How to Become an Ethical Hacker: A 6-Month Roadmap (2025)

The idea of “ethical hacking” is captivating. You’ve seen it in movies—the lone genius in a hoodie, typing furiously to save the world. While the reality is less dramatic, it’s infinitely more rewarding. But where do you even begin? The path can feel overwhelming, a mountain of complex topics with no clear starting point. This guide is here to change that.

I started exactly where you are now: zero technical knowledge, just a powerful sense of curiosity. In 18 months, I went from not knowing what a “port” was to becoming OSCP certified and working as a professional penetration tester. I’ve since mentored over 500 beginners through the exact same process. This isn’t a list of generic advice like “learn networking.” This is a practical, step-by-step, 6-month roadmap designed to take you from a complete beginner to a competent, job-ready candidate in the field of ethical hacking.

Reality Check – What Ethical Hacking Actually Is

Before we dive in, we need to align your expectations with reality. Ethical hacking is a professional career, not a movie plot. It’s less about frantic typing and more about methodical problem-solving.

What You Will ACTUALLY Do:

• Find Vulnerabilities: You’ll spend hours methodically testing systems and applications, looking for security flaws that a malicious attacker could exploit. This is a slow, patient process.
• Write Reports: This is 50% of the job. You must be able to clearly document your findings, explain the business risk of each vulnerability, and provide actionable remediation advice for developers.
• Meet with Clients: You need strong communication skills to explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Potential Career Paths:
The term “ethical hacker” is broad. Here are the most common career paths you can aim for:

This roadmap will prepare you for an entry-level role as a penetration tester or security analyst.

“I spent two weeks just understanding what an IP address actually was. That’s normal. Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20. The only competition is who you were yesterday.”

The Prerequisites – Your Starting Toolkit

You don’t need a computer science degree, but you do need a few basic things to start your journey.

• Computer Requirements: A decent laptop is essential. Aim for a minimum of an Intel i5 (or equivalent) processor, 8GB of RAM (16GB is highly recommended), and at least 500GB of storage.
• Virtualization Software: You will be running virtual machines (VMs), which are essentially operating systems running inside your main OS. This allows you to create a safe, isolated lab for hacking. Download and install VirtualBox—it’s free and perfect for beginners.
• Mindset: This is the most important prerequisite. You need patience, an insatiable curiosity, and a stubborn problem-solving attitude. You will spend countless hours stuck on problems. The ability to use Google effectively and persevere through frustration is the #1 skill of a hacker.

Month 1-2 – The Unskippable Fundamentals: Linux & Networking

You cannot hack what you do not understand. The first two months are dedicated to building a rock-solid foundation in how computers and networks actually work. Do not skip this section.

Weeks 1-2: Master the Linux Command Line

The vast majority of hacking tools are built for and run on Linux. It is the native language of the cybersecurity world. Your goal is to become comfortable living in the command line.

• Action Plan:
  1. Install Kali Linux: Download the Kali Linux .ova file for VirtualBox and import it. Kali is a Linux distribution pre-loaded with hundreds of hacking tools. This will be your primary hacking environment.
  2. Learn Basic Commands: Spend these two weeks learning the absolute essentials:
     • ls, cd, pwd: Navigating the file system.
     • cat, grep, find: Reading and searching for files.
     • chmod, chown: Changing file permissions.
     • apt, apt-get: Installing software.
  3. Practice: The best way to learn is by doing. Work through the free, game-like challenges on OverTheWire’s Bandit wargame. It’s designed specifically to teach you these core commands.

Weeks 3-4: Understand How the Internet Works (Networking)

You need to understand how data moves from one computer to another before you can learn how to intercept or manipulate it.

• Action Plan:
  1. Learn the OSI & TCP/IP Models: You don’t need to memorize them, but you need to understand the function of each layer. Focus on Layer 3 (Network – IP addresses), Layer 4 (Transport – TCP/UDP ports), and Layer 7 (Application – HTTP/HTTPS).
  2. IP Addresses and Subnetting: Learn what an IP address and a subnet mask are. You can use our IP Lookup Tool to explore IP information.
  3. Common Ports: Memorize the most common network ports and the services that run on them (e.g., 80/443 for web traffic, 22 for SSH).
  4. Use Basic Tools: Practice with ping (is the host online?), traceroute (what path does my data take?), and netstat (what connections are active on my machine?).

Weeks 5-8: Information Gathering with Nmap

Nmap is the world’s most famous network scanner. It’s the first tool a hacker uses to “enumerate” or gather information about a target. Your goal is to become proficient with Nmap scans.

