How to Become a Hacker

Introduction

If you have an interest in computers and aspire to learn hacking or become a hacker, it is crucial to recognize the significant distinction between hacking and computer tricks. Merely possessing knowledge of a few computer tricks does not qualify you as a hacker. Many individuals falsely claim to be hackers after performing simple tricks like VLC or registry manipulations, but hacking encompasses much more than these basic techniques.

To truly become a hacker, it is necessary to comprehend the essence of hacking and cultivate a unique mindset for analyzing and approaching things differently. To become an ethical hacker, you need technical skills, knowledge, and a strong ethical foundation. Ethical hackers, also called white-hat hackers, use their expertise to uncover vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, assisting organizations in enhancing their security measures. This article will cover all aspects of hacking and offer tips on how to begin a career as a hacker.

Hacking

The act of gaining unauthorized access to a system, network, or resources is called hacking. It involves bypassing authentication and authorization measures and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems to gain entry.

Hackers are individuals who engage in hacking. It's worth mentioning that hacking is only sometimes against the law. In reality, companies frequently employ hackers to assess the security of their systems and discover any vulnerabilities. This form of hacking is called Ethical Hacking and is carried out for lawful reasons. If you're interested in a hacking career, you can become an ethical hacker.

Several Qualities for Define a Hacker

• Someone who thinks differently
• Someone interested in hacking and cracking
• Someone who can quickly learn programming
• Someone who prefers practical programming over theoretical aspects
• Someone who has a passion for computers and the Internet
• Someone curious about how computer systems, websites, and network devices operate.

Categories of Hackers

Here are a few types of hackers that you should keep in mind, and they go like this.

1. Black Hat

These are unethical hackers who engage in hacking activities without permission. Black-hat hackers, also referred to as malicious hackers or cybercriminals, participate in illicit activities by breaching systems to accomplish their goals or unlawfully acquiring funds.

They specifically target vulnerable banks or businesses to steal cash or credit card information. Additionally, they can manipulate or erase data, leading to their prohibition.

Many people are curious about becoming a black hat hacker, but it's important to note that such aspirations cannot be fulfilled. The technical expertise, connections within the underground community, and access to illicit resources necessary for engaging in illegal activities associated with black hat hacking cannot be obtained from a single source.

2. White Hat

Hackers seek unauthorized access to systems. Ethical hackers, also called white hat hackers or penetration testers, employ similar methods to malicious hackers.

Still, with one crucial distinction: they can only engage in hacking activities with explicit authorization to assess the security of a system. Their main goals are to enhance security measures and safeguard IT systems. White hat hacking is completely legal and should be emphasized.

3. Grey Hat

Individuals who gain unauthorized access but disclose vulnerabilities to the company. Grey hat hackers have a unique mix of skills and traits, combining elements of both white hat and black hat hackers.

They have the expertise to assess the security of various systems through hacking, even without explicit authorization. However, unlike black hat hackers, they refrain from causing monetary harm or inflicting damage on the targeted systems.

Typically, grey hat hackers responsibly notify the system's administrator about the vulnerabilities they uncover. It's important to note that their actions are considered illegal since they engage in security testing without explicit permission. Grey hat hacking can be conducted within the boundaries of the law, but it can also cross into illegal territory, depending on the circumstances.

4. Script Kiddie

These are people with no technical skills who rely on pre-made tools for hacking. A script kiddie, also known as a skid, is a young hacker who behaves as if they know everything but still has a lot to learn.

Most of these individuals are teenagers who hack for fun, treating it like a game. Their main motivation is often to show off their exploits. They don't show much dedication to improving their hacking skills and often rely on existing hacking programs or 'scripts' created by others. Because of their lack of expertise, they often leave behind a clear trail that investigators can easily follow, leading to their eventual arrest.

5. Hacktivists

Specific ideas drive these hackers and often leave messages, such as protesting against copyright infringement. Hacktivism is the use of computer technology by politically or socially active individuals to support a cause.

