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.

Ethical Hacking Lab Setup Guide

Hey everyone! 
If you're serious about learning ethical hacking, the best (and safest) place to start is by building your own hacking lab. It gives you a controlled environment to practice real-world skills without any legal risk. In this post, I’ll Walk you through a beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide to setting up your lab—plus highlight the essential tools every aspiring ethical hacker should have.

Why Should You Build Your Own Hacking Lab?

Think of a hacking lab like your personal playground for learning cybersecurity. 

Here's why it's super important

Hack Legally and Safely
Instead of risking trouble by testing on real networks, your lab gives you a safe space to try out hacking techniques without breaking any laws.

Learn by Doing (Not Just Watching)
Reading about hacking is great, but actually doing it is way better. A lab lets you practice real-world scenarios, so the skills actually stick.

Explore Powerful Tools Without Risk
You’ll get to use tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and Metasploit—and if something goes wrong, no worries! You’re working in a virtual environment, not a real system.

Step-by-Step Lab Setup

1. Decide Your Focus

 Choose what interests you: network security, web app testing, or general penetration testing

2. Hardware Requirements

. Hardware Configuration

   Processor (CPU):

• Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9

• 8+ cores preferred (helps with multitasking and running VMs)

•  Brands/Models Often Used in Cybersecurity

  • Framework Laptop – modular, customizable, privacy-focused

  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon / T14s – durable, Linux-friendly, widely used in industry

  • Dell XPS 15 / 13 Developer Edition

  • System76 laptops – preloaded with Linux, built for open-source security

RAM:

• 16GB minimum, 32GB or more recommended

• Essential for running multiple virtual machines, tools, and environments simultaneously

Storage:

• SSD (Solid State Drive) — at least 512GB, preferably 1TB+

• NVMe SSDs offer the best speed

• Consider external drives for data storage and imaging

Graphics (GPU):

• Not essential unless doing password cracking (GPU-accelerated tools like Hashcat)

• For that, an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA support (e.g., RTX 3060 or higher) is ideal

Battery Life:

• Prefer laptops with good battery life (6+ hours), unless you’re always plugged in

Ports & Connectivity:

• USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet port (for sniffing packets)

• Optional: SD card reader, HDMI, and additional USBs for toolkits and USB attacks

Network Card:

• A replaceable or external Wi-Fi card that supports monitor mode and packet injection
  (e.g., Alfa AWUS036NHA for external USB)

3. Operating Systems / Environments

• Dual Boot: Windows + Linux (Kali, Parrot, or Ubuntu)

• Or better: Use Virtual Machines (VMs) via VirtualBox or VMware

• Use Qubes OS for extreme compartmentalization and security

Start small, stay safe, and keep practicing-your ethical hacking journey begins with your own lab!

The Best Cybersecurity and Hacking Exploits YouTube Channels

What Are the Best Cybersecurity and Hacking Exploits YouTube Channels

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become essential for individuals and organizations alike. With cyber threats evolving daily, expanding your knowledge about ethical hacking, protection techniques, and threat intelligence is crucial. YouTube has emerged as a valuable platform for learning cybersecurity, offering accessible, engaging, and expert-driven content. Here's a breakdown of the best YouTube channels to follow for cybersecurity and hacking exploits.

Why YouTube is an Ideal Platform for Cybersecurity Education

YouTube provides an unparalleled space for cybersecurity education. Its visual and interactive format allows complex concepts to be simplified through video tutorials, animations, and step-by-step guides. From novices exploring the basics to seasoned professionals refining advanced techniques, the variety of content caters to all skill levels.

Moreover, YouTube channels bring together diverse expertise. Cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and instructors share real-world insights and practical examples. This blend of visual clarity and expert guidance makes YouTube a go-to platform for cybersecurity enthusiasts.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Top Cybersecurity YouTube Channels for Beginners

For newcomers, it's essential to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. The following channels simplify core concepts, making them accessible to beginners.

NetworkChuck

NetworkChuck is one of the most popular cybersecurity YouTube channels for beginners. Known for breaking down complex topics with enthusiasm, he's perfect for those new to networking and cybersecurity. His tutorials cover everything from Wi-Fi hacking and VPNs to certifications like CompTIA Security+.

