[billcord]

Here's a very basic guide i used when starting in my career:

Get comfy with Linux (Kali, Parrot, or even Arch if you hate yourself).
Networking 101 – TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, proxies—know how the internet moves.
Bash, Python, PowerShell. If you can’t script, you’re useless.

Some Labs you can use:
Hack The Box – This is what i used when starting
TryHackMe – Great for beginners.
OverTheWire – Teaches you Linux and security step by step.

Read & Exploit:
Check Exploit-DB for real-world exploits.
Learn how XSS, SQLi, and privilege escalation actually work.
Follow CTF write-ups—see how others break systems. - I can't stress enough how good CFT's are, again use Hack The Box for this

Bug Bounties & Ethics
Start on HackerOne or Bugcrowd, get paid for legal hacking.
Stay anonymous—Tails, Whonix, proper opsec.

[RedBlock]

Here's a very basic guide i used when starting in my career:

Get comfy with Linux (Kali, Parrot, or even Arch if you hate yourself).
Networking 101 – TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, proxies—know how the internet moves.
Bash, Python, PowerShell. If you can’t script, you’re useless.

Some Labs you can use:
Hack The Box – This is what i used when starting
TryHackMe – Great for beginners.
OverTheWire – Teaches you Linux and security step by step.

Read & Exploit:
Check Exploit-DB for real-world exploits.
Learn how XSS, SQLi, and privilege escalation actually work.
Follow CTF write-ups—see how others break systems. - I can't stress enough how good CFT's are, again use Hack The Box for this

Bug Bounties & Ethics
Start on HackerOne or Bugcrowd, get paid for legal hacking.
Stay anonymous—Tails, Whonix, proper opsec.

Solid guide—straight to the point and practical. Linux, scripting, and networking are must-haves. HTB and TryHackMe are great for hands-on learning, and CTFs really level up your skills. Bug bounties are a great move too, just gotta keep that opsec tight.

Might be worth adding PortSwigger’s Web Security Academy for web app security and PentesterLab for structured learning. Also, learning Burp Suite, Metasploit, or automating recon can give an edge. If someone wants certs, OSCP or eJPT could be good next steps.