In an era of rapid digital growth and increasing cybersecurity concerns, ethical hackers have become indispensable. These professionals play a critical role in identifying vulnerabilities within computer systems and ensuring their security. If you’re eager to learn ethical hacking or looking to enhance your cybersecurity skills, online courses provide a flexible and convenient pathway. In this guide, we will review the top 5 online courses that specialize in teaching ethical hacking. By highlighting their features, benefits, and costs, we aim to help you make an informed decision on your journey to becoming an ethical hacker while capitalizing on the advantages of upskilling through online learning.
The CEH course by EC-Council offers a comprehensive program covering all aspects of ethical hacking, including penetration testing, network scanning, and social engineering. This course provides hands-on labs and real-world scenarios to strengthen practical skills. EC-Council, a globally recognized certification body, ensures that the CEH certification carries significant weight in the industry. By undertaking this course, learners acquire the knowledge and techniques necessary to identify vulnerabilities and protect against cyber threats. Costs for the CEH course range from $1,000 to $2,500, varying based on the training provider and format.
Udemy’s “The Complete Ethical Hacking Course” is a highly popular and comprehensive course that caters to beginners and intermediate learners. It covers the fundamentals of ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, scanning, and exploitation techniques. This course incorporates practical examples, exercises, and quizzes to reinforce learning. With over 300,000 students enrolled and receiving positive reviews, it lays a solid foundation in ethical hacking concepts. The cost of this course on Udemy is approximately $100, although frequent discounts can significantly reduce the price.
The OSCP certification course by Offensive Security stands out for its hands-on approach. It focuses on practical skills through a series of lab exercises and challenges that simulate real-world scenarios. The course covers topics such as exploit development, password attacks, and web application hacking. Offensive Security certifications are highly respected in the industry as they demonstrate practical skills and foster a hacker mindset. The OSCP course is priced at $999, which includes 30 days of lab access. Extensions for lab access can be purchased separately.
LinkedIn Learning’s “Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing” course provides a comprehensive overview of ethical hacking techniques and methodologies. Learners gain insights into reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, and more. The course incorporates practical examples and demonstrations. LinkedIn Learning offers high-quality video-based content that enables learners to progress at their own pace. The course is part of the LinkedIn Learning subscription, starting at $29.99 per month, which provides access to a vast library of courses.
Cybrary’s “Ethical Hacking Bootcamp” is a beginner-friendly course that covers essential ethical hacking concepts. Modules on networking, system hacking, cryptography, and more are included. The course offers practical labs and virtual environments to enhance hands-on learning. Cybrary provides a free version of the course, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. Additionally, a paid plan called “Cybrary Insider Pro” is available for $19.99 per month, offering additional features and access to premium content.
Ethical hacking benefits the world by improving overall cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive data, preventing cybercrime, and enabling organizations to proactively address vulnerabilities, ultimately creating a safer and more secure digital environment for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for skilled ethical hackers has never been more pronounced. Online courses offer a flexible and accessible way to learn and upskill in the field of ethical hacking. The top 5 online courses for ethical hacking, namely “Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)” by EC-Council, “The Complete Ethical Hacking Course” by Udemy, “Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)” by Offensive Security, “Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing” by LinkedIn Learning, and “Ethical Hacking Bootcamp” by Cybrary, provide comprehensive learning experiences with unique features, benefits, and costs.
The CEH course by EC-Council stands out as a globally recognized certification program that covers all aspects of ethical hacking, while Udemy’s “The Complete Ethical Hacking Course” offers a popular and well-rounded curriculum suitable for beginners and intermediate learners. Offensive Security’s OSCP certification course is known for its hands-on approach and emphasis on practical skills, LinkedIn Learning’s “Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing” provides a comprehensive overview within a subscription-based platform, and Cybrary’s “Ethical Hacking Bootcamp” offers a beginner-friendly course with a free option and a paid plan for additional features.
Before making a decision, consider your learning preferences, skill level, budget, and desired certification or knowledge outcomes. Each course reviewed here has its strengths and benefits, catering to different learning styles and goals. By investing in one of these top-rated courses, you can gain the knowledge, practical skills, and industry-recognized certifications necessary to excel in the field of ethical hacking.
Take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of online learning, and embark on an exciting journey towards becoming an ethical hacker. By acquiring these essential skills, you can play a vital role in safeguarding digital systems and contributing to a more secure and resilient online environment. Choose the course that aligns with your aspirations, and unlock the potential to make a significant impact in the ever-growing field of cybersecurity.
“Ethical hacking is the art of embracing the mindset of a hacker to fortify our digital fortresses and defend against unseen adversaries.”
