The Best Online Ethical Hacking Courses, Classes, and Training
Protecting sensitive data and information is a top priority for most organizations, primarily because of the increase in hacking and cyber attacks. Companies want to recruit the most competent ethical security specialists. These technical professionals prevent malicious hackers from accessing sensitive data and session hijacking. By taking online ethical hacking courses, you could launch a career in this field.
Even as a seasoned computer security professional, the best way to stay relevant and marketable to employers is to constantly update your security skills. Updating your skills in this field can easily be achieved by taking the best ethical hacking courses online. In this guide, we will detail both paid and free online ethical hacking courses that you can use to build your skills.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hackers legally infiltrate and test target systems, software applications, and infrastructures to detect potential vulnerabilities and implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access and intrusions. This process is necessary to protect databases and network systems from security vulnerabilities, security breaches, and cyber threats.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Attending an Online Ethical Hacking Course
Which Aspects of Ethical Hacking Would You Like to Learn?
Information security is highly technical, so there is a lot of ground to cover when beginning to learn about ethical hacking. If you are interested in a specific aspect of ethical hacking, it is best to start there. Do you simply want to learn new programming skills or do you want to learn how to work better with databases?
What Can You Learn in an Ethical Hacking Course?
An online ethical hacking course can teach you a variety of things, such as how to find and correct vulnerabilities within software and computer systems. In addition, you learn a wide range of skills, including penetration testing, cryptography, port scanning, sniffing, and more. You will also gain experience with technologies such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, and SQL.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Ethical Hacking?
You should attend an ethical hacking bootcamp if you want to build professional skills quickly. Aside from the fact that bootcamps were designed with working professionals and career switchers in mind, an ethical hacker bootcamp is ideally one of the most efficient ways to promote your career.
Ethical hacking bootcamps teach through real-life cyber security projects. You’ll become familiar with cutting-edge technologies that will enable you to nurture your skills as a white-hat hacker, especially in cryptography and systems reverse engineering.
Overview: The Best Online Ethical Hacking Courses, Classes, or Training
As a cyber security professional, it is important to stay informed on the best practices and policies in ethical hacking and information assurance. Staying up to date in the industry allows you to update your hacking skills and basic knowledge in system penetration, as well as increase your salary potential.
One way to do this is to take the best ethical hacking courses online. You can explore some of the top options, how much they cost, and what they cover in our breakdown below.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alison | Ethical Hacking: Network Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning | Free | 3 – 4 hours | Yes, for a fee |
| Compass Technical Training | Ethical Hacking Bootcamp | $100 per month | Not stated | No |
| Coursera and Stanford | Cryptography I | Free | 23 hours | Yes, for a fee |
| Coursera and University of Colorado | Hacking and Patching | Free | 15 hours | Yes, for a fee |
| Coursera and University of Maryland | Cybersecurity Specialization | Free | 8 months at 2 hours per week | Yes, for a fee |
| CyberTraining 365 | Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp | $2,083 | 31 weeks | Yes |
| Cybrary | Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking | Free | 7 hours | $59/month, free trial available |
| edX | Cyber Security Basics: A Hands-on Approach | Free | 6 weeks | Yes, for a fee |
| EH Academy | The Complete Cyber Security & Hacking Course | Free | 1.5 hours | No |
| Evolve Academy | OSCP Bootcamp | $7,250 | 18 weeks | Yes |
| Infosec Institute | Ethical Hacking Dual Certification Boot Camp | Not stated |
5 days | No |
| Liberty University | Certified Ethical Hacker: Online Ethical Hacking Course | $2,895 | 24 weeks | Yes |
| LinkedIn Learning | Become an Ethical Hacker Learning Path | $39.99 per month | 1 day and 6 hours | Yes |
| LinkedIn Learning | Ethical Hacking: Sniffers | $39.99 per month | 1.5 hour | Yes |
| MIT Management Executive Education | Cybersecurity For Managers: A Playbook| | $2,800 | 6 weeks | Yes |
| NexGenT | Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp | Income share agreement | 2 weeks | Yes |
| Offensive Security | Metasploit Unleashed | Free | Not stated | No |
| Pluralsight | Ethical Hacking: Understanding Ethical Hacking | $45 per month | 3 hours | Yes |
| Simplilearn | Certified Ethical Hacking Course | $2,299 | Not stated | Yes |
| Springboard | Cyber Security Bootcamp | $9,900 | 6 months | Yes |
