How to Become a Hacker
Hacking is a broad term that encompasses various activities ranging from tinkering with hardware to exploiting web-based services. It’s a complex activity with a rich history that even predates computers! In the most basic sense, hacking involves disassembling technology to create or make combinations its creators didn’t intend. It’s a popular pastime with people of all ages who enjoy tinkering and solving problems.
In the past, hackers often used their skills for illegal purposes such as stealing private data or disrupting operations. However, today, many hackers (called white hats) use their skills to solve problems, strengthen security systems, catch criminals, and fix vulnerabilities. Hacking is a highly technical skill that requires in-depth knowledge of a variety of domains and tools. It is a fast-paced and rewarding field that can lead to an exciting career in cybersecurity.
The most common hacking activity is exploitation of internet-based services and networks. This can range from a simple exploitation of an open port to more elaborate attacks such as phishing or brute forcing. It’s also common for hackers to exploit a system for political or ideological reasons. For example, a suspended engineer with the Canadian Pacific Railroad recently sabotaged their systems in retaliation for being treated unfairly.
Beginners who want to become hackers should begin by focusing on fundamental cybersecurity skills such as networking, Linux, and Windows. Mastering these foundational skills will allow students to learn the more advanced hacking concepts and techniques at a much faster rate. It is important to remember that hacking is a practice that requires a lot of trial and error to get good at. Therefore, it is recommended that students be patient and work hard to understand the intricacies of computer systems before trying to hack them.