Best ways to learn web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security

July 4, 2023
James McGill
Cybersecurity basics
Secure cloud computing
Data breach prevention
Cybersecurity career paths
Web application security
Information security certifications
Secure coding practices
Network security best practices
Penetration testing tools
Ethical hacking techniques
Best ways to learn web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security

In today's world, cyber security is more important than ever. As businesses and individuals become increasingly reliant on technology, they are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security are all essential skills for anyone who wants to protect themselves from these attacks. These skills can also be used to help businesses improve their security posture and prevent data breaches.

If you are interested in learning these skills, there are a number of resources available to you. Here are a few of the best ways to learn web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security:

1. Take online courses 

There are a number of reputable online courses available that can teach you the basics of web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security. Some of the most popular courses include:

  • The Complete Ethical Hacking Course by Udemy

  • Ethical Hacking: The Complete Course by Pluralsight

  • Web Application Penetration Testing by edX

  • Pentesting with Kali Linux by Offensive Security

  • Cyber Security Fundamentals by Coursera

2. Read books and articles. 

There are a number of books and articles available that can teach you about web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security. Some of the most popular books include:

  • The Hacker's Handbook by Jon Erickson

  • Web Application Hacker's Handbook by Marcus Ranum

  • The Art of Exploitation by Peter Neumann

  • Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Kevin Mitnick

  • The Shellcoder's Handbook by Peter Kim

3. Join a community 

There are a number of online communities where you can learn from other ethical hackers and penetration testers. Some of the most popular communities include:

  • HackThisSite

  • Offensive Security

  • The Cyber Security Forum

  • Reddit

  • Twitter

4. Get hands-on experience

The best way to learn web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security is to get hands-on experience. You can do this by setting up your own lab or by volunteering to help with security assessments for your company or a local organization.

5. Attend conferences and workshops 

There are a number of conferences and workshops held each year that can teach you about web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security. Some of the most popular conferences include:

  • Black Hat

  • DEF CON

  • Hack in Paris

  • OWASP AppSec

  • BSides

6. Get certified

There are a number of certifications available that can demonstrate your skills in web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security. Some of the most popular certifications include:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

  • Certified Cloud Security Architect (CCSA)

  • Certified Cloud Security Engineer (CCSE)

7. Stay up-to-date

The threat landscape is constantly changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. This means reading security blogs, attending conferences, and taking continuing education courses.

8. Practice, practice, practice 

The best way to learn web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security is to practice. You can do this by setting up your own lab, volunteering to help with security assessments, or participating in CTFs (capture the flag challenges).

Learning web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips above, you can learn the skills you need to protect yourself and your organization from cyberattacks.

Here are some additional tips for learning web penetration testing, ethical hacking, and IT security:

  • Find a mentor: A mentor can help you learn the ropes and answer your questions.

  • Don't be afraid to ask for help: There are a number of online forums and communities where you can get help from other ethical hackers.

  • Don't give up: Learning these skills takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.

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