Ready to dive into the world of cybersecurity and ethical hacking without spending a dime? 💰 This exclusive list reveals a rare compilation of the most valuable free ethical hacking courses for 2025—perfect for beginners, aspiring bug bounty hunters, or seasoned professionals looking to expand their skillset! ✨
These aren't just basic intros; they're courses spread across recognized platforms, taught by security experts, and designed for real-world impact. Get ready to learn how to find vulnerabilities... the legal way! 🧑💻
Top Free Ethical Hacking Courses You Can Start Right Now! 🚀
Introduction to Cybersecurity – Cisco Networking Academy
➤ A globally trusted entry-level course covering threat types, attack vectors, and basic security hygiene. Essential for any beginner!
🔗 Link: https://www.netacad.com/courses/cybersecurity/introduction-cybersecurity
Hacker101 – HackerOne
➤ Built by professional bug bounty hunters themselves! Includes CTF-style labs, videos, and downloadable guides. Perfect for hands-on learning.
🔗 Link: https://www.hackerone.com/hacker101
Ethical Hacking for Beginners – Great Learning
➤ A short, well-structured introduction covering footprinting, scanning, and the basics of hacking tools. Get up to speed quickly!
🔗 Link: https://www.greatlearning.in/academy/learn-for-free/courses/ethical-hacking-for-beginners
Introduction to Ethical Hacking – Cybrary
➤ A crash course that explains the core ideas and objectives of ethical hacking with engaging video modules.
🔗 Link: https://www.cybrary.it/course/introduction-to-ethical-hacking/
Cybersecurity Basics – edX (by University of Washington)
➤ An academic-level course focusing on threats, mitigation, security policies, and risk management. Great for a deeper understanding.
🔗 Link: https://www.edx.org/course/cybersecurity-basics
OWASP Top 10 Explained – Codecademy/YouTube Archives
➤ Crucial for web security! Study the top 10 most critical web application vulnerabilities, straight from OWASP’s maintained resources. (Search for "OWASP Top 10" on https://www.codecademy.com/ or YouTube).
🔗 Link: https://owasp.org/www-project-top-10/ (for the official list)
Intro to IT & Cybersecurity – CompTIA/ITProTV
➤ Non-technical to mid-level learners will benefit immensely from this foundational course with vendor-neutral insights.
🔗 Link: https://www.itprotv.com/courses/comptia/comptia-it-fundamentals-fc0-u61/ (Often includes free intro modules)
Cybersecurity Essentials – Fortinet NSE 1 to NSE 2
➤ A structured free certification path from Fortinet covering cybersecurity awareness, threat intelligence, and secure practices. Earn an industry-recognized cert!
🔗 Link: https://training.fortinet.com/ (Look for NSE 1 and NSE 2 courses)
Google Cybersecurity Career Certificate (Audit-Free via Coursera)
➤ You can audit the course for free on Coursera! Includes labs, role-based security tasks, and key cybersecurity concepts. A fantastic way to learn from Google.
🔗 Link: https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-cybersecurity (Look for the "Audit" option on individual courses within the specialization)
TryHackMe Free Rooms
➤ Practical, gamified hands-on hacking simulations covering topics from beginner to pro—absolutely great for building your portfolio and practical skills!
🔗 Link: https://tryhackme.com/ (Look for their "Free Rooms" or "Learning Paths")
What Makes These Courses Absolutely Exceptional? ✨
Zero cost, no strings attached! Learn from Fortune 500-level instructors and programs without paying a single rupee. 💰
Most include certificates, interactive labs, or gamified environments to make learning engaging and practical. 🎮
They are ideal for prepping for major penetration testing certifications (like CEH or OSCP) by building a strong foundation. 🎓
Pro Strategy: Combine for Maximum Impact! 🎯
Pair Hacker101, TryHackMe, and Cisco’s Intro Course for a solid progression from beginner theory to hands-on hacking.
Then, if you're aiming for professional credentials, branch into paid certifications like TCM Security or CEH v12.
This leaked lineup is the ultimate shortcut for anyone diving into ethical hacking—without spending a cent. Save it, bookmark it, and start exploiting vulnerabilities… the legal way! 🛡️
ENJOY & HAPPY LEARNING! 🧠
