Free Online Ethical Hacking Training Courses
In the dynamic landscape of information and communication technology (ICT), where the virtual realm intersects with real-world threats, the role of ethical hacking has emerged as a linchpin in fortifying digital defenses. As the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to soar, aspiring enthusiasts are presented with a myriad of opportunities to acquire expertise through free online training courses. This curated list encompasses the top 10 courses that not only demystify the intricacies of ethical hacking but also empower learners to become cyber guardians of the digital frontier
- OWASP WebGoat Project:
- Website: OWASP WebGoat
- Description: WebGoat is a deliberately insecure web application maintained by OWASP designed to help developers and testers learn about web application security issues.
- Metasploit Unleashed (MSFU):
- Website: Metasploit Unleashed
- Description: Metasploit Unleashed is a free, comprehensive ethical hacking training course that covers the Metasploit Framework. It provides hands-on experience with various penetration testing techniques.
- Hacker101 by HackerOne:
- Website: Hacker101
- Description: Hacker101 is an initiative by HackerOne that offers free courses on web security. It includes practical exercises, and real-world scenarios, and covers topics ranging from basic vulnerabilities to more advanced exploitation techniques.
- Google’s Gruyere Web Application Exploits and Defenses:
- Website: Gruyere
- Description: Gruyere is a vulnerable web application developed by Google to provide a hands-on learning experience for web application security. It allows users to practice exploiting and securing web applications in a safe environment.
- Cybrary – Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing:
- Website: Cybrary
- Description: Cybrary offers free online courses in ethical hacking and penetration testing. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including network security, vulnerability assessment, and practical skills for ethical hackers.
- Hack This Site:
- Website: Hack This Site
- Description: Hack This Site is a platform that offers legal and ethical hacking challenges. It provides a series of missions to help individuals enhance their hacking skills, covering topics such as cryptography, web application security, and more.
- Exploit Exercises:
- Website: Exploit Exercises
- Description: Exploit Exercises provides a platform for hands-on learning in areas like binary exploitation and network security. It offers a variety of virtual machines and challenges designed to enhance penetration testing and exploit development skills.
- PentesterLab:
- Website: PentesterLab
- Description: PentesterLab offers free exercises and labs for learning web penetration testing. The platform is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, providing practical scenarios to develop and test ethical hacking skills.
- SecurityTube:
- Website: SecurityTube
- Description: SecurityTube is an online resource that offers free security-related videos. The content covers a broad spectrum of topics, including penetration testing, malware analysis, and network security, providing valuable insights for learners.
- GitHub Repositories:
- OWASP GitHub: OWASP GitHub
- SecLists: SecLists
- PayloadsAllTheThings: PayloadsAllTheThings
In summary, the provided list showcases a diverse array of free ethical hacking resources, offering a rich educational landscape for individuals interested in cybersecurity. From interactive platforms like OWASP WebGoat and HackerOne’s Hacker101 to practical exercises on Exploit Exercises and PentesterLab, these resources cover a wide spectrum of skills, enabling hands-on learning in areas such as web application security, penetration testing, and network security. Combined with educational content on Cybrary, SecurityTube’s video resources, and the collective knowledge on GitHub repositories, these resources empower aspiring ethical hackers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity responsibly.