• Action Plan:
  1. Learn Nmap Scans: Start with simple scans and progress to more advanced ones:
     • nmap -sP [target]: A simple ping scan to see which hosts are online.
     • nmap -sT [target]: A full TCP connect scan.
     • nmap -sV [target]: Detects the versions of the services running on open ports.
     • nmap -A [target]: An aggressive scan that combines OS detection, version detection, script scanning, and traceroute.
  2. Practice on a Target: Use Nmap to scan the IP address of your own router or the intentionally vulnerable VMs you will set up later. You can also use our Free Online Port Scanner for quick, external scans.

Key Resources for Months 1-2:

• Hands-On Practice: OverTheWire Bandit (Linux), TryHackMe’s “Pre-Security” Path (free).
• Video Content: Search YouTube for “NetworkChuck Networking Basics” and “HackerSploit Nmap.”

By the end of Month 2, you will have a solid foundation. You’ll be comfortable in a Linux environment and understand how to gather initial information about a target network—the first step in every single ethical hack.

Now, we accelerate. The next two months are about turning foundational knowledge into offensive capability. You will learn to write your own simple hacking tools with Python and begin exploring the single largest attack surface in the world: web applications. This is where you truly start to think like a hacker.

“Learning Python is like a superpower for a hacker. It’s the difference between using someone else’s tools and building your own customized weapons. Every script you write, no matter how simple, is a step towards mastery.”

Month 3-4 – Learning to Code and Hack the Web

This phase is intense and deeply rewarding. You will transition from being a user of technology to a creator and a manipulator. Your goal is not to become a master programmer, but to become proficient enough to read, understand, and write scripts that automate your hacking tasks.

Weeks 9-12: Python for Hackers

Python is the de facto programming language for the cybersecurity industry. Its simple syntax and powerful libraries make it perfect for scripting everything from network scanners to complex exploits.

• Action Plan:
  1. Learn the Fundamentals: You don’t need a full computer science course. Focus on the core concepts:
     • Variables and Data Types (strings, integers, lists)
     • Loops (for, while) and Conditionals (if, else)
     • Functions
     • File Handling (reading from and writing to files)
  2. Explore Security Libraries: Get familiar with the libraries that hackers use every day.
     • socket: For creating network connections.
     • requests: For interacting with websites and APIs.
     • scapy: For crafting and manipulating network packets.
  3. Write Your First Hacking Tool: The best way to learn is to build. Start by creating a simple port scanner script in Python. This will solidify your understanding of both Python and networking fundamentals.

Your First Hacking Tool: A Simple Python Port Scanner
This script will attempt to connect to a range of ports on a target IP address to see which ones are open.

pythonimport socket

def scan_port(ip, port):
    """
    Attempts to connect to a specific port on a given IP.
    Returns True if the port is open, False otherwise.
    """
    try:
        # Create a new socket object
        sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
        # Set a timeout to avoid waiting too long for closed ports
        sock.settimeout(1)
        # Attempt to connect
        result = sock.connect_ex((ip, port))
        # If the connection was successful, the port is open
        if result == 0:
            return True
        else:
            return False
    except socket.error as e:
        print(f"Socket error: {e}")
        return False
    finally:
        sock.close()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    target_ip = "192.168.1.1" # Replace with your target
    print(f"Scanning target: {target_ip}")
    # Scan ports 1 through 1024
    for port_num in range(1, 1025):
        if scan_port(target_ip, port_num):
            print(f"[+] Port {port_num} is open")

This script may seem simple, but understanding how and why it works is a massive step forward in your journey.

Weeks 13-16: Web Application Security

The vast majority of modern applications are web-based, making web application security one of the most in-demand skills. Your goal here is to understand how websites work and how to find their most common flaws.

• Action Plan:
  1. Understand the Basics: Learn how HTTP requests (GET, POST) work, the basic structure of HTML, and the role of JavaScript in modern websites.
  2. Study the OWASP Top 10: The OWASP Top 10 is a standard awareness document representing a broad consensus about the most critical security risks to web applications. Focus on understanding and exploiting the top vulnerabilities:
     • A01: Broken Access Control: Can you access pages you’re not supposed to?
     • A02: Cryptographic Failures: Is sensitive data being transmitted in plain text?
     • A03: Injection: Especially SQL Injection. This is a critical vulnerability to master. Our SQL Injection Database Exploitation Guide provides a deep dive.
  3. Learn Burp Suite: Burp Suite is the most important tool for web application penetration testing. It acts as a proxy, allowing you to intercept, inspect, and modify the traffic between your browser and a web server. Learn how to use its core features: Proxy, Repeater, and Intruder.
  4. Practice in a Safe Environment: It is illegal to test these techniques on real websites without permission. You must practice in intentionally vulnerable, legal lab environments.

