INE Security (eLearnSecurity)

What is INE Security (eLearnSecurity)?

INE Security is the cybersecurity division of INE, the technical training platform that acquired eLearnSecurity in 2019, the company known for hands-on certifications such as eJPT, eCPPT and eWPT. Today all eLearnSecurity content lives inside INE: video courses, browser-based labs and learning paths that prepare you for those certifications, now sold under the INE Security brand.

If you search for "eLearnSecurity" and land on ine.com, that is expected: it is the same ecosystem under a different name. The philosophy remains: learn by doing, with lab-based exams instead of memory tests.

What it is used for

• Getting into pentesting with structure: the Penetration Testing Student / Junior Penetration Tester path starts from zero (networking, Linux, web basics) and ends with exploiting lab machines.
• Preparing for practical certifications: eJPT (junior), eCPPT (professional pentester), eWPT and eWPTX (web), eMAPT (mobile) and defensive certs such as eCIR or eCTHP.
• Team training: many companies use INE as a continuous training platform for SOC analysts and pentesters.
• Brushing up on networking: INE started as a networking academy (Cisco, cloud), so its networking content is solid, something many hacking beginners underestimate.

How to get started

1. Create an account at ine.com and check what each plan includes. INE has historically offered a free access tier with the introductory pentesting path; check the official site for what is available now.
2. Choose a learning path rather than individual courses: paths are ordered and tie together videos, labs and quizzes.
3. Do the labs in the browser; you do not need a local setup, although it is a good idea to replicate what you learn in your own VM with Parrot OS or Kali.
4. When you finish the path, decide whether to buy the matching certification voucher.

Recommended learning path

A realistic progression for a beginner:

1. Fundamentals: TCP/IP networking, basic Linux, HTTP and how a web application works.
2. Junior Penetration Tester: reconnaissance, service enumeration, exploitation with Metasploit and manually, basic post-exploitation and pivoting. Goal: the eJPT certification.
3. Practice outside INE: easy and medium machines on Hack The Box or TryHackMe so you do not depend on a single lab style.
4. Specialization: eCPPT for deeper infrastructure pentesting, or eWPT if you are into web.

While studying, document every lab as if it were a report: commands used, findings and how you would fix them. A typical example of what you will see in the enumeration labs:

nmap -sC -sV -p- --min-rate 1000 10.10.10.5 -oN scan.txt
smbclient -L //10.10.10.5 -N
gobuster dir -u http://10.10.10.5 -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt

Remember: use these techniques only in the platform labs or on systems you have explicit authorization to test.

Pro tips

• Do not just watch videos: the value is in the labs. When a video explains a technique, pause and reproduce it.
• Keep your own notes (Obsidian, CherryTree, Notion). INE practical exams let you use your notes, and good notes beat memorization.
• Check the exam version: eLearnSecurity has refreshed several certifications (for example eJPTv2). Make sure your study material matches the current version.
• Watch for promotions: INE frequently discounts subscriptions and vouchers; if you are not in a hurry, waiting pays off.

Pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Structured paths from scratch	Some videos feel somewhat dated
Browser labs, nothing to install	Labs can be slow at peak hours
Practical certifications recognized for junior roles	Less weight with HR than OSCP for senior roles
Very complete networking content	Prices change often, so compare before buying

Alternatives to INE Security

• Offensive Security courses (OSCP): the natural next step, tougher and more widely recognized.
• TryHackMe: more guided and cheaper to start with.
• Hack The Box: realistic machines plus the Academy with very detailed modules.
• PentesterLab Pro: if your focus is web security.

Frequently asked questions

Is eLearnSecurity the same as INE?

Yes. INE bought eLearnSecurity in 2019 and its courses and certifications are now offered inside the INE platform under the INE Security brand.

Is INE Security free?

It has paid subscription plans, and certifications are bought as separate vouchers or in bundles. INE has offered free introductory content; check current prices and plans on the official site.

Are eLearnSecurity certifications worth it?

For beginners, eJPT is one of the best first hands-on certifications. For more advanced roles, eCPPT or eWPT add value, although OSCP is still the most requested in pentesting job ads.

What language are the courses in?

The main content is in English. You need reasonable technical reading skills; many videos have subtitles.

If you want to practice the fundamentals before paying for a subscription, start with the courses and challenges at the Hackers en Acción Academy.