NetworkChuck's combination of energy, practical examples, and clear explanations ensures viewers not only learn but stay engaged. Want to understand the basics of ethical hacking or sharpen your networking skills? This channel has you covered.

The Cyber Mentor

The Cyber Mentor offers beginner-friendly content with hands-on tutorials, making cybersecurity approachable. One of his standout series is "Practical Ethical Hacking," where viewers gain exposure to real-world scenarios.

Perfect for those starting their journey, this channel bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. You’ll also find guidance on obtaining cybersecurity certifications.

Channels Specializing in Ethical Hacking and Exploitation Techniques

For those interested in intermediate to advanced hacking and exploitation, the following channels dive deeper into tools, techniques, and methodologies.

Hak5

Hak5 is a treasure trove for ethical hackers. Their focus on innovative tools like the USB Rubber Ducky and advanced penetration testing methods makes them a must-watch. The channel covers everything from exploiting vulnerabilities to coding your own tools.

Hak5 also emphasizes the ethical aspect of hacking, promoting responsible usage of these techniques to improve security rather than exploit it maliciously. Their hardware-oriented tutorials stand out, catering to tech-savvy viewers ready for hands-on experimentation.

John Hammond

John Hammond creates content that resonates with cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts alike. His channel focuses on malware analysis, Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, and in-depth cybersecurity tutorials.

John's teaching style is methodical, ensuring even complex topics are easy to follow. He frequently collaborates with other experts in the field, enriching the quality of content. If you're ready to tackle advanced cybersecurity problems, this channel is a great starting point.

Channels Offering Insights into Threat Intelligence and Cyber News

Staying informed about evolving threats is critical in cybersecurity. The following channels focus on the latest industry trends, keeping you up to speed.

Security Now

Security Now delivers weekly deep dives into cybersecurity trends, threats, and solutions. Their analysis covers everything from major data breaches to emerging malware, equipping viewers with practical insights and risk mitigation strategies.

This channel is ideal for learners who want an in-depth understanding of current cybersecurity events and their implications on the industry.

Naked Security

Naked Security, run by the security company Sophos, emphasizes current events in the cybersecurity world. With its blend of breaking security news and actionable tips, viewers can easily grasp the practical implications of such events. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, staying informed through Naked Security is a smart choice.

Conclusion

The breadth of cybersecurity content available on YouTube makes it an invaluable tool for both personal and professional development. Channels like NetworkChuck and The Cyber Mentor ease beginners into the field, while Hak5 and John Hammond cater to those looking for advanced knowledge. For keeping up with industry trends, Security Now and Naked Security are excellent sources.

By tapping into these resources, you can expand your skills, stay updated on the latest threats, and contribute to creating a safer digital environment. So, whether you're starting fresh or sharpening advanced skills, these YouTube channels provide invaluable learning opportunities.

The OWASP Top 10

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top Ten list is an extremely credible recognition document that captures a true consensus of the most critical risks to web applications. 

It does not serve as a methodology, a standard, nor a checklist. Instead, it remains a powerful piece of education aimed at informing developers, architects, and security professionals about the most prevalent weaknesses and how to effectively counter those vulnerabilities.  

In this blog post, we will analyze the OWASP Top 10 by reviewing each category of vulnerability, providing justification on its relevance, and detailing actions that can be adopted to safeguard your applications. It does not matter if you are an expert in security or just getting started; every developer should comprehend these concepts to build secure and resilient web applications.

What is the OWASP Top 10 and Why Is It Important?

The OWASP Top 10 is a trusted guide that highlights the most common and dangerous security risks found in web applications. It's not just a list—it’s a global standard that helps developers, cybersecurity professionals, and organizations stay aware of the latest threats. Updated every few years, the list is based on real data collected from companies around the world, showing which vulnerabilities attackers are targeting the most. By understanding and addressing these top risks, you can build safer, more secure software.

