Becoming a Hacker: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started in Ethical Hacking ~ Logon2Tech

What is a Hacker?

First, let's clarify what the term "hacker" actually means. A hacker is not necessarily a criminal, but someone who is highly skilled in understanding and manipulating computer systems and networks. Hackers have deep knowledge of computer security, programming, and internet technologies. They are the ones who can analyze systems, find vulnerabilities, and sometimes even break into them—but not with malicious intent. In the ethical hacking world, hackers use their skills to identify weaknesses to improve security.

What You Need to Learn to Become a Hacker

To become a skilled hacker, you need to familiarize yourself with various concepts related to computers and, most importantly, the internet. Hacking requires a wide range of knowledge, and it’s essential to be good at the following areas. If you're not familiar with them yet, don't worry—start focusing on these skills and keep improving:

Programming Languages (Perl, C/C++, Python, Java, and more)
Internet Skills: How to surf, search, and work effectively online
Open-Source Operating Systems (like Linux or UNIX)
HTML & Web Technologies
Basic English Language Skills

A Deep Dive into the 5 Key Areas

1. Learn Programming Languages

To understand how software and applications work, and to eventually develop your own tools, you need to master programming languages. As a hacker, you’ll frequently encounter various applications, each requiring a different approach for understanding or exploiting. I recommend starting with QBasic, as it serves as a foundation for learning languages like C and C++. From there, move on to Java, and later explore more advanced languages like LISP and Python. Over time, you should continue learning new languages as the field evolves.

2. Master Internet Usage

Surfing the internet may seem easy, but hacking requires a deep understanding of how to search and navigate the web. It’s crucial to learn how to effectively use search engines, forums, and online resources to find the information you need, whether it's to improve your skills, download tools, or track down security vulnerabilities. Be efficient at searching, and learn to navigate both the surface web and deeper, more obscure parts of the internet.

3. Get Comfortable with Open-Source UNIX and Linux

One of the most important steps is to learn to work with Open-Source UNIX systems, such as Linux. These systems serve as the backbone for many hacking operations. Knowing how to install, use, and manipulate these environments will be essential for your success. Get a copy of a Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu, Kali Linux, or Debian), and start experimenting with it. You’ll find that many tools used by hackers are built for Linux, so being proficient in its use will make you a more effective hacker.

4. Understand HTML and Web Technologies

If you're planning to hack into websites or understand web applications, learning HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a must. It is the fundamental language used to structure content on the web. If you're just starting, I recommend learning XHTML first, as it’s simpler than HTML. Once you're comfortable with reading and understanding HTML, you'll be able to create web pages and even manipulate them for ethical hacking purposes, such as in phishing attacks or website exploitation.

5. Improve Your English Skills

Believe it or not, good English skills are important for hackers. Not only will you need to write clear and concise code, but you’ll also need to communicate with others in the hacking community or potential targets. Having a solid grasp of English, including correct grammar and spelling, is essential. If your messages or emails are difficult to understand, you might be ignored or dismissed by other hackers. Clear communication is key in getting help, sharing knowledge, and successfully engaging with others in the field.

Are You Ready to Begin Your Hacking Journey?

Once you’re comfortable with the skills listed above, you’ll be well on your way to entering the world of hacking. The journey to becoming a hacker is long and filled with learning, experimentation, and persistence, but with the right foundation, you can succeed.

As you start, remember that ethical hacking is about using your skills to make systems safer, not to cause harm. Always follow legal and ethical guidelines as you develop your abilities. There are many online communities, tutorials, and resources where you can continue your learning and even test your skills in controlled environments.

I’m Here to Help!

I hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of what it takes to become a hacker. If you have any questions or need help with any of the points mentioned, feel free to comment below! I’m happy to answer any questions and assist you on your path to becoming a skilled and ethical hacker.

Good luck, and happy hacking!