Key Resources and Labs for Months 3-4:

• Python: “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” (free online book), FreeCodeCamp’s Python course on YouTube.
• Web Security Labs:
  • Damn Vulnerable Web App (DVWA): A PHP/MySQL web application that is damn vulnerable. Install it locally on your Kali machine to practice SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).
  • OWASP WebGoat: A deliberately insecure application maintained by OWASP to teach web application security lessons.
  • TryHackMe: The “Web Fundamentals” and “OWASP Top 10” learning paths are invaluable for hands-on practice.

By the end of Month 4, you will have written your own hacking tools and successfully exploited your first web application vulnerabilities. You are now moving from theory to practical, hands-on hacking.

“The difference between a script kiddie and a professional is not the tools they use; it’s their methodology. A professional is patient, methodical, and documents everything. A professional understands that the goal isn’t just to ‘get in,’ but to understand the ‘how’ and clearly report the ‘why’.”

Month 5 – Exploitation, Privilege Escalation, and Tool Mastery

This month is pure, hands-on hacking. You will learn to use the tools that professionals use every day to gain initial access to systems, escalate your privileges to gain full control, and analyze network traffic to find sensitive information.

Weeks 17-18: The Metasploit Framework

The Metasploit Framework is the world’s most popular penetration testing framework. It’s a massive database of exploits and a powerful tool for automating the exploitation process. While you should not rely on it exclusively, it is an essential tool to master.

• Action Plan:
  1. Set Up Your Lab: Download and run Metasploitable 2, an intentionally vulnerable Linux virtual machine designed specifically for practicing with Metasploit.
  2. Learn the Workflow: The core Metasploit workflow is simple:
     • search [vulnerability]: Find an exploit for a specific service.
     • use [exploit_name]: Load the exploit module.
     • show options: View the required parameters (like the target IP address).
     • set RHOSTS [target_ip]: Set the target’s IP address.
     • set payload [payload_name]: Choose what you want to happen after exploitation (e.g., windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp).
     • exploit: Launch the attack.
  3. Master Meterpreter: When you successfully exploit a system, you will often get a “Meterpreter” shell. This is a powerful, advanced payload that allows you to perform post-exploitation activities like dumping password hashes, taking screenshots, or pivoting to other machines on the network.

Weeks 19-20: The Hacker’s Toolkit

Beyond Metasploit, there is a suite of tools you will use on nearly every engagement. Your goal is to understand what each tool does and when to use it.

• Action Plan – Get Hands-On With:
  • Wireshark: A network packet analyzer. Use it to “sniff” network traffic and analyze protocols to find clear-text credentials or other sensitive information.
  • John the Ripper / Hashcat: Password cracking tools. Learn to use them to crack password hashes that you extract from compromised systems.
  • Hydra: A fast network logon cracker. Use it to perform brute-force attacks against login services like SSH, FTP, or web forms.
  • Nikto: A web server scanner that checks for thousands of potentially dangerous files, outdated server versions, and other common misconfigurations.
  • Gobuster / Dirb: Directory and file brute-forcers. Use them to discover hidden pages and directories on a web server that are not linked from anywhere else.

Key Labs and Practice for Month 5:

• Hack The Box – Starting Point: A series of free, easy machines that are perfect for beginners to practice the entire hacking methodology: scan, enumerate, exploit, and escalate.
• VulnHub: A massive repository of user-submitted, downloadable vulnerable virtual machines. This is an endless source of free practice.
• TryHackMe: Continue working through the “Easy” and “Medium” level rooms to solidify your skills with these new tools.

Month 6 – Getting Certified and Landing Your First Job

You have the skills. Now it’s time to prove it to the world and get paid for it. This final month is focused on building your credibility, creating a portfolio, and navigating the job market.

Weeks 21-22: Choosing and Preparing for Your First Certification

A certification is not a substitute for skills, but it is a crucial key that unlocks the door to job interviews. It proves to HR departments and hiring managers that you have a verified baseline of knowledge.

