How to be an Ethical Hacker in 2025 for Free.

January 31, 2025

Perhaps the following entry will tell you if it’s possible to you to become an ethical hacker, how to start your adventure and why you should be interested in it.You want to pick up this Card game(only $1) to learn the roles in (CyberSecurity) if you find the game fun that means this is the field where you belong.

We all know what hackers do. Everyone who knows what hackers do, probably want to be a hacker too. The best hackers have great knowledge about the construction of networks, computer systems and applications. In addition, they know a programming languages very well and rest understand on the basic level. Inquisitiveness, accuracy and awareness as well as vast knowledge in the wide field of computer science allows hackers to find bugs and exploit vulnerabilities. Searching for software bugs, configuration errors, badly secured servers. Testing the operation of programs, scanning networks, analyzing the source code of programs. All that to break into computer systems. Obtain unauthorized access to get sensitive data (or for fame and money).

A security hacker is someone who explores methods for breaching defenses and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, such as profit, protest, information gathering, challenge, recreation or to evaluate system weaknesses to assist in formulating defenses against potential hackers. The subculture that has evolved around hackers is often referred to as the computer underground.

If you want know more about security hacking and classification of hackers check this nice Wikipedia article.

An ethical hacker (white hat hacker) is the security professional. Ethical hackers know how to find and exploit vulnerabilities, and weaknesses in various systems. Uses those skills consistent with the law to try to find vulnerabilities and fix them before the malicious hacker (black hat hacker) try to break in. Ethical hacker is someone like a penetration tester but with a greater range of activities and responsibilities. Difference between ethical hackers and real hackers is the legality.

Who can become an ethical hacker? Everyone with a passion for IT plus good network and programming knowledge. Acquire new knowledge and stay up to date with new technologies. You must develop all the time.

Why is it worth trying your hand on hacking? Because if you are good at it, you can find a well-paid job as an IT security specialist. If you are already working in the IT industry, you can use these skills not only at work, but also as a hobby and an additional source of income. Many companies offer rewards in bug bounty programs. As part of such a program, you can, according to the guidelines of a given company, test its security and for each detected vulnerability, bug or threat, receive a monetary reward or eg. a job.

If you already know what you should learn and why you want to do it, then you should start hacking and hack so that you do not have problems with the law.

#Learn to hack

Want to gain respect within the ethical hacking community? You’ll have to learn from the best. We’ll show you hacking techniques that you can’t learn elsewhere. You’ll learn how to outsmart and outmanoeuvre cybercriminals by thinking like one.

1) Basic IT Skills

By this, we mean your standard break/fix help desk skillset. Can you build a computer and identify its parts? Can you troubleshoot and fix issues? In the certification world, this would be equivalent to the CompTIA A+ certification (current version 220-1101 & 220-1102). If you’re brand new to IT and starting here, we strongly recommend picking one of the following resources:

FREE
The 19-hour Practical Help Desk course by TCM Security Academy is a free, hands-on program designed to prepare students for entry-level IT roles. It covers essential skills needed to excel at a help desk position, including troubleshooting common technical issues, managing tickets, and customer service fundamentals. The course emphasizes practical, real-world scenarios to build confidence in resolving hardware, software, and networking challenges. Ideal for beginners, it offers a straightforward path to building foundational IT knowledge and experience, making it an excellent starting point for those pursuing a career in tech.
FREE – Professor Messer – 220-1101 and 220-1102 A+ Courses
Professor Messer’s 220-1101 and 220-1102 A+ courses cover essential knowledge needed for passing the CompTIA A+ certification, focusing on both hardware and software fundamentals.
The 220-1101 (Core 1) course dives into hardware technologies such as networking devices, cables, and peripherals, along with virtualization and mobile device management. It emphasizes practical troubleshooting, from understanding network configurations to managing hardware components like motherboards and storage systems.
The 220-1102 (Core 2) course shifts focus to operating systems, security, and software troubleshooting. It includes modules on Windows, Linux, and macOS features, explores physical and logical security best practices, and provides strategies for tackling malware, social engineering, and mobile device security. Core 2 also highlights practical IT skills like Active Directory management and securing SOHO networks.

