Hacking is often related to bad acts and getting unauthorized access but Ethical Hacking is not what you think. It is also called white hat hacking in which the due permission is taken from the respected organisation. Ethical hackers are the security professionals who are hired by companies and organizations to safeguard their digital world. With millions of job opportunities in this field, this has a career scope that anyone can explore with the basic knowledge of programming. However, if are new to this field you must be thinking about where to start. If yes then you are at the right place. With extensive research, we have created a list of the best ethical hacking courses available online that anyone who wants to pursue hacking can start.
8 Best Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners
Here are some of the top-rated courses from popular platforms such as Udeny, Coursera, Pluralsight, EDX, etc. And the best part is most of the courses available are free of cost and you can start learning without any investment. The eight best ethical hacking courses are given below:
1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Essentially, this is one of the best ethical hacking courses designed for beginners who would like to learn ethical hacking, and it comes with demonstrations. It highlights the best practices of web, mobile & network security using tools such as Kali Linux & bWAPP. Information security learners expose themselves to important points of weakness like SQL injection and cross-site scripting while learning practical lessons. The course is best suited for anyone who wishes to learn about cybersecurity from the ground up and learn about ethical hacking ideas and practices.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly.
- Real-life experience application of the tools.
- Benchmarks against important vulnerabilities like SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).
Cons:
- Limited advanced topics.
- Some concepts may easily need to have prior knowledge of cybersecurity in order to understand.
2. Security Analyst Fundamentals
Developed by IBM, this best ethical hacking courses in Coursera helps to get an insightful understanding of ethical hacking and basic concepts of cybersecurity. It includes crucial topics like penetration testing, incident handling and forensics and includes practical scenarios. Learners also develop an understanding of how to prevent or counterattack in a network as well as track illegitimate entries. It is an all-embracing program for novice security analysts and for those who are eager to join this profession.
Pros:
- Taught by experts from IBM.
- Useful summary of possible hacks and responses to them.
- Gives a clear plan of the learning process with an opportunity to choose a specific direction.
Cons:
- Some of them are only available if you upgrade to a Coursera Plus subscription.
- While it is good to get involved with technical information, some could be rather complex for a layperson to understand.
3. Ethical Hacking for Beginners: Beginner to Advanced
This free course is directed at learners with no background in cybersecurity and covers topics such as malware, risk evaluation, and threats. It paves the way to other certifications such as CompTIA Security+ Certification. Succinctly, it takes less than two hours to cover basic information which makes it ideal for those eager to examine intricate videos after obtaining basic ideas.
Pros:
- Short (under 2 hours).
- This site is for those learners who are still in their first step, learning about the basics.
- Helps you pass and prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification examination.
Cons:
- Limited practical exercises.
- It is not ideal for those who will need technical knowledge to execute a certain project.
4. WiFi Penetration Testing for Beginners
This course teaches learners how to identify and exploit WiFi vulnerabilities using tools like Kali Linux. It covers the entire penetration testing methodology, from vulnerability assessment to exploiting networks. Ideal for intermediate learners, it provides a focused approach to WiFi security while offering hands-on practice with open-source tools.
Pros:
- Detailed focus on WiFi security.
- Includes practical exercises on cracking WPA/WPA2 networks.
- Ideal for intermediate learners.
Cons:
- Limited scope outside WiFi hacking.
- Requires prior experience with Kali Linux.
5. Foundations of Hacking and Penetration Testing
Specializing in Android app security, this course explores vulnerabilities like insecure login mechanisms and data storage issues. Using tools like Drozer and Android Studio, learners gain hands-on experience with app forensics and penetration testing. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in mobile application security and ethical hacking.
Pros:
- Specialized in Android app security.
- Covers unique topics like insecure data storage and app decompilation.
- Hands-on approach with relevant tools.
Cons:
- A niche focus; is not ideal for general ethical hacking.
- Requires some familiarity with Android development.
6. Start Kali Linux, Ethical Hacking, and Penetration Testing
This is one of the best ethical hacking courses that introduces ethical hacking, penetration testing, and Kali Linux. Covering various domains such as web and WiFi testing, it offers step-by-step guidance for setting up virtual environments. With practical tips for anonymity and real-world hacking challenges, it’s a great starting point for beginners looking to dive into cybersecurity.
Pros:
- Highly rated and popular course.
- Covers multiple areas, including web testing and WiFi hacking.
- A great introduction to Kali Linux tools.
Cons:
- Could feel overwhelming for beginners.
- Limited depth on specific hacking techniques
7. Nmap Crash Course for Ethical Hackers
Concentrated on the Nmap tool, this course enables learners to identify and assess the networks’ weaknesses. It encompasses networking, scanning, initial vulnerability penetration and subsequent exploitation making it useful to a hacker pursuing the right cause. This one is great for newbies and those who are already a bit more experienced, as it gives a good, hands-on understanding of one of the most used tools in the world of cybersecurity.
Pros:
- Looks at one of the effective weapons of ethical hackers.
- Best to be taken by students with little to moderate level of English knowledge.
- Use cases and cases in practice with calculations.
Cons:
- The limited extent only dealt with Nmap.
- Not a course in hacking on its own.
8. Wireshark to ethical hackers
This is a short and intensive course studying the principles of using the tool called Wireshark for analyzing packets and engaging in network diagnostics. Students work with the OSI model, filtering in Wireshark, and practical usage of the concepts. As the program only lasts 30 minutes, it is ideal for anyone who wants to learn about network analysis without having to spend too much time on it.
Pros:
- Small and short (\~30 minutes).
- Describes practical applications of Wireshark.
- It is suitable for refreshers, or for learning the basics of network analysis.
Cons:
- Not enough time to learn a lot of specifics about the given topic.
- Also presumes some prior knowledge of computer networks.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best ethical hacking courses that anyone interested in ethical hacking should consider taking as a foundational course. But to be proficient, more than the online courses must be accomplished. Train your skills, become a member of cybersecurity communities, and learn about new hackers’ tools and tricks.
To get more information about it you can also look for more advanced programs or degrees that will help you to get experience in real situations and be more valued on the market. Happy learning!
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