Phase 1: Foundational Knowledge (Beginner)
1. Computer Fundamentals
Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, Mac)
File systems and permissions
Command line basics (especially Bash and PowerShell)
2. Networking Basics
OSI Model & TCP/IP Model
IP addressing & subnetting
DNS, DHCP, NAT
Protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH)
Firewalls, switches, routers
Learn tools: Wireshark, Cisco Packet Tracer
3. Linux Mastery
Linux file system
Bash scripting
User and group management
Networking commands (ifconfig, netstat, ip, ssh)
Distro to learn: Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Ubuntu
Phase 2: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
4. Information Security Concepts
CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
Types of malware (virus, worm, trojan, ransomware)
Attack vectors and threat modeling
Vulnerabilities vs. exploits
5. Security Best Practices
Password policies
Encryption (AES, RSA, hashing)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Secure software development basics
Phase 3: Ethical Hacking Core
6. Footprinting and Reconnaissance
Active vs passive recon
WHOIS, DNS enumeration
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)
Tools: Recon-ng, Maltego, theHarvester
7. Scanning and Enumeration
Port scanning: Nmap, Masscan
Service and OS detection
Banner grabbing
SMB, SNMP, NetBIOS enumeration
8. Vulnerability Analysis
CVE databases
Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS, Nikto
9. System Hacking
Gaining access: Brute force, password cracking
Maintaining access: Backdoors, rootkits
Clearing logs and covering tracks
Tools: Hydra, John the Ripper, Mimikatz, Metasploit
Phase 4: Advanced Domains
10. Web Application Hacking
HTTP/HTTPS protocols
OWASP Top 10:
SQL Injection
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
CSRF
Broken Auth
Tools: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, SQLmap
11. Wireless Network Hacking
WiFi encryption (WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA3)
Evil twin attacks
Tools: Aircrack-ng, Reaver, Kismet
12. Privilege Escalation
Windows & Linux techniques
Exploiting misconfigurations and weak permissions
SUID binaries, unquoted service paths
Resources: GTFOBins, HackTricks
13. Social Engineering
Phishing attacks
Impersonation & baiting
Tools: SET (Social Engineering Toolkit), GoPhish
Phase 5: Practical Experience
14. Penetration Testing Process
Rules of Engagement (RoE)
Planning and Recon
Exploitation
Post-exploitation
Reporting
15. Capture the Flag (CTF) and Labs
Platforms:
TryHackMe (Beginner to Intermediate)
Hack The Box (Intermediate to Advanced)
OverTheWire, Root-Me
16. Bug Bounty Hunting
Programs: HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Synack
Report writing
Responsible disclosure
Phase 6: Certification & Career Path
17. Certifications
Level Name Description
Beginner CompTIA Security+, eJPT Basics of cybersecurity and pen testing
Intermediate CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) Ethical hacking techniques and tools
Advanced OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) Hands-on, respected penetration testing certification
18. Soft Skills & Ethics
Legal and ethical hacking principles
Communication and reporting
Working in teams
Staying updated with CVEs and exploits
Bonus: Optional but Useful Topics
Cloud Security (AWS, Azure security testing)
Scripting & Automation (Python, Bash)
Reverse Engineering (Ghidra, IDA, x64dbg)
Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR)
Best YouTube Channels for Ethical Hacking
1. HackerSploit
Focus: Comprehensive ethical hacking and penetration testing
Highlights: Detailed tutorials on Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit, VPNs, DNS, and steganography
Recommended Playlist: “Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing – Complete Course”
Subscribers: ~894K
Teaching Style: Clear, methodical, with real-world examples
GUVI
+4
Cybersapiens
+4
Placement Preparation
+4
Placement Preparation
+1
Cybersapiens
+1
2. The Cyber Mentor
Focus: Penetration testing, OSINT, Active Directory, and buffer overflows
Highlights: Structured, hands-on tutorials with real-world walkthroughs and CTF challenges
Recommended Playlist: “Full-Length Hacking Courses”
Subscribers: ~664K
Teaching Style: Structured, methodical, hands-on approach
identicalcloud.com
+2
Cybersapiens
+2
Placement Preparation
+2
GUVI
+6
Placement Preparation
+6
Placement Preparation
+6
3. John Hammond
Focus: Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, TryHackMe walkthroughs, and exploit development
Highlights: Engaging, fast-paced tutorials with a focus on practical challenges
Recommended Playlist: “TryHackMe”
Subscribers: ~1.03M
Teaching Style: Concise, fast-paced, real-world examples
Medium
Placement Preparation
+2
TechBloat
+2
identicalcloud.com
+2
Placement Preparation
+5
Placement Preparation
+5
Security Boulevard
+5
4. Hak5
Focus: Cybersecurity tools, IoT security, and penetration testing gadgets
Highlights: Hands-on demonstrations of tools like Wireshark, USB Rubber Ducky, and Packet Squirrel
