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Free Ethical Hacking Course

Name: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Rating: 4.5 (12169 reviews)

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Updated with 2026 Skills

4.5 Beginner level 3.0 learning hrs 511.3K+ Learners

Learn ethical hacking basics, legal practices, AI concepts, web application attacks, MITRE concepts, and social engineering. Enroll in this free Ethical Hacking course to build core cybersecurity skills.

Instructor:

Aniket Amdekar

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Skills you will gain

Ethical Hacking Importance

Ethical Hacking Legal Aspects

Career Oppurtunities

Web Application Hacking

SOcial ENgineering Attacks

MITRE Attacks

+1 More

What you'll learn

Classify hacker types as black, white, or grey hat.

Identify core skills and tools ethical hackers use.

Recognize common web application attacks like XSS.

Analyze the SQL injection attack demonstration process.

Key Highlights

Get free course content

Master in-demand skills & tools

Test your skills with quizzes

About this course

This free online ethical hacking course equips you with the foundational skills to understand how ethical hacking supports cybersecurity and risk prevention. You’ll learn the basics of ethical hacking, its importance, legal aspects, career opportunities, and introductory AI concepts used in ethical hacking. The course also covers web application hacking techniques, including MITRE attack concepts, to help you understand how attackers identify and exploit weaknesses.

You’ll also learn the basics of social engineering attacks through demonstrations that show how human behavior can become a security risk. By the end of this ethical hacking course for beginners, you’ll be able to explain ethical hacking concepts, understand legal and responsible hacking practices, recognize common web and social engineering threats, and build a strong foundation for further learning in cybersecurity.

Stand out with an industry-recognized certificate

Start learning

10,000+ certificates claimed, get yours today!

Get noticed by top recruiters

Share on professional channels

Globally recognised

Land your dream job

Course outline

Ethical Hacking Introduction

In this module, you will learn the basics of ethical hacking, its importance, legal aspects, and career opportunities. You will also be introduced to AI concepts in ethical hacking.

Introduction to Web Application Hacking

Here, you will be demonstrated with ethical hacking techniques for web Applications like MITRE Attacks.

Social Engineering Attacks Basics

In this module, you will be explained the Social Engineering Attacks with demonstrations for the same.

Get access to the complete curriculum once you enroll in the course

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This course is ideal for

Beginners wanting to learn ethical hacking basics.
Students and job seekers exploring cybersecurity roles.
Working professionals who want to secure IT systems.
Job seekers adding an Ethical Hacking certificate to their CV.

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

4.5

3.0 Hours

Beginner

511.3K+ learners enrolled so far

Get free course content

Master in-demand skills & tools

Test your skills with quizzes

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Ethical Hacking Techniques

2 projects 7 hrs video content

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Trusted by 10 Million+ Learners globally

4.6

4.89

4.94

4.7

Learner reviews of the Free Courses

4.5

★★★★

★ ☆

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71%

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20%

★

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Chetan Dhapkas

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Ethical Hacking Mastery: Feedback for Future Innovators”

The instructor provided a clear and engaging learning experience throughout the course. Her best contribution was making complex concepts easy to understand with real-world examples. She was always available to answer questions and gave valuable insights that enhanced my understanding of ethical hacking. I truly appreciate her dedication and teaching style—it made a significant impact on my learning journey.

Rafael Xudoynazarov

5.0

★★★★ ★

“Comprehensive and Practical IT Learning Experience”

I truly appreciated the detailed curriculum and hands-on tools provided throughout the course. The lessons were structured in a way that was easy to follow, making complex IT concepts more approachable. The combination of engaging quizzes and well-designed assignments reinforced my understanding and kept me motivated. Overall, this program was a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Hacker

5.0

★★★★ ★

“Transformative Journey Through Cybersecurity Learning”

I appreciated the hands-on approach and practical insights from the courses. Each module built on the last, enhancing my understanding of complex topics. The interactive labs were particularly beneficial for applying theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the supportive community and resources available made the learning experience enjoyable and engaging.

Boopathirajan M

4.0

★★★ ★ ☆

India

“The Course Content Was Highly Relevant to Current Industry Practices”

Topics such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and social engineering provided a comprehensive overview of ethical hacking.

Martin Luther

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Learned Techniques & Tools to Defend Against Hackers”

The course was informative and challenging, providing hands-on experience with penetration testing and incident response.

Bukunmi Olayinka

5.0

★★★★ ★

Nigeria

“The Course Provided a Comprehensive Introduction to Ethical Hacking”

I learned about reconnaissance techniques, including footprinting, scanning, and enumeration. This phase helps ethical hackers gather information about the target organization. I understood the importance of identifying potential vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and directory traversal attacks. I became familiar with tools like w3af, a web application security scanner, and learned how to use them to identify vulnerabilities.

ayush sharma

4.0

★★★ ★ ☆

India

“Best Experience and Best Course for Ethical Hacking”

Ethical hacking courses are increasingly popular as they empower learners with the skills needed to protect and secure digital assets in an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. A well-designed ethical hacking course should cover foundational concepts such as network security, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing. Additionally, it should provide hands-on labs or simulations, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in controlled environments. Such practical exercises are invaluable for critical thinking.

ABDUL WADUTH S btech_ai_a2022

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Mastering Cyber Security Expertise”

Completing a Cyber Security course is a commendable achievement, showcasing your commitment to staying ahead in a critical and evolving field. This knowledge strengthens your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks, a highly sought-after skill in today's digital landscape. Coupled with your expertise in data analysis and commerce, it positions you as a versatile professional capable of safeguarding organizational assets while making informed decisions. Your proactive learning mindset will undoubtedly drive success in your future endeavors.

