Hacking Bootcamp: Learn the Basics of Computer Hacking (2016)

Chapter 2. Programming Skills

To become an effective hacker, you should have sufficient skills in programming. The ability to create and manipulate computer programs can go a long way. This ability can help you cover your tracks or confuse security experts. However, if you want to be an ethical hacker, you may use your skills to create defensive computer programs.

Well, it is true that you can purchase ready-to-use programs and hacking tools online. That means you may execute hacking attacks or defend your network without programming anything. However, relying on programs created by others won’t help you become a great hacker. Anybody can purchase and use a hacking program– it takes skill and knowledge to create one.

Whenever you attack, defend or test a network, you should understand everything that is related to the activity. Since hacking attacks and system tests involve programs, programming skills can help you attain effectiveness and accuracy in completing your tasks.

If you know how to program, then you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

· Other hackers will consider you as an expert.

· You can create programs specifically for your needs. For instance, if you need to stop a certain virus, you can create your own security program to accomplish your goal. You won’t have to go online and try various antivirus programs that are often expensive.

· You will have more confidence in your skills. Just like any other endeavor, hacking will be way much easier and simpler if the person trusts his or her skills.

Simply put, don’t rely on hacking programs available in the market. Study some programming languages and acquire the necessary skills. By doing so, you will gain access to a new world of computing and hacking.

How to Start your Programming Journey?

It would be great if you’ll study HTML first. HTML (i.e. hypertext markup language) is a programming language that forms all of the websites you see online. If you are planning to attack or establish a website, you have to know how to use the HTML language. Most people say that HTML is simple and easy to master. That means you can learn this language easily even if you have never programmed anything before.

After mastering HTML, you should learn the C programming language. C is the most popular computer language today. It forms most of the tools that hackers use. It can help you create your own viruses or defensive programs.

A Study Plan

Here’s a study plan that can help you master any programming language:

1. Buy a “beginner’s book” about your chosen language. Before making a purchase, read the reviews made by book owners. This way, you won’t have to waste your time and/or money on a useless material.

2. Once you have learned how to use the language, you must practice it regularly.

3. Almost all programming books contain exercises and practice problems. Work on these exercises and problems to hone your skills further.

4. If you encounter anything difficult, don’t skip or ignore it. Try to understand how that “thing” works and how it is related to programming and/or hacking. You won’t learn many things if you’ll skip complex ideas.

5. Look for an online forum for programmers. Most of the time, experienced programmers are willing to help beginners. That means you can just go online and ask the “pros” whenever you encounter problems in your studies.

6. Apply what you learn. It would be great if you’ll use the language to create your own computer programs.