Key Takeaways

  • White Hat vs Black Hat: Ethical hackers have permission. Criminals do not. That's the only difference.
  • Certifications: CEH is good for HR. OSCP is good for real skills.
  • Linux: You cannot avoid the command line. Master Kali Linux.
  • Coding: Learn Python for scripting and SQL for database injection.

Cybersecurity has a 0% unemployment rate. Companies are paying top dollar for people who can break into their systems and tell them how to fix it before the real bad guys arrive.

Step 1: The Basics (Networking)

You cannot hack a network if you don't know how it works. Do not skip this step.

Step 2: Learn Linux

99% of hacking tools are built for Linux. Download Kali Linux or Parrot OS. Learn to use the terminal (`bash`). If you are scared of a black screen with white text, this career is not for you.

The "Gold Standard": OSCP

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is the hardest and most respected exam. It's not multiple choice. They give you 24 hours to hack into 5 computers. If you can't hack, you fail. Get this, and you will get hired instantly.

Step 3: Pick a Niche

Cybersecurity is huge. Pick one lane:

  1. Penetration Testing (Red Team): Offensive hacking. Breaking into buildings and servers.
  2. SOC Analyst (Blue Team): Defensive monitoring. Watching logs and stopping attacks.
  3. Bug Bounty Hunter: Freelance hacking. Find bugs in big companies (Google, Facebook) and get paid per bug.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a university degree?
No. Experience and certifications matter more. Many top hackers are self-taught. However, a degree helps for management roles later on.
Is it dangerous?
Only if you break the law. Never hack a website without written permission. "I was just testing" is not a legal defense.

Start with the Operating System.
Read Linux Guide