Ethical Hacking
Courses & Labs
Practice penetration testing on 170+ vulnerable machines across labs and challenges. Master real-world exploits, from web application attacks to privilege escalation. Your hands-on cybersecurity training starts here.
Challenges
Hackers
Content
"Demand for cybersecurity professionals surges with AI threat, cybersecurity and ethical hackers leading the pack"
"A Solution to Hackers? More Hackers"
"Organizations should embrace red teaming, bug bounty programs, ethical hacking and AI-driven security tools to stay ahead of attackers."
"Demand for better cybersecurity fuels a booming job market. The jobs often pay more than $120,000 a year."
Ethical Hacking Training Features
Transform from beginner to expert through our comprehensive cybersecurity training platform. Each scenario mirrors authentic enterprise vulnerabilities, updated weekly to match evolving threat landscapes.
Hands-On Mastery
Every lab delivers pure practical experience. No theory-only content—just authentic exploitation scenarios that build job-ready penetration testing skills.
Learning Assistance
Stuck? Access comprehensive writeups and step-by-step guidance for every challenge. Learn the methodology, not just the solution.
Progressive Challenges
Start with foundational concepts and progress to advanced exploitation. Our difficulty ladder ensures continuous growth at your own pace.
Instant Deployment
Launch fully-configured vulnerable systems in seconds. Zero setup, zero configuration—just click and start exploiting immediately.
Constant Evolution
Fresh challenges arrive every week, featuring the latest CVEs and attack techniques. Your training stays relevant to current threats.
Enterprise-Grade Scenarios
Train on authentic vulnerabilities extracted from real enterprise environments. Bridge the gap between cybersecurity training and professional penetration testing.
Cybersecurity Training Platform Stats
Labs & Challenges
Hacking labs, CTF challenges, and vulnerable systems
Security Professionals
Growing community of ethical hackers
Training Hours
Collective penetration testing practice
New Releases
Fresh challenges every single week
Hacking Labs for Beginners to Advanced
From web application penetration testing to cryptography, privilege escalation to forensics - explore diverse offensive security domains.
What Our Community Says
Hear from security professionals who've elevated their skills through HackerDNA's hands-on labs and training.
"I'm truly amazed by HackerDNA's innovative approach to ethical hacking and cybersecurity education."
CyberSecurity Student - ASU
"As a major in Cyber Security and former red teaming trainee @ CyberX, HDNA helps me practice real case scenarios."
RedTeam Trainee - CyberX
"With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive training, and wide range of challenges, I highly recommend HackerDNA to both beginners and experienced users."
Cyber Security Engineer
"HackerDNA is one of the best rising cybersecurity platforms! It offers challenges with fresh ideas and real-world scenarios that make learning both engaging and effective."
OSCP Certified Professional
Start Hacking in 3 Simple Steps
No setup, no configuration. Launch vulnerable machines instantly and start learning hands-on penetration testing.
Launch a Lab
Choose from 170+ vulnerable machines. Click to deploy - your target system is ready in seconds with no complex setup required.
Capture Flags
Use real hacking tools to find vulnerabilities and exploit them. Submit flags to prove you successfully compromised the system.
Earn Points & Rank Up
Every flag earns points. Climb the global rankings, unlock achievements, and build a portfolio of proven cybersecurity skills.
Choose Your Hacking Path
Specialize in the cybersecurity domains that match your career goals. Each path offers structured progression from beginner to expert.
Beginner Path
New to hacking? Start here with guided labs and learn the fundamentals.
Web Hacking Labs
SQL injection, XSS, SSRF, authentication bypass, and web app exploits.
Linux Labs
Linux privilege escalation, enumeration, and system exploitation.
Privilege Escalation
Linux privesc, SUID exploits, sudo misconfigurations, and kernel exploits.
Forensics Challenges
Memory analysis, disk forensics, network traffic investigation.
Cryptography
Crack ciphers, break encryption, and master cryptographic attacks.
Free vs Pro
Start learning for free. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited access to all labs, expert hints, and step-by-step solutions.
Free
Perfect for getting started
- Access to free labs and challenges
- Global rankings and achievements
- Limited course access
- Limited hint credits
- Limited community writeups
- Limited official solutions
Pro
For serious learners
- All labs and challenges
- All courses and chapters
- All official solutions
- All community writeups
- 50 expert hint monthly
- Extended machine lifetime
- Cancel anytime
Learn From Our Guides & Courses
Free tutorials, cheat sheets, and courses to accelerate your cybersecurity learning journey.
CTF for Beginners: How to Start Capture The Flag
Complete guide to getting started with CTF competitions. Learn the categories, tools, and strategies to capture your first flag.
Read GuideNmap Cheat Sheet 2026: Every Command You Need
The ultimate Nmap reference with all essential commands for network scanning, service detection, and vulnerability assessment.
View Cheat SheetJWT Hacking: Algorithm Confusion Exploits
Learn to exploit JWT vulnerabilities including RS256 to HS256 attacks, none algorithm bypasses, and token manipulation techniques.
Start CourseFrequently Asked Questions
What are hacking labs?
Hacking labs are isolated virtual environments containing intentionally vulnerable systems. You practice real penetration testing techniques to find and exploit security flaws, capture flags (proof of successful exploitation), and earn points.
Is HackerDNA free?
Yes! HackerDNA offers free access to many labs, courses, and challenges. You can start learning immediately without a credit card. For unlimited access to all 170+ labs, upgrade to HackerDNA Pro.
How long does a lab take?
Lab completion time varies by difficulty. Very Easy labs take 15-30 minutes, Easy labs 30-60 minutes, Medium labs 1-2 hours, and Hard labs can take 2-4+ hours. Challenges are quick 10-15 minute exercises.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required! Start with our beginner-friendly "Start Here" section. We provide courses, hints, and step-by-step solutions to guide you from complete beginner to advanced penetration tester.
What skills will I learn?
You will learn practical cybersecurity skills including web application hacking, network penetration testing, Linux privilege escalation, cryptography, forensics, reverse engineering, and more.
How does the ranking system work?
Every flag you capture earns points. Your total points determine your global ranking among all users. Check the How It Works page for detailed scoring information.
Transform Your Cybersecurity Career
Join 5,000+ professionals advancing their ethical hacking and penetration testing skills. Begin your hands-on training journey today - no credit card required.
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