| StationX | The Complete Ethical Hacking Course Bundle | $500 | Not stated | No |
| Udemy | Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp 2022: Zero to Mastery | $84.99 | 27.5 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | The Complete Ethical Hacker Certification Exam Prep Course | $129.99 | 16.5 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Ethical Hacking For Beginners Course | $39.99 | 7 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Learn Ethical Hacking from A-Z | $99.99 | 12 hours | Yes |
| University of Miami | Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp | $15,500 | 370 hours | No |
| University of Washington | Certificate in Ethical Hacking | $4,335 | 8 months | Yes |
Paid Online Ethical Hacking Courses
Ethical Hacking Bootcamp | Compass Technical Training
Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, social engineering, sniffing, system hacking, scanning networks, cloud computing, cryptography
In this online ethical hacking course, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an information security engineer or ethical hacker. Through structured lectures and hands-on lab projects, you’ll learn the techniques to effectively outsmart malicious hackers.
The learning experience familiarizes students with the processes involved in assessing and measuring threats to data assets. You’ll learn how to detect and strengthen vulnerable systems from unlawful hacking.
Key Takeaway: This program prepares you for two professional certification exams, CEH and CompTIA PenTest+, to advance your career in cyber security.
Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp | CyberTraining 365
Learning Format: Self-paced bootcamp that consists of 1,034 classes, 35 pop quizzes, and a variety of video tutorials from industry experts
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Networking, network penetration, phases of ethical hacking, information security, trojans, enumeration, penetration testing
This bootcamp prepares students for industry certifications in the fields of information technology and cyber security. You’ll learn from experts about the issues affecting our information security world and the various methods used to keep up with hackers. By the end of this online course on ethical hacking, you will understand how to perform penetration tests and incident management.
This immersive program equips students with the in-demand security skills needed to excel in their security-related careers. You’ll not just learn theories and principles, but you’ll also understand the practical applications of these theories in real-life scenarios.
Key Takeaway: This program will help you start a career in systems engineering and architecture, cyber security, or network and firewall administration.
OSCP Bootcamp | Evolve Academy
Learning Format: This is a live, online program that takes place during weekday evenings and provides hands-on experience.
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Penetration testing methodology, Bash and PowerShell scripting, buffer overflow, custom exploitation, Windows and Linux privilege escalation
This professional course teaches you how to conduct corporate network analysis and production systems identification to exploit vulnerabilities. You’ll learn to build threat models to identify security threats.
The program covers the tools and technologies necessary to perform penetration testing for networks and applications. You’ll also learn how to relay the results of tests and remediation to those who need it.
Key Takeaway: You’ll be prepared for the OSCP certification exam after the program.
Certified Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Infosec Institute
Learning Format: A professional training program that occurs over five days and includes hands-on labs
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Social engineering, security testing, phishing attacks, vulnerability life cycles, capture the flag exercises
This professional hacking and information security training consists of in-depth techniques used by unlawful hackers to gain access to systems. You’ll learn what ethical hacking and penetration testing jobs consist of while learning techniques to boost your resume.
After learning the duties of a penetration tester and ethical hacker, you will learn how to identify and attack vulnerable systems. You’ll understand the process of network scanning and gaining access to systems. You’ll also learn how to use Trojan Horse techniques and conduct packet analysis.
Key Takeaway: You’ll gain dual professional certificates in ethical hacking and penetration testing by completing this course.
Certified Ethical Hacker: Online Ethical Hacking Course | Liberty University
Learning Format: Self-paced course that features hands-on training
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking, scanning networks, footprint and reconnaissance, system hacking, malware, sniffing, hijacking, hacking web servers, social engineering, cryptography
This course teaches students how to think like unlawful hackers and achieve the same result but for ethical reasons. You’ll become familiar with the same technologies and tools that malicious hackers use in intercepting network systems and compromising databases.
