Ethical Hacker Community Forums

Im Brand new. what should i learn first to become an ethical hacker?
i do alot about general computers, no languages. nothing about networks.
what should i learn?

Here is some good threads to read over.

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2186.0/ (http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2186.0/)

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2262.0/ (http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2262.0/)

In addition there is a lot of really good information on this forum if you take some time and look around.  Good Luck!!!  And welcome to EH-Net.

I think the biggest thing is to simply be curious.  If you are not curious this is not the field for you.  First be a generalist...then find something you really enjoy and dig...and dig...and dig.

especially if you like DNS enumeration;)

(sorry, I'll get my coat)

Dig dig dig....


Speaking of networking.. I can't believe I brainfarted and assumed my broadband carrier would hook me up with a router.  :P  Just had to do an emergency purchase of a router for my home network.  Man... it's badass though, the network that is. :P  All gigabit...... mmmm... love gigabit LAN gaming.  I know that's a bit off topic, so I'll toss in the usual response.

Read.

Learn:
Networking, know your tcp/ip and other protocols, understand the concept of ports and how they inter-relate to programs on a networked environment.

Linux, it's the b0mb. 

C, C+, and fun stuff.  Hello world!

Related to networking, learn wireless.  It's becoming a more and more prevalent thing... fun to dork around with too.

Learn your tools, don't get into trouble though.  IE, don't put nessus/metasploit on your work computer... or you'll soon be un-employed.  Don't run it against random networks you find, you'll find yourself in jail getting aquainted with burritos.

Learn the basics like Chris said. After that, learn more in an area that interests you. If you do download Nessu, metasploit, and other tools, don't just pick random IPs. You will get burned. If you have the computer for it, you can set up a virtual lab with different OSes or if you are lucky enough to work somewhere with a lab, you can play with those tools there. Just get permission first because some of the tools can have some undesired outcomes that cannot be fixed with a reboot. One of our Rule Of Engagement (ROE) in our lab is to make sure that whatever we do can be fixed with with reboot. With that said, don't play on a production network. Good luck and have fun.