The recognized platforms offer valuable resources and courses for individuals interested in learning ethical hacking, cybersecurity, and strengthening their defensive strategies, all at no cost.
Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, is a vital field in cybersecurity. It involves identifying vulnerabilities and securing computer systems, networks, and applications. If you are interested in learning ethical hacking, there are several recognized platforms that offer free courses to help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. In this article, we will explore 10 such platforms that are widely recognized and respected in the field of ethical hacking. These platforms provide comprehensive courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to develop expertise in ethical hacking techniques and cybersecurity practices.
- Cybrary: Cybrary is a popular online learning platform that offers free ethical hacking courses. Their courses cover various topics, including network security, penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis. Cybrary provides a hands-on learning experience through labs and practical exercises.
- Coursera: Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer free ethical hacking courses. These courses cover topics such as ethical hacking methodologies, penetration testing, and secure coding practices. With assignments and quizzes, Coursera provides a structured learning experience.
- edX: edX hosts a wide range of free ethical hacking courses provided by prestigious institutions. These courses cover topics like network security, cryptography, and secure coding. edX’s courses include video lectures, interactive exercises, and assessments.
- Hacker101: Hacker101 is a platform created by HackerOne, a leading cybersecurity company. It offers free and interactive ethical hacking courses. The courses cover a broad range of topics, from web hacking to bug bounty hunting, and provide practical hands-on experience.
- OpenSecurityTraining: OpenSecurityTraining is a community-driven platform that offers free courses on various cybersecurity topics, including ethical hacking. Their courses cover subjects like network security, reverse engineering, and exploit development. OpenSecurityTraining provides video lectures and hands-on exercises.
- Offensive Security: Offensive Security, known for its industry-standard certifications like OSCP, offers free ethical hacking training materials. Their training includes online tutorials, documentation, and virtual labs to practice penetration testing techniques.
- OWASP: A non-profit with an emphasis on online application security is the Open online Application Security Project (OWASP). OWASP provides free educational resources, including online courses and webinars, that cover web application security, secure coding practices, and more.
- Stanford Online: Stanford Online offers free ethical hacking courses that cover topics such as computer security, cryptography, and network security. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of ethical hacking principles and techniques.
- Cybrary (Advanced): Cybrary also offers advanced ethical hacking courses for those looking to deepen their knowledge. These courses cover topics like advanced penetration testing, wireless network security, and mobile application security.
- YouTube: YouTube is a vast platform with numerous ethical hacking channels offering free tutorials and demonstrations. Channels like LiveOverflow, Null Byte, and Hak5 provide valuable content on ethical hacking techniques, tools, and real-world scenarios.
Learning ethical hacking doesn’t have to be inaccessible or costly, thanks to the availability of free courses on recognized platforms. The 10 platforms mentioned above offer comprehensive ethical hacking courses taught by industry professionals and esteemed institutions. Whether you’re a beginner starting your journey in ethical hacking or an experienced professional looking to enhance your skills, these platforms provide the necessary resources to expand your knowledge and proficiency. Embrace the opportunities offered by these recognized platforms, invest time and effort into learning, and acquire the essential skills to contribute positively to the field of cybersecurity. Remember to always practice ethical hacking within legal and ethical boundaries.