How to become a hacker for beginners

Curious about the world of hacking and wondering where to begin? Don't worry, even without a technological background, the journey to becoming a hacker is entirely within your reach. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step:

• Get acquainted with the basics of programming.

• Develop the mindset and skills of a true hacker.

• Embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and enhancing your security skills.

In just a few minutes, you'll grasp the first steps to getting closer to your goal of becoming a hacker – whether you want to pursue an ethical path (ethical hacking) or simply have a passion for exploring technology.

Part 1: Learning Linux, HTML, and Programming Languages: The First Steps to Becoming a Hacker

Step 1: Choose a suitable operating system to begin learning hacking.

To become a true hacker, familiarity with UNIX-like operating systems is almost mandatory. These are the foundation of most network and internet systems. Below are some popular operating systems you should know:

1. Linux – The most popular choice

• Linux is a powerful, free, open-source operating system.

• It is possible to install it alongside Windows on the same computer.

• You can download Linux from the internet or ask the Linux user community to install it for you.

• If you want to try something out without changing your machine, use a Live USB/CD – a version of Linux that runs directly from a USB drive or disc without affecting your current system.

2. Other UNIX-like operating systems besides Linux

• BSD operating systems such as FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and DragonFly BSD are also open source and function similarly to Linux.

• However, it's important to note that these are not Linux and may differ in usage and supporting software.

3. macOS – Easy to use and based on the UNIX kernel.

• macOS (the operating system on Macs) is based on Darwin , an open-source UNIX system.

• Many Linux distributions can be installed on macOS through package managers such as Homebrew , Fink , or MacPorts .

• If you use a Mac, you can run both macOS and Linux side-by-side.

4. OpenIndiana – For those who like to explore in depth.

• This is an operating system based on the open-source version of Solaris.

• Not directly compatible with the less common Linux applications.

• If you're a beginner, Linux, BSD, or macOS are generally preferred because they have larger support communities and are easier to find learning resources for.

Advice for beginners

If you're new to hacking, Linux is the ideal choice to start with. Not only is it free and widely available, but it's also a crucial foundation for gaining a deeper understanding of systems, networking, and security.

Step 2: Learn HTML – The first step to mastering the web world.

To begin your journey to becoming a hacker, you should learn the basics of web programming, especially HTML (HyperText Markup Language) – the markup language that builds the foundation for all websites.

1. What is HTML and why should you learn it?

• HTML is a language used to create the content, images, links, and layout of a website.

• When you visit a website, all the content displayed is written in HTML (combined with CSS and JavaScript).

• Learning HTML is a fundamental step in understanding how the web works – a crucial skill for anyone wanting to learn about security or programming.

2. How to learn HTML for beginners

• Start with a small project: Create a simple personal homepage , then gradually develop it into a full-fledged website.

• View the website's source code: In Firefox, go to the Web Developer menu > Page Source to see the actual HTML code running on the website you're visiting. This is a great way to learn through a real-world example.

• Write your own HTML:

  • Open Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).

  • Write basic HTML code.

  • Save the file with a name like trangchu.html .

  • Open that file in your browser to see the results displayed directly.

Here's another suggestion for you.

Start by creating an HTML file with simple content such as a title, paragraph, and image. When you see the result displayed in your browser, learning will be much more enjoyable and easier to grasp!

Step 3: Learn a programming language – The foundation for becoming a skilled hacker.

Before you can "break the rules" like a true hacker, you need to master the "grammar"—that is, learn programming. Mastering at least one programming language will help you understand how systems work, allowing you to detect and exploit vulnerabilities intelligently and effectively.

1. Python – The ideal choice for beginners

• Easy to learn, easy to understand: Clear and easy-to-read syntax, suitable for beginners.

• Wide range of applications: Used for web programming, automation, data analysis, and even information security.

• Python is not just a language for learning and playing: it can be used to build large, professional projects.

2. Java and JavaScript – Distinguishing between them to choose the right path.

• Java: Formerly a popular language for learning programming, but now it is no longer recommended for beginners due to its more complex syntax.

• JavaScript: Easier to learn, known as the "language of the web." If you're interested in web security or web development, JavaScript is a great choice after mastering HTML and CSS.

3. C and C++ – Deep Understanding of Computer Systems

• C: The native language of the Unix operating system – extremely powerful and optimized. However, learning C requires time and patience because errors are easily encountered during programming.

• C++: Developed from C, it has an object-oriented structure and is easier to learn if you already know C.