Recommended Playlist: “HakTip: Wireshark – Packet Capturing and Analysis”
Subscribers: ~898K
Teaching Style: Casual, practical, conversational
MobilesTalk
+9
GUVI
+9
Cybersapiens
+9
Placement Preparation
+1
Medium
+1
5. David Bombal
Focus: Networking, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity certifications
Highlights: Guides on Kali Linux, OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+
Recommended Playlist: “Ethical Hacking: Getting Started Guide”
Subscribers: ~2.25M
Teaching Style: Conversational, approachable, with relatable analogies
GUVI
+4
Placement Preparation
+4
Analytics Insight
+4
6. NetworkChuck
Focus: Networking, cloud security, and ethical hacking
Highlights: Engaging tutorials on CCNA, CEH, and Python scripting
Recommended Playlist: “Ethical Hacking”
Subscribers: ~3.81M
Teaching Style: Lively, humorous, and beginner-friendly
Cybersapiens
7. Null Byte
Focus: Wi-Fi hacking, Metasploit, and device security
Highlights: Project-based learning with a focus on real-world applications
Recommended Playlist: “Hacking 101”
Subscribers: ~929K
Teaching Style: Visual, interactive, and ethical-focused
Minitool
+1
Cybersapiens
+1
TechBloat
+1
Placement Preparation
+1
TechBloat
+7
MobilesTalk
+7
Security Boulevard
+7
Cybersapiens
+2
WIRED
+2
Placement Preparation
+2
Suggested Learning Path
Start with Basics:
Begin with HackerSploit or The Cyber Mentor for foundational knowledge in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
GUVI
+7
Placement Preparation
+7
MobilesTalk
+7
Hands-On Practice:
Engage with John Hammond and Hak5 for practical, real-world challenges and tool demonstrations.
GUVI
+3
Security Boulevard
+3
Placement Preparation
+3
Networking & Certifications:
Explore David Bombal and NetworkChuck for networking concepts and certification preparation.
identicalcloud.com
+5
Medium
+5
Placement Preparation
+5
Advanced Techniques:
Dive into Null Byte for advanced topics like Wi-Fi hacking and device security.
Minitool
+2
Cybersapiens
+2
TechBloat
+2
Community Engagement:
Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges and forums to apply your skills and engage with the cybersecurity community.
Medium
+3
MobilesTalk
+3
Security Boulevard
+3
These channels offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, catering to various learning styles and levels. By following this
structured approach, you can build a solid foundation in ethical hacking and progressively advance to more complex topics.
If you need assistance with specific topics or resources, feel free to ask!
Sources
You said:
more hlep
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely! Here's a complete guide to help you go from absolute beginner to advanced in ethical hacking, with structured steps, tools,
platforms, and certifications—alongside the YouTube channels:
Step-by-Step Roadmap for Learning Ethical Hacking
1. Start with the Basics of Networking & Linux
Before hacking, you must understand how networks and systems work.
Learn:
TCP/IP, ports, protocols (HTTP, DNS, FTP)
OSI model
Linux commands & file systems
Resources:
YouTube: David Bombal (for networking), NetworkChuck (for Linux)
Practice: TryHackMe - Intro to Networking
2. Set Up a Safe Hacking Lab
Use virtual machines to avoid legal/ethical issues.
Tools:
VirtualBox or VMware
Kali Linux (attacker machine)
Metasploitable2 / OWASP Juice Shop (vulnerable machines)
YouTube:
NetworkChuck – “How to Setup a Hacking Lab”
HackerSploit – Kali Linux Essentials
3. Learn Reconnaissance & Scanning
This is how hackers gather information.
Topics:
Passive recon (Google hacking, WHOIS)
Active recon (Nmap, Netcat, DNSenum)
Channels:
The Cyber Mentor
John Hammond (for real-world use)
4. Master Exploitation & Gaining Access
Now learn how vulnerabilities are used to break into systems.
Tools:
Metasploit
Burp Suite
SQLMap
Learn:
Buffer overflows
Web app exploits (XSS, SQLi)
Password attacks (Brute force, Hydra)
YouTube:
Null Byte – Great for Web Hacking
John Hammond – CTF-style challenges
5. Post-Exploitation & Privilege Escalation
After access, what next? This teaches you to escalate rights and maintain access.
Learn:
Windows & Linux privilege escalation
Pivoting
Covering tracks
Practice:
TryHackMe: “Post-Exploitation Basics”
Hack The Box (HTB)
6. Hands-on Platforms to Practice
These simulate hacking environments legally.
Best Platforms:
TryHackMe – beginner-friendly
Hack The Box – intermediate to pro
CTFtime.org – live competitions and challenges
7. Certifications to Prove Your Skills
These help in getting jobs.
Cert Description Difficulty
CompTIA Security+ Basic security cert Beginner
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) Industry-recognized Intermediate
eJPT Hands-on penetration testing Intermediate
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) Hardcore, real hacking Advanced
Bonus Resources
Books:
"The Web Application Hacker's Handbook"
"Hacking: The Art of Exploitation"
"Linux Basics for Hackers"
Reddit:
r/netsecstudents
r/ethicalhacking
Podcasts:
Darknet Diaries
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