Ethical Hacking Roadmap

Introduction

This roadmap provides a structured approach to learning ethical hacking. It covers various domains including mobile, computer, laptop, and server systems, as well as essential languages, tools, and concepts.

1. Fundamentals of Ethical Hacking

• Understanding Ethical Hacking: Learn about ethical hacking, its legal implications, and how it differs from malicious hacking.
• Legal and Ethical Issues: Study laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines in cybersecurity. Familiarize yourself with the legal aspects of hacking and the importance of consent.

2. Networking Basics

• Networking Concepts: Learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP stack, subnets, and network protocols.
• Common Protocols: Study HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP, IMAP, DNS, DHCP, and how they operate.

3. Computer Systems and Architecture

• Operating Systems: Gain knowledge about different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. Understand their file systems, user management, and security features.
• System Architecture: Learn about CPU, RAM, storage, and how these components interact with the OS.

4. Languages and Scripting

• Python: Essential for scripting and automating tasks. Learn libraries like Scapy, Requests, and BeautifulSoup.
• Bash/Shell Scripting: Useful for automating tasks on Unix/Linux systems.
• JavaScript: Understand client-side scripting, especially for web application security.
• C/C++: Learn these for understanding low-level operations and vulnerabilities like buffer overflows.
• SQL: Essential for understanding SQL injection and database security.

5. Tools and Technologies

• Reconnaissance Tools:
  • Nmap: Network scanning and vulnerability discovery.
  • Wireshark: Network traffic analysis.
  • Shodan: Internet of Things (IoT) and device discovery.
• Vulnerability Assessment:
  • Nessus: Comprehensive vulnerability scanner.
  • OpenVAS: Open-source vulnerability scanning tool.
• Exploitation Frameworks:
  • Metasploit: Exploitation framework with numerous modules for penetration testing.
  • Burp Suite: Web application security testing.
• Password Cracking:
  • John the Ripper: Password cracking tool.
  • Hashcat: Advanced password recovery tool.
• Social Engineering:
  • Social Engineering Toolkit (SET): Tool for social engineering attacks.
• Wireless Security:
  • Aircrack-ng: Suite of tools for wireless network security.
  • Kismet: Wireless network detector and sniffer.
• Reverse Engineering:
  • Ghidra: Software reverse engineering framework.
  • IDA Pro: Disassembler and debugger.
• Forensics:
  • Autopsy: Digital forensics platform.
  • Sleuth Kit: Collection of command-line tools for forensic analysis.

6. Mobile Security

• Android Security: Learn about Android architecture, common vulnerabilities, and tools like Apktool and JADX.
• iOS Security: Understand iOS security features and tools like Cydia Impactor and Frida.

7. Web Application Security

• OWASP Top 10: Study the top vulnerabilities in web applications such as SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF).
• Web Security Testing: Learn how to use tools like Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP for web application security testing.

8. System and Network Attacks

• Denial of Service (DoS): Understand DoS and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Learn about MitM attacks and how to detect and prevent them.
• Privilege Escalation: Study methods for gaining elevated privileges on systems.

9. Penetration Testing

• Penetration Testing Process: Understand the phases of penetration testing: reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting.
• Report Writing: Learn how to document findings and create detailed reports.

10. Certifications

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Entry-level certification for ethical hacking.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Advanced certification for penetration testing.
• CompTIA Security+: General cybersecurity certification.

11. Practical Experience

• Labs and Practice: Engage in hands-on labs and practice environments like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges.
• Build a Home Lab: Set up your own lab with virtual machines to practice and test your skills in a controlled environment.

12. Stay Updated

• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities, exploits, and security trends by following blogs, forums, and cybersecurity news.

Resources

• Books:
  • "The Web Application Hacker's Handbook" by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto
  • "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson
• Websites:
  • OWASP
  • Krebs on Security

Conclusion

Becoming an ethical hacker requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This roadmap covers the essentials, but always remember to use your skills responsibly and ethically.