6-Month Ethical Hacking Roadmap: From Beginner to Pro
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 comprehensive 6-month roadmap will guide you from beginner to pro.
Note: This roadmap is designed to provide a structured learning path for aspiring ethical hackers. Remember that ethical hacking requires not just technical skills but also a strong ethical mindset and commitment to using these skills legally and responsibly.
Your Progress Through the Roadmap
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, and netstat.
- 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
Comprehensive Roadmap Table
| Month | Focus Area | Key Activities | Resources |
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| Month 1 | Foundations of Cybersecurity and Networking |
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| Month 2 | Operating Systems and Command Line Proficiency |
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| Month 3 | Introduction to Ethical Hacking |
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| Month 4 | Intermediate Skills and Tools |
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| Month 5 | Advanced Techniques and Real-World Practice |
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| Month 6 | Certification and Real-World Experience |
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Conclusion
By following this 6-month roadmap, you will build a strong foundation in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Remember, the key to success in this field is continuous learning and practice. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and always adhere to ethical guidelines. Good luck on your journey to becoming a professional ethical hacker!
