Best Free Platforms to Learn Cybersecurity (2025 Guide)

Free Platforms to Learn Cybersecurity 

Are you enthusiastic about protecting digital realms but concerned about the steep expenses of cybersecurity education?  

Don't fret any longer. Whether you're a budding ethical hacker or just starting out in your cybersecurity adventure, this guide uncovers the finest free platforms to learn cybersecurity—at no cost and with the greatest effect.  

Let’s dive into the premier free resources that are endorsed by both industry experts and newcomers.  

Are you excited about safeguarding digital environments but anxious about the hefty price tag of cybersecurity education?  

Fear not. Whether you're an emerging ethical hacker or just taking your first steps in the cybersecurity field, this guide highlights the top free platforms to learn cybersecurity—completely free and highly effective.  

Let’s take a look at the leading free resources that are trusted by professionals and beginners alike.

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1. TryHackMe

TryHackMe offers interactive learning through gamified virtual labs. You can practice penetration testing, exploit vulnerabilities, and master Linux, all in your browser. Their free learning paths like "Complete Beginner" and "Pre Security" are perfect for building real skills.

Website: ttps://tryhackme.com

Best For: Hands-on hacking labs, real-world scenarios

2. Hack The Box (HTB Academy)

Hack The Box is well-known for its advanced hacking challenges, but their HTB Academy offers free modules on topics like Linux fundamentals, web hacking, and network security. It’s a great choice for students preparing for careers in penetration testing.

Website: https://academy.hackthebox.com

Best For: Learning offensive security, red teaming basics

3. Cybrary

Cybrary offers free access to various foundational cybersecurity courses taught by industry experts. You’ll find training on CompTIA Security+, threat intelligence, and SOC analysis—all helpful for launching a cybersecurity career.

Website: https://www.cybrary.it

Best For: Video-based learning, career-focused paths

4. Open Security Training

This platform provides university-level lectures on cybersecurity topics, including x86 assembly, exploit development, and kernel debugging. It’s not flashy, but the content is gold for anyone serious about cybersecurity.

Website: https://opensecuritytraining.info

Best For: Deep technical dives, Reverse engineering

5. Google Cybersecurity Certificate (via Coursera – Audit Option)

Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is hosted on Coursera. While the full track is paid, you can audit individual courses for free, gaining access to all videos and reading materials.

Website: https://coursera.org

Best For: Industry-recognized certification with no upfront cost (via auditing)

6. EDX and MIT OpenCourseWare

From network security to cryptography, MIT’s OpenCourseWare and edX offer free, Ivy-league-level courses you can access anytime. Great for theory lovers and students prepping for advanced certifications.

Websites: https://ocw.mit.edu, https://edx.org

Best For: Academic-style cybersecurity courses

7. YouTube (Real Educators Only)

• Network Chuck
• John Hammond
• Hackerspoit
• The Cyber Mentor
• Malware Tech
• Hak5
• Devid Bombo

YouTube is an amazing free resource if you connect with the right experts. Courses covering Kali Linux, ethical hacking, and Networking blue team defense are frequently updated by active professionals.

The field of cybersecurity is accessible to anyone who has curiosity, patience, and a desire to learn. These platforms provide practical training, hands-on labs, and free education that professionals around the globe trust. Begin today—no credit card needed, no excuses.

YouTube is a fantastic free treasure trove if you engage with the right experts. Courses on Kali Linux, ethical hacking, and Networking blue team defense are consistently refreshed by practicing professionals.

The realm of cybersecurity is available to anyone who possesses curiosity, patience, and the motivation to learn. These platforms deliver real-world training, practical labs, and free education that is trusted by professionals worldwide. 

Get started today—no credit card required, no excuses.