Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, is an essential practice that helps organizations identify and fix security vulnerabilities in their systems. It involves legally and ethically exploiting systems to uncover weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. If you are fascinated by cybersecurity and want to embark on a journey to become an ethical hacker, this blog will guide you through ten amazing resources to kickstart your learning process.
- Udemy (Course Platform)
Udemy offers a wide range of comprehensive courses on ethical hacking, taught by industry experts. From beginner to advanced levels, you can find courses that cover various topics, including penetration testing, network security, and cryptography.
- Cybrary (Online Training Platform)
Cybrary is a free online platform that provides a wealth of cybersecurity resources, including ethical hacking courses, virtual labs, and practice tests. It is an excellent starting point for those on a tight budget.
- Offensive Security (Certification and Training)
Offensive Security offers highly respected certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). Their training focuses on hands-on experience, preparing you for real-world scenarios.
- Hack The Box (Virtual Lab)
Hack The Box is an interactive platform that offers a range of realistic virtual machines to practice your hacking skills legally. It is a great way to gain practical experience and challenge yourself with real-world scenarios.
- Metasploit Unleashed (Free Training)
Metasploit Unleashed is a free, community-driven training resource provided by Offensive Security. It covers Metasploit, a powerful penetration testing tool, and is an excellent resource for learning how to exploit vulnerabilities.
- HackerOne (Bug Bounty Platform)
HackerOne is a bug bounty platform that connects ethical hackers with organizations looking to improve their security. Participating in bug bounty programs is an excellent way to apply your skills and earn rewards for finding vulnerabilities responsibly.
- OWASP (Web Application Security)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) provides resources, tools, and guides for web application security. Understanding web application vulnerabilities is crucial for ethical hackers focusing on web-based attacks.
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy
The Web Security Academy by PortSwigger offers a range of free, interactive web security challenges and labs. It’s a valuable resource for mastering web application security and learning how to prevent common web-based attacks.
- TryHackMe (Interactive Learning)
TryHackMe is an interactive learning platform that offers beginner-friendly, gamified environments to practice hacking skills. It provides guided challenges and walkthroughs to help you learn at your own pace.
- Reddit (Ethical Hacking Community)
Reddit’s r/ethicalhacking and r/netsec communities are excellent places to connect with fellow ethical hackers, share knowledge, and seek advice. It’s a supportive environment for networking and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in cybersecurity.
