Learn How to Be a Computer Hacker: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Who doesn’t want to learn how to hack? 🤔

Who doesn’t want to learn a skill-based superpower that could be wielded for good…or bad (mwahaha)?

That was my initial reaction to realizing that hacking was officially a “thing” while studying for my Computer Science BSc degree. My first probe of a target system for exploitable information (aka enumeration) marked the point of no return for me. I was all in.

From then on, all-night hacking events with friends filled many weekends. We even formed an intense cybersecurity study group to learn and share knowledge. And, to cut a long story short, I became an ethical hacker who is now part of a one-of-a-kind community that makes the skill of hacking accessible to anyone willing to learn it.🤘

In this post, I’m sharing the truth behind the wonderful wizardry that is hacking. You’ll see what it takes to learn hacking from scratch and the necessary steps to get started!

Understanding What Hacking Truly Is

The textbook definition of “hacking” often falls short. It’s typically described as the unauthorized access to computer systems, digital devices, or networks by exploiting weaknesses. While technically accurate, this definition misses the essence of what hacking truly represents.

Real hacking is more than just exploitation; it’s a blend of technical expertise and a unique mindset. It demands creative problem-solving, thinking outside conventional boundaries, and unwavering persistence when faced with ever-changing and unexpected challenges. Imagine navigating a system along a well-trodden path only to find no vulnerabilities. How do you then adapt? How do you remain undetected once you’ve breached security? And crucially, how can you strengthen defenses for the system you’re testing?

This unconventional approach extends to various forms of hacking, encompassing physical security assessments and even social engineering, which targets human vulnerabilities.

Ethical Hacking: Hacking for Good vs. Unethical Hacking: Hacking for Malice

The media often depicts hacking as a nefarious activity carried out by shadowy figures in hoodies. However, this portrayal is far from the complete picture. At Hack The Box, we are strong advocates for ethical hacking, recognizing it as a potent skill that can be harnessed for positive purposes – safeguarding infrastructure and protecting individuals in our increasingly digital world.

Ethical hacking is distinguished by its requirement for prior knowledge and explicit permission from the organization being assessed. It’s about proactively identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them, allowing for timely remediation and strengthening of overall security.

Related read: Best entry level cybersecurity jobs for aspiring hackers.

Companies and organizations employ ethical hackers, often known as Penetration Testers (a common industry term for professional hackers), to simulate cyberattacks on their systems, networks, applications, and even human elements. This proactive approach allows them to stay ahead of potential threats, gain valuable insights into their security posture, and implement necessary improvements.

Ultimately, these cybersecurity professionals are dedicated to assisting businesses and doing everything possible to enhance their defenses. Adhering to a defined set of ethical guidelines distinguishes these professionals from cybercriminals and provides businesses with the confidence to engage hacker talent legitimately.

Haris Pylarinos, CEO, Hack The Box

Recommended read: How to become an ethical hacker.

Exploring the Spectrum of Hackers: White, Black, and Gray Hats

Hacking, in itself, is neither inherently “good” nor “bad.” Like any tool or technology, its ethical implications are determined by the user’s intentions and actions. This is why hackers are commonly categorized based on their intent:

White Hat Hackers: Often referred to as “ethical hackers” or the “good guys,” white hats are security professionals who meticulously assess computer systems, networks, and applications to uncover vulnerabilities and security flaws that might be missed by developers or in-house security teams. Their goal is to strengthen security and prevent malicious attacks.
Script Kiddies: These are less-skilled individuals who utilize pre-written scripts or tools developed by others to launch attacks. They often lack a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms and are motivated by personal reasons such as impressing peers, seeking revenge, or simply for amusement.
Black Hat Hackers: Black hat hackers are cybercriminals who illegally breach networks and systems with malicious intent. A well-known example is Kevin Mitnick, a former black hat hacker notorious for targeting major organizations. He has since transitioned to ethical hacking.
Gray Hat Hackers: Gray hat hackers occupy a middle ground between white and black hats. While they may have good intentions, their methods often involve unauthorized system infiltration, making their actions legally questionable. Ben Rolling, Head of Security at HTB, recounts a story of a “friend of a friend” who discovered a significant flaw in a Fortune 500 company’s system. Despite reporting it with good intentions, this individual was arrested, highlighting the risks associated with gray hat hacking.
Fun fact: The terms “white hat,” “black hat,” and “gray hat” originate from classic Western films, where heroes traditionally wore white hats, and villains wore black hats.

