Free Ethical Hacking Course

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Updated with 2025 Skills

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

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4.5 Hrs

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468.7K+
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Introduction to Ethical Hacking

4.5 Learning Hours . Beginner

Skills you will learn

Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Process flow for Ethical Hacking
Ethical Hacking Techniques
Domains under Ethical Hacking
bWAPP

About this course

Learn ethical hacking in this free hacking course, perfect for beginners! Understand different hacking types like black hat, white hat, and grey hat. Discover the goals and legal side of ethical hacking.


Gain hands-on skills with tools used by ethical hackers. Learn the step-by-step process, including scanning and securing systems.

Explore common web and mobile app attacks like SQL injection, XSS, and DDoS. Learn how to protect networks and applications from these threats.


Get familiar with Kali Linux and bWAPP for real-world testing. By the end of this ethical hacking free course, you'll be ready to secure systems and defend against cyber attacks.

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Course Outline

What is Hacking?

This module covers a fundamental concept – hacking. You will understand what hacking is and its three types: black hat, white hat, and grey hat hackers. Lastly, you will also get familiar with ethical and unethical hacking.

Goals of Ethical Hacking

In this module, you will learn the goals of ethical hacking. You will understand how ethical hacking is legal and adapted by many organizations. 

Skills and Tools required for Ethical Hackers

The learner will learn about various skills to be pursued by ethical hackers. The learners will also get to know about tools used by ethical hackers.

Process of Ethical Hacking - Demonstration

The process of ethical hacking is demonstrated with an example.

Process of Ethical Hacking - Demonstration Part 2

The process of ethical hacking is demonstrated with an example

Ethical Hacking across Domains

The learner will understand the importance of ethical hacking across various domains such as web application environment, network architecture, mobile applications, etc.

Domains under Ethical Hacking

The learner will learn about various domains under ethical hacking, such as web applications, network architecture, etc.

Web Application Domain: Common Attacks

The learner will get familiar with common web application attacks, injection flaws, cross-site scripting, and web services attacks.

Web Application Domain: Hacking Methodology

The learners will learn about hacking methodologies such as web footprinting, vulnerability scanners, identifying entry points, and attack surface.

Mobile Application Domain: Types of Android Attacks

The learner will be able to understand types of android attacks such as untrusted APKs, SMS, Email, Spying, App sandboxing issues, and rooting.

Network Application Domain: Types of Network Attacks

The learner will be able to understand endpoint attacks, malware attacks, vulnerabilities, and exploits.

Network Application Domain: Examples

The learner will understand DDoS attacks in this section.

Demonstration - SQL Injection

SQL Injection process is demonstrated in this section.

Why are Web Applications a Target

The learner will be able to analyze why web applications are subjected to hacking.

What is bWAPP?

bWAPP stands for a buggy web application, an insecure web application that includes vulnerabilities.

bWAPP Architecture

bWAPP architecture is discussed in this section. bWAPP is an open-source PHP application.

bWAPP Features

The significant features of bWAPP are discussed in this section.

Why should you learn bWAPP?

The learners will understand why ethical hackers need to learn bWAPP.

Kali Linux

Kali Linux is an operating system that focuses on security and we will be exploring that in this module.

Demonstration - Web Application attack: Broken Authentication

Web application attack such as broken authentication is demonstrated in this section.

Demonstration - Web Application attack: Blind SQL Injections

Web application attacks such as blind SQL injections are demonstrated in this section.

Demonstration - Web Application attack: Cross site scripting

Web application attack such as cross-site scripting is demonstrated in this section.

Computer Security Threats

Hacking occurs because of computer security threats such as computer viruses, computer worms, scareware, keylogger, adware, malware, backdoor, trojan, ransomware, and spyware.

Process of Ethical Hacking

This module covers the ethical hacking process, such as information gathering, scanning, gaining and maintaining access, clearing tracks, and reporting.

Web Application Domain

Around 75% of the total attacks are on web application domains.

Mobile Application Domain

The learner will understand how attackers can easily compromise the mobile network due to vulnerabilities.

Tap Jacking

The learner will be able to understand tap jacking with an example.

Network Application Domain

The learner will be able to understand network attacks and their types, i.e., active and passive attacks.

Other Domains

Domains such as cloud computing, IoT, Blockchain, and edge computing are discussed in this section.

Web and Mobile Application Security
New

In this module you will learn web applications which is prime target for attackers, its common threats and the importance of web application firewalls. We will also cover mobile-specific attack vectors and strategies for securing mobile applications.

