Hacking 101: The Learning Process
Over the past few days, I've been working on the 'Learning Process' module on HTB's Academy. At first, I thought it was just another module I could easily skim through - but it was mind-blowing. While I knew some stuff, I also discovered things about being an ethical hacker that didn't quite occur to me in the first place. Here are a few things that stood out for me:
- You won't always know how 'it' works: New system, application, or protocol you've never heard of? Happens everyday. Even the most experienced hackers get brand new information very frequently. What sets great ones apart is the ability to learn about it quickly enough to achieve their goals.
- Master the unknown: With practice and persistence, a good hacker has to learn how to find, choose, and adapt any information obtained from enumeration.
- Understand the fundamentals: Understanding a general concept can help you understand the underlying components or methods. For example, understanding a general overview of how Wi-Fi works will help you understand a bit easier the effects of de-authentication attacks
- Unlearn limitations: In school, many of us were taught to solve problems a certain way, and as we grew up, we understood that some problems just don't have solutions...or so we thought. The reality is that in the grand calculus of the multiverse (not sure if I'm legally allowed to say that 😂), every problem has a solution. We just have to find a way there.
- The Kings of Documentation: Ah yes, reports (my least favourite part of this career). Anyway, every report, irrespective of who it is delivered to requires three things: Overview, Structure, and Clarity to the given audience. Treat these as your infinity stones and watch the world snap into perfection.
- Talent is not born, it grown: That's it. Nothing more to read here.
Until the next one. Cheers 👋
Cover Image by Bernyce Hollingworth.
