Learn how to hack.
Explore dozens of free capture the flag challenges to build and test your skills while accessing hundreds of hours of video lessons. Meet other learners and get mentored by experienced hackers in the Hacker101 Community Discord channel.
What is Hacker101?
Hacker101 is a free class for web security. Whether you're a programmer with an interest in bug bounties or a seasoned security professional, Hacker101 has something to teach you. Learn to hack with our free video lessons, guides, and resources, plus join the Discord community and chat with thousands of other learners.
Capture the Flag
Put your skills into practice with our 24x7 available Capture the Flag (CTF) levels inspired by real-world vulnerabilities. In each level you’re searching for a number of flags — unique bits of data — which you get by discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities. As you progress, you'll receive invitations to private bug bounty programs on HackerOne, jump-starting your bounty hunting career.
CTF competitions
We regularly host puzzles and fun CTF challenges with the winners receiving cash prizes or invites to live hacking events. Follow Hacker0x01 on Twitter to never miss a CTF competition announcement, and join thousands of participants in the next global challenge.
Hacker FAQ
Hacker101 is HackerOne’s free web security training initiative. It provides video lessons, written guides, and Capture-the-Flag (CTF) challenges designed to teach practical hacking skills. Whether you’re a developer curious about security, a student exploring ethical hacking, or an experienced professional sharpening your bug bounty skills, Hacker101 offers content for all levels.
The best entry point is the Hacker101 Newcomers Playlist, which introduces the fundamentals of web security. From there, you can move into hands-on practice through the Hacker101 CTF, which mirrors the techniques used by professional bug bounty hunters and penetration testers.
Yes. The Hacker101 CTF features dozens of levels inspired by real-world vulnerabilities: SQL injection, XSS, authentication flaws, and more. These labs are available 24/7, allowing learners to build experience in identifying and exploiting security issues safely.
As you progress through CTFs, you earn points. Once you reach 26 points, you become eligible for invitations to participate in private bug bounty programs hosted on HackerOne, an opportunity normally reserved for experienced hackers.
- Visit hacker101.com.
- Sign in with your free HackerOne account.
- Begin with the Newcomers Playlist.
- Set up tools like Burp Suite for testing.
- Review reporting guidelines to understand how to write effective vulnerability reports.
You can email hacker101@hackerone.com for support, or join the Hacker101 Discord community to connect with mentors and thousands of fellow learners.
- How to identify, exploit, and remediate the top web security vulnerabilities, as well as many other arcane bugs
- How to properly handle cryptography
- How to design and review applications from a security standpoint
- How to operate as a bug bounty hunter
Absolutely. All video lessons, written guides, and CTF challenges are 100% free to access.
Simply go to https://hacker101.com to get started.