Want to get into ethical hacking but don't want to break the bank? I've dug up some rare, powerful, and 100% FREE platforms and resources perfect for students, tech enthusiasts, and cybersecurity beginners. These aren't just intro videos; they offer highly practical, zero-cost hacking education for ethical and educational purposes. Build real skills without spending a dime!
Your Free Ethical Hacking Toolkit:
Cybrary
What it is: A specialized platform offering free beginner-to-advanced courses in cybersecurity, penetration testing, and network defense.
Highlight: Look for their "Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity" and "CompTIA Security+" prep courses.
Bonus: Includes hands-on virtual labs and career paths.
Link: https://www.cybrary.it/
Hacker101
What it is: A completely free web security course developed by HackerOne.
Focus: Teaches real-world web vulnerabilities using Capture The Flag (CTF) style challenges.
Bonus: Completing challenges can earn invitations to private bug bounty programs.
Link: https://www.hacker101.com/
OverTheWire Wargames
What it is: A legendary, free hands-on hacking lab that covers Linux command line, SSH, file permissions, buffer overflows, and more.
Structure: Each "wargame" increases in difficulty and simulates real-world security challenges.
Best Start: Begin with "Bandit" to build foundational skills.
Link: https://overthewire.org/wargames/
PortSwigger Web Security Academy
What it is: An industry-trusted free academy by the creators of Burp Suite.
What it covers: XSS, SQLi, CSRF, SSRF, authentication flaws, and more, paired with interactive labs.
Ideal For: Web application security learners who want to master offensive security methods legally.
Link: https://portswigger.net/web-security
MIT OpenCourseWare – Computer and Network Security
What it is: A free archive of one of MIT’s most advanced security courses.
Includes: Lecture notes, assignments, reading materials, and past exams.
Tip: Ideal for intermediate or advanced learners familiar with computing concepts.
Link: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-857-network-and-computer-security-spring-2015/
TryHackMe – Free Rooms
What it is: A gamified learning platform with virtual hacking labs.
What’s free: Many “rooms” and learning paths are completely free, including Intro to Cyber Security and Pre-Security.
Best For: Beginners who enjoy hands-on, CTF-style learning with guided walkthroughs.
Link: https://tryhackme.com/
Cisco Networking Academy – Cybersecurity Essentials
What it is: Cisco’s nonprofit educational platform offering free access to introductory cybersecurity training.
Modules: Covers threats, cryptography, risk management, and more.
Requirement: May need to sign up via an educational institution or local partner.
Link: https://www.netacad.com/courses/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-essentials
DFIR Training Hub
What it is: A community-curated archive of digital forensics and incident response courses, tools, and guides.
Best Use: For learners interested in the post-hack side of cybersecurity: investigating breaches, memory forensics, log analysis, etc.
Link: https://www.dfirtraining.net/
SecurityTube
What it is: A free collection of video-based tutorials covering Metasploit, Wi-Fi hacking, assembly programming, and more.
Why it’s unique: Focuses on niche topics often overlooked by mainstream platforms.
Link: http://www.securitytube.net/
OpenSecurityTraining
What it is: A treasure trove of deep technical lectures on binary exploitation, reverse engineering, and advanced system internals.
Level: Mostly intermediate to advanced; ideal for learners looking to go beyond basics.
Link: http://opensecuritytraining.info/
Hack The Box – Starting Point Labs
What it is: A free entry-level cybersecurity playground with guided hacking challenges.
Focus: Teaches key concepts like service enumeration, privilege escalation, and shell access.
Extra: Labs simulate real-world scenarios to prep for real pentesting.
Link: https://www.hackthebox.com/starting-point
EH Academy – Free Courses
What it is: Offers select free cybersecurity courses in ethical hacking, digital forensics, Wi-Fi cracking, and more.
Highlight: Simple sign-up process and quick-start video lessons.
Link: https://www.ehacademy.com/ (Look for their "Free Courses" section)
Null Byte on Hackaday
What it is: A community-driven blog with step-by-step tutorials in ethical hacking, cybersecurity tools, scripting, and exploit development.
Features: Covers practical guides on Kali Linux, Metasploit, Wireshark, and more.
Ideal for: Learners who prefer reading + experimentation.
Link: https://hackaday.com/blog/category/null-byte/
Blue Team Labs Online
What it is: A unique free platform for blue team (defensive) cybersecurity.
Focus: Learn log analysis, threat hunting, malware identification, and SIEM.
Format: Gamified labs, challenges, and real-world cyber incident simulations.
Link: https://blueteamlabs.online/
PentesterLab – Free Badges
What it is: A hands-on web security training platform with select free exercises and badges.
Focus: Gain practical skills in injection, command execution, web app vulnerabilities, and more.
Bonus: Paid upgrades available but many foundational labs are fully free.
Link: https://www.pentesterlab.com/ (Look for the "Free Badges" section)
Final Tip:
To truly grow in ethical hacking, consistency is key. Schedule a regular learning routine combining theoretical courses and practical labs. Join community forums like r/netsec or Infosec Writeups to stay current and connect with like-minded learners.
These platforms offer legitimate, accessible pathways into cybersecurity—without the high cost barrier. Whether you’re aiming for certifications, job readiness, or passion projects, this rare combination of free resources is a goldmine.
ENJOY & HAPPY HACKING! 🔓
