Ethical Hacking Roadmap Cheatsheet
Comprehensive roadmap for aspiring ethical hackers covering essential computer skills, networking, Linux, programming, practical training platforms (HTB, THM), and professional certifications (PEH, eJPT, OSCP).
Getting started with ethical hacking? Revisit the essentials on our main hub and keep an eye on live infrastructure trends via the performance dashboard.
When you are ready to evaluate lab environments, browse the benchmark collection, shortlist options in the VPS comparison tool, and vet vendors through our provider directory.
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What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking is the practice of intentionally testing computer systems, networks, and applications to find security vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as malicious hackers but with permission and the goal of improving security.
Your Learning Roadmap
Computer Skills
Foundation knowledge of how computers work is essential before diving into ethical hacking.
Core Concepts to Master
Learning Resources
- • Professor Messer's YouTube: Free CompTIA A+ course
- • How Computers Work: Understanding hardware and software
- • Operating Systems Basics: Process management, memory, I/O
Networking Skills
Networking is the backbone of ethical hacking. Understanding how data flows across networks is crucial.
Essential Networking Concepts
Understand the 7 layers and how data is encapsulated/decapsulated
HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SSH, DNS, DHCP, SMTP, SNMP
IPv4, IPv6, CIDR notation, subnet masks, network/broadcast addresses
Routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, proxies
Using Wireshark and tcpdump to capture and analyze network traffic
Hands-On Practice
# Network scanning with nmap
nmap -sV 192.168.1.0/24
# Packet capture with tcpdump
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap
# DNS lookup
dig example.com
nslookup example.com
# Trace route
traceroute example.comPair these exercises with our security tools suite, including the port scanner and DNS lookup utility, then reinforce network theory through the TCP handshake cheatsheet and our DNS fundamentals guide.
Recommended Learning Path
- • CompTIA Network+: Industry-standard networking certification
- • Cisco CCNA: Deep dive into networking fundamentals
- • Professor Messer's Network+ Course: Free YouTube series
- • Practical Networking: YouTube channel with excellent visualizations
Linux Skills
Linux is the most popular choice for hackers. Master the command line and you'll be miles ahead.
Critical Linux Skills
cd, ls, pwd, find, locate
cat, grep, sed, awk, cut, sort
useradd, passwd, chmod, chown
ps, top, kill, systemctl
apt, yum, dnf, pacman
variables, loops, conditionals
Need quick references? Keep the Linux commands cheatsheet and file permissions guide nearby, and map hybrid lab deployments with the cloud platform models reference.
Recommended Distributions
Learning Resources
- • OverTheWire Bandit: Interactive Linux command line challenges
- • Linux Journey: Free online Linux learning platform
- • The Linux Command Line Book: By William Shotts (free PDF)
Programming Skills
Programming enables you to automate tasks, write exploits, and understand how applications work.
Essential Programming Languages
Python (Priority #1)
The most important language for ethical hacking. Used for scripting, automation, exploit development, and tool creation.
Bash Scripting
Automate Linux tasks and create security tools
JavaScript
Essential for web application security (XSS, DOM manipulation)
SQL
Database queries and SQL injection testing
C/C++
Understanding memory, buffers, and low-level exploits
Sample Python Security Script
#!/usr/bin/env python3
import socket
import sys
def port_scanner(host, start_port, end_port):
print(f"Scanning {host} from port {start_port} to {end_port}...")
for port in range(start_port, end_port + 1):
try:
sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
sock.settimeout(1)
result = sock.connect_ex((host, port))
if result == 0:
print(f"Port {port}: OPEN")
sock.close()
except socket.error:
print(f"Error scanning port {port}")
sys.exit()
if __name__ == "__main__":
target = "192.168.1.1"
port_scanner(target, 1, 100)Learning Resources
- • Python for Cybersecurity: Black Hat Python book
- • Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Beginner-friendly
- • OWASP WebGoat: Learn web security with hands-on challenges
- • Codecademy: Interactive Python tutorials
Practical Ethical Hacking by TCM Security
Hands-on course focusing on practical penetration testing skills rather than theory.
Why This Course?
- Hands-On Focus: Real-world penetration testing techniques
- Complete Methodology: Full penetration testing lifecycle
- Affordable: Best value course for beginners
- Active Directory: Enterprise environment hacking
Course Topics Covered
Course Link
Visit TCM Security Academy:
https://academy.tcm-sec.com/p/practical-ethical-hacking-the-complete-coursePractice on HackTheBox (HTB)
HackTheBox is an online cybersecurity training platform with real-world vulnerable machines.