Interested in landing a job as a pentester or hacker? Brush up on these 30 critical cybersecurity interview questions and answers!

Is Learning to Hack Possible for Anyone?

Absolutely! The notion that hacking is an exclusive domain for tech prodigies is a myth. Most individuals can learn how to hack if they possess the right mindset, dedicate sufficient time, and commit to a structured learning journey. We have countless success stories within the Hack The Box community of individuals from diverse backgrounds, often without prior technical experience, who have cultivated their hacking skills to the point of earning a living as ethical hackers.

However, certain traits are commonly observed among successful hackers, indicating your potential enjoyment and aptitude for learning this skill:

A Deep-Seated Passion for Problem-Solving: While formal education and certifications are valuable for acquiring knowledge and skills for a cybersecurity career, a truly exceptional hacker is, at their core, a relentless problem-solver.
Thinking Outside the Box Mentality: Effective cybersecurity demands proactive thinking. To defend against attackers, you must adopt their mindset. This involves going beyond routine security practices and creatively anticipating potential attack vectors.
A Lifelong Love for Learning: The digital landscape is in constant evolution, making continuous learning essential for cybersecurity professionals. Successful hackers embrace this dynamic nature, constantly exploring new technologies, vulnerabilities, and concepts. This continuous learning is a significant appeal of hacking; there’s always something new to discover, whether specializing in a specific area, upskilling, or advancing your career within the high-demand field of penetration testing and ethical hacking.

In the early days of learning to hack, resources were scarce. Learning often involved navigating internet relay chat forums (IRCs) and relying on community knowledge sharing. Setting up a personal hacking lab with virtual machines was also necessary for practice. Today, aspiring hackers have access to a wealth of resources, including cybersecurity training platforms like Hack The Box (HTB), making learning more accessible than ever before.

Join the Largest Hacking Community

Connect with fellow learners, find study partners, gain inspiration, and advance your hacking career.

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Where Should Beginner Hackers Begin Their Journey?

For those starting to Learn How To Be A Computer Hacker, the foundation lies in mastering fundamental cybersecurity skills. Networking, Linux, Windows, and scripting are the cornerstones upon which all hacking knowledge is built. Regardless of the complexity of your hacking endeavors, these core domains will always be relevant. A solid understanding of these fundamentals will significantly accelerate your ability to grasp advanced hacking concepts, techniques, and tools.

1. Networking: Understanding the Digital Landscape

Networking is paramount in cybersecurity and hacking. A robust understanding of networking fundamentals is indispensable for beginners. Knowing how networks are structured and how devices communicate allows you to effectively identify, protect, exploit, and remediate network vulnerabilities. This knowledge provides insights into server services, ports, protocols, and traffic behavior within a network.

Related read: Learn cybersecurity for free.

2. Linux: The Hacker’s Operating System

An operating system (OS) is the core software that manages hardware resources and facilitates communication between software and hardware. Learning Linux is a crucial step in cybersecurity. Linux powers a significant portion of the world’s servers, including macOS, which is also Linux-based. Linux-based systems are prevalent in servers, mainframes, desktops, embedded systems like routers, and various consumer electronics.

3. Windows: Navigating the Corporate World

Proficiency in Windows is essential because of its widespread use in corporate environments. Penetration testing engagements frequently involve accessing Windows hosts. Furthermore, many servers and most corporate workstations run on Windows due to its user-friendliness and centralized administration capabilities via Active Directory.

Related read: How to become a cybersecurity analyst.

4. Bash Scripting: Automating Tasks in Linux

Bash is a command-line interface language for interacting with operating systems like Linux. For hackers, learning bash scripting is crucial for automating tasks, leveraging the full potential of Linux, and effectively using various hacking tools. Bash scripts, essentially collections of commands, streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.

5. Python: A Versatile Scripting Language for Hacking

Python is a powerful and beginner-friendly programming language widely used in hacking due to its versatility, ease of learning, and significant role in system and network compromise. Python is used for:

Task automation
Writing custom scripts
Web data scraping
Packet and data analysis
Malware development and analysis

Reminder: Our community is here to support you. If you have more questions about learning how to be a computer hacker, feel free to reach out to us on Discord.

Beginner Hacker Tools: Essential software and platforms for learning computer hacking, including virtual machines, networking tools, and scripting environments.

Everything you need to become a certified Hacker

Master cybersecurity with guided and interactive cybersecurity training courses and certifications (created by real hackers and professionals from the field) on the HTB Academy. (Student discounts are available.)