2) Networking Skills

Networking is an essential part of penetration testing. Can you describe the OSI model? Do you know what service runs on port 22? Can you explain CIDR notation or walk through the TCP three-way handshake? If these concepts feel foreign, then it’s time to build your networking knowledge. In the certification world, this would align with the CompTIA Network+ certification (N10-008 or N10-009). If you’re starting here, we recommend the following resources:

FREE – Professor Messer – N10-008 or N10-009 Network+ Course
Professor Messer offers a free, beginner-friendly course covering the Network+ certification objectives. It walks you through networking essentials, including protocols, IP addressing, routing, and troubleshooting. This course is ideal if you’re looking for a solid introduction to networking concepts without any financial investment. You can choose either the N10-008 or N10-009 course. Both are good starting points and cover a lot of the same topics. In our opinion, going with the newer version of a course is almost always more ideal.
FREE – Cisco Networking Academy – Packet Tracer
Packet Tracer by Cisco is a free network simulation tool that provides a hands-on experience with network configuration and troubleshooting. It allows you to build virtual networks, making it an excellent supplement to theoretical learning. You can explore Packet Tracer here.

3) Linux Skills

Linux is a cornerstone of ethical hacking—like, a lot of it. Most hackers rely on Debian-based distributions, with Kali Linux and Parrot OS being the most popular. While some prefer building their own custom Linux distros, Kali and Parrot remain the go-to choices for many. Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources available to help you master Linux.

Learning Linux is much like learning a foreign language. You can gain a lot from following an instructor, but full immersion makes all the difference. Try installing Linux and commit to using it exclusively for a week. The initial struggle will give way to faster learning and improved confidence in the environment.

FREE -TCM Security Academy – Linux 100: Fundamentals
This free course introduces essential Linux concepts, including file management, permissions, and basic scripting. It’s a great starting point for beginners wanting a structured introduction to the operating system. You can enroll in Linux Fundamentals here.
FREE – Linux Journey
This site offers interactive lessons covering everything from basic commands to more advanced topics. It’s a great way to ease into Linux at your own pace. You can check out Linux Journey here.
FREE – OverTheWire – Bandit
OverTheWire: Bandit Wargame: Bandit is a fantastic series of challenges designed to teach you Linux through practical problem-solving, helping you build both knowledge and troubleshooting skills. Explore OverTheWire’s Bandit.

4) Coding/Scripting Skills

In cybersecurity, being able to read and understand code is essential, even if becoming a professional developer isn’t the goal. While advanced coding skills can make tasks easier, a basic understanding is often sufficient to succeed in this field. Many professionals, including ethical hackers, thrive with only foundational programming knowledge.

Python is the recommended starting point due to its beginner-friendly syntax and wide adoption across industries. Many educational institutions now teach Python as the primary language in their introductory courses. It’s essential to focus on Python 3, as Python 2 is outdated and no longer supported. Below are some recommended resources to get started:

FREE – TCM Security – Programming 100: Fundamentals
For those completely new to programming, Programming 100 Fundamentals offers a beginner-friendly introduction. This course covers the basics of coding with Python, including variables, loops, and control structures, providing a solid foundation for further programming studies.
FREE – FreeCodeCamp
A hands-on, project-based platform that teaches all sorts of programming languages, including Python, through interactive coding challenges and videos. You can check out FreeCodeCamp here.
FREE TRIAL (No credit card required) – Codecademy
Offers structured, interactive lessons with guided exercises to help beginners build foundational Python skills. You can check out Codecademy here.

5) Security Skills

Before starting a cybersecurity career, having a solid foundation in security concepts is essential. If there’s one certification worth pursuing early on, it’s the CompTIA Security+. This certification builds on networking fundamentals, introducing core security principles like cryptography, risk management, and incident response—think of it as “Network++.”

A solid understanding of security fundamentals not only ensures long-term success but also opens doors to entry-level roles, such as a SOC Analyst. Below are top resources to help you prepare for Security+ and gain essential security skills:

FREE – Professor Messer – SY0-701 Security+ Course
Professor Messer offers a comprehensive Security+ video series covering all exam objectives, including topics like network security, incident response, and access control. You can check it out here.

You’ve Got the Foundations, Now What?

Hacking Basics and Foundational Skills

Learning the Basics of Ethical Hacking

Now that you’ve built a solid foundation, it’s time to dive into hacking. For a comprehensive starting point, we recommend the Practical Ethical Hacking course by TCM Security Academy This course covers the essential skills you’ve learned (Linux, Python, and Networking) and takes them a step further into real-world hacking scenarios including Active Directory and Web Application hacking, which we will expand on in a bit.