SANDEEP DOLI

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Enhanced My Skills with Practical Scenarios in the CEH Course”

Eager to learn more from the Great Learning platform. I would recommend this platform for cybersecurity enthusiasts.

Patience Peni

5.0

★★★★ ★

Nigeria

“The Pathway to My Future Ambition in Life”

I really enjoyed the easy-to-follow videos and the easy-to-understand concepts of each video. It was really insightful for me as a beginner in the cybersecurity world.

What our learners enjoyed the most

Skill & tools

65%

65% of learners found all the desired skills & tools

Our course instructor

Aniket Amdekar

General Manager - Cyber Defence Education

Cyber Security Expert

583.8K+ Learners

14 Courses

Aniket is the lead faculty for PGP in Cyber Security and has over 15 years of experience in the field. He has worked with companies like Symantec, Microsoft, MakeMyTrip, and Walmart. He holds multiple certifications like CISSP and CISM

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a certificate upon completing this free course?

Yes, upon successful completion of the course and payment of the certificate fee, you will receive a completion certificate that you can add to your resume.

Is this course free?

Yes, you may enroll in the course and access the course content for free. However, if you wish to obtain a certificate upon completion, a non-refundable fee is applicable.

How do I start learning ethical hacking as a beginner?

You can start learning ethical hacking with this free beginner-level course, which requires no prerequisites. It opens with a "What is Hacking?" module and builds up step by step across 4.5 learning hours. You also get hands-on demos using Kali Linux and bWAPP, so you practice real techniques rather than just theory. Over 500.7K learners have already enrolled, making it a solid starting point for complete beginners.

Can I access the course on mobile devices, or only on a computer?

You can access the course on both mobile devices and computers, making it convenient for on-the-go learning.

Is there a deadline to enroll in this free course, or can I join at any time?

You can enroll in this free course at any time. There are no specific enrollment deadlines, allowing you to start when it suits you.

How long does this free ethical hacking course take to complete?

This free ethical hacking course takes about 4.5 learning hours to complete. It is fully self-paced, so you can finish it in a single weekend or spread it over a few days, whatever suits your schedule. You also get lifetime access to the content, which means you can revisit any module whenever you need a refresher.

What is ethical hacking and how does it differ from illegal hacking?

Ethical hacking involves legally breaking into systems to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, with the intent of improving security. Unlike illegal hacking, it's done with permission and aims to prevent cyber attacks.

Is ethical hacking legal – what are the boundaries?

Ethical hackers must always have explicit permission to access and test systems. They should adhere to legal guidelines and respect data privacy and integrity.

What are common ethical hacking techniques?

Techniques include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, phishing simulations, and network traffic analysis to identify security weaknesses.

What is penetration testing in ethical hacking?

Penetration testing, or pen-testing, simulates cyber attacks on a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers.

What tools do ethical hackers use?

Popular tools include Nmap for network mapping, Metasploit for exploiting vulnerabilities, Wireshark for packet analysis, and Burp Suite for web application security.

Is ethical hacking a good career path?

Yes, ethical hacking is a growing field with opportunities in cybersecurity roles like penetration testers, security analysts, and consultants.

What skills do I need to become an ethical hacker?

Essential skills include understanding of networks, operating systems, and programming languages (like Python, JavaScript). Knowledge in cybersecurity practices and tools is also important.

Do I need cybersecurity knowledge for ethical hacking?

Understanding cybersecurity is crucial for ethical hackers to protect systems effectively and understand the tactics used by malicious hackers.

How do ethical hackers report their findings?

Ethical hackers typically provide a detailed report including identified vulnerabilities, the methods used to exploit them, and recommendations for mitigation.

Why take Great Learning's free Introduction to Ethical Hacking course?

Comprehensive and Accessible Learning: Great Learning's course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of ethical hacking, making it accessible even for those with little to no background in cybersecurity.
Skill Development for a High-Demand Field: Ethical hacking is a rapidly growing field with increasing demand for skilled professionals. This course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to start a career in cybersecurity.
Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning: Being free and online, it provides flexibility, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and fit the course into their schedule, making it ideal for both students and working professionals.
Career Opportunities: The skills acquired can open doors to various cybersecurity roles, such as penetration testers, security analysts, and IT security consultants, in diverse industries.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats: The course content is often updated to reflect the latest trends and techniques in cybersecurity, helping learners stay ahead in combating emerging cyber threats.

Is there any limit on how many times I can take this free course?

Once you enroll in the Introduction to Ethical Hacking course, you have lifetime access to it. So, you can log in anytime and learn it for free online.

Can I sign up for multiple courses from Great Learning Academy at the same time?

Yes, you can enroll in as many courses as you want from Great Learning Academy. There is no limit to the number of courses you can enroll in at once, but since the courses offered by Great Learning Academy are free, we suggest you learn one by one to get the best out of the subject.

Which advanced programs help learners move from ethical hacking basics to top cybersecurity and software job roles?

Learners who want to grow beyond ethical hacking basics should build skills in secure software development, cloud security, cyber risk, and AI-driven security practices. If you are interested in secure, AI-enabled software development can explore the Professional Certificate in Generative AI and Agents for Software Development from the McCombs School of Business. It builds skills in AI-assisted coding, full-stack application development, and AI agent integration, making it suitable for learners considering a full stack developer course. Also, learners focused on cybersecurity roles can explore the Johns Hopkins Cybersecurity Certificate Program to strengthen skills in threat detection, data protection, cyber risk, and incident response.

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