How to start your hacking journey
This blog post will guide you on how to kickstart your hacking journey.
What is a Hacker?
The term “hacker” is often used in many contexts, and definitions can vary widely. To me, a hacker is someone who:
- …can bend a computer to their own will.
- …breaks systems apart to understand their inner workings.
Think of hacking as a competitive sport where teams go head-to-head, much like in basketball or football. I was introduced to hacking at a young age through Capture the Flag (CTF) events—global competitions where participants solve complex computer problems to hone their skills.
What is a Capture The Flag Event?
In Jeopardy-style CTFs, you’re presented with problems across various categories. Your task is to research, solve these problems, and submit your solutions (or “flags”) to earn points.
The main goals of CTF competitions are:
- To practice and enhance hacking skills
- To gamify the learning experience
- To discover and recruit top talent
Today, companies are actively seeking cybersecurity professionals because “today’s warfare takes place in the 5th dimension” – cyberspace.
Three key CTF principles to keep in mind:
- Applied, deliberate practice
- Self-directed learning
- Creative problem-solving
In the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, staying current is essential. The best way to stay ahead is to continually research, adapt to new technologies, and refine your attack strategies.
You can learn a lot from participating in CTF tournaments, such as:
- Network traffic analysis
- x86 assembly language
- Command injection attacks
- Buffer overflows
- And more.
Which Platforms Should You Use to Play CTFs?
There are several excellent platforms for practicing your skills:
- HackTheBox: Offers a gamified, hands-on training experience.
- TryHackMe: Provides a structured approach to cybersecurity learning.
- CTFtime: Lists active CTFs and write-ups for various events.
Joining a CTF team or community can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to collaborate with others, get help when you’re stuck, and build a network of like-minded individuals. Consider finding a mentor or establishing a mentorship relationship with experienced CTF players or hackers.
What’s Next?
Now that you have a grasp of the basics, it’s time to dive in and participate in these tournaments. Practice consistently and stay curious!
Make connections, integrate CTFs into your hacking training, and keep pushing yourself to excel in this dynamic field.