Where to Find the Best Online Ethical Hacking Courses, Classes, and Training

Protecting sensitive data and information is a top priority for most organizations, primarily because of the recent increase in hacking and cyber attacks. Companies want to recruit the most competent ethical security specialists. These technical professionals prevent malicious hackers from accessing sensitive data and session hijacking. 

As a computer security professional, the best way to stay relevant and marketable to employers is to constantly update your security skills. Updating your skills in this field can easily be achieved by taking online ethical hacking courses.   

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hackers legally infiltrate and test target systems, software applications, and infrastructures to detect potential vulnerabilities and implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access and intrusions. This process is necessary to protect databases and network systems from security vulnerabilities, security breaches, and cyber threats. 

Why Online Ethical Hacking Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Online ethical hacking courses help you achieve career advancement in a fast, affordable, and flexible manner without having to change your schedule. These training programs enable you to broaden and update your knowledge of modern ethical hacking concepts so you can boost your industry leverage.

With self-paced courses, you can easily access the latest technologies in information assurance and cyber security. Students in these programs learn skills like cloud computing, robotic automation, and artificial intelligence. These techniques can help you make a career change or break into your dream career in tech.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Ethical Hacking?

Yes, you should. Aside from the fact that bootcamps were designed with working professionals and career switchers in mind, it is ideally one of the most efficient ways to promote your ethical hacking career.

Ethical hacking bootcamps teach through real-life cyber security projects. You’ll become familiar with cutting-edge technologies that will enable you to nurture your skills as a white-hat hacker, especially in cryptography and systems reverse engineering.

Overview: The Best Online Ethical Hacking Courses, Classes, or Training

As a cyber security professional, it is important to stay informed on the best practices and policies in ethical hacking and information assurance. Staying up to date in the industry allows you to update your hacking skills and basic knowledge in system penetration, as well as increase your salary potential.

Provider	Course	Price	Length	Certificate
Alison	Ethical Hacking: Network Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning	Free	3 – 4 hours	Yes, for a fee
Compass Technical Training	Ethical Hacking Bootcamp	$100 per month	Not stated	No
Coursera	Hacking and Patching	Free	15 hours	Yes, for a fee
CyberTraining 365	Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp	$2,083	31 weeks	No
Cybrary	Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking	Free	7 hours	Yes
Evolve Academy	OSCP Bootcamp	$7,250	18 weeks	Yes
Flatiron School	Hacking 101: Introduction to Cybersecurity	Free	2 hours	No
Infosec Institute	Certified Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing	Not stated	5 days	No
Liberty University	Certified Ethical Hacker: Online Ethical Hacking Course	$2,895	24 weeks	Yes
NexGenT	Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp	Income share agreement	7 weeks	Yes
Simplilearn	Certified Ethical Hacking Course	$999	90 days	Yes
Springboard	Cyber Security Bootcamp	$11,340	6 months	Yes
Udemy	Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp 2022: Zero to Mastery	$110	27 hours	Yes
University of Miami	Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp	$15,500	370 hours	No
University of Washington	Certificate in Ethical Hacking	$4,125	8 months	Yes

In Detail: The Best Online Ethical Hacking Classes, Courses, or Training

Ethical Hacking: Network Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning | Alison 

• Learning Format: This is an online course that ends with an accredited certificate
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Vulnerability scanning, network analysis tools

In this short online course, you’ll learn to use network analysis tools to detect security breaches and vulnerabilities in security systems. You cover the concepts of SQL injection authentication and cross-site scripting. You also learn how to use various scanning techniques such as TCP SYN scan, FTP bounce scan, and Nmap for scripting.

Key Takeaway: You’ll gain an accredited certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn and resume.

Ethical Hacking Bootcamp | Compass Technical Training 

• Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, social engineering, sniffing, system hacking, scanning networks, cloud computing, cryptography

At this online bootcamp, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an information security engineer or ethical hacker. Through structured lectures and hands-on lab projects, you’ll learn the techniques to effectively outsmart malicious hackers. 

The learning experience familiarizes students with the processes involved in assessing and measuring threats to data assets. You’ll learn how to detect and strengthen vulnerable systems from unlawful hacking.

Key Takeaway: This program prepares you for two professional certification exams (CEH and CompTIA PenTest+) to advance your career in cyber security.