The first 15 hours of this course are available for free on YouTube, broken into two parts for easy access:

Beyond courses, it’s important to practice hacking on intentionally vulnerable machines—systems designed to be hacked. These machines follow a “Capture the Flag (CTF)” style, teaching the fundamentals, tools, and problem-solving persistence required to become a successful hacker. Here are three top platforms to practice on:

TryHackMe: Best for beginners, this platform offers a range of free/paid labs and guides you through hacking techniques, explaining each step.
Hack The Box: An alternative to, and often more challenging than, TryHackMe, this platform offers a variety of vulnerable machines for intermediate users to hone their skills.
VulnHub: A free platform with downloadable, intentionally vulnerable machines, great for practicing offline.

If you enjoy CTF-style hacking, you might also want to participate in live CTF events. These competitions are excellent for improving your hacking skills in a team-based environment. Check out CTFTime for the latest CTF events and read write-ups from past challenges to enhance your learning. Find CTF events at CTFTime.

Beyond the Basics

Breakdown of Foundational Skills, Hacking Basics, and Beyond the Basics

Once you are feeling comfortable with the basics, there are several additional areas of hacking that you should familiarize yourself with, especially if you want to be a pentester. Those areas are:

1) Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) hacking is one of the most overlooked areas by individuals entering the cybersecurity field. Yet, with more than 95% of Fortune 1000 companies relying on AD for their business environments, it’s a critical skill to master.

AD hacking frequently comes up in job interviews, especially for security roles. Many candidates with impressive certifications but limited hands-on experience struggle with this topic, revealing a gap in practical knowledge. Understanding AD is essential not only for passing interviews but also for excelling in real-world security roles, where navigating AD environments and identifying vulnerabilities are key components of the job.

For Active Directory, beyond the Practical Ethical Hacking course mentioned above, there are some pretty fantastic resources.

Here are people (and blogs) you should follow if you’re interested in Active Directory hacking:

@PyroTek3 – https://adsecurity.org/
@_dirkjan – https://dirkjanm.io/
@Haus3c – https://hausec.com/

Additionally, anything by @SpecterOps, @CptJesus, @byt3bl33d3r, @gentilkiwi, and @harmj0y

2) Web and Mobile Application Hacking

Web and mobile application hacking is one of the most in-demand skills in cybersecurity. Many of the high-profile bug bounty programs revolve around vulnerabilities in web or mobile apps, and entire roles are dedicated solely to web application penetration testing. If you want to be a pentester, mastering application hacking is essential for leveling up your skills. Below are some excellent (mostly free) resources to help you get started:

PortSwigger Web Security Academy: A comprehensive platform with labs and tutorials focused on web security concepts.
Hacker101: Free online training by HackerOne, covering web application security fundamentals and more.
Bugcrowd University: Offers educational content to help you develop the skills needed to succeed in bug bounty programs.
PentesterLab: A hands-on platform for learning web security through practical exercises and labs.

When learning web app security, it’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with the OWASP project. Pay special attention to the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide:

Finally, reviewing bug bounty write-ups offers valuable insights into real-world vulnerabilities. Many bounty platforms, such as HackerOne, maintain archives of these write-ups:

HackerOne Hacktivity

3) Wireless Hacking

You can learn to hack wireless networks pretty quick. In fact, a lot of the hackers started out tinkering with wireless hacking before jumping into other areas of ethical hacking due to the simplicity of it. You can easily pick up the skillset needed to hack WPA2 Personal by having the right equipment and reading a short blog post, such as this one.

WPA2 Enterprise is a little trickier, but hey, there are blogs for that too, such as this one.

4) Privilege Escalation

This is a topic many new hackers struggle with. You land on a machine, but you’re not the admin/root user. How can you elevate your privileges? You’ll find this area tested in many popular certification exams, so it’s a topic you should know.

TCM Security does have courses on the topic:

Windows Privilege Escalation – https://academy.tcm-sec.com/p/windows-privilege-escalation-for-beginners
Linux Privilege Escalation – https://academy.tcm-sec.com/p/linux-privilege-escalation

As does @0xTib3rius:

Windows Privilege Escalation – https://www.udemy.com/course/windows-privilege-escalation/
Linux Privilege Escalation – https://www.udemy.com/course/linux-privilege-escalation/

Plus, there are a million guides out there for PrivEsc. We will leave you to your Googling skills to find these, but here is just one example of a great guide.