Top Cybersecurity Platforms for Beginners: A Noob’s Guide to Hacking Practice

Hacker Noob Tips

02 Mar 2025 — 4 min read

Starting your journey in cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but hands-on practice is the fastest way to build skills. Below, we’ve curated a list of 16 platforms perfect for beginners, ranging from guided labs to Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges. Let’s dive in!

1. CyberSecLabs

Focus: Real-world attack simulations.

Why it’s great for noobs: Offers beginner-friendly labs with step-by-step guides.
Key features:
- Labs cover topics like web app vulnerabilities, network security, and privilege escalation.
- Free tier available for basic challenges.
Tip: Start with their “Intro to Web Hacking” lab to learn SQL injection and XSS.

2. TryHackMe

Focus: Structured learning paths.

Why it’s great: Gamified rooms with guided tutorials.
Key features:
- Complete Beginner Path: Teaches Linux, networking, and basic hacking tools like nmap and Metasploit¹ ².
- Pre-Security Path: Covers foundational cybersecurity concepts².
Tip: Join the “Advent of Cyber” event every December for festive-themed challenges.

3. Cybrary

Focus: Free and paid courses.

Why it’s great: Offers certifications like CompTIA Security+ prep and hands-on labs³[^20].
Key features:
- Free tier includes 50+ courses, including OSINT and Defensive Security.
- Virtual labs for practicing network defense and malware analysis.

4. OverTheWire

Focus: Command-line hacking.

Why it’s great: Start with the Bandit wargame to master Linux basics⁴ ⁵.
Key features:
- Progressive levels (0–34) teach file permissions, SSH, and cryptography.
- No installation needed—connect via SSH.
Tip: Avoid Googling solutions! Use man pages and forums for hints.

5. TCM Security

Focus: Practical ethical hacking.

Why it’s great: Free courses like Practical Ethical Hacking on YouTube⁶[^31].
Key features:
- Covers privilege escalation, buffer overflows, and web app hacking.
- Paid certifications (e.g., PNPT) for career advancement.

6. Root Me

Focus: CTF challenges.

Why it’s great: 400+ challenges across web, crypto, and forensics⁷.
Key features:
- Beginner-friendly “App Script” category to learn scripting exploits.
- Community solutions for learning new techniques.

7. Hack The Box

Focus: Advanced labs and CTFs.

Why it’s great for noobs: Start with Starting Point machines⁸[^48].
Key features:
- Tiered difficulty (Easy/Medium/Hard).
- Academy courses for structured learning (e.g., Linux fundamentals).

8. RangeForce

Focus: Blue team training.

Why it’s great: Simulates SOC environments with tools like Splunk and Suricata⁹ ¹⁰.
Key features:
- Free Community Edition with 20+ modules (e.g., Nmap, Docker).
- Role-based learning paths for threat detection.

9. PortSwigger Web Security Academy

Focus: Web vulnerabilities.

Why it’s great: Free, interactive labs for SQLi, CSRF, and OWASP Top 10³.
Key features:
- Guided tutorials with hints and solutions.
- Practice exploiting real-world scenarios (e.g., JWT attacks).

10. PentesterLab

Focus: Web and API hacking.

Why it’s great: Bite-sized exercises with instant feedback.
Key features:
- Learn via HTTP request manipulation and code review.
- Free “Basic” tier available.

Honorable Mentions

VulnHub/Vuln Machines: Download vulnerable VMs for offline practice.
Certified Secure: Focuses on secure coding and penetration testing.
EchoCTF: Beginner-friendly CTFs with Discord community support.

Quick Tips for Noobs

Start small: Master tools like nmap and gobuster before tackling CTFs.
Take notes: Use tools like Obsidian or Notion to document commands and workflows.
Join communities: Reddit’s r/hacking and Discord servers offer mentorship.
Stay legal: Only attack systems you own or have permission to test.

By combining guided learning (TryHackMe, Cybrary) with hands-on labs (HTB, Root Me), you’ll build the skills to tackle real-world security challenges. Happy hacking! 🔒

What are the best free cybersecurity labs for beginners

OverTheWire

Focus: Linux command-line mastery

Key features:
- Bandit Wargame: 34 levels teaching SSH, file permissions, and cryptography1.
- No installation required—connect via SSH.
Tip: Use man pages and forums instead of Googling solutions1.

Hacking-Lab LEVEL1

Focus: Ethical hacking basics

Key features:
- Free challenges in web hacking, password security, and network analysis6.
- Beginner-friendly platform with a supportive Discord community6.
- Annual HackVent event for holiday-themed CTFs6.

Let’s Defend

Focus: Blue team/soc training

Key features:
- Free incident response simulations (e.g., phishing, malware analysis)5.
- Real-world scenarios with SIEM tools like Splunk and Elasticsearch.

CyberDefenders

Focus: Defensive security

Key features:
- Free downloadable challenges for forensic analysis and threat hunting1 5.
- Covers malware analysis, log investigation, and PCAP analysis.

PwnedLabs

Focus: Cloud and API security

Key features:
- Free labs for AWS misconfigurations and OAuth vulnerabilities.
- Step-by-step guides for beginners.

Bonus Resources

PCAP Analysis: Practice with free packet captures in Wireshark1.
Hacksplaining: Interactive lessons on vulnerabilities like XSS and SQLi3.
Reddit Communities: r/HowToHack and r/CompTIA for mentorship3 5.

Start with TryHackMe or OverTheWire to build foundational skills, then progress to Hack The Box for advanced labs. For defensive roles, combine Let’s Defend with CyberDefenders to master incident response.