Hatching and Patching | Coursera

• Learning Format: This is a self-paced learning course that includes quizzes and assignments
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Injection web app attacks and defenses, SQL, memory attacks and defenses, penetration testing

This class educates students on hacking methodology. You’ll learn web app hacking using command injection vulnerabilities in an AWS Linux website. You’ll learn how to use LAMP services, search for information on Linux systems, as well as how to code and hide Trojans for future exploitations. 

Students learn how to patch web apps with input validation using regular expressions. You’ll learn how to design security patterns to prevent injection vulnerabilities by input validation and how to replace generic system calls using specific function calls. You’ll learn to manipulate the Nessus tool, Kali Linux, Metasploit, Keylogger, and VNC server.

Key Takeaway: You’ll gain a shareable certificate that you can use to boost your professional experience across platforms. 

Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp | CyberTraining 365

• Learning Format: This is a professional program 
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Networking, network penetration, phases of ethical hacking, information security, trojans, enumeration, penetration testing

This bootcamp prepares students for industry certifications in the fields of information technology and cyber security. You’ll learn from experts about the issues affecting our information security world and the various methods used to keep up with hackers. By the end of the program, you will understand how to perform penetration tests and incident management.

This immersive program equips students with the in-demand security skills needed to excel in their security-related careers. You’ll not just learn theories and principles, but you’ll understand the practical applications of these theories in real-life scenarios.

Key Takeaway: This program will help you start a career in systems engineering and architecture, security experts, and network and firewall administration.

Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking | Cybrary 

• Learning Format: This is a full course that includes hands-on training
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning and enumeration, system, network, perimeter and wireless network hacking, web application, cloud computing, IoT hacking

This free course trains students on the methods involved in intercepting a hack attempt. You’ll gain the hands-on experience needed to conduct penetration testing, password cracking, and social engineering on web servers and applications.

This program will help you distinguish yourself as an ethical hacker when you’re trying to exploit systems to reverse cyber attacks. You’ll learn to decipher each system’s security needs and how to implement them for future purposes. 

Key Takeaway: You’ll gain modern professional knowledge to improve your career.

OSCP Bootcamp | Evolve Academy

• Learning Format: This is an online full program that provides hands-on experience
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Penetration testing methodology, bash and PowerShell scripting, buffer overflow, custom exploitation, Windows and Linux privilege escalation. 

This professional course teaches you how to conduct corporate network analysis and production systems identification to exploit vulnerabilities. You’ll learn to build threat models to identify security threats.

The program covers the tools and technologies necessary to perform penetration testing for networks and applications. You’ll also learn how to relay the results of tests and remediation to those who need it. 

Key Takeaway: You’ll be prepared for the OSCP certification exam after the program.

Hacking 101: Introduction to Cybersecurity | Flatiron School 

• Learning Format: This is a free intro course to the cyber security bootcamp. 
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Virtualization

Introduction to Cybersecurity is a free course intended to prepare students for Flatiron School’s immersive cyber security bootcamp. Hacking 101 introduces you to the world of virtualization so you can control multiple systems simultaneously, conduct security research, engineer solutions, test and deploy technologies. 

This online course is free and allows prospective students to design the schedules best suited for their professional needs. The program also includes a live curriculum and field experts to teach students trending topics in the industry.

Key Takeaway: You’ll gain a genuine insight into the complexity and relevance of cyber security.

Certified Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Infosec Institute 

• Learning Format: This is a professional training program that includes hands-on labs.
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Social engineering, security testing, phishing attacks, vulnerability life cycles, capture the flag exercises

This professional hacking and information security training consists of in-depth techniques used by unlawful hackers to gain access to systems. You’ll learn the duties of a penetration tester and ethical hacker while learning techniques to boost your resume.

After learning the duties of a penetration tester and ethical hacker, you will learn how to identify and attack vulnerable systems. You’ll understand the process of network scanning and gaining access to systems. You’ll also learn how to use Trojan horse techniques and conduct packet analysis.

