Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, is the practice of testing computer systems, networks, or applications to find security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. Ethical hackers use their skills to help organizations improve their security posture. If you’re interested in becoming an ethical hacker, this 6-month roadmap will guide you from beginner to pro.
Month 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity and Networking
Week 1-2: Understand the Basics of Cybersecurity
- Learn the Fundamentals: Start by understanding what cybersecurity is, why it’s important, and the different types of cyber threats (e.g., malware, phishing, DDoS attacks).
- Key Concepts: Familiarize yourself with key concepts like CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), risk management, and security policies.
Week 3-4: Networking Basics
- Networking Fundamentals: Learn about IP addresses, subnets, DNS, DHCP, and the OSI model.
- Tools: Get hands-on with basic networking tools like
ping,traceroute, andnetstat. - Protocols: Understand common protocols like HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SSH, and TCP/IP.
Resources:
- Books: “Cybersecurity for Beginners” by Raef Meeuwisse
- Online Courses: “Introduction to Cybersecurity” by Cisco Networking Academy
Month 2: Operating Systems and Command Line Proficiency
Week 1-2: Linux Basics
- Linux Fundamentals: Learn basic Linux commands, file systems, and permissions.
- Shell Scripting: Start writing simple shell scripts to automate tasks.
Week 3-4: Windows Basics
- Windows Command Line: Get comfortable with the Windows Command Prompt and PowerShell.
- System Administration: Learn about user management, file systems, and registry editing.
Resources:
- Books: “The Linux Command Line” by William Shotts
- Online Courses: “Linux Command Line Basics” on Udemy
Month 3: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Week 1-2: Ethical Hacking Concepts
- What is Ethical Hacking? Understand the ethical hacking process, including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation.
- Legal Aspects: Learn about the legal implications and certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
Week 3-4: Setting Up Your Lab
- Virtual Machines: Set up virtual machines using tools like VirtualBox or VMware.
- Kali Linux: Install and familiarize yourself with Kali Linux, a popular ethical hacking OS.
- Practice: Start practicing basic commands and tools in your lab environment.
Resources:
- Books: “Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” by Jon Erickson
- Online Courses: “Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch” on Udemy
Month 4: Intermediate Skills and Tools
Week 1-2: Network Scanning and Enumeration
- Tools: Learn to use tools like Nmap, Nessus, and Wireshark for network scanning and enumeration.
- Techniques: Understand techniques like port scanning, service identification, and vulnerability scanning.
Week 3-4: Exploitation Basics
- Metasploit Framework: Get hands-on with Metasploit for exploitation.
- Common Vulnerabilities: Learn about common vulnerabilities like SQL injection, XSS, and buffer overflows.
Resources:
- Books: “Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide” by David Kennedy et al.
- Online Courses: “Network Security & Database Vulnerabilities” on Coursera
Month 5: Advanced Techniques and Real-World Practice
Week 1-2: Web Application Hacking
- OWASP Top 10: Study the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
- Tools: Learn to use tools like Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP for web application testing.
Week 3-4: Wireless Network Hacking
- Wi-Fi Security: Understand Wi-Fi security protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2) and how to crack them.
- Tools: Get hands-on with tools like Aircrack-ng and Kismet.
Resources:
- Books: “Web Application Hacker’s Handbook” by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto
- Online Courses: “Advanced Ethical Hacking” on Pluralsight
Month 6: Certification and Real-World Experience
Week 1-2: Certification Preparation
- CEH Certification: Prepare for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam.
- Practice Exams: Take practice exams to test your knowledge and readiness.
Week 3-4: Real-World Practice
- Capture The Flag (CTF): Participate in CTF competitions to apply your skills in real-world scenarios.
- Bug Bounty Programs: Join bug bounty programs on platforms like HackerOne or Bugcrowd to gain experience and earn rewards.
Resources:
- Books: “CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide” by Matt Walker
- Online Platforms: Hack The Box, TryHackMe
| Month | Topics | Skills & Tools to Learn | Resources & Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Month | Basics of Cybersecurity & Linux | – Cybersecurity concepts (CIA triad) – Networking basics (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, FTP, etc.) – Linux command line & shell scripting – Virtual machines setup (Kali Linux, Parrot OS) | – Learn Linux (Kali, Ubuntu) – Use commands: ls, cd, chmod, grep, nano, etc. – Set up VirtualBox/VMware & Kali Linux – Learn basic networking commands (ping, ifconfig, netstat) |
| 2nd Month | Networking & Reconnaissance | – Deep dive into networking (Wireshark, Nmap, Netcat) – Passive & Active Reconnaissance – OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) | – Use Nmap for network scanning – Capture packets with Wireshark – Learn about Shodan, TheHarvester, and Google Dorking |
| 3rd Month | Web Application & Database Security | – Web technologies (HTML, JavaScript, SQL, PHP) – SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF – Burp Suite, OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities | – Test web vulnerabilities using DVWA – Exploit SQLi, XSS, CSRF using Burp Suite – Study OWASP Top 10 |
| 4th Month | Exploitation & Privilege Escalation | – Exploiting vulnerabilities using Metasploit – Buffer Overflow, Privilege Escalation – Windows & Linux privilege escalation techniques | – Use Metasploit for penetration testing – Try Windows/Linux privilege escalation labs – Practice CTFs (HackTheBox, TryHackMe) |
| 5th Month | Wireless & Network Security | – Cracking WEP, WPA, WPA2 passwords – Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks – Sniffing and spoofing | – Use Aircrack-ng to crack Wi-Fi – Perform MITM with Ettercap – Learn ARP spoofing techniques |
| 6th Month | Advanced Topics & Bug Bounties | – Malware analysis & reverse engineering – Exploit writing (Python, Bash, PowerShell) – Bug bounty hunting | – Join bug bounty platforms (HackerOne, Bugcrowd) – Learn fuzzing & exploit development – Reverse engineer malware with Ghidra & IDA Pro |
Becoming an ethical hacker is a challenging but rewarding journey. By following this 6-month roadmap, you’ll build a strong foundation in cybersecurity, gain hands-on experience with essential tools, and prepare for real-world challenges. Remember, ethical hacking is not just about technical skills; it’s also about having a strong ethical mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.
Stay curious, keep practicing, and always stay on the right side of the law. Happy hacking guys