Students become equipped with the skills to hijack control from black-hat hackers and to evade IDS, honeypots, and firewalls in defending against web server attacks. They will also learn to implement security measures to prevent future entry.
Key Takeaway: This program will prepare you for the EC-Council CEH exam. You’ll learn about ethical hacking, scanning testing, and the implementation of security measures.
Become an Ethical Hacker Learning Path | LinkedIn Learning
Learning Format: Self-paced program that consists of 19 short courses
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Footprinting, enumeration, sniffers, systems hacking, malware analysis, IDS, honeypots, firewalls, wireless networks, cryptography
This online ethical hacking course helps students prepare for the Certified Ethical Hacker (312-50) exam. It begins by answering essential questions such as, “What is ethical hacking?” Then, the courses move on to explain key ethical hacking concepts like scanning networks and session hijacking.
The courses that make up the program are taught by five different industry-expert instructors. Students can also test their understanding while working through the program by taking advantage of built-in quizzes.
Key Takeaway: This is a well-rounded course that touches on all of the important concepts involved in ethical hacking.
Ethical Hacking: Sniffers | LinkedIn Learning
Learning Format: Self-paced course that includes one project and six chapters with corresponding quizzes
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Subjects Covered: Sniffers, OSI model, protocol attacks, Wireshark, active and passive attacks
This course helps students learn what sniffers are, how black-hat hackers use these tactics, and how to combat them. With that, the instructor, Lisa Bock, covers a variety of protocol attacks such as DNS caching and forgery, DHCP denial-of-service attacks, ARP spoofing, and macof attacks.
Students will also gain exposure to a variety of sniffing tools through this program, such as Wireshark, TShark, and CloudShark. Lastly, this course can help prepare students for certain aspects of the Certified Ethical Hacker exam.
Key Takeaway: This course can give you insight into the tools that hackers use and how to counteract them effectively.
Cybersecurity For Managers: A Playbook | MIT Management Executive Education
Learning Format: Self-paced course that includes quizzes, assignments, forums, presentations, and interactive videos
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Cyber risk management, improving organizational cyber safety
This course is geared towards managers and business leaders and aims to help them integrate cyber security efforts into their typical business considerations. Through this course, leaders will gain the tools they need to increase their organization’s cyber safety, heighten cyber awareness, and reduce risk. They will learn about leading tactics and policies as well as how to balance cyber security and privacy concerns.
Key Takeaway: This course is a great resource for business leaders who need to improve the network security of their organizations.
Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp | NexGenT
Learning Format: This is a live course that occurs Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm MST and includes hands-on training
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Hack web servers, malware, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, intrusion detection, firewalls, honeypots
This online program in ethical hacking trains students for careers in information technology. This program will teach you how to audit a system to ascertain vulnerabilities and weaknesses using malicious hackers’ tools and techniques to exploit sensitive information.
Students train to work under the law, infiltrating target systems and software applications. You’ll understand how to defend your company’s security infrastructure from future attacks.
Key Takeaway: This program helps you launch your career as a certified network engineer. You can retake the exam for free if the need arises.
Ethical Hacking: Understanding Ethical Hacking | Pluralsight
Learning Format: Self-paced course that consists of 5 core lessons
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Indicators of Compromise, Cyber Kill Chain, incident management, General Data Protection Regulation
This is a short course that gives beginners a solid understanding of ethical hacking fundamentals. Through a series of short video guides, students will learn about different types of cyber attacks, how they are carried out, and how to conduct risk mitigation against them. In addition, this course covers how to set up a proper cyber security defense, what the industry standards are, and more.
Key Takeaway: This course teaches students the basics and prepares them to take the Certified Ethical Hacker 312-50 exam.
Certified Ethical Hacking Course | Simplilearn
Learning Format: A live professional training course that occurs either on the weekends or for several hours during the weekdays and includes CEH certification.
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Information security, penetration testing, ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, vulnerability analysis, social engineering
This online professional training course prepares students for the EC-Council certification in ethical hacking. Through this Simplilearn program, you’ll learn to master network packet analysis and techniques in systems penetration testing so you can build expert network security skills to fight hackers.
