• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Ethical Hacking

    Ethical Hacking Courses

    Ethical hacking courses can help you learn how to identify and fix security vulnerabilities by testing systems and networks in a lawful and responsible way.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Find the Best Ethical Hacking Course for Your Goals

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      EC-Council

      Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE)

      Skills you'll gain: Mobile Security, Cloud Security, Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Wireless Networks, Threat Detection, Security Awareness, Application Security, Web Applications, Internet Of Things, Encryption, Authentications

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      563 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools

      Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Threat Detection, Hardening, Vulnerability Scanning, Vulnerability Assessments, Incident Response, Cybersecurity, Anomaly Detection, Network Monitoring, Cyber Security Assessment, Vulnerability Management, Network Troubleshooting, Linux Administration, Network Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Network Analysis, Vulnerability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      42 reviews

      Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      L

      LearnKartS

      Certified Ethical Hacking (v12)

      Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Security Testing, Malware Protection, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Information Systems Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Cloud Computing, Mobile Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Threat Detection, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Security Assessment, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Android (Operating System), Problem Solving, Git (Version Control System), Cryptography

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      239 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      P

      Packt

      The Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp: Beginner To Advanced

      Skills you'll gain: Linux Commands, Penetration Testing, Linux, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Command-Line Interface, Scripting, Cyber Security Assessment, Cybersecurity, Malware Protection, Vulnerability Assessments, Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), Network Security, Python Programming, Web Applications, General Networking, Firewall, Wireless Networks, Program Development, Computer Networking, TCP/IP

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      36 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      L

      LearnKartS

      Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Security Assessment, Security Testing, Network Security, Information Systems Security, Application Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Human Factors (Security), Vulnerability Assessments, Web Servers, Security Awareness, Web Applications, Network Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      170 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Introduction to Ethical Hacking

      Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Cyber Security Assessment, Mobile Security, Security Testing, Cybersecurity, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cryptography, Vulnerability Assessments, Web Applications, Encryption, Vulnerability Scanning, Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), Cyber Threat Intelligence, Network Security, Threat Modeling, Wireless Networks, Application Security, Operating Systems

      3.5
      Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      13 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Foundations of Cybersecurity

      Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Security Controls, Security Awareness, Cyber Attacks, Computer Security, Information Systems Security, Network Security, Cyber Security Assessment, Security Management, Data Security, Data Ethics, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Enterprise Security, Threat Detection, Risk Management Framework, Incident Response, Network Analysis, Information Privacy

      Build toward a degree

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      36K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      S

      SAE Institute México

      Ethical Hacking

      Skills you'll gain: Vulnerability Scanning, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity, Threat Detection, Information Systems Security, Network Security, Computer Networking, Network Protocols

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Ethical Hacking with Kali Linux

      Skills you'll gain: Hardening, Linux Administration, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Bash (Scripting Language), Security Testing, System Configuration, Software Installation, Virtual Machines

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      21 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Security & Ethical Hacking: Attacking the Network

      Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Penetration Testing, Network Monitoring, Cybersecurity, Encryption, Network Protocols, General Networking, Computer Networking, Firewall, TCP/IP, Vulnerability Assessments, Network Analysis, Command-Line Interface

      Build toward a degree

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Maryland, College Park

      Cybersecurity for Everyone

      Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Threat Modeling, Threat Detection, Threat Management, Cyber Attacks, Telecommunications, Cyber Security Policies, Computer Security Awareness Training, General Networking, Internet Of Things, Network Infrastructure

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Penetration Testing, Threat Hunting, and Cryptography

      Skills you'll gain: Cyber Threat Intelligence, Penetration Testing, Cyber Threat Hunting, Vulnerability Management, Threat Modeling, Cybersecurity, Threat Detection, Cryptography, Security Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Application Security, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Encryption, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Network Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.5K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Searches related to ethical hacking

    ethical hacking with kali linux
    ethical hacking essentials (ehe)
    ethical hacking fundamentals
    ethical hacking foundations & network security
    ethical hacking foundations
    ethical hacking essentials: hands-on edition
    certified ethical hacking (v12)
    introduction to ethical hacking
    1234…76

