Email address

Password

Email address

Enter a valid email address

Free Ethical Hacking Course

Name: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Rating: 4.5 (12109 reviews)

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Updated with 2026 Skills

4.5 Beginner level 3.0 learning hrs 504.9K+ 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

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

Skills you will gain

Ethical Hacking Importance

Ethical Hacking Legal Aspects

Career Oppurtunities

Web Application Hacking

SOcial ENgineering Attacks

MITRE Attacks

+1 More

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

View Full Course

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

4.5

3.0 Hours

Beginner

504.9K+ learners enrolled so far

Get free course content

Master in-demand skills & tools

Test your skills with quizzes

Level up with advanced skills & become job ready with Pro+

Subscribe to Pro+ today to build skills with 50+ Pro courses and prep for jobs with advanced AI tools.

PRO

Ethical Hacking Techniques

2 projects 7 hrs video content

Practice exercises

Guided Projects

AI Resume Builder

AI mock interviews

Start 7-Day Free Trial

Get course + certificate with Pro+ subscription

Trusted by 10 Million+ Learners globally

4.6

4.89

4.94

4.7

Learner reviews of the Free Courses

4.5

★★★★

★ ☆

★

71%

★

☆

20%

★

☆

★

☆

★

☆

Gunti Rohith sagar

4.0

★★★ ★ ☆

India

“Insights from My Learning Journey: Growth, Challenges, and Achievements”

Throughout my learning experience, I appreciated the engaging and interactive approach of the program. The diverse range of topics allowed me to explore new concepts, and the supportive environment encouraged open discussions. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on projects, which helped solidify my understanding of theoretical concepts. Additionally, the feedback from instructors was invaluable, guiding me in my growth and development. Overall, this experience not only expanded my knowledge but also fostered a passion for continuous learning.

Himani Trivedi

4.0

★★★ ★ ☆

India

“Highly Informative and Practical Course on Cybersecurity”

I thoroughly enjoyed the practical examples and hands-on exercises provided throughout the course. The instructor's expertise made complex topics more understandable, and the interactive discussions with fellow learners enriched the learning experience. I feel more confident in applying the concepts I learned, especially in ethical hacking and security assessments. Overall, a fantastic course that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in cybersecurity!

Ali Haider

5.0

★★★★ ★

“Discovering the Exciting World of Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Techniques”

Hands-on practice: Engaging in practical exercises allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing my understanding of hacking techniques. Understanding security vulnerabilities: Learning about different types of vulnerabilities and how to exploit them provided valuable insights into effectively securing systems and applications.

Sayani Dutta

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Ethical Hacking with Ethical Knowledge”

I recently completed the free course on Ethical Hacking. The course provided a solid introduction to the fundamental concepts of White Hat Hacking. The modules were well-structured, making it easy to follow along, even for beginners. It helped me understand how Ethical Hacking is being utilized in various industries. The instructors presented the material clearly. The supplementary resources and videos were valuable for deepening my understanding. Overall, I found the course to be informative and beneficial for anyone interested in learning about Ethical Hacking.

Luis Carlos Oidor Pulido

5.0

★★★★ ★

“Exploring the Depths of Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking”

I thoroughly enjoyed the practical labs and real-world scenarios, which allowed me to apply what I learned in a safe environment. The exposure to tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite helped deepen my understanding of ethical hacking and security assessments. The experience not only boosted my technical skills but also helped me think critically about cybersecurity threats and defenses.

Nabin Duthraj

5.0

★★★★ ★

Australia

“In my Ethical Hacking course, I discovered the importance of ethical hackers, enjoyed hands-on exercises, and strengthened my skills and mindset for cybersecurity.”

In my Introduction to Ethical Hacking course, I learned the crucial role of ethical hackers in cybersecurity. Hands-on exercises with penetration testing tools were thrilling, and collaborating with peers enriched my understanding. Overall, the course strengthened my technical skills and ethical mindset, motivating me to further explore this field.

Douglas Mwenda

5.0

★★★★ ★

“Engaging Learning Experience with Interactive Elements”

I particularly liked how the course used demonstrations to illustrate complex concepts. The use of practical examples made complex concepts easier to understand and retain. These practical examples, structured content, and clear explanations contributed to a great learning experience.

Daniel Ngoci

5.0

★★★★ ★

“I Enjoyed Learning About Ethical Hacking Processes”

The course provided an excellent overview of cybersecurity principles and practical approaches to ethical hacking. I particularly enjoyed understanding different types of attacks, such as SQL injection and directory traversal, and learning how to prevent them. The hands-on exercises using real-world tools made the concepts easy to understand and apply in a practical setting.

Vinay Maurya

5.0

★★★★ ★

India

“Ethical Hacking Involves Legally Probing Systems to Identify Vulnerabilities”

Ethical hacking involves assessing and enhancing cybersecurity by identifying vulnerabilities in systems. With skills in penetration testing, network security, and risk assessment, ethical hackers simulate attacks to strengthen defenses, ensuring data protection and compliance while fostering a safer digital environment.

Dhanush G

4.0

★★★ ★ ☆

India

“Ethical Hacking is Crucial for Enhancing Cybersecurity”

Ethical hacking is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity. It involves authorized testing of systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. By simulating attacks, ethical hackers help organizations strengthen their defenses, ensure compliance, and protect sensitive data, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment for everyone.

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

575.1K+ 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.

Subscribe to Academy Pro+ & get exclusive features

$29/month

No credit card required

Learn from 40+ Pro courses

Access 500+ certificates for free

700+ Practice exercises & guided projects

Prep with AI mock interviews & resume builder

Recommended Free Cybersecurity courses

FREE

4.49 7.8K+ learners

Introduction to Cyber Attacks

4 hrs

View Course

FREE

Ethical Hacking - Mobile Platforms and Network Architecture

4.46 150.6K+ learners

Ethical Hacking - Mobile Platforms and Network Architecture

2 hrs

View Course

FREE

4.52 65.3K+ learners

Network Security

1 hr

View Course

FREE

4.4 19.7K+ learners

Career in Cybersecurity

1 hr

View Course

Similar courses you might like

FREE

4.43 215.1K+ learners

Introduction to Information Security

1.5 hrs

View Course

FREE

4.49 94.7K+ learners

AI in Digital Marketing

2 hrs

View Course

FREE

4.34 52.9K+ learners

Become an Ethical Hacker

1 hr

View Course

FREE

Advanced Cyber Security - Threats and Governance

4.53 71.9K+ learners

Advanced Cyber Security - Threats and Governance

1.5 hrs

View Course

Related Cyber Security Courses

50% Average salary hike

Explore degree and certificate programs from world-class universities that take your career forward.

Personalized Recommendations

Placement assistance

Personalized mentorship

Detailed curriculum

Learn from world-class faculties

Personalized Recommendations

Placement assistance

Personalized mentorship

Detailed curriculum

Learn from world-class faculties

50% Average salary hike
McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin
Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security

20 weeks · Online

Know More
Johns Hopkins University
Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity: IT and Data Security in the Age of AI

14 Weeks · online

Know More
Johns Hopkins University
Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

20 Hours · Mentored

Know More