Earn a certificate of completion

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Get free course content

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Learn at your own pace

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Master in-demand skills & tools

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Test your skills with quizzes

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

4.5 Learning Hours . Beginner

Trusted by 10 Million+ Learners globally

Learner reviews of the Free Courses

4.5
71%
20%
5%
1%
3%
Reviewer Profile

5.0

I really enjoy this course. This course is very beginner-friendly.
The ethical hacking course was highly informative and practical. It effectively covered essential topics and provided valuable hands-on experience. Highlights: Content: Comprehensive coverage of key areas like network vulnerabilities and penetration testing. Instructor: Engaging and knowledgeable, with clear explanations and real-world examples. Practical Labs: Excellent hands-on exercises that reinforced learning and boosted confidence. Suggestions: Including more interactive sessions and discussions could enhance the learning experience. Additionally, providing more video tutorials would be beneficial. Conclusion: Overall, the course was a great investment in my cybersecurity skills. I feel well-prepared to apply what I learned in practical settings. Thank you for the excellent course!
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Ethical Hacking Course: Very Good and Worth a Try
Very helpful lessons and modules regarding system security, complete with guidance on how to simulate an attack and how we should take action to deal with it. All the material provided is also very easy to understand and not difficult to digest. Good program, continue and maintain it.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Introduction to Ethical Hacking Courses
I have learned a lot of new things from this course, and it helped me understand it much better. Keep doing this kind of course, and it can also help others.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Ethical Hacking and Practical Knowledge
Great Learning offers comprehensive ethical hacking courses that cover essential topics such as network basics, footprinting, scanning, vulnerability assessment, and exploitation techniques. The curriculum includes practical labs, hands-on projects, and real-world scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge. It also addresses legal and ethical considerations, ensuring that students understand the professional standards and legal aspects of ethical hacking. This holistic approach prepares individuals for effective and responsible cybersecurity roles.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

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.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Ethical Hacking Mastery: Feedback for Future Innovators
The instructor provided a clear and engaging learning experience throughout the course. Her best contribution was making complex concepts easy to understand with real-world examples. She was always available to answer questions and gave valuable insights that enhanced my understanding of ethical hacking. I truly appreciate her dedication and teaching style—it made a significant impact on my learning journey.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

An Engaging and Well-Structured Online Course that Provides Practical Insights with Clear Explanations, Hands-On Exercises, and Expert Guidance.
This online course offers a comprehensive learning experience with a perfect blend of theory and practical application. The content is well-structured, making complex topics easy to understand, even for beginners. The instructor explains concepts clearly, supported by real-world examples and hands-on exercises that reinforce learning. Interactive quizzes and assignments help solidify knowledge, and the community support is active and helpful. The course materials are up-to-date, reflecting current industry standards and best practices.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

I Would Highly Recommend the Instructor and Course Flow
I would say I completely understand all the topics and really enjoyed studying.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Introduction to Ethical Hacking Degree
I love how easy it is to follow through the curriculum. This also gave me the opportunity to learn the skills and know the tools necessary to become an ethical hacker. The instructor was very clear and taught the course or topic in depth and with understanding.
Reviewer Profile

5.0

Web Application Attack, Blind SQL, Broken Authentication, Cross-Site Scripting...
Absolutely loved this ethical hacking course! The content was well-structured, and the hands-on labs provided practical experience that really solidified my understanding. The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging, making complex concepts easy to grasp. I feel much more confident in my skills now. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to dive into the world of cybersecurity!

What our learners enjoyed the most

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 enrol 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.

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.
 

What skills are required 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.
 

What are the legal and ethical boundaries in ethical hacking?

Ethical hackers must always have explicit permission to access and test systems. They should adhere to legal guidelines and respect data privacy and integrity.
 

Is the Introduction to Ethical Hacking course a certification course?

This Introduction to Ethical Hacking course offers a certificate of completion upon finishing, not a professional certification.

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.
 

How important is cybersecurity knowledge in ethical hacking?

Understanding cybersecurity is crucial for ethical hackers to protect systems effectively and understand the tactics used by malicious hackers.
 

What tools do ethical hackers commonly use?

Popular tools include Nmap for network mapping, Metasploit for exploiting vulnerabilities, Wireshark for packet analysis, and Burp Suite for web application security.
 

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.

What is the scope of ethical hacking in today's digital world?

With increasing cyber threats, ethical hackers play a vital role in strengthening the security of systems and networks in various sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.
 

Can ethical hacking be a career path?

Yes, ethical hacking is a growing field with opportunities in cybersecurity roles like penetration testers, security analysts, and consultants.

Why should one take up Great Learning's free "Introduction to Ethical Hacking" course, and what are the benefits?

  • 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.
     

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.
 

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. 

 

Where can I find free courses with certificates?

Explore a wide range of free courses with certificates at Great Learning Academy, featuring key areas like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and more.

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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