A while back, I was completely clueless about why I needed to learn operating systems, networking, programming, or scripting. I thought hacking was all about using cool tools to break into websites. I mean, I saw videos where people said you don’t need to bother with stuff like programming or understanding how an operating system works to be a “real hacker.”
I believed them.
Then I stumbled across a practical video that completely flipped my perspective. In the video, the instructor had an IP address (like 192.168.1.1) and asked, “What operating system is running on this machine? What’s the username?”
I was like, What?! How do you figure that out from a bunch of numbers?
The instructor then demonstrated using tools like Nmap and a bit of enumeration to get the answers. Watching that process blew my mind. I realized I had no idea what I was doing, and I’d been wasting time on shortcuts that didn’t work.
That moment was a wake-up call. Here’s what I learned:
1. Operating Systems (OS)
Knowing operating systems isn’t optional—it’s essential. Back when I was trying to hack a website, I didn’t even think about the fact that websites run on different web servers, which could be on Linux or Windows. If you don’t understand the OS, how will you find vulnerabilities or know how the system works?
Operating systems are at the heart of everything in tech, especially in ethical hacking. If you’re serious about this field, start learning Linux today. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
If you’re in school or college, take some time to get comfortable with Linux commands and dive deeper into how operating systems work. It’ll make everything else so much easier.
2. Networking
Networking is another fundamental skill you need. Without understanding basics like IP addresses or how data flows between systems, you’re not going to get very far. Networking is the foundation of everything in cybersecurity.
When I first started, I didn’t know much about networking, and it held me back. If I’d learned it earlier, I could’ve avoided so much frustration. Thankfully, there are tons of free resources online especially YouTube playlists that teach networking for beginners.
Start with the basics, like how networks communicate, and gradually move to practical stuff. If you stick with it, you’ll thank yourself later. By the way, I’ve already written a blog about DNS, and I’ll be posting more about networking soon, so stay tuned!
3. Programming
I used to think programming wasn’t necessary because there are so many tools out there that do the work for you. Big mistake.
Here’s the thing: tools are great, but what happens when you need to tweak one or build your own? Without basic coding knowledge, you’re stuck.
Start with Python. You don’t need to learn everything—just the basics. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how much power programming gives you. You can automate tasks, build custom tools, and understand what’s happening under the hood. Plus, coding can actually be a lot of fun when you start to get it!
4. Scripting
If you’re working with Linux, scripting is a must. Whether it’s Bash scripting or something else, it’ll help you automate repetitive tasks and create your own solutions.
At first, scripting might feel intimidating, but once you understand the basics, it’s like piecing together a puzzle. Start small, experiment, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you pick it up.
Why I’m Writing This
When I started my journey, I didn’t have a mentor. I had to figure things out on my own, and I wasted a lot of time on bad advice and shortcuts that didn’t work. That’s why I created this blog to help people like you who might not know where to start.
If you’re serious about ethical hacking, there are no shortcuts. You need to learn operating systems, networking, programming, and scripting. It’ll take time and effort, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t let setbacks stop you. You’ve got this!
Thank you so much for reading my blog! Your time and support mean everything to me. If you found the content helpful or insightful, feel free to like, comment, and share it with others who might benefit from it. I appreciate every bit of feedback and engagement let’s keep the conversation going and continue learning together!
0 Comments