This program includes career guidance and top-notch learning from industry experts. You get to work on real-world problems and participate in collaborative tasks with peers.
Key Takeaway: By gaining skills in network packet analysis, advanced hacking, Trojan backdoors, honeypots, and IDS firewalls, you can increase your salary and boost your resume.
Cyber Security Bootcamp | Springboard
Learning Format: Self-paced program that includes over 30 technical labs, 35 small projects, and one capstone project
Level: Beginner to advanced
Subjects Covered: Intro to cyber security, malware, Trojan tactics, hacking, forensics analysis, systems security, social engineering
This bootcamp course by Springboard teaches you the core concepts of cyber security through practical training sessions to identify IT security threats and implement appropriate ways to contain those threats. You’ll learn aspects of both offensive security and defensive security, as well as systems security.
Students become knowledgeable of various threat types and attributes including hacking, DarkNet, and social engineering. You’ll work on real-world projects and learn to structure an incident response procedure as well as forensic analysis. You’ll also learn how to build and install malware using Trojan.
Key Takeaway: This online course provides students with career services and one-on-one mentorship and also comes with a job guarantee.
The Complete Ethical Hacking Course Bundle | StationX
Learning Format: Self-paced program that includes five separate courses, video lectures, articles, and other learning material
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Kali Linux, DNS, spoofing, cracking encryptions, SQL, hacking Android devices, hacking wired and WiFi networks
This five-course series takes students through a wide range of ethical hacking concepts. Students will not only learn more about how hacking is conducted and how to mitigate its consequences, but they will also gain familiarity with over 30 different industry tools. This program covers hacking as it pertains to websites, Android devices, and various types of networks.
Key Takeaway: This course provides a solid foundation for beginners and helps them learn to use essential ethical hacking software.
Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp 2022: Zero to Mastery | Udemy
Learning Format: Self-paced course that includes practical assignments, video tutorials, and articles
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Hacking lab, Python, reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, penetration testing, WiFi cracking, social engineering
This online course is ideal for students who want to improve their security skills and prevent online attacks from hackers. You’ll learn how to use Python programming for hacking and all five stages of penetration testing by engaging in active practice.
You’ll learn how to find passwords over a LAN network using Man in the Middle attacks. You’ll learn how to deceive people into letting their guards down and opening your program. Students acquire the expertise to set up their own hacking lab, crack open wireless access point passwords, and build viruses, Trojans, and keyloggers.
Key Takeaway: You’ll learn how to use hacking tools to solve security issues, as well as how to collaborate and share experiences with peers.
The Complete Ethical Hacker Certification Exam Prep Course | Udemy
Learning Format: Self-paced course that is broken up into 18 sections totaling 188 lectures
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Footprinting, Linux, port scanning, cryptography, malware, systems hacking, sniffing, SQL, firewalls, web attacks, routing protocols
This course was designed by an instructor with over 35 years in the field. As such, it includes a wide range of knowledge about ethical hacking and key technologies involved in cyber security. In the beginning of the course, students learn about the various types of penetration testing and hackers, as well as important methodologies.
Later on, the program gets more technical and covers topics such as how to work in Linux, implement various aspects of cryptography, detect and disrupt malware, and crack passcodes. The course also covers ethical hacking as it pertains to database management systems, wireless and mobile networks, and web applications.
Key Takeaway: This 16.5-hour course gives students real, industry-driven knowledge about ethical hacking and how attacks are carried out.
Ethical Hacking For Beginners Course | Udemy
Learning Format: Self-paced course that contains five sections and 26 lectures
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Sniffers, Kali Linux, Metasploit, Trojan tactics, data mining
This is a short course that covers several useful technologies and techniques involved in ethical hacking. Students will learn the basic commands of Linux and how to work with the operating system’s directory structure.
This course also explains how to use Metasploit as well as how to make, detect, and hide a Trojan file, specifically covering DarkComet. Lastly, the course covers sniffing tactics, including ARP poisoning and DNS spoofing.
