Best Online Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners | A Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Cybersecurity Journey

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is Ethical Hacking?
• Why Should Beginners Learn Ethical Hacking?
• How to Choose the Best Ethical Hacking Course?
• Top Online Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners
• Which Course Should You Choose?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

With the rise in cyber threats, ethical hacking has become one of the most in-demand skills in the cybersecurity industry. Ethical hackers play a crucial role in protecting networks, systems, and applications from malicious hackers. If you are a beginner interested in ethical hacking, taking an online course is a great way to start.

There are many online ethical hacking courses available, but choosing the right one can be challenging. This blog will explore the top online ethical hacking courses for beginners, covering their features, benefits, and what makes them ideal for aspiring ethical hackers.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is the practice of legally testing and securing computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and prevent cyberattacks. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, use penetration testing techniques to find and fix security loopholes before malicious hackers can exploit them.

Why Should Beginners Learn Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is a valuable skill in today's digital world. Here are a few reasons why beginners should consider learning ethical hacking:

• High Demand – Organizations need ethical hackers to protect their systems from cyber threats.
• Lucrative Career Opportunities – Ethical hackers earn attractive salaries and have strong career growth potential.
• Enhance Cybersecurity Knowledge – Learning ethical hacking helps you understand cybersecurity concepts and protect yourself from online threats.
• Freelancing and Bug Bounty Opportunities – Ethical hackers can earn money by participating in bug bounty programs and working as freelance security consultants.

How to Choose the Best Ethical Hacking Course?

When selecting an online ethical hacking course, consider the following factors:

Now, let's explore the best online ethical hacking courses for beginners.

Top Online Ethical Hacking Courses for Beginners

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) by EC-Council

• Platform: EC-Council
• Best For: Beginners looking for an industry-recognized certification.
• Key Features:
  • Covers penetration testing, network security, cryptography, and social engineering.
  • Hands-on labs for real-world experience.
  • Recognized by major organizations worldwide.
• Cost: Paid (Varies by location).

2. Practical Ethical Hacking – The Complete Course (TCM Security)

• Platform: Udemy
• Best For: Beginners looking for affordable, practical training.
• Key Features:
  • Covers Linux, networking, web application security, and penetration testing.
  • Includes real-world hacking scenarios and Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges.
  • Budget-friendly option for beginners.
• Cost: Paid (Affordable).

3. Introduction to Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking (Cybrary)

• Platform: Cybrary
• Best For: Beginners seeking free foundational knowledge.
• Key Features:
  • Covers ethical hacking basics, network security, and malware analysis.
  • Free access with a paid option for certification.
  • Short but informative course for beginners.
• Cost: Free (Certificate available for a fee).

4. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) by EC-Council

• Platform: EC-Council (CodeRed)
• Best For: Absolute beginners looking for structured learning.
• Key Features:
  • Introduces penetration testing, social engineering, and security tools.
  • Hands-on labs with real-time hacking simulations.
  • Prepares students for advanced ethical hacking certifications.
• Cost: Paid.

5. TryHackMe - Pre Security & Complete Beginner Path

• Platform: TryHackMe
• Best For: Hands-on learning and interactive labs.
• Key Features:
  • Covers cybersecurity fundamentals and hacking techniques.
  • Interactive, hands-on labs with guided exercises.
  • Free and paid options available.
• Cost: Free (Premium version available).

6. Introduction to Ethical Hacking (LinkedIn Learning)

• Platform: LinkedIn Learning
• Best For: Professionals and students looking for a beginner-friendly course.
• Key Features:
  • Covers ethical hacking basics and security fundamentals.
  • Video-based learning with real-world case studies.
  • Certificate available upon completion.
• Cost: Paid (Free trial available).

7. The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook (PortSwigger)

• Platform: PortSwigger Academy
• Best For: Web application security beginners.
• Key Features:
  • Covers web hacking, SQL injection, and XSS attacks.
  • Hands-on practice with Burp Suite labs.
  • Free and comprehensive learning resources.
• Cost: Free.

Which Course Should You Choose?