• Although more difficult, C/C++ helps you understand how computers work from the ground up – which is very useful for professional hackers.

4. PHP – The language of many websites today.

• It is a popular server-side language, especially for platforms like WordPress.

• Easy to learn and suitable if you want to understand how websites handle server-side (back-end) data.

5. Choose the right platform for learning and practicing.

• Kali Linux , BackTrack , or Ubuntu are popular operating systems among the hacker community.

• They offer a wide range of security and hacking tools, making them ideal for beginners learning and practicing ethical hacking.

Expert tip:

"Delving into web protocols like HTTP/2, HTTP/3, or WebSocket will give you a better understanding of web security vulnerabilities. If you're interested in application security, learn about APIs, especially REST and GraphQL."

— Tyrone Showers, technology expert

Advice for beginners

• Getting Started with Python : Learn the syntax, write small programs.

• Switch to JavaScript if you want to pursue web hacking.

• Explore C/C++ further to gain a deeper understanding of the system.

• Practice on a secure operating system like Kali Linux to familiarize yourself with the tools in practice.

Part 2: Hacker Thinking: Creativity, Critical Thinking, and a Passion for Problem Solving

Step 1: Creative Thinking – The Artistic Spirit of a True Hacker

Once you've mastered the fundamental skills, it's time to develop your creative thinking – the element that will make you stand out in the hacker community. Hackers are not just tech-savvy; they are artists, philosophers, and engineers all in one person.

1. Hackers are freedom-loving people who enjoy problem-solving.

• Hackers believe in the freedom to share knowledge and community responsibility .

• The world is full of interesting problems – hackers view each problem as an intellectual game to be conquered.

• The greatest joy for a hacker isn't "destruction," but finding creative and effective solutions.

2. Do not distinguish between "work" and "leisure."

• For a true hacker, work is like play, and play is like learning .

• They have many passions in life – from science, art, and music to philosophy.

• It is this multifaceted curiosity that helps them develop flexible thinking and unlimited creativity.

3. Read science fiction (sci-fi) novels.

• This is a great source of inspiration for hackers: exploring future technologies, artificial intelligence, virtual worlds...

• Attending sci-fi events or fairs is a great way to meet people who share your passion for technology, creativity, and free-thinking.

4. Martial arts training – Developing discipline and concentration

• Certain martial arts, such as Tai Chi, are well-suited for hackers because they emphasize mindfulness, mental control , and flexibility , rather than just brute strength.

• Practicing martial arts helps you maintain composure and focus when facing complex challenges in the online world.

Step 2: A love for problem-solving – The core mindset of a hacker.

One of the most important characteristics of a hacker is not their coding ability, but their passion for problem-solving . Good hackers are always excited by challenges – and they never repeat the same problem twice.

1. Solve the problem once – share the solution with the community forever.

• Hackers view time as a precious resource, not only for themselves but also for the community.

• When you solve a problem, share the solution publicly so that others don't have to start searching for it from scratch.

• This is how hackers support each other and grow together – sharing knowledge is a moral responsibility within the hacker community.

2. Sharing is free, but not mandatory.

• You don't have to give everything away for free , but the most respected hackers are often those who share their creations with the community .

• However, selling products or skills to make a living is perfectly in line with the hacker spirit , as long as you maintain a spirit of learning and sharing.

3. Read classic hacker journals.

• Jargon File – a collection of hacker terminology and culture from the early days of the Internet.

• "The Mentor's Hacker Manifesto" – an iconic piece that embodies the soul and mindset of a hacker.

• Although these documents may be technically outdated, the spirit and attitude of hackers they convey remain just as valuable today.

Step 3: Rebellious Thinking – Resisting Control and Limitations

To become a true hacker, you need more than just skills – you need a free spirit . Hackers are those who fight against boredom, machines, and forces that seek to control information through authoritarianism, censorship, and the concealment of knowledge.

1. Hackers fight against authoritarianism and boredom.

• A hacker's greatest enemy isn't the system – it's boredom and meaningless, repetitive tasks .

• Hackers are always looking for ways to automate, optimize, or simply break rigid rules to make things more efficient and enjoyable.

2. Hacking isn't just a skill – it's a lifestyle.

• Becoming a hacker is also a statement about intellectual freedom and equality .

• Hackers reject traditional concepts of "stable work" or "absolute ownership," opting instead for sharing, collaboration, and unlimited creativity .

• It is a choice to live for passion, for the community, and for the shared knowledge of humanity.