• Which Certification First?
  • CompTIA Security+: The best starting point for a complete beginner. It covers a broad range of security fundamentals and is highly respected for entry-level roles like Security Analyst.
  • eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester): A fantastic, budget-friendly, and hands-on exam that tests your practical skills. It is an excellent step before attempting the OSCP.
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): A well-known certification that is often requested by HR departments, especially for government and corporate jobs. It is more theory-based than the eJPT or OSCP.
  • OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): The industry gold standard for penetration testers. It is a grueling, 24-hour, hands-on exam. This should not be your first certification. Aim for this after you have 6-12 months of experience.

Weeks 23-24: Building Your Portfolio and Resume

You need to show, not just tell. A portfolio of your work is often more valuable than a certification.

• Action Plan:
  1. Create Write-ups: After you successfully complete a machine on Hack The Box or TryHackMe, write a detailed blog post explaining your methodology. This demonstrates your technical and communication skills.
  2. Build a GitHub Profile: Post the simple scripts you’ve written (like your port scanner) to a public GitHub repository. This shows that you can code.
  3. Optimize Your LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile with your new skills, certifications, and links to your write-ups and GitHub. Start connecting with recruiters and professionals in the field.
  4. Craft Your Resume: Focus on skills and projects, not just past job titles. Highlight your lab experience, your proficiency with tools like Nmap and Burp Suite, and your knowledge of the OWASP Top 10.

Beyond 6 Months – The Journey Never Ends

Ethical hacking is not a destination; it’s a discipline of continuous learning. The tools and techniques you learned in this roadmap are the foundation, but the threat landscape evolves daily.

• Keep Practicing: Continue to work on platforms like Hack The Box, and consider participating in live Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions.​
• Explore Bug Bounties: Sign up for platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd. Even if you don’t find a bug right away, reading the publicly disclosed reports is one of the best ways to learn real-world hacking techniques.​
• Stay Updated: Follow security researchers on Twitter, listen to cybersecurity podcasts (like Darknet Diaries and Risky Business), and read blogs from security companies.
• Specialize: Once you have a job and a solid foundation, consider specializing in an area that interests you, like mobile application security, cloud security, or Malware Analysis.

Conclusion: You Are Ready

Six months ago, you were a beginner standing at the base of a mountain. Today, you have climbed it. You have built a lab, mastered the command line, scanned networks, written code, exploited vulnerabilities, and earned your first certification. You have a portfolio that proves your skills and a resume that will get you noticed.

The journey is challenging, and there will be moments of intense frustration. But you persevered. You are no longer just an aspiring hacker; you have a solid foundation and a clear path forward. The only thing left to do is take that final step and start applying for your first job. The adventure is just beginning.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker: The Complete Beginner’s FAQ

Getting Started: The Basics

1. Do I need a computer science degree to become an ethical hacker?
   No. While a degree can be helpful, it is absolutely not a requirement. The cybersecurity industry is a meritocracy. Demonstrable, hands-on skills, a strong portfolio, and certifications are far more important than a degree. Many of the best hackers are self-taught.
2. How much math do I need to know?
   For most areas of ethical hacking, you only need basic arithmetic. The exception is cryptography, which involves advanced mathematics, but you do not need to be a cryptographer to be an ethical hacker.
3. Is ethical hacking legal?
   Yes, if and only if you have explicit, written permission to test a system. Hacking any system without permission is illegal and will land you in serious trouble. Ethical hacking operates under a strict code of conduct and a signed contract.
4. What’s the difference between a Penetration Tester and a Security Analyst?
   A Penetration Tester (pentester) is on the offensive, simulating attacks to find vulnerabilities. A Security Analyst is on the defensive, monitoring networks, analyzing logs, and responding to security incidents.
5. How long does it really take to get a job?
   If you are dedicated and can commit 15-20 hours per week, this 6-month roadmap is realistic for building job-ready skills. The job search itself can take an additional 2-4 months, depending on the market and your portfolio.
6. Can I learn ethical hacking entirely on my own?
   Yes. There are more high-quality, low-cost resources available today than ever before. Platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and free content on YouTube can teach you everything you need to know to get started.
7. What kind of computer do I need to start?
   A decent modern laptop will suffice. Aim for a minimum of an Intel i5 processor (or AMD equivalent), 8GB of RAM (16GB is much better, as you’ll be running virtual machines), and at least 500GB of storage.
8. Is it expensive to learn ethical hacking?
   It doesn’t have to be. You can learn the fundamentals for free using VirtualBox, Kali Linux, OverTheWire, and the free rooms on TryHackMe. Your first major expense will likely be your first certification exam.
9. I’m not a “technical” person. Can I still learn this?
   Yes. Everyone starts with zero knowledge. The key requirement is not pre-existing technical skill, but rather a strong sense of curiosity and the persistence to work through problems.
10. What is the most important personality trait for a hacker?
    Persistence. You will spend 99% of your time failing, troubleshooting, and feeling stuck. The ability to persevere through that frustration is what separates successful hackers from those who give up.

