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Free Ethical Hacking Course

Name: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Rating: 4.5 (12143 reviews)

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Updated with 2026 Skills

4.5 Beginner level 3.0 learning hrs 508.2K+ 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

508.2K+ learners enrolled so far

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Master in-demand skills & tools

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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Amisha Malhotra

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Gained hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats. Mastered various tools and techniques such as Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark.”

Gained hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats. Mastered various tools and techniques such as Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark. Conducted vulnerability assessments and penetration testing on networks and web applications. Acquired in-depth knowledge of ethical hacking principles, laws, and best practices. Successfully simulated real-world cyber-attack scenarios to enhance problem-solving and analytical skills. Improved understanding of securing systems against common attacks like phishing, DDoS, and SQL injection.

Rho-al Chun Padilla

5.0

★★★★ ★

Philippines

“Full of Information and Very Modern”

The ethical hacker course has been an insightful experience so far. The content is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, network security, and web application security. I appreciate the hands-on approach, as it allows me to practice using tools like w3af and Metasploit in real-world scenarios. The course structure is well-organized, with clear explanations and practical assignments that reinforce the theoretical concepts.

Jaad Kaur

5.0

★★★★ ★

Australia

“I Would Highly Recommend the Instructor and Course Flow”

I would say I completely understand all the topics and really enjoyed studying.

Andile Majesty

5.0

★★★★ ★

South Africa

“Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, involves authorized testing of web applications to identify and fix security vulnerabilities”

Ethical hacking plays a crucial role in securing systems by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious hackers. By understanding common attack techniques, tools, and ethical guidelines, ethical hackers help organizations protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of their systems.

Gilbert Lim

5.0

★★★★ ★

Hong Kong

“Exploring the Foundations of Ethical Hacking: A Beginner's Journey”

The Ethical Hacking course I just completed was fantastic! The content was presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making it perfect for beginners like me to dive into the exciting world of cybersecurity. The topics covered provided a solid introduction to ethical hacking, sparking my interest to explore further and deepen my knowledge in this field. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and can't wait to continue honing my skills in ethical hacking. Highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start their journey in cybersecurity!

Likith VK

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“An Extraordinary and Informative Course”

I thoroughly enjoyed this course and found it to be highly informative and engaging. The curriculum was well-structured, covering a wide range of topics in depth. The instructors were knowledgeable and presented the material in a clear and concise manner. The quizzes and assignments were challenging yet fair, helping to reinforce the concepts learned. Overall, this course provided a comprehensive learning experience that was both enjoyable and educational.

Viraj Gundewar

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“The Instructor made it easy to understand complicated topics with hands-on learning like SQL and XSS topics”

The Instructor made it easy to understand complicated topics with hands-on learning like SQL and XSS topics.

Riocasa, Tricia Valerie F.

5.0

★★★★ ★

Philippines

“Ethical hacking is a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that systems are robust, secure, and resilient against potential threats.”

Ethical hacking involves authorized individuals, known as ethical hackers, testing the security of systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. This practice helps organizations improve their security posture and protect sensitive data.

Firoz Ahmed Abdul Hafeez Khan

5.0

★★★★ ★

United Arab Emirates

“It was excellent and easy to understand.”

The training was exceptionally well-structured and comprehensive. The content covered both fundamental and advanced aspects of SQL injection, providing a thorough understanding of various attack vectors and their implications. The hands-on labs were particularly valuable, allowing me to apply the concepts in practical scenarios and solidify my learning.

Rudi Hari Saputra

5.0

★★★★ ★

Indonesia

“Thanks for an Informative and Engaging Course!”

This course provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the material. The explanations are easy to follow, and the practical examples helped me grasp the concepts more deeply. The instructor was very responsive to questions, making the learning experience interactive. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their knowledge in this field!

What our learners enjoyed the most

Skill & tools

66%

66% of learners found all the desired skills & tools

Our course instructor

Aniket Amdekar

General Manager - Cyber Defence Education

Cyber Security Expert

579.6K+ 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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