What basics I should learn before learning ethical hacking?

Before diving into ethical hacking, it's important to have a solid understanding of foundational concepts in computer science and information technology. Here are some basics you should learn: 1. **Operating Systems**: Understand how operating systems like Linux and Windows work, including file systems, processes, permissions, and networking. 2. **Networking**: Learn about TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, DNS, DHCP, and other networking fundamentals. Understanding how data moves across networks is crucial for understanding hacking techniques. 3. **Programming**: Gain proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, Java, or C/C++. Programming skills will help you understand scripting, automation, and exploit development. 4. **Web Technologies**: Learn about web servers, HTTP protocol, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and databases. Many security vulnerabilities exist in web applications, so understanding how they work is essential for ethical hacking. 5. **Cybersecurity Fundamentals**: Familiarize yourself with basic cybersecurity concepts such as encryption, authentication, access control, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. 6. **Penetration Testing**: Understand the methodology and techniques used in penetration testing, including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation. 7. **Security Tools**: Get hands-on experience with security tools such as Wireshark (for network analysis), Metasploit (for exploitation), Nmap (for scanning), and Burp Suite (for web application testing). 8. **Ethical and Legal Considerations**: Understand the ethical and legal implications of hacking. Familiarize yourself with laws and regulations related to cybersecurity and hacking in your jurisdiction. By mastering these basics, you'll have a strong foundation to build upon as you start learning ethical hacking techniques and methodologies. Remember to always use your skills responsibly and ethically. read less