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

Security Now!