r/learnhacking • u/Equal-Anteater5573 • 13d ago
where should i begin to learn "hacking"?
I'm complete blank slate when it comes to cybersecurity/hacking and honestly pretty overwhelmed by how much info is out there. Everyone says "learn programming," but then others say "learn networking first," and half the tutorials online feel like either total scams or way too advanced for a beginner.
For those of you who started from absolute zero: where did you actually begin? What are the core fundamental tools, languages (Python, Linux, etc.), or beginner-friendly platforms (like TryHackMe or Hack The Box) you’d recommend focusing on first so I don't burn out or waste time on the wrong stuff? Any clear roadmap or advice would be huge! Thank you!
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u/DonovanDLM 13d ago
First try mastering Linux, y recommend you to install Debian 13 in a VM (Virtual Machine), and install it without a graphic interface (ask AI how to do it if it's difficult to you), then, use it and learn the basic commands, then train your logic, and try to understand python. After that, almost every "complex tutorial" would be fine with you, because you will already know the basic commands that seem difficult (like a "sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y", or some commands like that), and install Kali or Parrot after that, principally to use the same tools and OS as the majority of tutorials, and if you are going to copy what others do in tutorials, always try to understand what do they do, how does it work, and ask IA to understand something if you can't figure out what is the guy doing. About the CTFs (THM, HTB), it's another world, you can do them if you want, but learn the basics first.
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u/theInfiniteHammer 12d ago
If you want to know more about computers I made this handy playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLogZUlUedQpYTiPL8ccZzEaFZi5Wkd7VQ&si=l9eNoPmZhdI_Pix8
I never really learned how to hack, but I do know a lot about programming. The first programming language I taught myself was the C programming language. If you had asked this question 10 years ago I would have recommended learning C since there are a lot of security bugs in C code and there's a lot of C code out there. However now C is being replaced with rust and/or zig.
Those two languages exist to address the problems that the C programming language had. C was great for learning how the hardware worked, which would be great for hacking, but now it's being replaced with tools that are confusing if you don't already have experience with C.
If you want you can learn C and possibly some assembly to get an idea how everything works, but keep in mind that C is on it's way out so you might not be working with it in the future.
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u/PalpitationKind8854 11d ago
Stare at a blank terminal for about 8 hours a day.
That is hacking. It is not what you see on TV.
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u/GhostlyBoi33 11d ago
ZSecurity covers bug bounty hunting and web pentesting really well. They have a course available through Udemy that’s much cheaper than buying it directly from their website, so I’d definitely recommend checking that out.
Likewise, PortSwigger Web Security Academy and Hack The Box Academy are both great resources. HTB Academy has a lot of reading, but it’s also very hands-on, which I personally found really helpful for actually putting the concepts into practice.
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u/Double-Familiar 7d ago
Learn Linux administration Learn bash scripting Learn networking Learn Python
Hacking is an advanced area of IT.
Build strong foundational knowledge.
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u/Intelligent_Box5017 12d ago
For hacking, first of all, you need a foundational knowledge about networking and protocols, operation systems and at least basic understanding of software development. Then get yourself familiar with OWASP and then decide which hacking area you want to learn first. (My personal advice is to start with web pentesting)
If you are interested in web hacking, check out Port Swigger Web Academy and follow its roadmap. It offers both learning and practice (everything for free).
To learn network and host based hacking I recommend you to start on TryHackMe platform and later after some experience you to join HackTheBox platform. Both THM and HTB offer courses, labs, CTFs, but HTB is more advanced.
Here are couple of hacking YouTube channels (beginner level) for you: @NahamSec, @MomImAHacker, @NeurixTech, @Medusa0xf, @madhatistaken, @TCMSecurityAcademy