Key Takeaway: This course is a quick way for students to expand their knowledge on specific areas of ethical hacking.
Learn Ethical Hacking from A-Z | Udemy
Learning Format: Self-paced course that consists of 14 sections containing 134 lectures
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Bash, Python, hacking wireless networks, penetration testing, Linux, setting up a hacking lab, security tips
This course was designed to take students from the basics of ethical hacking all the way through advanced concepts. While still incorporating important theories, Learn Ethical Hacking from A-Z focuses on providing students with practical knowledge. With this, students will learn how to set up a hacking lab and hide their identity on the Internet.
Students will also develop skills that will allow them to hack and gain access to websites, web applications, and networks through a variety of techniques, including both server-side and client-side attacks. What makes this course stand out is that it also teaches students how to build a brand and reputation as an ethical hacker.
Key Takeaway: This course provides practical knowledge on both the technical skills and self-marketing expertise needed to make it as a professional ethical hacker.
Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp | University of Miami
Learning Format: Live course that occurs either on the weekends or evenings
Level: Beginner to advanced
Subjects Covered: Microsoft security, computer networking, Linux security, Python security, ethical hacking, game theory, digital forensics, incident response
This professional bootcamp prepares students for the cyber security job market and gives them the competitive edge to outsmart their competition and succeed in their careers, regardless of their professional background.
You’ll learn to use the CyWar cloud platform to detect and counteract attacks on systems and applications. You’ll also gain a broad knowledge of ethical hacking and game theory so you can find weaknesses and protect systems from compromise. This course also includes hands-on learning and help from career coaches.
Key Takeaway: You’ll be prepared for professional certification exams such as LPI Linux Essentials, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Network+, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker.
Certificate in Ethical Hacking | University of Washington
Learning Format: Live three-part course that occurs in the evenings
Level: Advanced
Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking essentials, reconnaissance and exploits, advanced ethical hacking, and cloud, web, and advanced techniques,
This graduate certificate in ethical hacking is for information technology professionals interested in pursuing a career in this field. In this program, you’ll discover how to detect system vulnerabilities and prevent sensitive data exploitation or exposure.
You’ll learn how to conduct password, mobile, wireless, web, and cloud application attacks as a white-hat hacker to boost your penetration skills. You’ll also learn to evaluate the regulatory compliance and directives of the organization so you can perform better in your role.
Key Takeaway: You’ll participate in real-life hacking assignments using a virtual server, as well as in a capture-the-flag practicum exercise.
Free Online Ethical Hacking Courses
Ethical Hacking: Network Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning | Alison
Learning Format: Self-paced, online course that includes 13 sections and an assessment
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Vulnerability scanning, SQL, network analysis tools, port scanning, Nmap
In this short, free online ethical hacking course, you’ll learn to use network analysis tools to detect security breaches and vulnerabilities in security systems. You cover the concepts of SQL injection authentication and cross-site scripting. You also learn how to use various scanning techniques such as TCP SYN scan, FTP bounce scan, and Nmap for scripting.
Key Takeaway: If you pay a small fee, you’ll gain an accredited certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Cryptography I | Coursera and Stanford
Learning Format: Seven-week course that includes over 70 videos and various quizzes
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Stream ciphers, block ciphers, authenticated encryption, Merkle’s Puzzles, the Diffie-Hellman protocol, public-key encryption
Students can audit this course for free. However, to gain access to all course material, including graded assignments and a certificate of completion, you will have to pay a fee.
This course dives deep into cryptography and teaches students about the history, purpose, and best practices of the subject. As such, this course helps students develop a well-rounded understanding of cryptography and how to use it in a professional setting.
Key Takeaway: This course is a great resource for learning about the specific aspects of ethical hacking that surround cryptography.
Hacking and Patching | Coursera and University of Colorado
Learning Format: This is a self-paced learning course that includes quizzes and assignments
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Injection web app attacks and defenses, SQL, memory attacks and defenses, penetration testing
This class is free for students to audit and educates them on hacking methodology, including web app hacking using command injection vulnerabilities in an AWS Linux website. You’ll also learn how to use LAMP services, search for information on Linux systems, and code and hide Trojans for future exploitations.
