It's no secret that the internet can be a dangerous place. Every day, countless cyberattacks are launched against individuals, businesses, and governments. In the face of such threats, there is a growing demand for skilled hackers who can help defend against these attacks. But how does one become a hacker? What tools and resources are available for those looking to hone their skills? In this post, we'll take a look at Hack the Box, a popular platform for learning hacking skills, and the best way to start from scratch.
To begin our exploration of hacking, let's start with John Hammond. He is a well-known cybersecurity professional who hosts various cybersecurity challenges and walkthroughs. His passion for cybersecurity and hacking is contagious, and he is an excellent source of inspiration for those who are just starting. This post is inspired by his Hack the Box playlist here.
Hack the Box is a platform designed to teach people how to hack in a controlled, safe environment. Users can sign up for a free account and gain access to a wide range of virtual machines, each of which is designed to simulate a real-world hacking scenario. These machines vary in difficulty, with some being relatively easy and others being extremely challenging.
So how does Hack the Box work? The platform is built around a series of challenges, each of which is designed to test a specific hacking skill. For example, some challenges might involve cracking passwords or exploiting known vulnerabilities in software. Users are given access to a virtual machine that has been set up to simulate the target environment, and they are then free to explore and experiment in order to find the vulnerabilities.
One of the major benefits of using Hack the Box is that it provides a safe, controlled environment for learning hacking skills. Users are able to experiment and try new techniques without fear of causing damage or getting into legal trouble. Additionally, because the challenges are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, users are able to gain practical experience that can be applied in real-world situations.
Another great aspect of Hack the Box is the abundance of walkthroughs and tutorials available on the platform. These resources provide step-by-step instructions for completing the challenges and can be a valuable source of guidance for those who are new to hacking. Additionally, the platform has an active community of users who are always willing to offer advice and help to those who are struggling.
If you're interested in getting started with Hack the Box, the first step is to create an account on the platform. You'll need a way to access the VPN's required to connect to the boxes, so I recommend thinking about your setup. The best home practice lab, in my opinion, is a Windows computer with sufficient RAM to run a Linux virtual machine via free VirtualBox or VMWare clients. There are many free Linux Hacking distros available these days, but I prefer the tried and true Kali Linux. You'll need to get the keys for your VPN client from Hack the Box, and you'll need to start the VM and the VPN every time you want to begin. Once you've done that, you'll have access to a wide range of challenges and virtual machines that you can start working on. It's important to note that Hack the Box is not a platform for illegal activities, so be sure to follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the platform.
As you start working on challenges on Hack the Box, there are a few tips that can help you be successful. First, it's important to have a strong foundation in basic computer skills, such as networking, operating systems, and programming. Second, be patient and persistent. Hacking can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but with practice and perseverance, you can become proficient.
In addition to Hack the Box, there are many other online resources available for learning hacking skills. One of the most important resources is video tutorials. Videos can be a valuable source of guidance, as they allow you to see exactly how a particular technique is performed. There are many great YouTube channels and playlists that are dedicated to teaching hacking, but John Hammond's videos are the best place to start. I learned on Hack the Box, but lately, John has been doing a lot more videos on Try Hack Me. Defend the Web is another great place to start if your interest is in hacking websites.
To conclude, learning hacking skills can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and resources, it can also be a rewarding one. Hack the Box is an excellent platform for learning hacking skills in a safe, controlled environment, and the abundance of walkthroughs can be a great help to start.
