EH-Net

Hello all. Maybe I'm over my head in this, but I want to learn the ins and outs of hacking.  I'm very computer savy, and just need a push in the right direction so to speak.  Does anyone have a list of 'must have programs' or tutorials handy?

First of all, welcome to the boards!  This is definitely the place to be to learn.

Have you seen this thread?
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/)

I've found reading the Hacking Exposed book was a good start to building interest.  Find something that makes you excited and then investigate.  Post questions here if you get stuck.  You will find we are willing to help.

As for tools, get a copy of BackTrack which will have all the tools you need.  All you need left to do is learn how to use the tools, which there are videos out there.

Welcome!

Thanks I appreciate it.

Firstly, read the link yatz posted.

Everyone has their favorite book. For me it's Counter Hack Reloaded. Others might advice you to read Hacking for dummies (It's actually good). Whatever book you choose make sure to practice the stuff in your lab. Read my response in this thread where I discuss how to make a lab http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,5500.msg28779/#msg28779

Reading books will only give you theoretical knowledge. Practice will make your concepts clear.

Don't bother with tools at this stage. If you don't understand what they do you probably don't need them. Focus on learning the concepts and you'll find the tool yourself.

Hello and welcome. Why did you open this topic in the Ethical Hacking Certs-> Wireless section?

Regarding your questions, I will disagree here with yatz. If you know very little on hacking I would not suggest BackTrack, as it will probably turn you into a so-called script-kiddie.

BackTrack is the 3rd or 4th step to go. First try studying Basic Programming and Operating Systems, then Hacking Books and then go to BackTrack.

In general, I believe doing things in the right order is more efficient.

When I started getting interested in hacking, I already had experience with many programming languages, so a lot of times when someone says they are computer savvy, I tend to overlook needing programming.

Still, the part that got me interested is reading Hacking Exposed and then watching some the webcasts by Ed Skoudis.  Once I saw it in action I went straight for BackTrack.

I guess I would maintain that seeing the tools in use, get a few remote shells, then if it interests you see how the tools work (many are open source).

You DO though need to have a GOOD knowledge of command line.  Get used to using Linux and you will definitely be a step ahead.

Ok, thanks for all the info.  I do own Hacking for dummies, and Ive read that through a couple times.  I'm planning on getting Mitnicks book next, and also hacking exposed.  Then off to Ubuntu I go.

If you can come up with $599, try taking the course at eLearnSecurity. http://www.elearnsecurity.com (http://www.elearnsecurity.com) You can get a %5 discount from this site! It has very good tutorials and discusses many "tools" that help with penetration testing. You can read a review here by the famous Jason lol.

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/307/24/