The cybersecurity landscape constantly evolves, making quality cyber security training essential for both beginners and seasoned professionals. With cybersecurity careers offering excellent growth potential and competitive salaries in the UK (learn more in our comprehensive “Cyber Security Jobs 2025: Complete UK Career & Salary Guide“), choosing the right training platform can make all the difference in your professional journey
- My Top 5 Cyber Security Training Platforms:
- TryHackMe: The Perfect Starting Point
- HackTheBox: For the Security Elite
- Blue Team Labs Online: Defensive Security Focus
- INE Security (formerly eLearnSecurity)
- Immersive Labs: Enterprise-Grade Training
- Government-Funded Options in the UK
- Choosing the Right Platform For You
- Career Progression and Future Opportunities
My Top 5 Cyber Security Training Platforms:
TryHackMe: The Perfect Starting Point
Founded in 2018, TryHackMe has revolutionised cyber security training with its beginner-friendly approach. Having personally explored this platform, I can attest to its intuitive interface and exceptional learning experience. The platform guides you through complex security concepts using interactive labs and gamified challenges.
Key Features:
TryHackMe offers structured learning paths that progress from basic to advanced topics. Their browser-based attack box eliminates the need for complex local setups, making it accessible for absolute beginners. The platform’s step-by-step explanations ensure you understand not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind each security concept.
Pricing and Reviews:
- Free tier available
- Premium subscription: £9-12 /month
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.7/5 from over 650 reviews
- Particularly praised for beginner-friendly content and active community support
HackTheBox: For the Security Elite
Established in 2017, HackTheBox has earned its reputation as the go-to platform for advanced cyber security training. This platform particularly shines in providing realistic scenarios that mirror real-world security challenges.
Platform Highlights:
The platform offers various training tracks, including penetration testing, bug bounty hunting, and red team operations. Their labs feature regularly updated machines and challenges that reflect current security threats and vulnerabilities.
Pricing and Community Reception:
- Limited free tier
- VIP subscription: $8-68/month (need to create an account to see pricing)
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5 from 200+ reviews
- Known for challenging content and professional-grade training environments
Blue Team Labs Online: Defensive Security Focus
Launched in 2020, Blue Team Labs Online fills a crucial gap in defensive security training. This platform specialises in incident response, threat hunting, and security operations centre (SOC) analyst training.
Platform Highlights:
The platform provides realistic security incidents and investigation scenarios. Users work with industry-standard tools and actual malware samples in a safe, controlled environment.
Pricing and Community Reception:
- Basic tier: Free
- Professional tier: £15/month
- No reviews found
- Highly regarded for its focus on defensive security operations
INE Security (formerly eLearnSecurity)
With over a decade of experience, INE Security offers comprehensive cyber security training that caters to both offensive and defensive security professionals.
Platform Strengths:
INE provides structured learning paths leading to respected certifications. Their training material includes extensive video content, detailed study guides, and virtual labs.
Pricing and Community Reception:
- No free tier
- Subscription: £59-96/month
- G2 Rating: 4.5/5
- Valued for certification preparation and comprehensive course materials
Immersive Labs: Enterprise-Grade Training
Founded in 2017, Immersive Labs focuses on enterprise-level cyber security training with a unique approach to skill development.
Investment and Reviews:
INE provides structured learning paths leading to respected certifications. Their training material includes extensive video content, detailed study guides, and virtual labs.
Pricing and Community Reception:
- Enterprise pricing (contact sales)
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- Particularly praised for corporate training programs and current threat landscape coverage
Government-Funded Options in the UK
The UK government actively supports cyber security training through various initiatives:
- The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers free courses and certifications
- Cyber Security Challenge UK for students aged 12-18
- Skills Boot Camps in Cyber Security (fully funded for eligible participants)
- The Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) provides free educational resources
Choosing the Right Platform For You
When selecting a cyber security training platform, consider your career goals and the current job market demands. Our detailed analysis in “Cyber Security Jobs 2025: Complete UK Career & Salary Guide” shows that employers particularly value hands-on experience and practical skills. Therefore, when choosing a platform, consider:
- Your current skill level and learning goals
- Budget and time commitment
- Preferred learning style (hands-on vs theoretical)
- Specific focus areas (offensive security, defensive security, or both)
- Career objectives and relevant certification paths
Remember, many platforms offer free trials or basic tiers, allowing you to test their teaching style and content quality before committing to a subscription.
Career Progression and Future Opportunities
The skills you gain from these training platforms can lead to exciting career opportunities in cyber security. For detailed insights into potential career paths, salary expectations, and job market trends in the UK, explore our comprehensive guide: “Cyber Security Jobs 2025: Complete UK Career & Salary Guide“.