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7 Free Websites to Learn Ethical Hacking Step-by-Step: 2025 Guide
- Cybrvault
- Nov 16, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Why Ethical Hacking Skills Matter More Than Ever
Cyberattacks are rising every year, and businesses, governments, and everyday users are under constant threat. Because of this, ethical hackers—professionals who identify and fix vulnerabilities—are becoming some of the highest-demand experts in the world.
But here’s the best part:
You don’t need a degree, expensive bootcamps, or costly certifications to get started.The internet provides high-quality, step-by-step ethical hacking training completely free.
This guide breaks down the 7 best free websites where you can learn ethical hacking, practice in safe environments, and build real cybersecurity skills from scratch.
1. TryHackMe – Beginner-Friendly Virtual Cyber Labs
TryHackMe is one of the most popular learning platforms for beginners because it offers step-by-step “rooms” that walk you through cybersecurity topics in interactive, browser-based virtual machines.
Key Benefits
Very beginner-friendly
Hands-on labs you can complete right in your browser
Free learning paths for basics, SOC skills, and attack simulation
Fun gamified experience with ranks and badges
What You’ll Learn
Penetration testing fundamentals
Linux command-line essentials
Network security
Web hacking (XSS, SQLi, IDOR, CSRF)
Privilege escalation
Malware basics
Who It’s Best For
Complete beginners or intermediates wanting guided, structured practice with real attacks.
2. Hack The Box Academy – Structured Cybersecurity Learning
Hack The Box is known for advanced hacking machines, but HTB Academy offers fully guided, beginner-friendly modules — many of which are free.
Key Benefits
High-quality cybersecurity curriculum
Interactive content + labs
Free foundational modules
Skill badges and progress tracking
What You’ll Learn
Linux fundamentals
Networking essentials
Web app vulnerability testing
Python for cybersecurity
Reconnaissance techniques
Enumeration skills every hacker needs
Who It’s Best For
Beginners wanting a “cybersecurity school” experience with a clear step-by-step progression.
3. OverTheWire – Legendary Wargames for Hackers
OverTheWire teaches ethical hacking concepts through a series of “wargames”—interactive challenges that gradually increase in complexity.
The first wargame, Bandit, is recommended for every new ethical hacker.
Key Benefits
100% free
Improves logical thinking and hacker mindset
No videos — you learn by doing
Focuses heavily on command-line skills
What You’ll Learn
Linux navigation
SSH usage
Basic scripting
Password cracking logic
System exploitation concepts
Privilege escalation basics
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who wants to build strong foundational command-line and problem-solving skills.
4. PortSwigger Web Security Academy – The Best Free Web Hacking Training
Created by the developers of Burp Suite, this is the #1 resource for learning web application security — completely free.
Key Benefits
200+ high-quality lab exercises
Covers every OWASP Top 10 vulnerability
Realistic attack scenarios
Beginner → expert progression paths
Labs run directly in the browser
What You’ll Learn
SQL Injection (SQLi)
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Authentication bypass
Access control vulnerabilities
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
File upload exploitation
API hacking
Business logic exploitation
Who It’s Best For
Anyone wanting to master web hacking or become a web penetration tester or bug bounty hunter.
5. Cybrary – Free Cybersecurity Courses & Video Training
Cybrary is a popular online learning platform with free cybersecurity and ethical hacking videos created by industry professionals.
Key Benefits
Free beginner courses
Easy-to-follow video lessons
Instructor-led content
Career paths for pentesting, SOC analyst, and more
Includes downloadable notes and assignments
What You’ll Learn
Ethical hacking basics
CompTIA Security+ fundamentals
Network security
Incident response
Cyber defense tools
Red team vs blue team concepts
Who It’s Best For
Visual learners who prefer structured video lessons instead of hands-on labs.
6. OWASP – Industry-Standard Web Application Security Resources
OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) provides free documentation, guides, and resources trusted by companies and cybersecurity experts worldwide.
Key Benefits
Completely free
Gold-standard documentation for AppSec
Beginner through advanced technical resources
Teaches secure coding + vulnerability prevention
What You’ll Learn
OWASP Top 10
API security guidelines
Secure coding practices
Mobile security
Cloud security
How vulnerabilities are created & exploited
Who It’s Best For
Aspiring penetration testers, developers, and anyone working with web technologies.
7. YouTube – Free Ethical Hacking Tutorials by Professionals
📺 (Channels to get started)
NetworkChuck → https://www.youtube.com/c/NetworkChuck
The Cyber Mentor → https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCyberMentor
John Hammond → https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnHammond010
IppSec → https://www.youtube.com/c/IppSec
HackerSploit → https://www.youtube.com/c/HackerSploit
YouTube is an absolute goldmine of free cybersecurity education.
Key Benefits
Free video tutorials
Real hacking demonstrations
Step-by-step CTF walkthroughs
Beginner-friendly content
What You’ll Learn
Ethical hacking basics
Penetration testing methodologies
HackTheBox & TryHackMe walkthroughs
Malware analysis fundamentals
Web & network exploitation
OSINT (open-source intelligence)
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who learns best visually or wants supplemental explanations from experts.
Recommended Step-by-Step Learning Roadmap (100% Free)
Here’s how to use these platforms in the right order:
Step 1: Start With the Basics
TryHackMe (Complete the “Introduction to Cyber Security” & “Pre Security” paths)
Hack The Box Academy beginner modules
Step 2: Build Core Skills
OverTheWire (Finish “Bandit”)
Cybrary Security+ or Pentesting Fundamentals
Step 3: Learn Web Hacking
PortSwigger Web Security Academy
OWASP Top 10 documentation
Step 4: Advance Your Practical Skills
Hack The Box beginner machines
TryHackMe offensive security rooms
Step 5: Learn From Experts
Watch tutorials from NetworkChuck, The Cyber Mentor, John Hammond, IppSec
Step 6: Start Applying Skills Legally
Capture-the-flag competitions
Community labs
Eventually, beginner bug bounty programs
This roadmap can take you from zero experience to junior-level cybersecurity skills without spending any money.
Ethical hacking is one of the most exciting and in-demand fields in cybersecurity — and you can start learning today completely free. Whether you want to become a penetration tester, SOC analyst, or bug bounty hunter, these 7 websites give you everything you need:
Hands-on labs, step-by-step tutorials, real attack simulations, and expert guidance.
Start with one platform today and keep building. Every expert hacker once started where you are right now!
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Free Websites to Learn Ethical Hacking
Free Websites to Learn Ethical Hacking