What Qualifications Do I Require to Become a Hacker? A Quick Overview
In the world of computer security, a hacker is a person who focuses on the security mechanisms of computer and network systems. Expert programmers and networking wizards have built communities and shared cultures dating back decades to the earliest time-sharing minicomputers and the early ARPAnet experiments. This culture produced the first “hackers”
In popular culture, breaking into computers and phone networks has come to signify hacking, yet this culture is far more complex and moralistic than most people realize. Learning fundamental hacking skills, how to think like a hacker, and how to garner respect within the ethical hacking community are all necessary steps in becoming a hacker.
Learning the Basics
1. Use a UNIX-like operating system, such as Linux.
The Internet’s operating systems are UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems. While it is possible to learn to use the Internet without knowing UNIX, it is not possible to be an Internet hacker without knowing UNIX. As a result, today’s hacker culture is predominantly UNIX-based. There are other UNIX-like operating systems available, the most prominent of which is Linux, which can coexist with Microsoft Windows on the same hardware. Install Linux by downloading it online or finding a local Linux user group to assist you.
Booting up a device known as a live CD or USB, a distribution that operates fully off a CD or USB without altering your hard drive, is an excellent method to dip your toes in the water. It’s a method to gain a sense of the possibilities without having to take any severe measures.
In addition to Linux, there are other UNIX-like operating systems, such as the *BSD systems. The most popular *BSD systems are FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and DragonFly BSD. They’re all free and open-source, just like Linux. It’s critical to remember that they are BSD, not Linux.
macOS is based on Darwin, a FreeBSD-based UNIX operating system. Darwin is accessible at http://opensource.apple.com and is completely free and open source. Many individuals have migrated Linux programs to macOS since the system’s core is UNIX and macOS is so popular. Those apps may be obtained using a package manager such as homebrew, fink, or MacPorts.
You can even run an operating system called Open Indiana, which is based on the open-source release of the Solaris operating system before it was purchased by Oracle and become a closed source if you want to get very narrow. OpenIndiana and Solaris are UNIX System V-based operating systems that are incompatible with Linux applications. However, there are several Linux application ports available. You’re probably better off sticking with macOS, BSD, or Linux because they’re more popular and offer a wider range of apps.
2. Create HTML code.
If you don’t know how to program, you’ll need to master the basics of HyperText Mark-Up Language (HTML) and progressively improve your skills. HTML is used to code the photos, graphics, and design components that you see on a website. Set out to learn how to construct a simple home page for a project and work your way up from there
To see an example of HTML, view the page source information in your browser. In Firefox, go to Web Developer > Page Source and spend some time looking at the code.
You may write HTML with a simple word processing application like Notepad or Simple Text and save your files as “yourCoolFileName.HTML” to see your work translated in a browser.
3. Learn how to program in a language that makes sense to you.
You should master fundamental grammar before you begin composing poems. You must first learn the rules before breaking them. However, if you want to be a hacker, you’ll need more than just basic English to create your masterpiece.
Python is a fantastic “language” to start with since it’s well-designed, well-documented, and beginner-friendly. Despite being an excellent first language, it is more than a toy; it is engaging, adaptable, and well-suited to massive tasks.
If you want to get serious about programming, you’ll need to learn Java. However, its utility as a first programming language has been questioned in its current condition.
Unlike Java, Javascript is fairly similar to Python in that both are C-based languages with a very new user interface. Because Javascript is known as “the programming language of the web,” it is a better choice than Python for continuing your web development/hacking education.
PHP C, the Unix core language, is an alternative to JavaScript. C++ is fairly similar to C; if you know one, you’ll have no trouble learning the other. C is incredibly efficient with your machine’s resources, but it will eat up a lot of your time debugging, so it’s best avoided unless your computer’s efficiency is really vital.
Using a decent beginning platform, such as Backtrack 5 R3, Kali, or Ubuntu 12.04LTS, is definitely a good option.
4. Learn to enjoy problem-solving.
There should never be a need to address an issue twice. Consider it a community where everyone’s time as a hacker is valuable. Hackers think that disclosing data is a moral obligation. When you solve a problem, make the solution public so that others can benefit from it.
You don’t have to think that you have to give out all of your creative work, though the hackers who do tend to gain the most respect from their peers. It’s in keeping with hacker principles to sell enough to keep you afloat in terms of food, rent, and computers.
Read some of The Mentor’s previous work, such as the “Jargon File” or “Hacker Manifesto.” They may be behind the times in terms of technology, but their attitude and spirit are right on time.
Become a hacker as many companies are looking more into cybersecurity. They wanted to hire a hacker to protect themselves to get hacked hence they need more CPU and brain powers.
