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,
I want to learn hacking but i don’t have your contact no & and any other device to contact then please contact me.
Thanks.
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 ……SUMUKH also course details
sir,i want to do 1month ethical hacking course in bhubaneswar .can you please tell me the schdule,fees and details of the ankit fadia certified ethical hacking
Sir i want to know how i can protect my pc from any kind of disclaimer
Hello,I want to make carrier in cyber security.I’m B.E.(I.T.) 2nd year. so I want to apply courses in pune hold by U. Give me proper guidence. THANKING U…
hi sir.plz answer my qs….i v 7210 super nova set….hw can i call freely n send free sms frm it.i v purchased ur mobile hacking book
Hi sir,
I want be hacker.i am also interested in computer security & hacking.i am interested AFCEH course,plz give all details & institute.
hi!!!i wnt to be ethical hacker …plz send some infomation about that and plz do update
hi,i want to learn ethical hacking.plz gv send me the details
i want to hav a hacking course…..by ankit fadia….can any one suggest when and where the batch starts.now i m a final year computer science engineering student……
hello ankit,
Is It possible to started a course in UK, I m a student studying Computer security… I will be glad if u start one….
sir…
can you tell me that how to format phone memory nokia 5130 mobile.
hi sir, i want to learn ethical hacking were i can learn in andhra pradesh can u give me the details and address of that pls
hai sir
iam a student of class 9 and i am very much interested in computers . i like to learn hacking ,please reply me by mail or call me
hello sir,
very glad to hear about u….
i am very much interested to learn about ethical hacking
provide me some best hacking tips plz
hi friend
i want to learn complete hacking course and how to change the email password etc.
sir i want to knw hw to break d passwords of networking computers…….plz…rply………..i m ur big fannnnn……………..
Hai, plz tell me how to full format phone memory of nokia 3110c.plz anyone tell me…
Just type *#7370# & give the lock code(if u know)
then the phone memory will be formatted & original settings will get restored
After type *#7780# & give the lock code, this also will format your phone memory
im 15 years old collage student.I learn hacking plz can u teach me on free of cost because i like a hacking but i have sir to learn thee hacking plz u reply me because i really learn hacking & my family doesnt support me to learn the hacking. so i think u help me……
sir i saw u on MTV….
m really intrstd in doing hacking… plz tell me more abt ethical hacking
Hi sir, i’m doing my cse 2nd year and i’m so deadly mad about ethical hacking and this internet securities.. can u plz send me the details and fee structure of the course.. and i’m from Andhra Pradesh(Vizianagaram)…
hello sir,
Right now i m doing my masters in network security,
I need to go through ur books can u send me a link when I can get this..n also I want to learn network security..I will be waitin for ur reply.thanks
pls contact to me i want to learn passwd hacking
sir
i m very keen to learn hacking
but the problem is i dont knw any language so which course should i do so dat i can start learnin hacking n understand it… so plz sir let me know …..
ankit sir..nice to hear about you…i m intrested in ethical learning…can u plz tell me how many courses u offer in your institute….im doing btech in comp sci…wanna become a hacker..like you
Sir, actually i am pursuing b.tech from I.T.and i wanna be like u .So i wanna know how to proceed to be a master of hacking.
Hello Ankit Sir,
i would like to know more about hacking programming.i am in IT industry since last 6 to 7 years as programmer but very new to Hacking programming, i would apprecite if you cam guide me in the right direction,
hello sir,
i am a student of B.Sc. final year (computer science) and i also intrested in little hacking tips and tricks please inform me about the same…. and also tell me that how can i protect my computer and internet by cyber crimes……..
hello sir,
i am interested in learning hacking from u.
do reply soon for the dates of course and fees structure .sir present time i am doing bca……..
hello sir,
i am interested in learning hacking from u.
i read ur previous edition books.
and they were fantastic.
i still wanna learn from u.
hello sir.
i m prabhat, a b.tech(IT)3rd yr. student. what is ethical hacking?
and how cAN i become a hacker?
hello sir,
I not know to very well hacking.
but i want to do not hack my network.
please send me answer step-by-step.
hello Ankit,
i had attended your Seminar in E-BiZ Summit @ Semcom and I am the Student of Semcom and it was really a great experience. being an E-Commerce Student first when we had been told to sit in seminar we thought it will be quite boring but the way u delivered it was just a fab. i will enrolled for the 2 month course in December.
Thank You,
Anand Trivedi.
SIR I NEED HELP TO LEARN HACKING FROM BASICS
sir i wouldlike 2 learn hacking and slowly would like 2 do smthing against cyber crimes!!!
I have joined The AFCEH Program :>& i thin k its is good
sir i want to know about ethical hacking
how to known the password of other person.
please mail me at my email address.thank you.
sir,i want to know about your hacking programs.i also want to learn how can i hack a email.
hello sir,
i am student of b tech (bio tech) but i am intrested in learning hacking from you plz tell me sir what should i do.plz,plz,plz, sir its my request.
Hello sir,
I’m very much intrested in computers and I wanted your help for email password hacking. I have visited 1000 of hacking sites but 90% were spams. It would be really helpful for me if you help me. I hope I can expect a mail etc from your end.
hi sir i had attended ur seminar at vvp engg college…i want 2 know about online hacking password…plz reply
I just want to know that in ahmedabad is there any coaching where ethical hacking is to be taught?
Let me tell you guys , i have a keen desire to be a computer security expert .Please send me any kinda information about the ethical hacking programme.
Hello Sir,
This is Nitin Tripathi faculty of NIIT and MCA is my last qualification.but now i want to improve my skills in ethical hacking so plz guide me.
Thanking you
hello sir,
i m crzy about hacking. But honestly i dnt kow more about hacking, but i want earn money is thier is any proffetional hacking course .
plz tell me abt it
DEAR SIR
I want to learn Ethical hacking form net can u pls send me the detail over net
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dear sir,
i need u r help……i m very interested in the hacking process,
would u suggesst me what are the primary stage or what are the basic knowledge about it………..? and how to crack folders password in windows xp.
plz do reply.