Roadmap to Becoming a Black Hat Hacker (Educational Purpose Only)
Disclaimer
This blog is for strictly educational purposes. Cybersecurity knowledge and skills can be put to ethical and unethical purposes. Black Hat Hacker is doing illegal things that may result in severe legal implications. That is why this roadmap is shared, so one can understand the learning process of hacking and cybersecurity for use responsibly.
Introduction: Black Hat vs White Hat
Black Hat Hacker is more of a choice to use your skills of cybersecurity unethically, whereas it is not a different profession altogether. Whether you become a White Hat Hacker (ethical) or a Black Hat Hacker (unethical), the actual process of learning is just the same. It depends on you.
If you are interested in the offensive side of cybersecurity—Penetration Testing, Red Teaming, Exploitation - this roadmap will guide you step by step.
Stage 1: Building Foundation
Start with a solid base in your career.
1. Networking basics
Learn the following protocols and concepts:
- TCP/IP
- DNS (Domain Name System)
- ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
- VLANs (Virtual LAN)
- Firewalls and Proxies
Tool to Practice: Cisco Packet Tracer (for network simulation).
2. Operating Systems
Master two major operating systems.
Linux:
Begin with Kali Linux and Parrot OS-the most popular OS for penetration testing.
Learn the Linux command, file management, permissions, and various networking tools.
Windows:
Understand Active Directory (AD), Group Policies, and Windows networking.
3. Programming and Scripting
Learn how to code the automation, exploits, and malware.
- Python (basic scripting and automation).
- Bash (Linux shell scripting).
- PowerShell (Windows scripting).
- C/C++ (for developing exploits and understanding binaries).
Phase 2: Basic Offense Security
Once you have a foundation, start learning offensive techniques:
1. Tools to Learn
- Nmap is network scanning and reconnaissance.
- Burp Suite-web application penetration testing.
- Metasploit (exploitation framework).
- Wireshark (packet analysis).
2. Offensive Methodologies
- Reconnaissance: Information gathering about the target.
- Exploitation: Exploit vulnerabilities to gain access.
- Privilege Escalation: Achieve higher permissions.
- Exfiltration: Steal and exfiltrate sensitive information.
3. Practice Venues
Get hands-on experience on these platforms:
- TryHackMe (Beginner-Friendly).
- Hack The Box, Intermediate.
- VulnHub (download vulnerable machines).
- Participate in CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions.
Phase 3: Red Team Skills (Advanced Offensive Skills)
To learn advanced offensive techniques, focus on the following areas:
1. Active Directory Attacks
Learn how to exploit Windows AD environments:
- Techniques: Kerberoasting, Pass-the-Hash, Lateral Movement.
- Tools: BloodHound, Responder, Mimikatz.
2. Social Engineering
Master the art of manipulating human behavior
- Techniques: Phishing, Pretexting, Credential harvesting.
- Tools: GoPhish, Social Engineering Toolkit (SET).
3. Exploit Development
Learn to make your own exploits.
- Understand Buffer Overflows and Shellcoding.
- Tools: Immunity Debugger, msfvenom.
4. Physical Security Testing
Learn how to overcome physical security:
- Lock cracking, RFID cloning, and USB exploits.
- Tools: Proxmark3, USB Rubber Ducky.
Phase 4: Advanced Skills
Become an advanced offensive security professional:
1. Red Teaming Frameworks
Comprehending the advanced attacks using certain frameworks
- Cobalt Strike
- Empire
- Sliver
2. Cloud Testing
Delve into Cloud security and exploitation.
Target Platforms AWS, Azure etc.
Tools: Pacu, CloudSploit.
3. Malware Analysis
Understand how to analyze and reverse-engineer malware:
Tools: Ghidra, IDA Pro.
4. Avoiding Defenses
Learn how to get past security controls:
Avoid bypassing antivirus and SIEM systems.
Encrypt payloads to avoid detection.
Phase 5: Validation through Certifications
Certifications can also confirm your knowledge and skills
Beginner Level:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Intermediate Level:
- eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester (eCPPT)
- OSCP or Offensive Security Certified Professional.
Advanced Level:
- OSCE Offense Security Certified Expert
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- Red Team Certified Operator-Red Team (CRTO)
Phase 6: Building Your "Portfolio" (Black Hat Perspective)
Although illegal, here is what black hat hackers do normally in order to establish themselves
- Engage in Cyber Attacks
- Conduct un-authorized cyber attacks and cyber-wars.
- Collaborate with other hackers
- Join Black Hat forums like Hellofhackers and collaborate on attacks.
- Create and Share Tools
- Create open-source hacking tools and share them on the dark net forums.
To be recognized by other Black Hat hackers.
Warning: These activities contain great dangers including imprisonment or fines as well as lifetime legal impact. These knowledge roadmap sharings only serve the reason that the world calls human being use potential skills they gain from ethical ends.
Your Current Skills and Next Steps
According to your existing knowledge:
Current Skills:
- Basics of Python and HTML.
- Familiarity with Kali Linux and basic Linux commands.
- Basics of Networking.
- Completed CS50 Introduction to Cyber Security course.
- Understanding basics in C++ and bash scripting.
Next Steps
- Focus on learning Networking Concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, ARP).
- Build strong skills in Linux Command Line and Python Scripting.
- Start practicing on TryHackMe and VulnHub.
- Learn tools such as Nmap, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. Work step-by-step on this roadmap.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Hacking is a skill very powerful and can be good or bad. While the harm is caused by Black Hat Hackers, White Hat Hackers protect individuals, companies, and governments from cyber threats. Use this roadmap to master the art of hacking but choose the ethical path. The cybersecurity industry has great opportunities for ethical hackers, and you can make a positive impact while earning a respectable career. Remember, knowledge is power and with power comes responsibility-so choose wisely!
