Overview
As a student currently enrolled in a Computer Science degree with little prior cybersecurity knowledge, I wanted to explore ethical hacking but was unsure where to start. The TryHackMe Junior Penetration Tester path provided a structured introduction to penetration testing, covering both theoretical concepts and hands-on labs.
Tools and Techniques Learned
This learning path introduces essential penetration testing tools and methodologies used in real-world scenarios. Some of the key tools covered include:
- BurpSuite — Used for intercepting, analyzing, and manipulating web traffic.
- Nmap — A powerful network scanning tool for discovering hosts, services, and vulnerabilities.
- Hydra — A password-cracking tool that automates brute-force attacks on login forms and network services.
- Exploit-DB / Searchsploit — A repository of known exploits, with a command-line tool for searching and deploying them.
- CyberChef — A data analysis tool for encoding, decoding, and manipulating text and binary data.
- GoBuster — A directory and subdomain enumeration tool for discovering hidden files and services.
Each module introduces these tools in a practical way, demonstrating how they fit into different phases of a penetration test.
Who Should Take This Learning Path?
This course is well-suited for two types of individuals:
- Those with no prior hacking knowledge who want to understand the fundamentals of penetration testing in a structured and beginner-friendly environment.
- Individuals uncertain about pursuing cybersecurity who want to explore different aspects of ethical hacking before committing to a specific career path.
The learning path starts with the basics, making it accessible to complete beginners while gradually introducing more complex topics.
If you are experienced in hacking, just skip this course as it is not for you.
Key Highlights
One of the most impressive aspects of this course was the detailed coverage of Nmap and privilege escalation techniques. The Nmap module goes beyond basic scanning commands, diving into service detection, scripting, and evasion techniques. The privilege escalation section provides hands-on scenarios for exploiting misconfigurations on Linux and Windows, which is crucial for real-world penetration testing.
The hands-on labs reinforce the learning experience by allowing users to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated environments. This practical approach ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the tools and techniques rather than just memorizing commands.
One great aspect of this path is that some rooms are shared with the next step in the learning path, meaning that a certain percentage of Web Fundamentals will be completed upon finishing Jr Penetration Tester.
Note that the completed percentage is far lower than 74% as I had worked on some rooms prior to this.
Final Verdict
The TryHackMe Junior Penetration Tester path is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in ethical hacking. The structured learning approach, hands-on exercises, and real-world scenarios make it a valuable resource for beginners.
Given the quality of the content and the affordability of the platform, this learning path is absolutely worth it for anyone starting out and wanting to learn more about hacking.
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