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Free Ethical Hacking Course

Name: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Rating: 4.5 (12161 reviews)

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Updated with 2026 Skills

4.5 Beginner level 3.0 learning hrs 510.1K+ 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

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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

510.1K+ learners enrolled so far

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Test your skills with quizzes

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Ethical Hacking Techniques

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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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Vijayakumar Rajarathinam

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Good Organization of Course Content”

The ethical hacking course provided a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity and penetration testing. The content was thoughtfully structured, starting with foundational concepts and gradually advancing to more complex topics, ensuring that learners of all skill levels could follow along and gain value. As someone looking to build a solid understanding of ethical hacking, I found the course informative and engaging.

Akash Bhalani

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Amazing, Very Informative, and Interesting”

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ethical hacking principles and practices. Participants will learn how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks in a legal and ethical manner. Topics include penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, network security, and risk management. Through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, students will develop the skills necessary to protect systems from malicious attacks while adhering to ethical standards. Ideal for IT professionals and cybersecurity enthusiasts, this course emphasizes practical knowledge and ethical considerations in securing information systems.

anant jain

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Taking an Ethical Hacking Course is a Transformative Experience, Blending Technical Skills with a Deep Understanding of Cybersecurity.”

I liked how ethical hacking courses blend technical mastery with a strong ethical framework. The hands-on experience and real-world applications make the learning process engaging, especially as you uncover vulnerabilities and learn how to secure systems. The idea of learning to think like a hacker but using that knowledge for good is particularly compelling. It equips students with practical skills while emphasizing responsibility, which is essential in today's interconnected world.

Binan Narzary

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“1. Engagement 2. Learning 3. Problem-Solving 4. Impact 5. Community”

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with ethical hacking, particularly the engaging challenges that kept me motivated. I learned valuable skills in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, which sharpened my problem-solving abilities. It was rewarding to know that my efforts could help organizations enhance their security posture. Additionally, collaborating with peers in the ethical hacking community was an enriching experience, allowing me to exchange knowledge and strategies.

Amer Mohammed

5.0

★★★★ ★

Australia

“Safeguard Data, Enhance Security Protocols, and Foster a Culture of Cyber Awareness and Resilience”

Ethical hacking plays a crucial role in modern cybersecurity by identifying vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Continuous training and adaptation to emerging threats are essential for ethical hackers. Their proactive approach fosters a culture of security within organizations, ultimately protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust with clients and stakeholders.

Jeegisha Kangane

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“The Introduction to Ethical Hacking Course Offers Clear Basics, Practical Insights, and is Well-Structured”

The Introduction to Ethical Hacking course by Great Learning is a fantastic starting point for beginners. It offers a clear overview of fundamental hacking concepts, tools, and techniques. The course is well-structured with practical examples, making complex topics accessible. A great way to kickstart your ethical hacking journey!

Santhana Murugavel

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Ethical Hacking Introduction and Fundamentals”

I appreciate your teaching techniques and the tools used in this session video. I can understand what they are teaching!

joseph

5.0

★★★★ ★

Australia

“The Interactive Nature of the Material Made Complex Concepts Easy to Understand”

I really appreciated the clarity of explanations and the practical examples provided. It helped solidify my understanding of cybersecurity concepts!

JAGATH KUMAR S STUDENT - ECE

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Ethical Hacking: Securing Systems Through Responsible Testing”

Ethical hacking involves legally probing systems to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security. Ethical hackers, often called white-hat hackers, use the same techniques as malicious hackers but do so with permission and for protective purposes. Key Aspects of Ethical Hacking: Purpose: The primary goal is to improve security by finding and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Types of Tests: Penetration Testing: Simulating an attack to identify weaknesses.

Sitaram Rawat

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Best Content in This Course”

I had a fantastic experience with Great Learning Academy. The courses are well-structured and offer a deep dive into the subjects with practical, hands-on exercises that reinforce learning. The instructors are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations, making complex topics easier to understand. The platform also offers excellent support and resources, including quizzes and assignments that help track progress effectively. Overall, Great Learning Academy has been instrumental in enhancing my skills and knowledge, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to advance their career.

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

582K+ 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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