The rise of cyberattacks worldwide has made cybersecurity one of the most in-demand fields in 2025. Companies of all sizes are facing constant threats from hackers attempting to steal sensitive data. This has created a massive demand for Ethical Hackers, who are professionals trained to test systems, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen digital defenses.
If you’re a student or IT professional looking to start a career in this growing field, the good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. Several institutions and global organizations are offering free Ethical Hacking courses in 2025 that provide practical knowledge, industry-recognized training, and even certifications.
Below, we’ve curated the top free Ethical Hacking courses in 2025 to help you kickstart your journey in cybersecurity.
Table of Contents
Why Learn Ethical Hacking in 2025?
Before diving into the course list, let’s understand why ethical hacking has become such a hot career option.
- Rising cybercrime: In June 2025, cybersecurity researchers revealed a leak of over 16 billion login credentials from platforms like Google, Apple, Facebook, GitHub, and Telegram. While these companies weren’t directly hacked, stolen data from malware-infected devices continues to fuel cybercrime.
- High career demand: Every organization needs ethical hackers to safeguard networks, applications, and cloud systems.
- Attractive salaries: Certified ethical hackers often command competitive salaries, making it a lucrative career option.
Now, let’s explore the best free online Ethical Hacking courses in 2025 that can set you on the right path.
1. IIT Kharagpur – Swayam Ethical Hacking Course
One of the most popular free courses is offered by IIT Kharagpur on the government’s Swayam portal. With over 45,000 enrollments, this course is led by a highly regarded professor from IIT.
- Key Highlights:
- Covers real-world hacker attack scenarios through case studies
- Focuses on building secure practices to protect enterprise systems
- Free to access; certification available after an exam
- Best For: Students and beginners who want a strong theoretical and practical foundation from a premier Indian institute
This program is perfect if you want to learn from IIT experts without spending money.
2. Cisco Networking Academy – Ethical Hacker Course
Cisco, one of the biggest names in networking and cybersecurity, offers a 70-hour free Ethical Hacking course through its Cisco Networking Academy. More than 600,000 learners have already signed up for this program.
- Key Highlights:
- 100% free and self-paced learning
- Focuses on penetration testing skills and ethical hacking fundamentals
- Builds skills in network security, vulnerability scanning, and attack prevention
- Best For: IT professionals and students who want structured, globally recognized training
With Cisco’s brand value and quality content, this course is one of the most trusted ways to become an Ethical Hacker in 2025.
3. IBM – Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools
If you want hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, IBM’s course is an excellent choice. This two-month free course trains learners to work with open-source Ethical Hacking tools.
- Key Highlights:
- Covers Kali Linux for information gathering and vulnerability analysis
- Includes Metasploit framework for simulated attack testing
- Over 4,000 enrollments and free registration available now
- Best For: Students who want practical training with real tools used in cybersecurity jobs
IBM’s program gives you a competitive edge by teaching you tools that cybersecurity experts use daily.
Read More: Cisco Free Ethical Hacker Course 2025 | Learn Ethical Hacking Online
Read More: IB Security Assistant Recruitment 2025 – Exciting Opportunity & Complete Guide
Why These Courses Stand Out in 2025
The cybersecurity landscape is changing fast, and these free Ethical Hacking courses stand out for three reasons:
- Trusted Institutions – IIT Kharagpur, Cisco, and IBM are leaders in education and technology.
- Hands-On Training – They don’t just teach theory but also provide exposure to real-world tools and hacking simulations.
- Free Certifications – While some courses may charge a nominal fee for certificates, the learning resources themselves are completely free.
Future of Ethical Hacking Careers
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, ethical hacking is no longer optional—it’s essential. Organizations are actively recruiting ethical hackers to:
- Identify weaknesses before cybercriminals exploit them
- Test cloud applications, networks, and mobile apps
- Prevent large-scale data breaches that can cost millions
By enrolling in these free Ethical Hacking courses in 2025, you’ll not only gain valuable skills but also open doors to exciting opportunities in cybersecurity.
Read More: IBM SkillsBuild Free Chatbot Course 2025 | Learn AI-Powered Chatbot Development Online
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about technology, problem-solving, and digital security, ethical hacking could be your ideal career path. Thanks to platforms like Swayam, Cisco Networking Academy, and IBM, you can begin your learning journey without spending a dime.
The top free Ethical Hacking courses in 2025 listed above provide the knowledge, tools, and certifications needed to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. With determination and consistent practice, you can position yourself as a skilled ethical hacker in a world that desperately needs more cybersecurity professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Free Ethical Hacking Courses in 2025
1. Can I learn ethical hacking for free in 2025?
Yes! Platforms like IIT Kharagpur (Swayam Portal), Cisco Networking Academy, and IBM offer free ethical hacking courses that cover both theory and practical training. Some may charge a small fee for certificates, but learning resources are free.
2. Do I need programming knowledge to start ethical hacking?
Basic knowledge of programming (like Python, C, or JavaScript) helps, but it’s not mandatory. Many free ethical hacking courses start with beginner-friendly modules that don’t require coding experience.
3. Which is the best free ethical hacking course for beginners in 2025?
The Cisco Networking Academy Ethical Hacker course is ideal for beginners as it is self-paced, covers fundamentals, and offers practical penetration testing skills.
4. What tools are taught in free ethical hacking courses?
Most free ethical hacking courses cover tools like Kali Linux, Wireshark, Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite, which are widely used by cybersecurity professionals.
5. Do these free courses provide certification?
Yes, many platforms provide a certificate of completion after passing an exam or finishing the modules. Certificates from institutes like IIT or companies like Cisco and IBM are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry.
6. What is the salary of an ethical hacker in 2025?
On average, ethical hackers can earn $60,000 to $120,000 annually worldwide. In India, entry-level salaries often range between ₹4 LPA to ₹10 LPA, depending on skills and certifications.
7. What’s the difference between a hacker and an ethical hacker?
A hacker uses skills to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, while an ethical hacker is authorized to test systems, find weaknesses, and help organizations secure their networks.
Pro Tip: Start with one course, practice regularly using virtual labs and open-source tools, and gradually move toward advanced certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) once you’re confident with the basics.
