Top 5 Free Ethical Hacking Courses Online in 2025

Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Every year, online threats become more advanced, and organizations face growing risks. In 2024, cyberattacks rose by nearly 30% worldwide, showing just how serious the problem has become. At the same time, there’s a massive shortage of professionals in the field. Reports predict that by 2025, over 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs will remain vacant.

This is where ethical hacking plays a big role. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as cybercriminals, but their goal is to protect rather than attack. By finding weaknesses before malicious hackers exploit them, they keep digital systems safer in banks, schools, businesses, and even homes.

The best part? You don’t need expensive training to start learning. In 2025, several trusted platforms are offering free ethical hacking courses for beginners. These programs include video lessons, guided exercises, and virtual labs, making them both accessible and practical. Whether you’re curious about hacking or planning a career in cybersecurity, these courses provide a solid foundation.

Here are the top five free ethical hacking courses in 2025 that are perfect for beginners.

1. NPTEL Ethical Hacking by IIT Kharagpur (SWAYAM)

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur delivers one of the most respected free ethical hacking programs through the SWAYAM platform. This 12-week course, led by Professor Indranil Sengupta, runs from July to October 2025.

The course starts with fundamentals of networks, coding, and system vulnerabilities. As it progresses, students explore real-world attack case studies and hands-on tools like Nmap for scanning, Wireshark for traffic analysis, and Metasploit for penetration testing.

Why it’s worth taking:

• Free to access, with an optional certificate exam for just Rs. 1,000.
• Endorsed by the All-India Council for Technical Education.
• Backed by industry giants like Google and Microsoft.
• Proven track record, with tens of thousands of learners securing jobs afterward.

Enroll at swayam.gov.in.

2. Cisco Networking Academy – Ethical Hacker Path

Cisco’s Networking Academy offers an excellent free introduction to ethical hacking. Designed for beginners, this course takes around 70 hours and focuses on how hackers think and operate.

Students practice in safe environments using Kali Linux labs, learning how to identify vulnerabilities, run reconnaissance, and test system defenses. No prior knowledge is required—just a computer and an internet connection.

Why choose it:

• Includes real-world labs for hands-on learning.
• Awards a free digital badge upon completion.
• Trusted by more than a million learners every year worldwide.

Get started at netacad.com.

3. EC-Council Ethical Hacking Essentials (edX)

The EC-Council, well-known for its Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, also provides a free entry-level course on edX called Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE).

This program covers key topics like network defense, vulnerability testing, and risk management. Lessons are interactive and supported by real-world examples, such as malware outbreaks or data breaches.

What makes it stand out:

• Beginner-friendly, with no prior skills required.
• A free certificate is included, which is rare for open courses.
• Connects directly to EC-Council’s advanced certifications if you want to progress further.

Search for EHE at edx.org.

4. TryHackMe – Free Ethical Hacking Labs

For learners who enjoy practice over theory, TryHackMe is a top choice. The platform provides free “rooms” that simulate real-world hacking scenarios. In 2025, over half a million people worldwide are already using it.

What you’ll gain:

• Step-by-step guides with interactive challenges.
• Tools like Burp Suite for web testing.
• Fun, game-like experiences that keep motivation high.
• Badges to show off your progress.

No downloads are required for beginners, and everything runs directly in your browser. The platform is especially popular with students because it blends learning with gamification.

Explore free labs at tryhackme.com.

5. Cybrary – Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Cybrary has long been a trusted name in online cybersecurity education. Its Introduction to Ethical Hacking course is short but powerful, taking about four hours to finish.

Key highlights:

• Covers core concepts like penetration testing, social engineering, and hacking tools.
• Includes quizzes and community support to reinforce learning.
• Offers free access to additional cybersecurity courses if you want to expand further.
• Used by millions of learners worldwide, including professionals in top companies.

This course is a perfect quick start for anyone new to the field.

Try it at cybrary.it.

Why Broader Cybersecurity Courses Also Matter

While ethical hacking is an exciting entry point, many free programs combine it with wider cybersecurity training. This ensures beginners understand the bigger picture—like digital forensics, malware defense, or cloud security—before focusing solely on hacking. Platforms such as EC-Council and Cisco often integrate ethical hacking modules into their broader learning paths, giving students a stronger foundation.

Final Thoughts

The demand for ethical hackers is exploding, with cybersecurity jobs expected to grow over 30% per year. Thanks to free online courses, anyone can start building these skills in 2025—without spending money upfront.

Choose the course that best fits your style:

• Prefer structured academic learning? Try NPTEL or Cisco.
• Want interactive labs? Go with TryHackMe.
• Looking for short, simple lessons? Cybrary is your best bet.

No matter which you choose, consistency and practice are key. Start today, stay curious, and you’ll be one step closer to becoming a digital defender.

Also Read

Best financial analytics course
Top Masters degree in business analytics
Best BCA College in Delhi NCR

From
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth
B.Tech CSE Core