Step 4: Be truly skilled – No need to "show off"

Anyone can go online, choose a cool, cyberpunk-style username, and pretend to be a hacker. But on the internet – where skills speak louder than appearances – it's genuine competence that earns respect .

1. The internet doesn't care about "hacker looks."

• A true hacker isn't someone who has a black and white avatar, types code in the dark, or speaks incomprehensible language.

• Skills, knowledge, and a persistent desire to learn are what will earn you recognition in the community.

2. Focus on competence – not on image.

• Instead of trying to show off, spend your time developing solid skills : programming, operating systems, networking, security, etc.

• When you do your job well, respect and a place in the hacker community will come naturally – no need to show off.

Part 3: Effective Hacking Practices: Software Testing and Knowledge Sharing

Step 1: Write open-source software – How to make your mark in the hacker community

One of the most powerful ways to establish yourself in the hacker world is to write open-source software – programs that are free, accessible to everyone, and that anyone can use, learn from, and improve.

1. Write useful software – and share it for free.

• Create programs that others find fun or useful , then make the source code publicly available so anyone can use or further develop it.

• Skilled hackers don't keep their knowledge to themselves – they share it to help the community progress together .

2. To be respected for genuine contribution.

• The most admired hackers aren't those who "show off," but those who create tools the whole world uses – and then share them for free .

• It could be a text editor, a security tool, an automation script, or any software that solves a real-world problem.

Step 2: Participate in testing and debugging open-source software – Learn from real-world experience.

You don't need to write software to become a good hacker. You can start by testing and debugging for developing open-source projects – and this is an extremely effective way to learn and contribute to the community.

1. Good testers are highly valued.

• Open-source developers always need intelligent users to help test new versions .

• A good tester is someone who:

  • Know how to clearly describe the error (symptom).

  • It is possible to pinpoint the location of the bug (localize the bug).

  • Be patient with unfinished versions.

  • Know how to perform some simple diagnostic procedures.

Such individuals are " as precious as gems " in the eyes of the developed community.

2. Start with testing – then move on.

• Choose an open-source software program that interests you.

• Provide quality feedback when you encounter errors or find that a feature isn't working correctly.

• From there, you can learn how to read source code, find errors , then gradually fix them and suggest improvements .

• This is the natural path for you to transition from a user to an active contributor .

3. Benefits of participating in open-source testing

• Learn practical skills from real projects.

• Connect with talented programmers and the hacker community.

• Build rapport and establish credibility – the people who help you today may be your mentors later.

Step 3: Share useful information – Build a knowledge base for the community.

Besides writing software and fixing bugs, another way to make your mark in the hacker world is to collect, filter, and publish useful information in the form of documents, websites, or frequently asked questions (FAQs).

1. Create reliable sources of information.

• A collection of useful knowledge and practical solutions that many people are interested in.

• Edit and filter the information to ensure it is easy to understand, accurate, and up-to-date.

• Publish it as a website, blog post, or FAQ document so that anyone can look it up.

2. Be respected as the software author.

• Those who maintain important technical FAQs are respected by the community almost as much as open-source software developers .

• This helps the community learn faster and develop more effectively.

Step 4: Help maintain infrastructure – A quiet but important job.

The hacker community and the development of the internet both rely on volunteers who do the unglamorous but essential work that keeps things running smoothly.

1. Tasks needed to maintain the community

• Manage email mailing lists.

• Coordinate and moderate discussion groups (newsgroups).

• Maintaining large software repositories

• Participate in developing technical standards such as RFCs.

2. This contribution is greatly appreciated.

• People who do this job usually have to dedicate a lot of time, patience, and can't "show off" like when writing code.

• But they are respected for their dedication and responsibility , keeping both the hacker community and the internet running smoothly.

Step 5: Serving the hacker culture – Becoming an inspiration and upholding its values.

Contributing to the hacker culture isn't something you do right from the start. You can only take on this role after you've spent time with the community and gained recognition through tangible contributions such as writing software, sharing knowledge, or maintaining infrastructure.

1. Hackers don't have official "leaders," but they do have people who inspire them.

• Hackers have their "cultural heroes," "veterans," and "history keepers"—those who contribute to preserving and developing the hacker spirit.

• Once you gain enough experience and earn trust, you can become an important part of this culture.

2. When you reach a position, be humble and sincere.

• Hackers highly value humility and are often suspicious of those who flaunt their egos.

• Instead of striving for fame, focus on doing your job well and let success naturally lead you to that position.

• When entrusted with a responsibility and a role, maintain an attitude of respect and humility.

Translated by: Sidney Bailey Hoang .