Key Takeaway: You’ll gain dual professional certificates in ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Certified Ethical Hacker: Online Ethical Hacking Course | Liberty University 

• Learning Format: This is an online course that includes hands-on training
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking, scanning networks, footprint and reconnaissance, system hacking, malware, sniffing, hijacking, hacking web servers, social engineering, cryptography

This course teaches students how to think like unlawful hackers and achieve the same result but for ethical reasons. You’ll become familiar with the same technologies and tools that malicious hackers use in intercepting network systems and compromising databases. 

Students become equipped with the skills to hijack control from black hat hackers, evade IDS, honeypots, and firewalls in defending against webserver attacks, and implement security measures to prevent future entry.

Key Takeaway: This program will prepare you for the EC-Council CEH exam. You’ll learn ethical hacking, scanning testing, and the implementation of security measures.

Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp | NexGenT 

• Learning Format: This is an accredited course that includes hands-on training.
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Hack web servers, malware, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, intrusion detection, firewalls, honeypots

This online program in ethical hacking trains students for careers in information technology. This program will teach you how to audit a system to ascertain vulnerabilities and weaknesses using malicious hackers’ tools and techniques to exploit sensitive information.

Students train to work under the law in infiltrating target systems and software applications. You’ll understand how to defend your company’s security infrastructure from future attacks.

Key Takeaway: This program helps you launch your career as a certified network engineer. You can retake the exam for free if the need arises. 

Certified Ethical Hacking Course | Simplilearn

• Learning Format: This is professional training that includes CEH certification.
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Information security, penetration testing, ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, vulnerability analysis, social engineering.

This online professional training course prepares students for the EC-Council certification in ethical hacking. Through this program, you’ll learn to master network packet analysis and techniques in systems penetration testing so you can build expert network security skills to fight hackers. 

This program includes career guidance and top-notch learning from industry experts. You get to work on real-world problems and participate in collaborative tasks with peers.

Key Takeaway: By gaining skills in network packet analysis, advanced hacking, Trojan backdoors, honeypots, and IDS firewalls, you can increase your salary and boost your resume.

Cyber Security Bootcamp | Springboard 

• Learning Format: This is an online full program that includes hands-on training
• Level: Beginner to advanced
• Subjects Covered: Intro to cyber security, malware, Trojan, hacking, forensics analysis, systems security, social engineering

This bootcamp course teaches you the core concepts of cyber security through practical training sessions to identify IT security threats and implement appropriate ways to contain those threats. You’ll learn both aspects of offensive security and defensive security and systems security.  

Students become knowledgeable of various threat types and attributes including hacking, DarkNet, and social engineering. You’ll work on real-world projects, learn to structure an incident response procedure as well as forensic analysis. You’ll also learn how to build and install malware using Trojan. 

Key Takeaway: This online course provides students career services and one-on-one mentorship

Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp 2022: Zero to Mastery | Udemy

• Learning Format: This is an online course that includes practical assignments 
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Hacking lab, Python, reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, penetration testing, wifi cracking, social engineering

This online course is ideal for students who want to improve their security skills and prevent online attacks from hackers. You’ll learn how to use python programming for hacking and all five stages of penetration testing by engaging in active practice.

You’ll learn how to find passwords over a LAN network using Man in the Middle attacks. You’ll learn how to deceive people into letting their guards down and opening your program. Students acquire the expertise to set up their own hacking lab, crack open wireless access point passwords and build viruses, Trojans, and keyloggers.

Key Takeaway: You’ll learn how to use hacking tools to solve security issues. You’ll learn to collaborate and share experiences with peers.

Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp | University of Miami

• Learning Format: This is a professional online course that involves hands-on training
• Level: Beginner to advanced
• Subjects Covered: Microsoft security, computer networking, Linux security, python security, ethical hacking, game theory, digital forensics, incident response.

This professional bootcamp prepares students for the cyber security job market and gives them the competitive edge to outsmart their competition and succeed in their careers, regardless of their professional background. 

You’ll learn to use the CyWar cloud platform to detect and counteract attacks on systems and applications. You’ll also gain a broad knowledge of ethical hacking and game theory so you can find weaknesses and protect systems from compromise.

Key Takeaway: You’ll be prepared for professional certification exams such as LPI Linux Essentials, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Network+, and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker.

