What is ethical hacking?

Ethical hacking (a.k.a. penetration testing or red teaming) means legally probing systems, applications, and networks to find vulnerabilities before criminals do. Ethical hackers have permission, follow rules of engagement, and report findings so organizations can fix problems.

Core mindset & habits

• Curiosity + skepticism: ask “why does this work?” and “how might it break?”
• Continuous learning: the threat landscape changes constantly.
• Methodical documentation: write clear findings, reproducible steps, and remediation guidance.
• Strong ethics: only test systems you have explicit permission to test.

Essential technical foundations

Before deep-diving into hacking tools, build these foundations:

1. Networking (must)
   • TCP/IP, OSI model, subnets, routing, DNS, DHCP, common ports/protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, SMTP).
2. Operating systems
   • Linux (comfortable with shell, file permissions, networking).
   • Windows internals (services, registry, event logs).
3. Programming & scripting
   • Python for automation and exploit scripting.
   • Bash/PowerShell for system tasks.
   • Basic web languages: HTML, JavaScript, SQL.
4. System & web fundamentals
   • How web apps work (requests, responses, cookies, sessions).
   • Databases and common authentication flows.
5. Security basics
   • Encryption, hashing, authentication/authorization concepts, common vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10).

Practical toolset (learn these early)

• Nmap — network discovery & port scanning
• Wireshark / tcpdump — packet capture & analysis
• Burp Suite (Community) or OWASP ZAP — web application testing
• Metasploit Framework — exploitation & testing modules
• John the Ripper / Hashcat — password auditing
• Git — source control for scripts and notes
• Kali Linux or Parrot OS — toolkits and labs
• Virtualization — VirtualBox, VMware, or WSL2 for lab environments
• Docker — run apps/targets quickly for practice

Legal & ethical rules (non-negotiable)

• Always have written permission (scope, targets, time window).
• Follow a Rules of Engagement (RoE) and a defined disclosure process.
• Never exfiltrate or expose user data. If you find sensitive data, follow the agreed reporting process.
• Respect privacy laws and local regulations (GDPR, Computer Misuse Acts, etc.).
  Breaking these can mean criminal charges — don’t risk it.

Learning roadmap — 0 to job-ready (practical timeline)

Month 0–3: Foundations

• Learn networking basics and Linux command line.
• Start Python scripting (simple tasks).
• Set up a home lab (VirtualBox + Kali + target VMs like Metasploitable, DVWA).
• Practice Nmap and basic port/service enumeration.

Month 4–6: Core skills & beginner projects

• Web app fundamentals + OWASP Top 10.
• Hands-on with Burp Suite / ZAP: intercept, modify requests, test XSS/SQLi.
• Learn basics of exploitation with Metasploit (in lab only).
• Capture-the-Flag (CTF) beginner challenges (TryHackMe, Hack The Box - starting tracks).

Month 7–12: Specialize & build portfolio

• Do complete pentest-style reports on lab targets.
• Learn post-exploitation basics, privilege escalation, and persistence techniques (lab only).
• Start a public GitHub with scripts, write-ups, and sanitized pentest reports.
• Prepare for entry-level certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or eJPT).

Certifications that help launch your career

• CompTIA Security+ — broad security fundamentals (good for beginners).
• eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Pentester) — practical, lab-focused intro to pentesting.
• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) — highly regarded practical certification (harder, but boosts hiring prospects).
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) — popular but more theory-focused; mixed opinions in the community.
  Choose based on budget and timeline — practical, hands-on certs (eJPT/OSCP) are especially valuable.

Build a portfolio recruiters will notice

• Write vulnerability write-ups (sanitized, non-sensitive) on a blog or GitHub.
• CTF scores & badges (TryHackMe, Hack The Box).
• Scripts & automation tools you wrote (Python, Bash).
• Example pentest report (redact sensitive details) demonstrating structure: Executive Summary → Scope → Findings → Impact → Repro steps → Remediation.
• Keep a clean LinkedIn with relevant skills and projects.

How to get your first job / internship

• Apply for roles like: Junior Penetration Tester, SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, or Vulnerability Analyst.
• Internship, bug-bounty, or volunteer at open-source projects are great entry points.
• Tailor your CV: highlight lab projects, CTFs, certs, and tangible outcomes (e.g., “discovered X vuln in lab environment, wrote fix steps”).
• Prepare for technical interviews: expect practical problem-solving, basic scripting, and scenario questions (how to test X, how to escalate Y).

Continuous learning resources

• Platforms: TryHackMe, Hack The Box, PortSwigger Academy, OverTheWire, CTFtime.
• Blogs/news: KrebsOnSecurity, The Hacker News, OWASP, SANS Internet Storm Center.
• Books: “The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook”, “Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction” (by Georgia Weidman).
• Communities: Reddit (/r/netsec, /r/AskNetsec), Discord security channels, local meetups, and security conferences (virtual/in-person).

Sample 12-week focused study plan (compact)

Week 1–2: Networking + Linux basics + set up lab.
Week 3–4: Nmap, service enumeration, simple scripts.
Week 5–6: Web fundamentals + OWASP Top 10.
Week 7–8: Burp Suite / ZAP hands-on; exploit simple XSS/SQLi in lab.
Week 9–10: Basics of exploitation and Metasploit in safe lab.
Week 11: CTF challenges + write up 2 reports.
Week 12: Polish GitHub, create 1-page pentest report, apply for roles.

Common beginner mistakes (avoid these)

• Practicing on live/unauthorised systems. (Legal hazard.)
• Memorising tools without understanding underlying concepts.
• Skipping report-writing — communication is critical.
• Chasing every shiny certification instead of building practical skills.

Next steps — actionable checklist (right now)

• Set up a lab (VirtualBox + Kali + at least one vulnerable target VM).
• Complete one TryHackMe beginner path and document learnings.
• Learn basics of Python and one scripting project (e.g., port scanner script).
• Create a GitHub repo and upload your first sanitized write-up.
• Join a security community and follow one weekly blog/news source.