
Read more +

Delegates will learn how to

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
Read more +

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
Read more +

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.

Dates & Locations

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.

= Required
= Certification
AI Security
Application Security
Cyber Blue Team
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Cloud Security
Continuity & Resilience
DFIR Digital Forensics & Incident Response
Industrial Controls & OT Security
Information Security Management
NIST Pathway
Offensive Security
Privacy Professional
Reverse Engineer
Secure Coding
Security Auditor
Security Architect
Security Risk
Security Tech Generalist
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing

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.

= Required
= Certification
Cyber Blue Team
DFIR Digital Forensics & Incident Response
Security Tech Generalist

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.

= Required
= Certification
Offensive Security
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
Reverse Engineer
Need to know

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. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to 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.

Let's talk

A member of the team will contact you within 4 working hours after submitting the form.

244 results found
  • Afghanistan+93
  • Åland Islands+358
  • Albania+355
  • Algeria+213
  • American Samoa+1
  • Andorra+376
  • Angola+244
  • Anguilla+1
  • Antigua & Barbuda+1
  • Argentina+54
  • Armenia+374
  • Aruba+297
  • Ascension Island+247
  • Australia+61
  • Austria+43
  • Azerbaijan+994
  • Bahamas+1
  • Bahrain+973
  • Bangladesh+880
  • Barbados+1
  • Belarus+375
  • Belgium+32
  • Belize+501
  • Benin+229
  • Bermuda+1
  • Bhutan+975
  • Bolivia+591
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina+387
  • Botswana+267
  • Brazil+55
  • British Indian Ocean Territory+246
  • British Virgin Islands+1
  • Brunei+673
  • Bulgaria+359
  • Burkina Faso+226
  • Burundi+257
  • Cambodia+855
  • Cameroon+237
  • Canada+1
  • Cape Verde+238
  • Caribbean Netherlands+599
  • Cayman Islands+1
  • Central African Republic+236
  • Chad+235
  • Chile+56
  • China+86
  • Christmas Island+61
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands+61
  • Colombia+57
  • Comoros+269
  • Congo - Brazzaville+242
  • Congo - Kinshasa+243
  • Cook Islands+682
  • Costa Rica+506
  • Côte d’Ivoire+225
  • Croatia+385
  • Cuba+53
  • Curaçao+599
  • Cyprus+357
  • Czechia+420
  • Denmark+45
  • Djibouti+253
  • Dominica+1
  • Dominican Republic+1
  • Ecuador+593
  • Egypt+20
  • El Salvador+503
  • Equatorial Guinea+240
  • Eritrea+291
  • Estonia+372
  • Eswatini+268
  • Ethiopia+251
  • Falkland Islands+500
  • Faroe Islands+298
  • Fiji+679
  • Finland+358
  • France+33
  • French Guiana+594
  • French Polynesia+689
  • Gabon+241
  • Gambia+220
  • Georgia+995
  • Germany+49
  • Ghana+233
  • Gibraltar+350
  • Greece+30
  • Greenland+299
  • Grenada+1
  • Guadeloupe+590
  • Guam+1
  • Guatemala+502
  • Guernsey+44
  • Guinea+224
  • Guinea-Bissau+245
  • Guyana+592
  • Haiti+509
  • Honduras+504
  • Hong Kong SAR China+852
  • Hungary+36
  • Iceland+354
  • India+91
  • Indonesia+62
  • Iran+98
  • Iraq+964
  • Ireland+353
  • Isle of Man+44
  • Israel+972
  • Italy+39
  • Jamaica+1
  • Japan+81
  • Jersey+44
  • Jordan+962
  • Kazakhstan+7
  • Kenya+254
  • Kiribati+686
  • Kosovo+383
  • Kuwait+965
  • Kyrgyzstan+996
  • Laos+856
  • Latvia+371
  • Lebanon+961
  • Lesotho+266
  • Liberia+231
  • Libya+218
  • Liechtenstein+423
  • Lithuania+370
  • Luxembourg+352
  • Macao SAR China+853
  • Madagascar+261
  • Malawi+265
  • Malaysia+60
  • Maldives+960
  • Mali+223
  • Malta+356
  • Marshall Islands+692
  • Martinique+596
  • Mauritania+222
  • Mauritius+230
  • Mayotte+262
  • Mexico+52
  • Micronesia+691
  • Moldova+373
  • Monaco+377
  • Mongolia+976
  • Montenegro+382
  • Montserrat+1
  • Morocco+212
  • Mozambique+258
  • Myanmar (Burma)+95
  • Namibia+264
  • Nauru+674
  • Nepal+977
  • Netherlands+31
  • New Caledonia+687
  • New Zealand+64
  • Nicaragua+505
  • Niger+227
  • Nigeria+234
  • Niue+683
  • Norfolk Island+672
  • North Korea+850
  • North Macedonia+389
  • Northern Mariana Islands+1
  • Norway+47
  • Oman+968
  • Pakistan+92
  • Palau+680
  • Palestinian Territories+970
  • Panama+507
  • Papua New Guinea+675
  • Paraguay+595
  • Peru+51
  • Philippines+63
  • Poland+48
  • Portugal+351
  • Puerto Rico+1
  • Qatar+974
  • Réunion+262
  • Romania+40
  • Russia+7
  • Rwanda+250
  • Samoa+685
  • San Marino+378
  • São Tomé & Príncipe+239
  • Saudi Arabia+966
  • Senegal+221
  • Serbia+381
  • Seychelles+248
  • Sierra Leone+232
  • Singapore+65
  • Sint Maarten+1
  • Slovakia+421
  • Slovenia+386
  • Solomon Islands+677
  • Somalia+252
  • South Africa+27
  • South Korea+82
  • South Sudan+211
  • Spain+34
  • Sri Lanka+94
  • St. Barthélemy+590
  • St. Helena+290
  • St. Kitts & Nevis+1
  • St. Lucia+1
  • St. Martin+590
  • St. Pierre & Miquelon+508
  • St. Vincent & Grenadines+1
  • Sudan+249
  • Suriname+597
  • Svalbard & Jan Mayen+47
  • Sweden+46
  • Switzerland+41
  • Syria+963
  • Taiwan+886
  • Tajikistan+992
  • Tanzania+255
  • Thailand+66
  • Timor-Leste+670
  • Togo+228
  • Tokelau+690
  • Tonga+676
  • Trinidad & Tobago+1
  • Tunisia+216
  • Turkey+90
  • Turkmenistan+993
  • Turks & Caicos Islands+1
  • Tuvalu+688
  • U.S. Virgin Islands+1
  • Uganda+256
  • Ukraine+380
  • United Arab Emirates+971
  • United Kingdom+44
  • United States+1
  • Uruguay+598
  • Uzbekistan+998
  • Vanuatu+678
  • Vatican City+39
  • Venezuela+58
  • Vietnam+84
  • Wallis & Futuna+681
  • Western Sahara+212
  • Yemen+967
  • Zambia+260
  • Zimbabwe+263

By submitting this form, you agree to QA processing your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails or contacting us directly.