Certificate in Ethical Hacking | University of Washington

• Learning Format: This online program is a three-part course that includes hands-on training
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Ethical hacking essentials, reconnaissance and exploits, advanced ethical hacking; cloud, web and advanced techniques, real-world systems; security, architecture, domain, and practicum.

This graduate certificate in ethical hacking is for information technology professionals interested in pursuing a career in this field. In this program, you’ll discover how to detect system vulnerabilities and prevent sensitive data exploitation or exposure.

You’ll learn how to conduct password, mobile, wireless, web, and cloud application attacks as a white-hat hacker to boost your penetration skills. You’ll also learn to evaluate the regulatory compliance and directives of the organization so you can perform better in your role.

Key Takeaway: You’ll participate in real-life hacking assignments using a virtual server, as well as participate in a capture the flag practicum exercise.

Online Ethical Hacking Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

Learning through a class, course, or training program can help you achieve your desired professional goals. However, your choice of a learning format should depend on your professional needs, experience level, availability, and financial capacity.

Classes in ethical hacking can leave you with a few actionable tips that you can implement in your daily job role. A course will help you develop conceptual and practical knowledge of ethical hacking, but training will help you gain professional hands-on skills specific to your job role. Ideally, you should look out for programs that can combine theory and skill acquisition.

How to Choose the Right Online Ethical Hacking Course, Class, or Training Program

Consider the Program Provider

It is essential to consider who your ethical hacking educational provider is. This will determine the quality of course content you’ll receive and, more importantly, whether recruiters will acknowledge your certificate as credible or prestigious enough for the organization.

Getting your training from industry experts or top organizations ensures you’ll gain the relevant industry skills necessary to excel in that field. However, because of their strict entry requirements, you might want to start with an affordable, free, or easily accessible certificate so you can gain relevant job experience before applying for a professional program.

Consider the Program Depth and Length

The depth and length of your ethical hacking program indicate whether the course is a good fit for you. If you’re just getting started in the field, you can attend classes only a few hours long and provide background knowledge of the area. Look for classes designed for absolute beginners that instill fundamental programming knowledge and real-world skills. 

However, if you’re looking to switch careers or specialize in the field, programs with broader curriculums that usually span for weeks will help you build both theoretical and hands-on experience.

Consider the Type of Certificate Offered

The certificate offered is crucial, especially if you want to switch careers or boost your professional image. If you’re just getting started in the field, you can attend ethical hacking courses in private programs and receive a certificate that you can share across social platforms. This could help you get into entry-level roles or make it easier to pursue advanced courses.

If you’re already in the field, then a course that prepares you for professional certification is the way to go. You need to show recruiters and clients that you’re competent in your job role and have some professional leverage based on your qualification.

Consider the Cost of Program

If you’re just starting in the field of cyber security and ethical hacking, you might want to consider taking free courses or workshops before committing to a full course. If you’re looking to switch careers, taking a course will be ideal for you. Courses are an accelerated way to get started in your career. 

Consider your Availability

Your availability matters a lot. The purpose of an educational or professional program is to educate you on the subject, but that can’t happen if you barely have time to attend classes. So don’t take courses or training that are conflicting with your schedule.  

Ethical Hacking Course Certificates vs Certifications

A certificate in ethical hacking shows that you’ve completed a program and gained a foundational knowledge of the field. However, it does not imply industry recognition and prestige because institutional or governmental bodies do not accredit these certificates. Certification comes with global recognition, a broader market-led curriculum, and practical training. 

Importance of Ethical Hacking Certifications

Professional bodies issue certifications to show that you’re an expert in a specific topic. A certification will distinguish you as a leader in ethical hacking. It will enable you to receive the professional recognition and salary compensation you deserve. With an ethical hacking certification, you can gain lifetime access to a network of like-minded professionals. 

Why You Should Take Online Ethical Hacking Courses or Classes

If you’re serious about growing your professional image and credibility as an expert in vulnerability analysis and systems security, your best approach is to update your knowledge and skills in this competitive field continuously. You have to keep up with the latest trends and tools so you can outsmart your competition. 

Even if you’re a complete novice in cyber security and hacking, a class will help you decide if that career path is ideal for you. You’ll gain security awareness so you can protect your sensitive data from unsuspecting hackers. A course in ethical hacking can help you build a professional career in no time so you can positively contribute to information security.