What Makes HTB Special?
- Real Machines: Hack actual vulnerable VMs, not simulations
- Difficulty Levels: From Easy to Insane boxes
- Community: Active forums and writeups after machine retirement
- Ranking System: Track your progress and compete globally
Getting Started with HTB
Sign up at hackthebox.com (free tier available)
Download OpenVPN config and connect to HTB labs
Try retired machines: Lame, Legacy, Blue, Jerry
Take notes, create writeups, build your methodology
Platform Link
https://www.hackthebox.comPractice on TryHackMe (THM)
TryHackMe is a more beginner-friendly platform with guided learning paths and hands-on labs.
Why TryHackMe?
- Beginner-Friendly: Step-by-step guidance with hints
- Learning Paths: Structured courses for different specializations
- Browser-Based: AttackBox available (no need for VPN initially)
- Affordable: Many free rooms, premium is cheap
Recommended Learning Paths
Linux basics, web hacking, networking, privilege escalation
Real-world penetration testing scenarios
OWASP Top 10, SQLi, XSS, CSRF, file uploads
Preparation for eJPT certification
Essential THM Rooms for Beginners
Platform Link
https://tryhackme.comeLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)
Your first professional certification in penetration testing - beginner-friendly with hands-on exam.
Certification Overview
What You'll Learn
Systematic pentesting approach
Scanning and enumeration
OWASP vulnerabilities
Metasploit, manual exploitation
Study Resources
- • INE Starter Pass: Free training materials
- • TryHackMe Jr Pentester Path: Excellent preparation
- • TCM PEH Course: Covers most eJPT topics
- • Practice Labs: PentesterLab, VulnHub machines
Why Start with eJPT?
eJPT is perfect as your first certification. It's affordable, practical, and builds your confidence before attempting OSCP. The 48-hour exam window means less stress compared to OSCP's 24 hours.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The gold standard certification for penetration testers - highly respected in the industry.
Certification Details
OSCP Course (PEN-200)
Comprehensive penetration testing with kali linux (PWK) course includes:
Exam Structure
Preparation Strategy
- Complete PWK Lab: Compromise all 70+ machines
- Practice on Proving Grounds: OffSec's practice platform
- HTB OSCP-Like Boxes: TJnull's list of OSCP preparation machines
- Master Active Directory: Focus heavily on AD enumeration and attacks
- Build Your Methodology: Document your process for recon, enum, exploitation
- Take Care of Yourself: Sleep well before exam, take breaks
Official Website
https://www.offensive-security.com/pwk-oscp/Continuous Learning & Career Growth
Ethical hacking requires lifelong learning. Technology evolves, and so must your skills.
Stay Updated
Follow Krebs on Security, The Hacker News, Bleeping Computer
Follow @hackinarticles, @IppSec, @thecybermentor
IppSec, John Hammond, LiveOverflow, STÖK
Darknet Diaries, Malicious Life, Security Now
Advanced Certifications
Bug Bounty Programs
Apply your skills to find real vulnerabilities and earn money:
Join Communities
- • Reddit: r/netsec, r/AskNetsec, r/HowToHack
- • Discord Servers: TryHackMe, HackTheBox, TCM Security
- • OWASP Chapters: Local security meetups
- • DEF CON Groups: Global hacker community
- • Local BSides: Security conferences in your area
Build Your Brand
Final Words
Hacking is a lifelong learning journey. There are new vulnerabilities discovered daily, new tools released, and new techniques developed. Embrace the "Try Harder" mindset, stay curious, network with other professionals, and most importantly - hack ethically and legally. Your reputation is everything in this field.
Ready to Test Your Security Skills?
Put your ethical hacking knowledge to work. Explore VPS security benchmarks, analyze server configurations, and understand real-world security implementations. Practice makes perfect!
Stay aligned with our testing methodology on the About page, and if you need tailored lab advice, drop a note via the contact form. Reviewing policies is just as critical as patching systems—scan the privacy policy before gathering assessment data.
Correlate your findings with real infrastructure metrics on the performance dashboard, and expand your study plan with adjacent guides like the DHCP cheatsheet and our OSI vs. TCP/IP reference to level up network reconnaissance skills.