Top Free Resources to Learn Ethical Hacking



Ethical hacking isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s a serious, high-demand skill for anyone looking to enter the cybersecurity world. Whether you want to become a penetration tester, security analyst, or cyber defense specialist, learning ethical hacking is your entry point.

And the good news? You don’t have to spend thousands of rupees to get started. The internet is packed with free, high-quality resources for beginners and advanced learners alike. That said, building a strong foundation with hands-on guidance is crucial—many aspiring professionals in India are choosing to enhance their learning through a structured Cyber Security Weekend Course in Bengaluru to gain practical, job-ready skills.

Now, if you're just starting out or want to strengthen your fundamentals without spending a dime, here’s a breakdown of the top free resources to learn ethical hacking.

1. Hack The Box – Free Labs for Real-World Practice

Hack The Box (HTB) offers virtual machines and challenges that mimic real-world networks and systems. While HTB has premium tiers, there’s a solid range of free content for beginners. It’s one of the most hands-on ways to build your skills.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Network enumeration

  • Exploitation techniques

  • Privilege escalation

  • Post-exploitation tactics

Why It’s Great:
You’re not just watching videos—you’re actually hacking into real (virtual) machines. This kind of experiential learning is gold for aspiring ethical hackers.

2. TryHackMe – Guided Learning Paths

TryHackMe simplifies ethical hacking by guiding users through structured learning paths. It’s beginner-friendly, with many free rooms and challenges. You'll learn through interactive tutorials rather than just reading documentation.

Best Free Rooms for Beginners:

  • Introduction to Cyber Security

  • Linux Fundamentals

  • Network Security

  • OWASP Top 10

Bonus: Their learning paths include built-in quizzes and checkpoints, so you always know where you stand.

3. OWASP – The Bible of Web Application Security

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a nonprofit that provides free resources focused on securing web applications. Their Top 10 Vulnerabilities project is a must-read for every aspiring hacker.

Top OWASP Resources:

  • OWASP Top 10 (Updated regularly)

  • Web Security Testing Guide

  • Juice Shop (deliberately insecure app for hands-on practice)

Why It Matters:
Most ethical hacking jobs involve web app testing. OWASP teaches you the vulnerabilities hackers exploit every day.

4. Cybrary – Free Courses for Security Basics

Cybrary offers free video-based courses covering IT, networking, and cybersecurity. While some advanced content is locked behind a paywall, plenty of beginner modules remain free.

Recommended Free Courses:

  • Intro to IT & Cybersecurity

  • Network Fundamentals

  • Malware Analysis

  • Penetration Testing Basics

Why It’s Worth It:
Their video lessons are short, structured, and perfect for learners who prefer guided instruction.

5. YouTube Channels – Free Video Goldmines

YouTube is filled with skilled ethical hackers who share their knowledge for free. While not structured like a formal course, consistent viewing can help you build strong foundational knowledge.

Top Channels to Follow:

  • NetworkChuck – Cybersecurity concepts, tools, and tutorials

  • The Cyber Mentor – Ethical hacking tips, CTFs, and walkthroughs

  • Null Byte (by WonderHowTo) – How-to guides on hacking tools and concepts

  • LiveOverflow – Deep dives into real vulnerabilities and exploit development

Tip: Watch these alongside your own testing lab for maximum benefit.

6. OverTheWire: Wargames for Beginners

OverTheWire hosts a collection of "wargames"—challenges designed to teach you Linux basics, networking, cryptography, and more.

Start With:

  • Bandit: A game to help you understand Linux commands and basic privilege escalation

  • Narnia and Leviathan: For more advanced CTF-style learning

Why It’s Unique:
You learn by doing. No fluff, no long videos—just terminal-based problem solving.

7. VulnHub – Downloadable CTF Machines

VulnHub offers a large repository of downloadable vulnerable machines that you can run on your local VirtualBox or VMware setup. It’s great for simulating real-life attack scenarios.

Popular Boxes for Starters:

  • Mr. Robot

  • Basic Pentesting 1

  • Kioptrix Series

Why It Works:
It’s completely free, offline, and as close as it gets to real-world ethical hacking.

8. GitHub – Repositories of Tools and Cheatsheets

GitHub isn’t just for coders. It’s a treasure trove of open-source tools, scripts, and curated lists related to cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Check Out:

  • PayloadAllTheThings – An incredible list of payloads used for web exploitation

  • Awesome Hacking Resources – Curated tools, books, blogs, and platforms

  • HackTricks – Notes and tricks for red teamers and pentesters

Why It’s Useful:
You can follow how others approach problems, contribute your own solutions, and stay updated with the latest exploit tactics.

9. Books & eBooks – Open-Source Reading Material

There are several free books and PDFs available that offer deep dives into topics like Linux, network security, cryptography, and penetration testing.

Top Free Reads:

  • The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook (free chapters online)

  • Nmap Network Scanning Guide

  • Hacking: The Art of Exploitation (check for legal free versions or local libraries)

  • Linux Basics for Hackers

These books can provide the theory behind the tools you’re learning to use.

10. Reddit & Online Communities

Sometimes, your best resource is other learners. Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Stack Exchange offer real-time support, motivation, and collaboration.

Subreddits Worth Following:

  • r/HowToHack

  • r/AskNetsec

  • r/netsecstudents

  • r/cybersecurity

Why Join:
You’ll stay updated on new tools, CTFs, job trends, and get answers when you hit roadblocks.

Want to Take It Further?

While all these free resources are incredible, you’ll eventually need a structured path to turn curiosity into a career. That’s where a professionally designed Ethical Hacking Course for Working Professionals in Bengaluru can accelerate your growth.

Boston Institute of Analytics offers hands-on training in ethical hacking and cybersecurity, blending classroom learning with real-world labs, industry tools, and placement support. Their dual certification in Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking is designed to help beginners transition into professionals.

Whether you're looking to become a penetration tester, work in SOCs, or pursue bug bounties, this kind of guided mentorship makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Ethical hacking is one of the most exciting, practical, and high-impact skills you can learn in cybersecurity. With the rise in digital threats, companies are hiring skilled ethical hackers faster than ever before.

The resources are out there. You just need the discipline to use them. From virtual labs and video tutorials to war games and vulnerable machines, you’ve got everything you need to begin. And when you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, don’t hesitate to explore a Cyber Security Course in Bengaluru or enroll in a structured Ethical Hacking Course in Bengaluru to fast-track your path into the industry.

Hack ethically. Learn continuously. And never stop breaking things—responsibly.

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