IT and cloud
Beacon: cyber security fundamentals
Last checked:
Palo Alto Networks' free learning portal, covering cloud security and how a SOC works.
The link goes to the provider's own site. You enrol there, not here.
- Provider
- Palo Alto Networks
- What you get
- a certificate
- Weight on a CV
- moderate weight
- Time cost
- ~20 h
- Validity
- No cut-off date
- Language
- in English
- Verified
- 7 August 2026
What this is
The free Beacon tracks cover network security fundamentals, cloud protection and the operating logic of a security operations centre. Registration asks for an email address and nothing else.
Palo Alto's paid certifications are a separate line and these courses do not replace them. What they do give is the vendor's terminology and product logic, which shows immediately in an interview.
Who it is for
Anyone moving towards SOC or cloud security who needs to learn the vendor's language.
How to get it
- 1Open Palo Alto Networks and create a free account. No card is asked for at any point.
- 2Work through the material, ~20 h in total. It is self-paced, so the time is yours to spread.
- 3Complete every module. The document is issued on completion, not on an exam result.
- 4Download the certificate as a PDF and keep the verification link, which is what an employer actually checks.
From Georgia
No restriction from Georgia. No card is asked for and the account is free.
Where this helps
Live remote vacancies in the same direction. You apply on the employer's own site; the board itself is written in Georgian.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beacon: cyber security fundamentals really free?
Palo Alto Networks' free learning portal, covering cloud security and how a SOC works. The credential itself costs nothing: what you receive is a certificate. Checked against Palo Alto Networks's own page on 7 August 2026.
How long does Beacon: cyber security fundamentals take?
Palo Alto Networks states roughly 20 hours. It is self-paced, so that is an evenings-and-weekends number rather than a schedule.
Can I take it from Georgia?
No restriction from Georgia. No card is asked for and the account is free.
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