If you're a beginner, consider these recommendations:

• For Certification – CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) by EC-Council.
• For Hands-on Training – TryHackMe’s Beginner Path.
• For Free Learning – Cybrary’s Ethical Hacking Course or PortSwigger Academy.
• For Budget-Friendly Options – Udemy’s Practical Ethical Hacking course.

Conclusion

Learning ethical hacking is an exciting journey that opens up career opportunities in cybersecurity. With the right online ethical hacking course, beginners can build a strong foundation and gain practical skills in penetration testing, network security, and hacking tools. Whether you choose a free course or a certification program, hands-on experience and continuous learning are key to becoming a successful ethical hacker.

Start your ethical hacking journey today with the best online courses and become a cybersecurity professional in no time.

FAQs 

What is the best online ethical hacking course for beginners?

CEH, TryHackMe, and Udemy’s Practical Ethical Hacking course are great options.

Are there free ethical hacking courses online?

Yes, Cybrary, TryHackMe, and PortSwigger Academy offer free ethical hacking courses.

Is a certification necessary to become an ethical hacker?

Certifications like CEH and OSCP can boost job opportunities but are not mandatory.

Can I learn ethical hacking in 3 months?

Yes, with dedication and hands-on practice, you can learn the basics in 3 months.

Do ethical hacking courses include hands-on labs?

Yes, platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box provide hands-on training.

Which ethical hacking certification is best for beginners?

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and Security+ are good starting points.

Is ethical hacking legal?

Yes, ethical hacking is legal when performed with proper authorization.

How can I practice ethical hacking at home?

Using virtual labs like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Kali Linux VM.

What are the prerequisites for an ethical hacking course?

Basic knowledge of networking, operating systems, and security concepts is helpful.

Can I become an ethical hacker without a degree?

Yes, skills and certifications matter more than a degree in ethical hacking.

Are there ethical hacking courses for absolute beginners?

Yes, TryHackMe, Cybrary, and Udemy have beginner-friendly courses.

Which platform is best for learning ethical hacking hands-on?

TryHackMe and Hack The Box are great for practical experience.

Can I get a job after completing an ethical hacking course?

Yes, certifications and practical skills can help you land entry-level jobs.

What is the cost of a CEH certification course?

The cost varies but typically ranges between $850 and $1200.

Do online ethical hacking courses provide certificates?

Yes, most paid courses provide certificates upon completion.

Is ethical hacking difficult to learn?

It requires dedication, but with the right resources, anyone can learn it.

Are Udemy ethical hacking courses worth it?

Yes, Udemy offers affordable and practical ethical hacking courses.

What’s the best ethical hacking course for web security?

PortSwigger Academy’s Web Security Academy is the best free course for web hacking.

Which ethical hacking course covers penetration testing?

CEH, OSCP, and Udemy’s Practical Ethical Hacking cover penetration testing.

How long does it take to complete an ethical hacking course?

It depends on the course, but most take 1 to 6 months.

Can I become a freelancer after completing an ethical hacking course?

Yes, ethical hacking skills can help you earn through bug bounties and freelance work.

Are there ethical hacking courses with live training?

Yes, CEH and some Udemy and LinkedIn Learning courses offer live training sessions.

Which ethical hacking course is best for mobile security?

The Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG) by OWASP is a good choice.

Do ethical hacking courses cover social engineering attacks?

Yes, CEH and TryHackMe have modules on social engineering.

Which ethical hacking course is best for cloud security?

AWS Certified Security – Specialty and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) are good choices.

Do ethical hacking courses teach about malware analysis?

Yes, CEH, TryHackMe, and Cybrary cover malware analysis.

Which ethical hacking course is best for networking?

CompTIA Security+ and Cisco’s CCNA Security are great for networking security.

Are there any ethical hacking courses for kids or teenagers?

Yes, CyberPatriot and Hack The Box Academy offer beginner-friendly cybersecurity training.

Do ethical hacking courses teach ethical and legal hacking practices?

Yes, all ethical hacking courses emphasize legal and ethical hacking practices.

Which is better: self-learning or taking an ethical hacking course?

A combination of self-learning and structured courses works best for beginners.