Free Ethical Hacking Course

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Updated with 2026 Skills
star 4.5  Beginner level 2.25 learning hrs 502.3K+ Learners

Learn the essentials of ethical hacking in this free ethical hacking course. Discover hacking types, essential tools, and how to protect web and network applications.

Instructor:

Aniket Amdekar

Key Highlights

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About this course

In this free course on Ethical Hacking, you will be introduced to basics of Ethical Hacking which includes its foundational concepts like importance, legal aspects and career oppurtunities. This course will help you understand how and where you can incorporate AI in Ethical Hacking practices. Few well known attacks and hacks will be discussed including MITRE Attacks and Social Engineering Attacks.

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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

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

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2.25 Hours

Beginner

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502.3K+ learners enrolled so far

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Ethical Hacking Techniques
2 projects 7 hrs video content
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Learner reviews of the Free Courses

4.5
71%
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3%
Reviewer Profile

5.0

“Gained Practical Experience in Hacking Online”
I gained practical experience in hacking through online courses and resources. I learned about various techniques, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and ethical hacking. This hands-on experience helped me understand cybersecurity better and enhance my skills in real-world scenarios.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag Nigeria
“Comprehensive Course on Ethical Hacking”
The course structure was clear and well-organized, making complex topics easy to understand. The instructors were knowledgeable and provided insightful examples that made learning engaging and practical.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag India
“Introduction to Ethical Hacking”
The ethical hacking course was an incredibly insightful and engaging learning experience. It provided a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts, tools, and techniques used to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in systems. The hands-on approach with real-world scenarios, such as penetration testing, network scanning, and web application security, made the concepts practical and easy to grasp.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

“Valuable Knowledge and Skills Gained”
I love how cybersecurity constantly evolves, presenting new challenges and opportunities to learn every day. It’s exciting to analyze vulnerabilities, solve complex problems, and think like both an attacker and a defender. I enjoy the sense of responsibility and purpose in protecting systems, data, and people from threats.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag India
“Learned Good Information About Ethical Hacking”
It provided a great foundation in ethical hacking principles, methodologies, and tools.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag India
“Easy to Learn, Very Understandable”
Great Learning offers a comprehensive Introduction to Ethical Hacking course designed to equip learners with foundational skills in cybersecurity. This course covers essential topics such as network basics, footprinting, scanning, and vulnerability assessment. It is structured to provide a solid understanding of ethical hacking principles and practices.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag India
“Absolutely Mind-Blowing Techniques and Learning Experience”
To be very honest, I didn't know that learning could be this fun. Thanks to Team_GREAT_LEARNING who made this learning experience 'Great'.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag Saudi Arabia
“Instructor's Teaching Was Easy to Follow”
He gives in-depth teaching on the topic, and Great Learning is a good platform to gain knowledge.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Country Flag Malaysia
“Easy to Understand and Follow Course Structure”
Well-structured course contents and great learning experience.
Reviewer Profile

4.0

Country Flag India
“Great Experience with Great Learning”
Great Learning's Ethical Hacking course provides a thorough understanding of cybersecurity principles and ethical hacking techniques. It covers essential topics like penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and security protocols. Through practical labs and real-world scenarios, learners gain hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills needed to identify and mitigate security threats effectively.

What our learners enjoyed the most

Our course instructor

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Aniket Amdekar

General Manager - Cyber Defence Education

Cyber Security Expert

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561K+ Learners
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13 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.

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