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular ethical hacking courses

    • Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE): EC-Council
    • IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools: IBM
    • Certified Ethical Hacking (v12): LearnKartS
    • The Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp: Beginner To Advanced: Packt
    • Ethical Hacking Fundamentals: LearnKartS
    • Introduction to Ethical Hacking: Johns Hopkins University
    • Foundations of Cybersecurity: Google
    • Ethical Hacking: SAE Institute México
    • Ethical Hacking with Kali Linux: IBM
    • Security & Ethical Hacking: Attacking the Network: University of Colorado Boulder

    Why Learn Ethical Hacking?

    Ethical hacking involves simulating cyberattacks to uncover weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. It's a critical part of cybersecurity, helping organizations strengthen their defenses and protect sensitive data. Learning ethical hacking can equip you with hands-on skills in penetration testing, network security, and threat analysis—supporting careers in IT security and ethical tech practices.

    Skills you can learn in Computer Security And Networks

    Cybersecurity (33)
    Google (25)
    Google Cloud Platform (17)
    Internet (17)
    Cryptography (16)
    Network Security (16)
    Linux (12)
    Software Testing (12)
    Information Security (10)
    Application Programming Interfaces (8)
    Kubernetes (8)
    Web (8)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Ethical Hacking

    Start by clarifying your goal—whether you're exploring cybersecurity for the first time, preparing for certification (like CEH), or building practical skills in penetration testing.

    • For a hands-on, job-ready path, try the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, which includes ethical hacking concepts.
    • Interested in practical techniques? Explore Introduction to Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking by Johns Hopkins University.
    • If you're looking for a focused introduction to ethical hacking, consider The Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp: Beginner To Advanced Specialization from Packt.‎

    These courses are well-suited for learners new to cybersecurity or ethical hacking—no prior experience required:

    • Ethical Hacking Essentials by EC-Council – Covers the basics of information security threats and vulnerability assessments.
    • Cybersecurity for Everyone by the University of Maryland – An accessible introduction to key cybersecurity concepts.
    • Foundations of Cybersecurity – Beginner-friendly, with a focus on tools and methodologies used by ethical hackers.‎
    • A course focuses on a specific skill or tool—like Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking or Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security.
    • A Specialization combines courses to build layered expertise—such as Cybersecurity Attack and Defense Fundamentals Specialization, which builds toward secure systems thinking.
    • A Professional Certificate prepares you for job roles and certifications with practical labs and capstone projects—like IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate or Information Security Analyst Certificate, both of which touch on ethical hacking.‎

    Whether for cybersecurity, penetration testing, or personal interest, having a clear goal when learning ethical hacking is essential. Regular practice in network scanning, vulnerability assessment, and exploiting systems is necessary. Join communities like Reddit’s r/netsec or ethical hacking forums for tips and knowledge sharing. Work on real projects by participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges. Introduction to Ethical Hacking Specialization by John Hopkins University provides a good starting point for beginners new to ethical hacking.‎

    Yes. You can start learning ethical hacking on Coursera for free in two ways:

    • Preview the first module of many ethical hacking courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
    • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

    If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in ethical hacking, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

    You’ll learn how to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities, perform penetration testing, and use tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and Metasploit. Courses also cover legal and ethical considerations and how to build secure systems to prevent attacks.‎

    Some courses are beginner-friendly and introduce security concepts step by step. However, familiarity with computer networks, operating systems, and basic programming can help you understand advanced techniques and tools.‎

    Yes. Ethical hacking skills are in high demand for roles like penetration tester, security analyst, and cybersecurity engineer. Coursera courses can help you build a foundational knowledge base, prepare for certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and earn certificates to showcase your skills to employers.‎

    The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification validates your skills in identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities using the same tools as malicious hackers. It covers topics like penetration testing, network security, and threat analysis. Courses like Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization from NYU on Coursera offer foundational knowledge to help you prepare for CEH training.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Do Not Sell/Share
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok