Welcome again dear NetworkSecLearners to today’s article where we are going to uncover something really exciting and super useful for your learning journey of Ethical Hacking : Free Platforms to Learn Ethical Hacking! Great, right? As promised in the previous article on Introduction To Ethical Hacking, we will walk through some useful free ressources to help you learn these skills.
And yes, you heard it right, all these ressources are free as in zero euros, zero dollars, zero bitcoins. 😂 Well, keep reading because this article might save you a lot of money and guide you toward the right resources!
There are indeed amazing platforms out there that offer legal, hands-on, beginner-friendly environments where you can practice, break things (virtually of course) and sharpen your hacking skills step by step without breaking the law or the bank. 😊
As always, let me remind you : we do not promote illegal hacking. We are here to learn how to defend systems but not to attack them without permission. Please remember : Ethical Hacking means hacking with PERMISSION and it is all about making the digital world safer.
So, if you are ready to become a digital detective without spending your life savings, grab your cup of coffee (or tea, I won’t judge), sit comfortably and read till the end. You will discover top free resources where you can start learning network security, penetration testing, web vulnerabilities and much more the Ethical way. 🙏😊
Let’s dive into this topic with the first plaftorm which is TryHackMe.
1. TryHackMe (https://tryhackme.com)
TryHackMe is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for learning Ethical Hacking. It offers guided, hands-on learning paths like “Pre-Security” and “Complete Beginner” that walk you through concepts step by step. You will practice directly in browser-based virtual machines, solving real-world Hacking challenges while learning topics like networking, web security and Linux. Many labs and rooms are completely free making it perfect if you are just getting started or working on a tight budget.
2. Hack The Box (https://hackthebox.com)
Hack The Box is a widely respected platform in the Ethical Hacking world used by both beginners and professionals. It lets you practice hacking in realistic, hands-on environments by exploiting virtual machines just like a real penetration tester. While much of HTB content requires a paid subscription, it still offers a selection of free beginner labs and community challenges which is great for newcomers. HTB is particularly useful for learners preparing for advanced certifications like the OSCP.
3. Web Security Academy by PortSwigger (https://portswigger.net/web-security)
Created by the team behind Burp Suite, the Web Security Academy is a top-tier resource if you want to specialize in web application security. It is completely free and offers interactive lessons on topics like SQL injection, XSS, CSRF and more. The labs are browser-based and cover beginner to advanced levels. This is the go-to platform if you are aiming for a career in bug bounty hunting or web pentesting.
4. OverTheWire (https://overthewire.org)
OverTheWire provides a series of Linux-based wargames designed to teach cybersecurity concepts through fun, text-based challenges. It is great for learning topics like Linux command line, networking, cryptography and privilege escalation. OverTheWire is especially recommended for beginners who want to get comfortable with the terminal which is a key skill in Ethical Hacking. Start with the Bandit game which is perfect for absolute beginners.
5. PicoCTF (https://picoctf.org)
PicoCTF is a free, beginner-friendly platform created by cybersecurity experts at Carnegie Mellon University. It is a fun and gamified Capture The Flag-style website designed for students but open to everyone. Challenges cover reverse engineering, forensics, web security, and binary exploitation. The puzzle-style format makes learning Ethical Hacking super fun and interactive especially if you enjoy solving problems or playing games.
6. DVWA & Metasploitable (Search on GitHub or download from trusted sources)
If you want to practice locally, Damn Vulnerable Web App (DVWA) and Metasploitable are two purposely vulnerable environments you can run on your own PC using tools like VirtualBox or VMware. DVWA is great for learning web vulnerabilities and Metasploitable is ideal for practicing network penetration testing. These tools are widely used to simulate real attacks using popular tools like Nmap, Metasploit and Burp Suite all in a legal and safe environment.
7. Top YouTube Channels for Ethical Hacking
YouTube is a goldmine for Ethical Hacking tutorials, tool reviews and walkthroughs and the best part is that it is totally free. Some of the best creators in this space are :
- The Cyber Mentor: Offers beginner to advanced tutorials, especially known for the Practical Ethical Hacking course.
- John Hammond: Covers CTF writeups, malware analysis, and practical cybersecurity skills.
- NetworkChuck: Fun, energetic, and full of content about Linux, cybersecurity, and ethical hacking labs.
- HackerSploit: Delivers structured cybersecurity content including penetration testing, Kali Linux, and tools.
These YouTubers explain complex topics in simple terms, making it easy to follow along even if you are just starting.
8. Bonus : Learn with NetworkSecLearning.com
And of course, don’t forget this very great blog you are reading NetworkSecLearning.com. 🎉
Whether you are a total newbie or advancing into real-world hacking labs, our tutorials are written in plain English, structured for clarity and filled with practical advice. We will publish easy-to-follow Ethical Hacking guides, cybersecurity tool reviews, study tips for certifications and real-world examples to help you become a skilled and responsible Ethical Hacker. Join our growing community by subscribing to the newsletter and never miss an update!
CONCLUSION
So there you have it, dear NetworkSecLearners with a full list of awesome and mostly free platforms where you can start learning Ethical Hacking the right way : legally, safely and without spending a fortune. Whether you prefer hands-on labs like TryHackMe and Hack The Box, text-based challenges like OverTheWire, deep dives into Web Security with PortSwigger or even fun YouTube walkthroughs, there is something here for everyone. The most important thing is not how fast you go but that you start somewhere and stay consistent. Keep practicing, stay curious and always remember that Ethical Hacking is about protecting not attacking.
And hey, if you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself! 😉 Share it with your friends, leave a comment to correct anything wrong in this article or to ask for clarifications on aything which is not clear or jus tell us what you would like to see next on NetworkSecLearning. Let’s grow this amazing community together and make the digital world safer. 💪
Now, I hope you will go ahead, pick a platform and start learning. I will be back soon with another article to help you build more your Ethical Hacking skills. Stay tuned and as always keep Hacking Ethically! 😊