Browse free courses

Related read: 7 Powerful pentesting tools (and why you should stop pedestalizing them).

Crafting a Powerful Training Plan for Learning Hacking from Scratch

Learning how to be a computer hacker is a journey, not an overnight transformation. It requires time and dedicated effort to truly grasp the fundamentals. Continuing the magic analogy, don’t simply memorize spells; understand the incantation, its mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses to adapt it to any situation and target!

This foundational knowledge is crucial and will be repeatedly utilized throughout your hacking journey.

While the initial enthusiasm to dive into hacking is understandable, developing a structured study plan is highly recommended. An organized approach will:

Prevent overwhelm and burnout.
Enable progress tracking and journey monitoring.
Help overcome frustrations and challenges inherent in learning new skills.

Allocating two hours daily for study, dedicating four to eight months to mastering the fundamentals is a realistic approach. Allocate approximately two months to each core domain: Networking, Linux, Windows, and Python (plus scripting like Bash/PowerShell). This foundation, combined with guided cybersecurity courses and hands-on cybersecurity exercises, will set you on the path to success.

(A scan of the open ports on a network. Executed on a live practice target via our Academy’s in-browser tool, Pwnbox. Click here to try it yourself.)

Example Training Plans from Experienced Hackers

Here are two example training plans from seasoned hackers and content creators at HTB, IppSec and 0xdf. These illustrate that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Find what resonates with you and adapt it as you progress.

IppSec’s Recommendations:

Establish Your Learning Methodology: Choose a learning style: guided step-by-step learning, write-ups (tutorials), or video walkthroughs. Don’t worry about spoilers; learning opportunities are abundant.
Validate Your Methodology: Watch a video in its entirety, then immediately tackle a challenge. If time is limited, divide challenges into sections, watching until a specific point (e.g., user flag) and then solving that part.
Enhance Memory Retention: Introduce time gaps between watching content and solving challenges. Start with a few hours, gradually increasing to a day or more. Don’t hesitate to revisit videos when stuck for 20-30 minutes.
Develop Hacking Muscle Memory: Watch multiple videos or read write-ups before attempting challenges days later. This delayed application will truly test your acquired skills.

0xdf’s Recommendations:

Note-Taking is Essential: Writing down information aids retention. Organize notes in a way that suits you. Markdown files in Typora are suggested, but find your preferred method.
Initial Learning with Write-Ups/Videos: When starting, you’ll lack necessary information. Learn alongside write-ups or video solutions, but avoid copy-pasting. Type commands, understand their function, and experiment with arguments. Record learned tools and syntax in your notes.
Progressing to Independent Problem-Solving: As you become more proficient, anticipate write-up steps and attempt solutions beforehand. Utilize your notes and explore potential attack vectors. When stuck, consult write-ups for guidance, updating notes with new techniques.
Balancing Guidance and Independence: Over time, your notes will become more comprehensive. Strive for independence, reducing reliance on walkthroughs. Remember that even experienced hackers collaborate and seek assistance when needed.

Learning How to Hack with HTB: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 0: Identifying Your Immediate Learning Needs

Hack The Box caters to learners of all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned cybersecurity professionals. It offers a gamified learning experience for millions globally. You can begin with foundational skills, progress to hands-on training in realistic environments, participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) events, and even pursue cybersecurity career opportunities. (My HTB rank played a key role in securing my first ethical hacking job.)

But where should you start within HTB’s diverse offerings?

HTB Academy: Ideal for beginners, the Academy provides step-by-step training in various hacking skills and topics. Whether you’re new to networking or want to master a specific tool like Nmap, the Academy offers guided theoretical training and interactive exercises on live targets to reinforce your skills.
HTB Labs: HTB Labs provides a vast collection of hackable environments simulating current security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. New labs are added weekly, ensuring up-to-date content and continuous learning. Labs are excellent for practical skill development and learning the latest attack paths and techniques. (For HTB Labs beginners, Starting Point Labs are recommended to familiarize yourself with the platform and Machines.)
HTB CTFs: Compete in Capture The Flag events against hackers worldwide. CTFs are gamified hacking competitions focused on various information security challenges. They are excellent for experienced hackers to hone and demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment.

Hack The Box Learning Paths: A visual guide illustrating the recommended learning progression on Hack The Box, starting with HTB Academy, moving to HTB Labs, and culminating in HTB CTFs.

Step 1: Joining the HTB Community

Our community is the heart of Hack The Box! We are hackers at heart.

