The importance of teaching free software for ethical hacking and cybersecurity training from an ethical and pragmatic perspective – FBCEM Model

Abstract

Current cybersecurity education is largely oriented toward tool-based training and vendor-dependent platforms, which often limits the development of ethical judgment, technological autonomy, and critical thinking in future professionals. This paper analyzes the importance of teaching Free Software as a formative foundation for Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity education, emphasizing the distinction between technical training and integral professional formation. Based on sustained teaching experience in Cybersecurity Engineering, Information Security, Networks, and Artificial Intelligence programs, a conceptual educational model is proposed that integrates ethical, philosophical, and technical dimensions of Free Software into cybersecurity curricula. The approach highlights key elements such as access to source code, licensing awareness, transparency, and hacker culture as ethical practice. The main contribution of this work is a formative framework that strengthens professional criteria, responsible decision-making, and long-term adaptability, moving beyond a purely pragmatic use of tools toward an ethical and sustainable cybersecurity education model.