How To Become a Master Hacker in 2024

~ Tom's IT Cafe

As technology breaks in to more fields and professions, as the age of the AI is in our doorstep and the information technology (IT) is unquestionable part of our everyday life the attack surface for malicious actors is exponentially growing. With the age of home office and remote work the importance of cyber security just accelerated. More and more people want to get their share from this now popular cyber world. They are from different experience levels and age. Here are my suggestions and ideas for 2024 to learn cyber security and dip a pinky into ethical hacking.

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Basics of IT roadmap

Without the basic technology skills learning cyber security would be like learning to write without knowing the alphabet. These are the building blocks of everything around and in IT. Take time to build a strong foundation with reliable hands-on experience.

  1. Networking fundamentals
    Ethical hacking and cyber security relies on a strong understanding of networking principles. Begin by mastering the basics of IP addressing, subnetting, and the OSI model. Familiarize yourself with different network protocols, such as TCP/IP and UDP, and learn how data traverses through a network. The contents of the CCNA training is great starting point to learn networking.
  2. Operating systems
    A solid grasp of various operating systems is crucial for an ethical hacker. Focus on popular platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS. Gain proficiency in both command-line and graphical interfaces, understanding file systems, permissions, and user management. Android is a popular cellular phone OS that can be vulnerable for different techniques, so an understanding of it is a benefit. Also most of the tools and software are written to Linux, so a successful cyber security engineer candidate must be familiar on these systems.
  3. Programming and scripting, SQL
    Programming forms the backbone of ethical hacking. Learn languages like Python, Go, and Perl, as they are widely used in creating scripts for penetration testing and automation. Understanding programming concepts will enable you to analyze and manipulate code effectively. Not a programming language but I mention SQL here as part of the backbone of any application with persistent data.
  4. Cyber security fundamentals
    Before diving into ethical hacking, build a strong foundation in cyber security. Understand encryption, authentication, access control, and security protocols. Familiarize yourself with common attack vectors, such as malware, phishing, and social engineering.

Steps to become a Master Ethical Hacker

  1. Educational background
    If you are just starting out, try to start with a solid educational foundation in computer science, information technology, or a related field if possible. Formal education provides a structured understanding of fundamental concepts.
  2. Certifications
    Acquire industry-recognized certifications to validate your skills. Certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and CompTIA Security+ are widely acknowledged in the cyber security community.
  3. Hands-on experience
    Practical experience is indispensable in ethical hacking. Set up your own lab environment using platforms like VirtualBox or VMware. Experiment with different operating systems, network configurations, and security tools.
  4. Networking and community involvement
    Engage with the cyber security community through forums, conferences, and social media. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.
  5. Stay updated
    The cyber security landscape is dynamic, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging regularly. Stay abreast of the latest developments through continuous learning, reading blogs, participating in online forums, and attending relevant webinars.
  6. Ethics and legal considerations
    Ethical hackers must operate within legal and ethical boundaries. Understand the laws and regulations governing cyber security practices in your region. Obtain explicit permission before conducting any penetration testing.
  7. Specialize and dive deeper
    Ethical hacking encompasses various domains, including web application security, network penetration testing, and mobile security. Specialize in an area of interest and delve deeper into advanced techniques and tools.

Becoming a master ethical hacker in 2024 requires a multifaceted approach, combining a strong foundation in IT basics with hands-on experience, continuous learning, and adherence to ethical standards. As cyber security remains a critical concern in our digital age, ethical hackers play an unquestionable role in safeguarding organizations from malicious threats. Commitment to ongoing education and ethical practices will enable aspiring professionals to excel in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Further reading:

If you want to discuss the topic with other technology-minded people, join my Discord: https://discord.gg/YbSYGsQYES

Now we have an IRC channel as well: irc.libera.chat / #tomsitcafe

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