Computer Networking

Basic Computer SkillsIt probably goes without saying that to become a hacker you need some basic computer skills. These skills go beyond the ability to create a Word document or cruise the Internet. You need to be able to use the command line in Windows, edit the registry, and set up your networking parameters.Many of these basic skills can be acquired in a basic computer skills course like A+.2Networking SkillsYou need to understand the basics of networking, such as the following. DHCP NAT Subnetting IPv4 IPv6 Public v Private IP DNS Routers and switches VLANs OSI model MAC addressing ARPAs we are often exploiting these technologies, the better you understand how they work, the more successful you will be. Note that I did not write the two guides below, but they are very informative and cover some of the networking basics mentioned above. Hacker Fundamentals: A Tale of Two Standards The Everyman's Guide to How Network Packets Are Routed3Linux SkillsIt is extremely critical to develop Linux skills to become a hacker. Nearly all the tools we use as a hacker are developed for Linux and Linux gives us capabilities that we don't have using Windows.If you need to improve your Linux skills, or you're just getting started with Linux, check out my Linux series for beginners below. Linux Basics for the Aspiring Hacker4Wireshark or TcpdumpWireshark is the most widely used sniffer/protocol analyzer, while tcpdump is a command line sniffer/protocol analyzer. Both can be extraordinarily useful in analyzing TCP/IP traffic and attacks. An Intro to Wireshark and the OSI Model Wireshark Filters for Wiretappers5VirtualizationYou need to become proficient in using one of the virtualization software packages such as VirtualBox or VMWare Workstation. Ideally, you need a safe environment to practice your hacks before you take them out in real world. A virtual environment provides you a safe environment to test and refine your hacks before going live with them.6Security Concepts & TechnologiesA good hacker understands security concepts and technologies. The only way to overcome the roadblocks established by the security admins is to be familiar with them. The hacker must understand such things as PKI (public key infrastructure), SSL (secure sockets layer), IDS (intrusion detection system), firewalls, etc.The beginner hacker can acquire many of these skills in a basic security course such as Security+. How to Read & Write Snort Rules to Evade an IDS7Wireless TechnologiesIn order to be able to hack wireless, you must first understand how it works. Things like the encryption algorithms (WEP, WPA, WPA2), the four-way handshake, and WPS. In addition, understanding such as things as the protocol for connection and authentication and the legal constraints on wireless technologies.To get started, check out my guide below on getting started with wireless terms and technologies, then read our collection of Wi-Fi hacking guides for further information on each kind of encryption algorithms and for examples of how each hack works. Getting Started with Wi-Fi Terms & Technologies The Aspiring Hacker's Guide to Hacking Wi-Fi