Ethical hacking has emerged as one of the most sought-after skills in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. With the constant rise in cyber threats, organizations are increasingly turning to ethical hackers, or white hat hackers, to help protect their networks, data, and infrastructure. Ethical hackers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
If you’re looking to dive into ethical hacking but don’t want to break the bank, you’re in luck. Several free online courses teach ethical hacking concepts, tools, and techniques—and offer certificates upon completion. These courses can help you gain practical skills and provide the credentials needed to kick-start your career in cybersecurity. In this blog, we’ll explore the best free ethical hacking courses that not only offer valuable learning but also provide certifications.
Ethical Hacking Courses For Free with Certificate
1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking by Cybrary
Platform: Cybrary
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 2 hours
Overview: Cybrary is one of the leading platforms for cybersecurity training, and its Introduction to Ethical Hacking course is perfect for beginners. This course offers a deep dive into the basics of ethical hacking, covering the principles, tools, and techniques used by ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security systems.
The course is presented by industry professionals and includes practical insights into common hacking methods, making it a great start for anyone interested in ethical hacking. Cybrary also offers a certificate of completion, which you can showcase on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding the role of ethical hackers
- The ethical hacking process and methodologies
- Key tools used in ethical hacking, such as Nmap and Wireshark
2. Ethical Hacking: An Introduction by edX (offered by the University of Colorado)
Platform: edX
Certificate: Yes (Free audit, paid certificate available)
Duration: 6 weeks (Self-paced)
Overview: edX, a leading online learning platform, offers a comprehensive Ethical Hacking course in partnership with the University of Colorado. While the course is part of a larger paid program, you can audit the course for free and access all the materials. The course explores the core concepts of ethical hacking, from the basics of penetration testing to understanding common attack vectors.
The course is structured to be perfect for beginners and those looking to build a solid foundation in ethical hacking. Although the certificate is only available with a paid option, the knowledge gained from it is invaluable.
What You’ll Learn:
- The ethical hacking lifecycle
- Penetration testing tools and techniques
- Identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting them safely
3. Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) Free Practice Test by EC-Council
Platform: EC-Council
Certificate: Yes (Free practice test, full course paid)
Duration: Variable
Overview: While EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification course is a paid program, they offer a free practice test that helps you prepare for the CEH exam. The practice test covers various topics from ethical hacking, providing a taste of the content and questions you can expect in the full course.
This is a fantastic way to get a feel for ethical hacking concepts and test your knowledge before deciding whether to pursue the full certification. Completing the practice test also earns you a certificate acknowledging your preparation.
What You’ll Learn:
- Key topics covered in the CEH certification
- Ethical hacking principles and methodologies
- Penetration testing concepts and practices
4. Ethical Hacking for Beginners by Udemy
Platform: Udemy
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 4 hours
Overview: Udemy offers several free and paid courses on ethical hacking, and one of the best free options is Ethical Hacking for Beginners. This course is designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of hacking and cybersecurity. It introduces learners to the foundational aspects of ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, and system penetration.
The course is designed to be hands-on, with practical exercises to help learners understand the theoretical concepts. Upon completing it, you’ll earn a certificate that showcases your new skills in ethical hacking.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic ethical hacking techniques
- Tools used in penetration testing (e.g., Metasploit)
- Understanding the hacker’s mindset for defensive security
Enroll Course For Free
5. Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking by FutureLearn (offered by the University of Edinburgh)
Platform: FutureLearn
Certificate: Yes (Free access, paid certificate available)
Duration: 3 weeks (3 hours per week)
Overview: FutureLearn offers an excellent course titled Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking, which the University of Edinburgh presents. This course provides a balanced overview of ethical hacking, focusing on offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies. It covers a range of topics, from penetration testing to understanding network vulnerabilities and the legal considerations of ethical hacking.
The course is free to access, and a certificate of completion can be purchased. The hands-on learning approach makes it easy to apply concepts and tools in real-world situations.
What You’ll Learn:
- The ethical hacking process and its legal implications
- How to conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
- Strategies for defending against cyber threats
6. Ethical Hacking for Beginners by Google (via Coursera)
Platform: Coursera
Certificate: Yes (Free for auditing, paid certificate available)
Duration: 4 hours
Overview: Google offers an introductory course to ethical hacking through Coursera. This course is part of Google’s broader IT Support Professional Certificate and provides an accessible entry point for those looking to explore ethical hacking concepts. The course is free to audit, with a paid option available for a certificate.
This short course focuses on the basics of ethical hacking, including how ethical hackers work to secure networks, systems, and data. It’s perfect for anyone starting their cybersecurity journey or those looking to switch careers.
What You’ll Learn:
- The basics of ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Key security tools used by ethical hackers
- How to identify vulnerabilities in systems
7. Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch by Udemy
Platform: Udemy
Certificate: Yes
Duration: 3 hours
Overview: Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch is another free course on Udemy that provides a structured, hands-on introduction to the world of ethical hacking. The course covers key ethical hacking techniques, including system exploitation, vulnerability assessments, and using various hacking tools.
This course is well-suited for those who want a quick but comprehensive overview of ethical hacking and penetration testing. The certificate you receive after completion adds value to your professional development and can be shared with potential employers.
What You’ll Learn:
- Hacking techniques and their ethical applications
- Tools for network scanning and vulnerability testing
- How to defend against common cyber threats
Conclusion
Ethical hacking is an essential skill in the fight against cybercrime, and there has never been a better time to learn this valuable skill. The courses listed above are excellent resources for anyone looking to break into the field of ethical hacking without spending a fortune. By completing these free online courses and earning a certificate, you can gain foundational knowledge, improve your skills, and showcase your proficiency in ethical hacking.
Whether you are just starting or looking to enhance your cybersecurity expertise, these free courses will help you build the skills needed to secure systems and networks, making you an invaluable asset to any organization. So why wait? Start learning ethical hacking today and take your first step towards a rewarding career in cybersecurity!
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