1.8M+ Members Around The World
195 Countries & Territories
3.5k Discord Messages Every Day
5.1k Forum Threads – For Any Box

First, review the Community Manifesto, outlining community conduct guidelines.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming space for all hackers, where passion for cyber is the only prerequisite!

To maximize your Hack The Box experience, join our primary communication channels where the community thrives! Join our Discord and forum. Discord is typically where we announce the latest updates and features first, making it essential to be a part of it.

Discord also features dedicated channels for various topics and skill levels. We are the largest InfoSec server globally, with over 200K members. Participate in discussions, ask questions, find study partners, and get inspired.

HTB Team Tip: Verify your Discord account in the #welcome channel. For the forum, an active HTB account is required.

Learn more about the HTB Community.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Hacking VM (or Using Pwnbox)

To begin your hands-on hacking journey with HTB, setting up a hacking machine is crucial. This involves creating a virtual environment on your existing operating system to practice and engage with Hack The Box. (This is a fundamental step for every aspiring hacker.)

Virtualization applications simplify this process:

After installing your chosen virtualization software, select your preferred operating system. Learn about Parrot OS here.

HTB Team Tip: Always opt for a stable version!

How to install Parrot on Virtual Box – If you encounter installation difficulties or lack the hardware or network capabilities for a virtual machine, Pwnbox is an alternative. Pwnbox is a Hack The Box-customized ParrotOS VM hosted in the cloud, accessible via any web browser 24/7. It’s maintained by HTB and allows direct access to HTB labs. Intro to Pwnbox

See how others use Pwnbox:

How to play machines with Pwnbox by HackerSploit

How to play Pwnbox video by STÖK

Step 3: Exploring the Knowledge Base

If you still have questions, we have you covered! The Knowledge Base contains answers to 99.99% of HTB-related queries. It’s an essential resource for anyone starting with our platform.

Here are some key resources you might find helpful at this stage:

Step 4: Mastering Essential Hacking Tools

These are must-have tools to master before diving into hacking:

Nmap: For network scanning. Add your target IP, port range, scan type, and execute!

Recommended: Free Academy Module: Network Enumeration with Nmap

Metasploit: A framework simplifying hacking. Set your target, choose an exploit and payload, and run!

Recommended: HTB Track: Pwn With Metasploit

Curl/Burp: For inspecting, modifying, and interacting with web requests.

Recommended: Free Academy Module: Web Requests

Ffuf/GoBuster/Seclists: For web application fuzzing to discover hidden directories and files.

Recommended: Free Academy Module: Attacking Web Applications with Ffuf

Windows OS: Understanding Windows fundamentals is crucial for hacking.

Recommended: Free Academy Module: Windows Fundamentals

Linux OS: Mastering Linux is essential in the security/InfoSec field.

Recommended: Free Academy Module: Linux Fundamentals

Step 5: Discovering Starting Point

Starting Point is a series of free, beginner-friendly Machines with accompanying write-ups. It provides a strong cybersecurity foundation and introduces you to the HTB platform, covering operating systems, networking, and fundamental hacking concepts.

Try Starting Point Machines

Step 6: Completing the Beginner Track

It’s time for the classics! Pwn the machines in the Beginner Track, capture user and root flags, and complete the track to feel like a hacker! Click here to get started.

Step 7: Continuous Learning and Exploration

The Beginner Track provides a great initial hands-on experience. Now, explore the wealth of additional resources available on HTB to further your learning:

Write-ups & Video Walkthroughs
Active & Retired Boxes (virtual hacking machines)
Other Tracks including: Intro to Dante, The Classics, OWASP TOP 10

HTB Team Tip: Start independently, explore tools, watch recommended videos, and then enhance your hacking skills with our subscriptions!

HTB Watch List 🍿

Recommended video walkthroughs for beginners:

Beginner Hacking Machine Walkthroughs: A collection of video tutorials demonstrating step-by-step solutions for beginner-level hacking challenges on Hack The Box.

Author bio: Author Bio: Sotiria Giannitsari (r0adrunn3r), Head of Community, Hack The Box Sotiria is an experienced Cybersecurity Professional and a successful Community Manager, having created engaged communities over 1 million members. Driven by technology, hacking, and growth, she has earned a BSc in Computer Science, an MSc in Cybersecurity, and is a devoted Hack The Box CTF player for over 6 years. Her past work experience includes penetration testing at Ernest and Young for 2 years, and she has been leading community efforts at Hack The Box for 3.5 years.