Broken Access Control

• What it is: Access control enforces policies that grant users specific privileges based on their roles or attributes. Broken access control occurs when these restrictions are not properly implemented, allowing users to access data or functionality they shouldn't.
• Impact: Unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system configurations, and even complete system compromise.
• Examples:
  • Bypassing authorization checks: Modifying URLs to access restricted resources without proper authentication or authorization.
  • Insecure direct object references (IDOR): Using predictable identifiers (e.g., database IDs) to access other users' data.
  • Missing functional level access control: Allowing regular users to perform administrative functions due to a lack of role-based access control.
  • Privilege escalation: Exploiting vulnerabilities to gain higher-level privileges than intended.
• Prevention:
  • Implement robust authorization mechanisms that enforce the principle of least privilege.
  • Use a consistent access control model throughout the application.
  • Regularly review and update access control policies.
  • Enforce proper data validation and input sanitization to prevent bypassing authorization checks.
  • Use unpredictable identifiers for resources (avoid sequential or easily guessable IDs).
  • Log all access control failures to detect and respond to suspicious activity.

2. A02:2021 – Cryptographic Failures

• What it is: This category encompasses vulnerabilities related to the improper implementation of cryptographic techniques. This includes using weak algorithms, storing sensitive data in plaintext, or failing to properly manage encryption keys.
• Impact: Exposure of sensitive data, including passwords, financial information, and personally identifiable information (PII).
• Examples:
  • Storing passwords in plaintext or using weak hashing algorithms.
  • Using deprecated or vulnerable cryptographic algorithms (e.g., MD5, SHA1).
  • Failing to protect encryption keys.
  • Using weak or default encryption keys.
  • Incorrect implementation of encryption protocols.
• Prevention:
  • Use strong, industry-standard cryptographic algorithms and protocols.
  • Properly store and manage encryption keys using secure key management practices.
  • Avoid storing sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.
  • Enforce strong password policies and use bcrypt or Argon2 for password hashing.
  • Enable TLS/SSL on all web traffic.
  • Regularly update cryptographic libraries and frameworks.

3. A03:2021 – Injection

• What it is: Injection flaws occur when user-supplied data is used to construct a command or query that is executed by the application. Attackers can inject malicious code into these commands, allowing them to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, or compromise the system.
• Impact: Data breaches, system compromise, denial of service, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Examples:
  • SQL injection: Injecting malicious SQL code into database queries.
  • Command injection: Injecting operating system commands into application code.
  • LDAP injection: Injecting malicious code into LDAP queries.
  • Cross-site scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious JavaScript code into web pages. (Covered separately as A03:2021)
• Prevention:
  • Input validation: Sanitize and validate all user input to ensure it conforms to expected formats.
  • Parameterized queries or prepared statements: Use these techniques to prevent SQL injection.
  • Escaping user input: Escape user-supplied data before including it in commands or queries.
  • Least privilege principle: Run applications with the minimum necessary privileges.
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Use a WAF to detect and block injection attacks.

4. A04:2021 – Insecure Design

• What it is: This category represents flaws related to missing or ineffective security controls during the design phase of the application. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating security considerations throughout the entire development lifecycle, from initial planning to deployment and maintenance. This replaces the former "Broken Authentication" category.
• Impact: Vulnerabilities that are difficult or impossible to fix without significant architectural changes. This can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and denial of service.
• Examples:
  • Lack of threat modeling: Failing to identify and address potential security risks during the design phase.
  • Missing security requirements: Not defining clear security requirements for the application.
  • Using vulnerable design patterns: Implementing insecure design patterns that are known to be vulnerable.
  • Insufficient input validation: Lack of comprehensive input validation throughout the application.
  • Failure to implement proper authentication and authorization mechanisms.
• Prevention:
  • Threat modeling: Conduct thorough threat modeling to identify potential security risks.
  • Secure development lifecycle (SDLC): Integrate security into every stage of the SDLC.
  • Security requirements: Define clear security requirements for the application.
  • Security architecture: Design a secure architecture that incorporates appropriate security controls.
  • Secure design patterns: Use secure design patterns that are resistant to common vulnerabilities.
  • Regular security reviews: Conduct regular security reviews of the application design.