The Learning Path: Fundamentals

11. Why do I have to learn Linux? Can’t I just use Windows?
    You must learn Linux. The vast majority of security tools are developed for and run on Linux. It gives you a level of control over the operating system that is essential for hacking. Trying to be a hacker without knowing Linux is like trying to be a chef without knowing how to use a knife.
12. What is Kali Linux and why is it so popular?
    Kali Linux is a distribution of Linux specifically designed for penetration testing. It comes pre-installed with hundreds of the most common hacking tools, saving you the time and effort of installing them all yourself.
13. I’m struggling with networking concepts like the OSI model. How important is it really?
    It’s fundamental. You don’t need to be able to recite all seven layers from memory, but you absolutely need to understand the concept of what happens at each layer. Hacking is all about finding and exploiting flaws in this communication process.
14. What are the most important Linux commands for a beginner?
    Focus on file system navigation (ls, cd, pwd), file manipulation (cat, grep, find, nano), and permissions (chmod, chown).
15. What is a virtual machine (VM) and why do I need one?
    A VM is an operating system running inside of your main OS. It creates a safe, isolated “sandbox” environment. This is crucial for practicing hacking, as it ensures you cannot accidentally damage your own computer.
16. What’s the difference between TCP and UDP?
    TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that establishes a reliable connection and guarantees that data arrives in order (like a phone call). UDP is a connectionless protocol that just sends packets without any guarantee of delivery (like sending a postcard).
17. What are the most important network ports to memorize?
    Start with these: 21 (FTP), 22 (SSH), 25 (SMTP), 53 (DNS), 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), 3306 (MySQL), and 3389 (RDP).
18. I ran an Nmap scan. How do I interpret the output?
    The most important things to look for are the open ports and the services and version numbers running on them. A specific version of a service (e.g., “Apache httpd 2.4.29”) is what you will search for to find known exploits.
19. Can I practice scanning on any website?
    No. Absolutely not. Running an Nmap scan against a system without permission is illegal in most countries and can be detected. Only practice on systems you own or on platforms specifically designed for hacking practice (like TryHackMe and Hack The Box).
20. What is a “firewall” and how does it relate to port scanning?
    A firewall is a device that monitors and filters network traffic. It can be configured to block port scans or to hide open ports, making a hacker’s job more difficult.

The Hacker’s Toolkit: Programming & Tools

21. Do I need to be an expert programmer?
    No. You need to be a “script writer.” Your goal is to be able to read other people’s code and write simple scripts to automate your own tasks.
22. Why Python? Why not another language like C++ or JavaScript?
    Python has a simple, readable syntax and an enormous ecosystem of third-party libraries for networking and security tasks, which allows you to build powerful tools very quickly.
23. What is the goal of writing a Python port scanner if a tool like Nmap already exists?
    The goal is learning. Building the tool yourself forces you to understand how it works at a fundamental level. It’s the difference between knowing how to drive a car and knowing how to build an engine.
24. What is the OWASP Top 10 and why is it important?
    It’s a standard awareness document that lists the ten most critical security risks to web applications. It’s important because it tells you exactly what kind of vulnerabilities companies are most concerned about and what you should be looking for.
25. What is Burp Suite and do I need the Pro version?
    Burp Suite is the most essential tool for web application testing. It acts as a proxy to intercept and manipulate web traffic. The free Community Edition is more than powerful enough to learn all the fundamentals.
26. What’s the difference between SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?
    SQL Injection (SQLi) is an attack against the backend database. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is an attack that targets other users of the application by injecting malicious JavaScript into the frontend.
27. Where can I legally practice web application hacking?
    On intentionally vulnerable applications that you host yourself, such as Damn Vulnerable Web App (DVWA) and OWASP WebGoat.
28. What is Metasploit, and is it just a “push-button” hacking tool?
    Metasploit is an exploitation framework that makes it easier to use known exploits. While it can seem like a “push-button” tool, a professional uses it to understand how an exploit works and to deliver a specific payload. Relying on it blindly without understanding the underlying vulnerability is the mark of a beginner.
29. What is a “payload” in Metasploit?
    The payload is the code that you want to run on the target machine after the exploit is successful. This could be something simple like creating a new user or something complex like a “Meterpreter” shell.
30. What’s the difference between a “bind” shell and a “reverse” shell?
    A bind shell opens a port on the victim’s machine and waits for the attacker to connect to it. A reverse shell makes the victim’s machine actively connect back to a listening port on the attacker’s machine. Reverse shells are often more effective as they can bypass firewalls.

