Learn hacking and cybersecurity with these free courses
The term "hacking" is much more than using software to carry out various kinds of attacks and break into computers. It is about solving problems and finding answers, whether in the IT field or elsewhere.
However, over the years, the term “hacking” has gained a negative reputation due to a limited number of hackers who commit cybercrime. But, if we put aside the negative part, hacking is a very respectable field, which is particularly well rewarded in cases of top-quality ethical (white hat) hacking. Most of the technology companies hire hackers to test the strengths and weaknesses of their own systems and software.
So if you are interested in this field, there are many free courses available online that can help you. In this article, we present you with six related programs.
Udemy
Udemy is another MOOC, with over 10 million students and aims to provide broad, high-level information related to important terms and concepts that support cybersecurity practices. Starting with threat analysis and risk management, courses explore core technologies, such as security system fundamentals, Java, encryption, networking, firewalls, and intrusion detection. Cloud security is also taught, such as incident response, disaster recovery, and how to conduct cyber drills.
The course lasts approximately 2.5 hours, over 15 lectures. You can enroll in both free and paid courses.
Source: Udemy
Hacker Academy
For those looking for professional connections, Hacker Academy from Symantec is the place to be. While it's not free, at $49 a month, this online service not only offers hands-on courses and access to instructors, but it can also be customized to fit your schedule.
Source: Hacker Academy
HackThisSite
HackThisSite (HTS) aims to provide users with a way to learn and practice basic and advanced hacking skills through a series of challenges, in a safe and legal environment. This free website prepares you to try out various hacking methods through programs and war games. HTS includes a small, flexible team of programmers and moderators, who maintain its website, IRC server and related projects.
Source: HackThisSite
Coursera
Coursera offers massive open online courses (MOOCs). Coursera partners with universities and other organizations that make some of their courses online for free, offering courses in subjects such as: physics, engineering, biology, social sciences, humanities, medicine, mathematics, computer science, business, digital marketing, data science, and other topics.
Source: Coursera
Cybrary
Cybrary offers free online training on increasingly complex IT topics that began in 2015. The site supports a community of people to keep the field up to date, with free courses and educational materials, as well as the opportunity to connect with businesses in the industry.
Source: Cybrary
YouTube
Google's YouTube is a global video-sharing website, but it's also a major resource for learning cybersecurity skills. There are many guides offered by a team of partners that teach you everything from how encryption protocols work to full courses on ethical hacking.
Source: YouTube: Ethical Hacking
