The term "hacker" has an aura of fascination, and the media foster this interest a lot. In reality, a hacker is simply a person looking for vulnerabilities to explore and exploit. Most real hackers illegally enter various systems out of curiosity and enthusiasm, not for personal gain. To get ahead of many hackers, try to learn as much as possible during your teens. This knowledge can help you develop a career in the world of hacking and even get you into a prestigious university or get a job in the future.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Taking Lessons
Step 1. Sign up for a computer course organized by your school
Many high schools offer afternoon classes that teach the basics of programming and networking. Taking these classes (sometimes free, sometimes for a fee) can help you a lot in the future and give you an edge for your studies. If you have to enroll in high school, you should choose the IT and telecommunications address, so you can acquire more in-depth knowledge even during school hours.
Step 2. Look for IT courses in external training centers
Prefer those that focus on operating systems and networks. You will likely find many more courses than those offered at your school, although they will generally be paid. These lessons can put you in touch with much better trained professionals than those who teach in schools.
Step 3. Join a computer club or association
It is a great opportunity to meet people like you and perhaps establish a more direct relationship with the teachers. If there are no such organizations in your city, you could start one yourself. By the way, it's a curriculum experience and you can learn a lot more about applied computing.
Step 4. Take courses in logic and critical thinking
Hacking doesn't just mean knowing programming languages by heart. You must learn to approach problems from unique angles. You must be able to exploit vulnerabilities that the creator of a system would never have thought of. Knowing how to apply creativity to attack procedures can give you a certain advantage.
Part 2 of 4: Getting Familiar with Computers and Networks
Step 1. Get to know the major operating systems (OS) in detail
Use a computer in the computer lab or one you have at home to find out the structure and operation of as many OSs as possible. To become a successful hacker, you need to be able to work seamlessly on Windows, Linux and OS X. You should be able to perform the most important functions and find everything you need without having to think about it.
Step 2. Become familiar with the command lines
Hackers spend a good deal of their time studying command lines and typing commands. Learn to use the Windows command prompt, but also the Linux and OS X terminal.
- Look for online guides to learn how to use the Windows Command Prompt.
- Read this article to learn more about the Ubuntu (Linux) terminal.
Step 3. Find out how computer components work and interact
More experienced hackers often work closely with hardware, dealing with network cards, routers and memories. Understanding how a computer works and how the various parts connect will come in handy as you learn how to use the various systems to your advantage. Read this article to get an idea of how the different components interact. Taking a computer course can allow you to acquire a lot of basic knowledge about it.
Step 4. Learn the basics of computer networks
Knowing how data is transferred over the internet is essential to be a good hacker. Try to understand how the different layers of the network models work. This way you will understand where you can find the data, how to intercept and change it. Read this article for a brief on network models and layers. Knowing the basics of networking is essential to hacking effectively and at a high level.
You can take specific lessons in a school or training center
Step 5. Read all the books you can find on hacking and computer science
Don't just rely on courses to learn, study on your own. You should actively work to learn as much as possible. Buy used books on the subject or subscribe to a trade magazine. All the information you will acquire will help you enrich your preparation.
Part 3 of 4: Learning the main languages
Step 1. Learn HTML
It is the basic language used to create all websites. Knowing the fundamentals can help you identify web page weaknesses and plan your own sites. Read this article to get started.
Step 2. Learn JavaScript
It is one of the main tools for displaying content on websites. Finding out how it works can help you identify parts of exploitable sites and insert your scripts. Read this article to know how it works.
Step 3. Learn SQL
It is the leading database language for websites and online services. Hackers spend a good deal of their time trying to access databases, so knowing how SQL works is essential for many hacking jobs. Read this article - it will tell you how to set up a SQL server to run a test.
Step 4. Learn PHP
It is a server-side language, often used to manage access in restricted areas. It is therefore well known that it is essential to attack protected sites. Read this article to find out how to get started with it. It is one of the main languages for hackers.
Step 5. Learn Python
It is a high-level language that allows you to quickly write programs and scripts. It is essential for writing exploits and doing other hacking actions. Read this article to know how to get started using it.
Part 4 of 4: Practice Hacking Safely
Step 1. Attack a virtual machine on your own network
The surest way to practice what you have learned is to attach your own equipment. Setting up a private network with virtual machines will allow you to use and test hacks without causing real harm or getting into trouble with the law.
You can use virtual machines to install any operating system on your computer. This will allow you to test custom hacks for specific operating systems. Read this article to learn how to get started using virtual machines for free
Step 2. Use sites that allow you to practice
If you want to test your hacking skills in the real world, there are several sites available with built-in vulnerabilities that you can safely attack. They will allow you to try your scripts and attack techniques without fear of legal repercussions. Here are some popular sites to practice:
- Bricks.
- bWAPP.
- DVWA.
- Google Gruyere.
- McAfee Hacme sites.
Step 3. Join a hacker community
There are several, from easily traceable forums to cyber spaces hidden from most people. Look for a hacker group that can spur you on to improve and help you when you are confused. These communities can also provide resources for practicing hacking techniques safely.
Step 4. Avoid engaging in illegal behavior
As tempting as an experience may be, don't venture into dangerous territory to test your new knowledge. One mistake is enough to get into trouble with the law, with the risk of ruining your career before it even begins. Don't be fooled by those stories of professional hackers who, after being caught red-handed, received a job offer, becoming trusted employees. Usually, anyone who does not respect the law ends up in prison.
Also avoid being associated with illegal behavior. If your community starts making attacks, you can be found guilty by association. When you don't share the actions of other hackers, distance yourself as much as possible
Step 5. Practice white hat or ethical hacking
These terms are used to describe hackers who look for vulnerabilities in systems without exploiting them for personal gain. Instead, they expose these flaws to prevent future attacks by malicious hackers. Experienced white hat hackers can make huge gains in the cybersecurity industry.