Getting Certified: The Paper Proof

31. Which certification should I get first: Security+, CEH, or eJPT?
    For a complete beginner with no IT background, CompTIA Security+ is the best starting point as it covers fundamental theory. If you prefer hands-on learning, the eJPT is an excellent and affordable practical certification.
32. Is the OSCP really as hard as people say it is?
    Yes. It is a very challenging 24-hour practical exam that requires a deep understanding of hacking methodology and a “try harder” mindset. It should not be your first certification.
33. Are certifications enough to get a job, or do I need experience?
    Certifications get you the interview. Hands-on skills and a portfolio get you the job. You need both. Your lab experience and write-ups are your “experience” when you’re just starting out.
34. How much do certifications cost?
    They vary widely. The CompTIA Security+ exam voucher is around $392. The eJPT is around $249. The CEH and OSCP exams, including their required training, cost well over $1,000.
35. Is CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) still respected in the industry?
    The CEH has a mixed reputation among technical professionals, but it is still highly recognized by HR departments and is often a requirement for government and corporate jobs.
36. What is the best way to study for a practical exam like the eJPT or OSCP?
    Practice. Spend 80% of your time on hands-on labs like Hack The Box and VulnHub. The only way to pass a practical exam is by having extensive practical experience.
37. How long should I study for the CompTIA Security+?
    For someone with no background but following this roadmap, you could reasonably be ready for the Security+ after 3-4 months of dedicated study.
38. Do certifications expire?
    Yes, most do. Certifications from CompTIA, EC-Council (CEH), and others require you to earn continuing education (CE) credits or pay an annual fee to keep them active. The OSCP is one of the few that does not expire.
39. Can I put “in-progress” certifications on my resume?
    Yes. You can list a certification you are actively studying for with an “Expected” date (e.g., “CompTIA Security+ – Expected December 2025”).
40. Is it better to get multiple entry-level certs or one advanced cert?
    Start with one solid, respected entry-level certification (like Security+ or eJPT). After that, focus on gaining skills and then pursue an advanced, hands-on certification like the OSCP.

The Career: Jobs & Beyond

41. What job titles should I search for as a beginner?
    Look for “Junior Security Analyst,” “SOC Analyst Tier 1,” “Vulnerability Analyst,” or “Junior Penetration Tester.”
42. How do I get experience when every job requires experience?
    Your “experience” is your hands-on lab work. Your portfolio of Hack The Box write-ups, your GitHub of custom scripts, and your home lab projects are what you use to demonstrate your skills in lieu of professional experience.
43. What should I put in my portfolio if I have no professional experience?
    Detailed write-ups of 5-10 retired Hack The Box machines, a link to your GitHub account with at least 2-3 of your own simple Python tools, and a blog where you explain technical concepts in your own words.
44. How important is a GitHub profile for a beginner?
    It is very important. It’s tangible proof that you have practical coding skills and are an active learner.
45. What is a bug bounty, and can I make a living from it?
    A bug bounty is a program where companies pay independent researchers to find and report vulnerabilities in their products. While a few top researchers make a very good living, it is extremely competitive and not a reliable source of income for a beginner.
46. What is the typical salary for an entry-level ethical hacker in 2025?
    In the US, an entry-level role like a SOC Analyst or Junior Penetration Tester typically ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 per year.
47. What is a “CTF” (Capture The Flag)?
    A CTF is a cybersecurity competition where participants solve challenges to find hidden “flags.” They are a fun and excellent way to practice a wide range of hacking skills in a competitive environment.
48. How do I network in the cybersecurity community?
    Get active on Twitter (X) and LinkedIn. Follow researchers, comment on their posts, and share your own work. Join Discord servers dedicated to cybersecurity and participate in local security meetups (like OWASP chapter meetings).
49. What is the biggest mistake beginners make when job hunting?
    Applying for jobs without a portfolio. A resume with a list of skills is not enough; you must have tangible proof that you can do the work.
50. Is it okay to hack my own network or devices to practice?
    Yes. Setting up your own home lab with your own router and virtual machines is a great, legal way to practice your skills. Just be sure not to launch attacks that leave your own network.