It frequently focuses on government or corporate organizations, but it can also involve other groups like religious institutions, drug dealers, terrorists, or paedophiles. Hacking involves unauthorized access to a computer, while activism involves advocating for a social perspective. The term "hacktivism" combines these two concepts.

Hacktivist attacks aim to advance or counteract an ideology perceived as a threat to their cause, but the methods and severity of their actions vary greatly. Some hacktivists may engage in legal online advocacy. In contrast, others may escalate to cybercrime, using tactics like denial-of-service (DoS) attacks to damage computers and reputations, causing millions of dollars in damages to companies. In many cases, hacktivism poses a threat to organizations or individuals with beliefs contrary to those of the hacktivists.

Essential for your Journey as a Hacker

It's crucial to realize that there are no easy ways or fast solutions. Many people ask for hacking tips and software, but hacking involves more than just tips and software. They are just a small piece of the puzzle. If you genuinely aspire to be a hacker, you must commit to studying and honing different skills.

Here are Some Steps to Become a Hacker

If you want to become a successful professional hacker, follow these instructions to gain valuable insights and develop your skills.

Step 1: Master the Art of LINUX/UNIX Utilization

LINUX/UNIX, an open-source OS, improves the security of computer systems. It is widely recognized as a preferred choice among hackers due to its extensive range of tools and popularity in the hacking community. Notable Linux distributions such as Red Hat Linux, Kali Linux, Ubuntu, BackTrack, and others serve as prime examples of its widespread usage.

Step 2: Master the Most Basic Programming Language

Discover the art of C programming, often referred to as the foundation of all programming languages. Acquiring knowledge in C programming is essential as it allows you to customize the open-source Linux operating system to your liking. Can someone become a hacker without knowing how to code? Well, the truth is that programming isn't a must-have skill for this line of work, but it's challenging to excel as a hacker without it.

Step 3: Learn How to be Anonymous

This is a crucial procedure that every hacker must acquaint themselves with. You may engage in numerous such endeavors. Hence, it is imperative to comprehend the art of maintaining online anonymity and concealing one's identity effectively, leaving no trace behind and rendering oneself untraceable.

Step 4: Learn Networking Concepts

Having a deep understanding of networking and being well-versed in the creation of networks is crucial for becoming a hacker. This knowledge enables one to identify vulnerabilities, making it essential to be familiar with different types of networks and protocols. Gaining expertise in various networking concepts, techniques, and tools such as Wireshark and Nmap can greatly assist in this endeavor. Hacking revolves around exploring and manipulating the intricate world of networks.

Step 5: Become an Expert Hacker

Explore the world of hacking principles to gain an understanding of vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, SQL injections, and other concepts. In the ever-evolving field of security, learning is continuous as system updates occur regularly. It is essential to stay current with the latest tools and techniques to protect systems.

Step 6: Join the Discussion and Get to Know the Hackers

Being part of a community or participating in forums that facilitate discussions with fellow hackers worldwide is crucial for hackers. Improving communication boosts knowledge transfer, encourages idea sharing, and enhances teamwork. It is highly recommended to join various communities across different platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, Discord, and more. By following these simple steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of becoming a proficient white hat hacker or a skilled hacker. Although the specific steps may vary from individual to individual, the ultimate goal remains unchanged.

Types of Problems Hackers Face

The challenges encountered by hackers encompass a range of issues, as outlined below.

• Enormous security vulnerabilities.
• Unauthorized acquisition of confidential data.
• Exploitation of privacy.
• Disruption of system functionality.
• Endangering the continuity of services.
• Inflicting detrimental attacks on systems.

Conclusion

Becoming a hacker can greatly enhance your programming skills and raise your awareness of cybersecurity risks in modern software. Acquiring hacking knowledge can be an invaluable skill for you. Understanding hacking and the path to becoming a hacker may take time and effort, but with dedication and hard work, you can excel in this field. It's always possible to start this journey. By taking small steps each day, you can become a proficient hacker within a year.