How to Learn Ethical Hacking: Courses and Certifications (2026)
Want to learn ethical hacking and work in cybersecurity? In 2007 we wrote about the AFCEH (Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker) course, sold through Reliance WebWorld outlets across India for Rs 6,499. Ethical hacking has since become a mainstream career with globally recognised certifications and excellent free practice labs. Here’s how to get started in 2026, legally and affordably.
Quick answer: To learn ethical hacking, start with networking, Linux and web basics, then practise on legal training platforms such as TryHackMe, Hack The Box, PortSwigger’s free Web Security Academy and OverTheWire. Build towards recognised certifications like CompTIA Security+, EC-Council’s CEH or OffSec’s OSCP. Only ever test systems you own or have written permission to test.
Table of Contents
What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hackers (penetration testers) are hired to find security weaknesses before criminals do. They use the same techniques as attackers, but with permission, a defined scope and a report that helps the organisation fix problems.
How to learn ethical hacking step by step
- Learn the foundations: how networks, operating systems (especially Linux) and websites work.
- Learn a scripting language: Python or Bash for automating tasks.
- Practise legally in labs built for training:
- TryHackMe – guided beginner rooms and learning paths.
- Hack The Box – more challenging machines and an Academy.
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy – free web security labs.
- OverTheWire – free wargames for Linux and security basics.
- Join capture-the-flag (CTF) events to test your skills.
- Earn certifications when you’re ready to apply for jobs.
Recognised ethical hacking certifications
- CompTIA Security+ – a common entry-level security certification.
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) from EC-Council – widely known, especially in India and government roles.
- OSCP from OffSec – a respected hands-on penetration testing exam.
- eJPT from INE – a practical entry-level pentest certificate.
In the 2000s, branded courses like AFCEH were popular in India, but employers today look for widely recognised certifications and practical skills you can demonstrate.
Stay on the right side of the law
- Never test a website, network or device without written permission.
- Use your own lab, training platforms or official bug bounty programmes with clear rules.
- Unauthorised access is a crime in most countries, including under India’s IT Act.
Start with your own security: use strong, unique passwords (see the most common passwords to avoid) and follow our WordPress security tips if you run a site.
FAQ
Can I learn ethical hacking for free?
Yes. PortSwigger Web Security Academy, OverTheWire and the free tiers of TryHackMe and Hack The Box are good starting points.
Which ethical hacking certification is best for beginners?
CompTIA Security+ or eJPT are good first steps; OSCP is more advanced.
Is ethical hacking a good career?
Security skills are in demand worldwide, especially for people with hands-on experience.
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Hi sir
i am somendra jha
now i m working as interior designer but am intrested in cyber hacking
and i want make cerere in this field
my last eduction 12th i have done ANIMATION diploma from maac delhi
so plz. guide me
thanks
reply me is window xp can b install over window 7 ultimate
hi … i am big fan of Ankit Fadia Sir
i show all the episode of MTV what the hack
i am really eger to be a hacker….
i jst make simple hacking first after i make me higher ..
so please suggest me to how to be?
or any website for that or any books or whatever which related that….plz yaar
send me mail if you give me info about that….and thanks
Hi ankit this is kamran from hyderabad i learnd much thing from u like how to open an blocked site and how to convert it in dicimal and how to convert it in binary but i want to learn total hacking i knw now a days u r a big celebrity but give us urs valuable time. and teach us how to hack and how to stop hacking how to catch the hacker
Reading Books By Ankit Fadia.or if do onething there is course going on here in my college itself.
hi ankit,
I want to know that in delhi, are you provide any ethical hacking course?
please tell me where in delhi.
Want to grow my career in security admin.
Plz give me an address, where this ankit fadia’s certified cyber security course running in vadodara ?
I want to became a ethical hacker to save our country by hackers.
Hi Ankit sir….
i want to learn Ethical Hacking and some trick which ill use web site hacking but i m fresher in this ok. want to learn from begins plz send me some details ……SAGAR also course details
hello ankit,
i m very close to become a hacker. i wanna create some antihacking softwares plz help me bro >?
i am keenly inttd. in hacking . and using c for same pls. contact me……..
u r just awesome ankit
just tell me how to hack orkut id of my friends
Hi sir please tell me what should i know before going learn ethical hacking ? Please help me!
hi, i want to format my n73 mobile phone please help
sir,
i want to learn ethical hacking…but have no poper
guidence…so plz tell me all about this,….
sir, actually wants to know about the foundation of ethical hacking.
how you started it?
what was your source?
what intresting thing made you think, that there is somewhat hacking?
what be the elementary thing, that must in this foundation?