The course also covers how to patch web apps with input validation using regular expressions. You’ll learn how to design security patterns to prevent injection vulnerabilities by input validation and how to replace generic system calls using specific function calls. Students will also learn to manipulate the Nessus tool, Kali Linux, Metasploit, Keylogger, and VNC server.
Key Takeaway: If you choose to pay a fee, you’ll receive a shareable certificate that you can use to boost your professional experience across platforms.
Cybersecurity Specialization | Coursera and University of Maryland
Learning Format: Self-paced program that includes five separate courses and a hands-on project
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Building secure systems, SQL injections, buffer overflows, cryptography, hardware security
This course is best suited for students with some programming experience, preferably in C or C++ as well as Java. It takes students through how to create secure systems and also touches on the fundamentals of both hardware and software security.
This specialization culminates in students creating their own secure software systems. In addition, this course is only free for students to audit. For the full education experience, you will need to pay a fee.
Key Takeaway: This course is a great way for students with some prior experience to broaden their skills and test their practical knowledge.
Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking | Cybrary
Learning Format: Self-paced course that consists of 13 modules
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning and enumeration, system, network, perimeter and wireless network hacking, web application, cloud computing, IoT hacking
This free course trains students on the methods involved in intercepting a hack attempt. You’ll gain the hands-on experience needed to conduct penetration testing, password cracking, and social engineering on web servers and applications.
This program will help you distinguish yourself as an ethical hacker when you’re trying to exploit systems to reverse cyber attacks. You’ll learn to decipher each system’s security needs and how to implement them for future purposes.
Key Takeaway: Through this course, you’ll gain modern professional knowledge to improve your career.
Cyber Security Basics: A Hands-on Approach | edX
Learning Format: Self-paced course that contains six lectures
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Computer forensics, disassembling C code, intrusion detection systems, malware, Metasploit
This free online ethical hacking course teaches how to identify and mitigate network attacks. It also explains various types of cyber crimes and cyber threats. The course further explores computer forensics and how to preserve evidence of cyber attacks.
Students then move on to learn how to reverse engineer a cyber attack as well as how to create a strong defense in cyber security. In detailing common risks of web, software, and network technologies, this course also covers penetration testing.
Key Takeaway: Students can take this course for free, or pay $99 to also receive graded assignments and a certificate of completion.
The Complete Cyber Security & Hacking Course | EH Academy
Learning Format: Self-paced course featuring video tutorials that are broken up into five sections
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Windows commands, Linux, setting up a hacking lab, scanning, sniffing, hacking web servers, cryptography, firewalls, Metasploit, penetration testing
In this course, students learn how to secure networks and prevent loss of data. It contains lessons on gathering information, setting up a hacking lab, web server attacks, and systems hacking. From session hijacking to denial-of-service attacks, this course covers a variety of prominent ethical hacking techniques.
Key Takeaway: This course is an excellent free resource for students who want to enter the field of ethical hacking.
Metasploit Unleashed | Offensive Security
Learning Format: Written guide that is broken up into 13 sections.
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Metasploit, information gathering, scanning, client-side attacks, creating a fuzzer, Meterpreter
This written guide is offered for free and asks students to make a donation if they see fit. It serves as an in-depth Metasploit tutorial and also touches on important ethical hacking techniques. This guide will help students understand how to use Metasploit and other topics such as binary payloads, writing Meterpreter scripts, port scanning, sniffing, and more.
Key Takeaway: If you enjoy learning by reading, this is a great self-paced guide for aspiring ethical hackers.
Ethical Hacking Course Certificates vs Certifications
A certificate in ethical hacking shows that you’ve completed a program and gained a foundational knowledge of the field. However, it does not imply industry recognition and prestige because institutional or governmental bodies do not accredit these certificates. On the other hand, getting an ethical hacking certification online comes with global recognition, a broader market-led curriculum, and practical training.
Importance of Ethical Hacking Certifications
Professional bodies issue certifications to show that you’re an expert in a specific topic. Earning an ethical hacking certification online will distinguish you as a leader in the field. It will enable you to receive the professional recognition and salary compensation you deserve. With an ethical hacking certification, you can gain lifetime access to a network of like-minded professionals.
