Hack Your Way To Success With Top 5 Ethical Hacking Courses For Beginners

How do hackers break into systems? What are black hat and white hat hackers? And how can you prevent cyber crimes? 

Ethical hacking might sound like a spy movie plot, but it’s an exciting career choice that helps protect digital spaces from the bad tech guys. If you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about cybersecurity, diving into ethical hacking is a smart choice. We’ve found 5 free ethical hacking courses – beginner level, of course – that will either spark an interest or give you a kickstart in your career in cybersecurity.

Top 5 Ethical Hacking Courses

Cybrary’s Introduction To IT And Cybersecurity

Cybrary’s Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity is the perfect starting point for aspiring ethical hackers. This free course provides a solid foundation in IT and cybersecurity basics, covering essential topics like network security, threat management, and basic ethical hacking techniques.

Course Details:

• Format: Self-paced online course with video lectures and quizzes
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Cost: Free
• Certification: No formal certificate, but a great introduction

This course is ideal for beginners because it introduces key concepts in an easy-to-understand format. It’s perfect for those who want to get a feel for the world of cybersecurity without overwhelming details.

EdX’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals

EDX’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of cybersecurity. It covers fundamental concepts such as network security, cryptography, and risk management. This course is designed for absolute beginners and offers interactive elements to enhance learning.

Course Details:

• Format: Online course with video lectures, quizzes, and interactive components
• Duration: 3-4 hours, self-paced
• Cost: Free to access, with an optional paid certificate
• Certification: Certificate available for purchase

EDX’s course offers a deeper dive into cybersecurity basics with interactive content that keeps you engaged. It’s a fantastic way to build a strong foundation if you’re serious about pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Khan Academy’s Internet Safety

Khan Academy’s Internet Safety course provides essential knowledge about protecting personal information online. Although it’s not solely focused on ethical hacking, it covers vital concepts related to online safety and security, which are crucial for any aspiring ethical hacker.

Course Details:

• Format: Interactive lessons with videos, quizzes, and practical examples
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Cost: Free
• Certification: No certificate, but valuable learning

This course is perfect for those who want to understand the basics of online safety. It’s a great supplementary resource for beginners who want to grasp the broader context of cybersecurity.

Coursera’s Introduction To CyberSecurity Specialisation

Coursera’s Introduction to CyberSecurity Specialisation is a more structured learning path for beginners interested in cybersecurity. The course is part of a broader specialisation that covers various aspects of cybersecurity, including threat analysis and risk management.

Course Details:

• Format: Online with video lectures, quizzes, and peer-graded assignments
• Duration: 1-2 hours per week over 4 weeks
• Cost: Free to enrol, with an option to purchase a certificate
• Certification: Certificate available for purchase

This specialisation offers a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity with a structured approach. It’s perfect for those who want a more detailed understanding of the field and the option to earn a certificate.

Futurelearn’s Cyber Security: Safety at Home, Online, in Life

FutureLearn’s Cyber Security course offers an engaging introduction to online safety. It covers fundamental topics like understanding cyber threats, securing your personal information, and recognising potential risks.

Course Details:

• Format: Online with interactive content, video lectures, and discussions
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours per week, 3 weeks course
• Cost: Free to access, with an option to purchase a certificate
• Certification: Certificate available for purchase

FutureLearn’s course provides practical advice on online safety with interactive elements that make learning engaging. It’s a great starting point for beginners and offers additional resources to deepen your understanding of cybersecurity.

Why Ethical Hacking Is Your Next Big Thing

Ethical hacking is more than just learning how to thwart cyber-attacks, it’s about securing the future of digital spaces and making a real impact. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals and the rise in cyber threats, there’s never been a better time to dive into this field.

These free courses are a fantastic starting point, offering foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to get you on your way. And remember, with the right tools and a bit of curiosity, you can turn the art of hacking into a powerful force for good. 

Mentoria provides personalised guidance and career support, helping learners to achieve their career goals and excel in their professional endeavours. If you’d like to know if cybersecurity is the right choice for you, we’re here to pave the right way for you!