Getting Started with Ethical Hacking: Essential Tools and Resources for Beginners

Before every Red Teamer there was an aspiring hacker or a general computer enthusiast. Embarking on a journey into the world of ethical hacking can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience in the computer science field, knowing which tools and resources to use can make all the difference.

When I first started at 24 years old I didn't even know what an IP address was (and maybe you don't either!). I had to learn on the fly during my first Capture the Flag ("CTF") event. Don't get me wrong, I had an absolute blast during my first event, but I wish I had been better prepared.

In this article, I'll briefly explain some essential tools, learning platforms, communities, and environments to practice in to help kickstart your ethical hacking journey so you are better prepared.

Top Ethical Hacking Tools

As an ethical hacker, your toolkit is your best friend. Starting out all I had was a simple Acer Laptop. You don't need much other than a computer and some free tools. Here are six essential tools that every aspiring ethical hacker should be familiar with on their system:

1. VirtualBox - VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on your computer, creating a safe environment for practicing ethical hacking.
2. Kali Linux - This powerful Linux distribution comes preloaded with numerous cybersecurity tools, making it an indispensable resource for ethical hacking (De Facto really). Another good cybersecurity Linux distribution is Parrot.
3. Wireshark - As a network protocol analyzer, Wireshark helps you examine network traffic, troubleshoot issues, and analyze your attacks in real-time.
4. Nmap - A versatile network scanning tool, Nmap allows you to identify open ports, running services, and potential vulnerabilities on a network.
5. Metasploit - A comprehensive penetration testing framework, Metasploit offers a wide range of exploit modules, payloads, and auxiliary tools for ethical hacking.
6. Burp Suite - This web application security toolkit is perfect for identifying vulnerabilities and flaws in web applications.

I strongly encourage you to become familiar with these tools and research how to get setup on each. Note: the process becomes a breeze once you have VirtualBox set up and Kali Linux operating within it. Kali Linux is a foundational platform that comes pre-loaded with a myriad of other tools like the others listed above, empowering you to kickstart your ethical hacking journey seamlessly! Explore, research, and master these tools to become an adept ethical hacker as you begin your journey towards becoming a Penetration Tester.

Online Learning Resources

To succeed in ethical hacking, constant learning is crucial. These online resources offer valuable information and educational materials for beginners:

• YouTube - Channels like NetworkChuck, Hackersploit, and The Cyber Mentor provide free video tutorials and walkthroughs on various ethical hacking techniques. If you are new to computers and networking I recommend paying closer attention to NetworkChuck's videos as you start off on your journey.
• Cybrary - This comprehensive learning platform offers free courses covering a range of cybersecurity topics, including ethical hacking. I actually first started on this platform back in 2016 before I even enrolled in the PWK/OSCP (now PEN-200) course.
• Udemy - With numerous affordable courses on ethical hacking, Udemy is an excellent resource for learning new skills at your own pace. While I personally do not have experience learning hacking on this platform, most people I mentor speak its praises for Ethical Hackers first starting out.

Joining Cybersecurity Communities

Connecting with like-minded individuals and professionals in the cybersecurity field is invaluable. Here are a few communities worth joining:

• Hacker101 - Hacker101, a complimentary educational offering by HackerOne, aiming to nurture and strengthen the global hacker community. It features engaging video tutorials and carefully selected resources that equips you with the knowledge to grasp hacking principles. Moreover, they provide a hands-on Capture the Flag experience that allows you to apply theoretical insights into real-world scenarios.
• Discord - Many cybersecurity Discord servers provide opportunities for networking, learning, and mentorship. Such servers include OffSec, TryHackMe and HackTheBox. HTB and OffSec servers was where I was at the most, learning and hacking with other like-minded folks. Speaking of some of these Discord servers:

Practicing your Ethical Hacking Skills

Once you've acquired the necessary knowledge and tools, it's time to put your skills to the test. There are several platforms that offer hands-on learning experiences, allowing you to practice ethical hacking in a safe and legal environment. Here are three popular platforms to help you sharpen your skills:

1. TryHackMe - TryHackMe is an online platform designed for learning and practicing cybersecurity. With a focus on guided learning paths, this platform offers a wide range of challenges and rooms tailored to various skill levels and topics, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced ethical hackers alike.
2. Hack The Box (HTB) - Hack The Box is another online platform that provides a collection of constantly updated vulnerable virtual machines, known as "boxes." By connecting to the HTB network, you can practice your penetration testing and ethical hacking skills on these boxes, solving challenges and earning points in the process.
3. VulnHub - VulnHub is a platform that provides vulnerable virtual machines for practicing ethical hacking and penetration testing. These VMs can be downloaded and run locally into your VirtualBox program, allowing you to experiment and learn at your own pace, without time restrictions or competition.

Continuously challenging yourself and practicing on these platforms will help you become a proficient ethical hacker and better prepare you for real-world cybersecurity scenarios, trust me.

Instead of watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, hop onto these platforms and start leveling up your skills!

Conclusion

By exploring these essential tools, resources, communities, and platforms you'll be well on your way to getting started with ethical hacking. Remember, the cybersecurity field is ever-evolving, so always stay curious and never stop learning. Good luck on your journey!