Online Ethical Hacking Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
Learning through a class, course, or training program can help you achieve your desired professional goals. However, your choice of learning format should depend on your professional needs, experience level, availability, and financial capacity.
Classes in ethical hacking can leave you with a few actionable tips that you can implement in your daily job role. A course will help you develop conceptual and practical knowledge of ethical hacking, but training will help you gain professional hands-on skills specific to your job role. Ideally, you should look for programs that can combine theory and skill acquisition.
How to Choose the Right Online Ethical Hacking Course, Class, or Training Program
Consider the Program Provider
It is essential to consider who your ethical hacking educational provider is. This will determine the quality of course content you’ll receive and, more importantly, whether recruiters will acknowledge your certificate as credible or prestigious enough for their organization.
Getting your training from industry experts or top organizations ensures you’ll gain the relevant industry skills necessary to excel in that field. However, because of their strict entry requirements, you might want to start with an affordable, free, or easily accessible certificate so you can gain relevant job experience before applying for a professional program.
Consider the Program Depth and Length
The depth and length of your ethical hacking program indicate whether the course is a good fit for you. If you’re just getting started in the field, you can attend classes that are only a few hours long and gain background knowledge of the area. Look for classes designed for absolute beginners that instill fundamental programming knowledge and real-world skills.
However, if you’re looking to switch careers or specialize in the field, programs with broader curriculums that usually span for weeks or months will help you build both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Consider the Type of Certificate Offered
The certificate offered is crucial, especially if you want to switch careers or boost your professional image. If you’re just getting started in the field, you can attend online ethical hacking courses in private programs and receive a certificate that you can share across social platforms. This could help you get into entry-level roles or make it easier to pursue advanced courses.
If you’re already working in the field, then a course that prepares you for professional certification is the way to go. You need to show recruiters and clients that you’re competent in your job role and have some professional leverage.
Consider the Cost of the Program
If you’re just starting in the field of cyber security and ethical hacking, you might want to consider taking free courses or workshops before committing to a full course. If you’re looking to switch careers, taking a full course will be ideal for you. Online ethical hacking courses are an accelerated way to build your qualifications for many types of cyber security jobs.
Consider Your Availability
Your availability matters a lot. The purpose of an educational or professional program is to educate you on the subject, but that can’t happen if you barely have time to attend classes. So don’t take courses or training seminars that conflict with your schedule. Thankfully, many programs are offered in the evenings or during the weekends.
Why You Should Take Online Ethical Hacking Courses or Classes
If you’re serious about growing your professional image and credibility as an expert in vulnerability analysis and systems security, your best approach is to continuously update your knowledge and skills in this competitive field continuously. You have to keep up with the latest trends and tools so you can outsmart your competition.
One of the best ways to do this is through online ethical hacking courses. Even if you’re a complete novice in cyber security and hacking, a class will help you decide if that career path is ideal for you. An online ethical hacking course can help you build a professional career in no time so you can start positively contributing to information security as soon as possible.
Online Ethical Hacking Courses FAQ
Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight offer some of the best ethical hacking courses. While which provider is ultimately the best will depend on each student’s needs, all of these platforms offer robust courses surrounding ethical hacking.
How long do ethical hacking courses take?
There are a variety of ethical hacking courses online that can take anywhere from several hours to several months. In addition, a lot of these courses are self-paced, so how long an ethical hacking course takes is completely up to you in many cases.
Are free ethical hacking courses worth it?
Free ethical hackings courses are worth it for students who want to gain some knowledge in the field but are not ready to make a monetary investment in their education. Though free online ethical hacking courses may provide limited content, they can still add real value when it comes to your skills and knowledge base as a beginner.
Are online ethical hacking courses important for professional development?
Online ethical hacking courses help you achieve career advancement in a fast, affordable, and flexible manner without having to change your schedule. They enable you to broaden and update your knowledge of modern ethical hacking concepts to boost your industry leverage. As such, online ethical hacking courses can help you make a career change or break into your dream career in tech.
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