5. A05:2021 – Security Misconfiguration

• What it is: This category covers vulnerabilities that arise from misconfigured security settings in the application, its environment, or the underlying infrastructure. Default configurations, unnecessary features enabled, and incomplete hardening are common culprits.
• Impact: Unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and denial of service.
• Examples:
  • Using default usernames and passwords.
  • Leaving unnecessary features enabled.
  • Failing to patch software and systems.
  • Exposing sensitive information in error messages.
  • Incorrectly configuring security headers.
  • Missing security hardening.
• Prevention:
  • Remove or disable unnecessary features.
  • Change default usernames and passwords.
  • Patch software and systems regularly.
  • Configure security headers correctly.
  • Implement security hardening.
  • Use automated configuration management tools.
  • Regularly review security configurations.

6. A06:2021 – Vulnerable and Outdated Components

• What it is: This category highlights the risk of using vulnerable or outdated third-party libraries, frameworks, and other software components. Attackers often target known vulnerabilities in these components to compromise applications.
• Impact: Data breaches, system compromise, and denial of service.
• Examples:
  • Using outdated versions of libraries and frameworks with known vulnerabilities.
  • Failing to patch vulnerabilities in third-party components.
  • Using components from untrusted sources.
  • Not having a process for tracking and updating components.
• Prevention:
  • Use a Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tool to identify vulnerable components.
  • Keep all components up-to-date.
  • Subscribe to security advisories for the components you use.
  • Use components from trusted sources.
  • Implement a process for tracking and updating components.

7. A07:2021 – Identification and Authentication Failures

• What it is: This category focuses on flaws related to identifying and authenticating users. Weak passwords, missing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and session management vulnerabilities are common issues.
• Impact: Unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data.
• Examples:
  • Using weak or default passwords.
  • Failing to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Session fixation attacks.
  • Session hijacking attacks.
  • Credential stuffing attacks.
• Prevention:
  • Enforce strong password policies.
  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Use secure session management practices.
  • Protect against credential stuffing attacks.
  • Implement account lockout policies.

8. A08:2021 – Software and Data Integrity Failures

• What it is: This new category focuses on assumptions relating to software updates, critical data, and CI/CD pipelines. Without proper integrity verification, software updates can introduce malicious code or data that compromises the application.
• Impact: Compromised CI/CD pipelines, deployment of malicious code, and ultimately, complete application compromise.
• Examples:
  • Using untrusted or unverified software updates.
  • Failing to verify the integrity of data.
  • Compromised CI/CD pipelines injecting malicious code.
  • Serialization and Deserialization vulnerabilities (which has been merged into this category).
• Prevention:
  • Implement code signing and integrity checks for all software updates.
  • Verify the integrity of data using checksums or other mechanisms.
  • Secure CI/CD pipelines to prevent malicious code injection.
  • Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent deserialization vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor for unexpected changes to software and data.

9. A09:2021 – Security Logging and Monitoring Failures

• What it is: This category highlights the importance of logging security-related events, monitoring the application for suspicious activity, and responding to security incidents in a timely manner. Insufficient logging and monitoring can make it difficult to detect and respond to attacks.
• Impact: Delayed detection of attacks, difficulty investigating security incidents, and increased damage from successful attacks.
• Examples:
  • Not logging sufficient information about security events.
  • Failing to monitor logs for suspicious activity.
  • Not having a process for responding to security incidents.
  • Insufficient alerting on security events.
• Prevention:
  • Log all relevant security events.
  • Monitor logs for suspicious activity.
  • Implement a security incident response plan.
  • Use a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.
  • Automate security monitoring and alerting.

10. A10:2021 – Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

• What it is: SSRF occurs when a web application allows an attacker to make arbitrary HTTP requests from the server itself. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access internal resources, read local files, or interact with other systems behind the firewall. This is a new entry on the OWASP top 10 for 2021.
• Impact: Access to internal resources, disclosure of sensitive information, and compromise of other systems.
• Examples:
  • An application allows users to specify a URL to fetch data from.
  • An application uses a URL provided by the user to connect to an internal service.
• Prevention:
  • Whitelist allowed URLs.
  • Validate and sanitize user-supplied URLs.
  • Disable unused network protocols.
  • Implement network segmentation.
  • Avoid forwarding raw responses to users.