9 best ethical hacking courses to learn how to hack in 2023

Ethical hacking has emerged as a highly promising career path for numerous ambitious individuals. The current demand for ethical hacking courses has reached unprecedented levels, and this surge is entirely justified. It presents an engaging profession that remains consistently stimulating.

It is hardly surprising that numerous organizations are willing to invest in proficient experts to enhance their security infrastructure. As of 2022 according to Statista, the total expenditure on security amounted to $71.68 billion, a figure that is poised for continued growth in the upcoming years.

Within this article, we shall delve into some of the most sought-after ethical hacking courses available within the industry.

Here is our list of the best ethical hacking courses to learn to hack for beginners and professionals:

[Udemy] Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch

This comprehensive Udemy course in cybersecurity is designed for students with no prior experience in the subject matter. Delivered by Zaid Sabih, the CEO of zSecurity, this training program emphasizes a balanced approach that incorporates both theoretical concepts and practical demonstrations.

Distinguished as one of the premier online courses in ethical hacking, this course is structured into three key segments. First, students are introduced to network hacking, encompassing topics such as packet sniffing, WEP cracking, and WPA/WPA2 decryption. Subsequently, the course delves into various methodologies for gaining complete control of computer systems. This encompasses both client-side and server-side attack strategies, alongside essential web server security tools.

Throughout the course, participants will embark on a journey starting with the setup of a personal testing environment on their own machines. Additionally, they will become proficient in installing the Kali Linux operating system. It’s important to note that prior familiarity with Linux is not a prerequisite, as the course offers a swift introduction to fundamental commands necessary for effective interaction with the Kali Linux terminal.

[Udacity] Ethical Hacking Nanodegree Program

For individuals seeking a career transition, particularly working professionals with a foundational understanding of Linux and networking, this ethical hacking course presents a compelling choice.

The program commences with a rudimentary introduction to ethical hacking, subsequently delving extensively into the realms of penetration testing and red teaming operations.

In line with Udacity’s structured nano degree courses, this program includes invaluable elements such as mentorship support, real-world industry projects, and career guidance. Consequently, it emerges as a strong contender among the top online courses available for hacking.

[Udemy] The Complete Ethical Hacking Course: Beginner to Advanced

Over a duration of 25 hours, this comprehensive training program in ethical hacking equips participants with the essential skills needed to establish a proficient hacking environment, execute wireless network penetration, and employ brute force techniques to decipher passwords. Furthermore, participants will delve into the intricacies of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, keyloggers, and SQL injection attacks, thereby gaining practical insights into the world of ethical hacking.

While it is worth noting that the course structure lacks the systematic organization found in our top recommendation, it does, however, offer an in-depth exploration of several prominent hacking methodologies. Consequently, we recommend this program primarily for novice white-hat hackers seeking detailed demonstrations of well-established tactics.

It is important to acknowledge that some prior students have raised concerns regarding the presence of outdated content within certain modules. As such, it would be advantageous to see updates from the course creators that address emerging hacking techniques and developments.

[INE] Ethical Hacking: Denial of Service

Within the INE platform, you will discover a plethora of ethical hacking courses. For the purpose of this article, our attention is directed towards the course titled ‘Ethical Hacking: Denial of Service.’ This particular course stands out as an excellent choice for individuals keen on safeguarding their organizations against the perils of severe Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

The primary focus of this course is to delve into the mechanics of such attacks, allowing participants to step into the shoes of potential assailants. Through this immersive experience, you will acquire the knowledge and proficiency required to effectively counteract and mitigate these formidable threats, employing the appropriate tools and strategies.

[Coursera] Hacking And Patching Certification by the University of Colorado

If the prospect of exploring Wi-Fi password breaches and web application security intrigues you, then this course is tailor-made for your interests. Developed under the auspices of the University of Colorado and guided by Professor Edward Chow, an esteemed authority in the field of computer science, this course offers more than just password hacking. It adopts a hands-on instructional approach, providing students with practical experience through penetration tools and interactive lab exercises.

While it’s entirely feasible to embark on this course independently, it’s advisable to adhere to the prescribed sequence of modules for optimal learning outcomes. The course encompasses a diverse array of topics, including application security assessment and remediation, SQL database exploitation, memory-based attacks, and associated defense mechanisms. It features an instructional package comprising 20 instructional videos and 12 supplementary readings.

[CodeCademy] Introduction To Ethical Hacking

This introductory course provides a blend of educational resources, including articles, lessons, and quiz-based assessments, designed to facilitate comprehensive learning. It covers a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced subjects such as cloud computing.

Throughout the course, participants will acquire knowledge of defensive and evasive techniques, gaining insights into the daily practices of an ethical hacker. Furthermore, the program explores ethical hacking through the lenses of cryptography and packet sniffing, elucidating these concepts through demonstration-based learning.

[MIT Management Executive Education] Cybersecurity For Managers: A Playbook

Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the exclusive domain of IT departments or specific firms. It has become a paramount concern for departments and organizations spanning various industries. This specialized course is meticulously tailored to cater to the needs of managers and entrepreneurs, empowering them with the skills required to efficiently lead their teams and safeguard their valuable data assets.

This program draws upon real-world industry scenarios to provide valuable perspectives on the enhanced management of cybersecurity risks. Successful completion of this course culminates in the attainment of an officially verified digital certificate conferred by the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management.

[Edureka] Certified Ethical Hacking Course – CEH v12

This educational program is a collaborative effort between EC-Council and Edureka, representing an esteemed partnership. It offers an excellent pathway for individuals aspiring to successfully achieve certification in CEH v12.

This comprehensive course encompasses a wide array of critical concepts, including but not limited to hijacking, cryptography, session hijacking, penetration testing, and more. By undergoing this intensive training, participants equip themselves to confront and surmount a myriad of challenges that may arise in their professional journey. Furthermore, it serves as a strong foundational platform for enhancing one’s proficiency in security practices.

Moreover, the course offers a valuable hands-on practice platform, facilitating practical learning experiences. It adopts a cohort-based approach, structured over a span of 5 weeks, to ensure effective knowledge assimilation and skill development.

[LinkedIn Learning] Become An Ethical Hacker

This LinkedIn course has been developed and is led by industry experts including Malcolm Shore, Scott Simpson, James Williamson, and Lisa Bock, all of whom are highly regarded professionals in the domains of digital forensics, network security, web design, and development.

The course commences with a thorough introduction to its entirety, subsequently delving into pivotal subjects such as system hacking and denial of service attacks. Notably, this course is accessible on LinkedIn Learning at no cost, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking career advancement.

The course curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including the fundamentals of ethical hacking, system hacking, and denial of service tactics, and spans a duration of 35 hours.

What sets this course apart is its comprehensive coverage of prevalent and prospective cybersecurity threats. It is meticulously structured to facilitate a profound understanding and employs a hands-on approach to equip learners with the practical skills required to identify and mitigate network vulnerabilities. The course consists of 20 distinct learning modules, ensuring a thorough grasp of the subject matter.”