In computer security, a hacker is someone who focuses on the security mechanisms of computer systems and networks. There are communities and cultural exchanges between programming experts and network wizards who have traced the history of hacking back decades to the early days of data sharing between mini computers and ARPAnet. The members of this community were the first "hackers." Gaining access to computers and telephone systems has become a symbol within the hacker world, but this culture is far more complex and ethical than most people realize. Learn basic intrusion techniques, the hacker mindset, and earn the respect needed to infiltrate the world of hacking.
Steps
Basics

Run Unix. Unix is the operating system of the Internet. While you can use the Internet without knowing about Unix, you cannot become a hacker without learning Unix. Therefore, hacker culture today mainly revolves around Unix. Unix, similar to Linux, can run alongside Microsoft Windows on the same computer. Download Linux from the internet and find someone who knows how to install it to help you out.
- The best way to start is to boot from a CD and install fully from the disc, without needing to modify the hard drive. This is the easiest way to install without much hassle.
- There are other operating systems besides Unix, but they are used in binary form—you can't read the code, and you can't modify it. Trying to learn hacking on a computer running Microsoft Windows or any closed-source system is like trying to learn to dance while completely bandaged.
- You can run Linux on OS X, but only part of the system is open-source—you will encounter many obstacles and need to be cautious not to develop bad habits relying on Apple’s proprietary code.

Write HTML. If you're new to programming, learning the basics of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and mastering it step-by-step is essential. When you visit an image website, the images and design components you see are coded using HTML. For a project, you'll need to first understand how to build a simple homepage and progress from there.
- On a browser, open the source page to inspect HTML and use it as an example. On Firefox, go to Web Developer > Page Source and observe the code.
- You can write HTML in basic text editors like Notepad or Simple Text, and save the file as a "text" file to upload it to your browser and see it rendered.
- You should learn the formatting of tags and develop a visual understanding of their use. The "<" is used to open a tag, and "/>" to close it. The "
" tag starts a line of code. Tags signal visual elements: italics, formatting, color, etc. Learning HTML will help you gain a deeper understanding of how the Internet operates.

Learn a programming language. Before you start writing poetry, you must learn the grammar. Before breaking the rules, you must learn them. If your ultimate goal is to become a hacker, you’ll need more than basic English skills to write code.
- Python is the ideal language to start with because it’s clear, well-documented, and beginner-friendly. Despite being a first language, it’s not a toy; Python is powerful, flexible, and suitable for large projects. Java is another option, but its status as a top-tier language warrants reconsideration.
- If you dive deeper into programming, you'll need to learn C, the core language of Unix. C++ is closely related to C; once you know one, learning the other isn't difficult. C works efficiently with computer resources but takes time to debug, which is why it's less commonly used.
- Starting with a solid platform like Backtrack 5 R3, Kali, or Ubuntu 12.04LTS is a good idea.
Hacking Mindset

Creative thinking. Now that you have the basics down, you can start thinking in an artistic way. Hackers are like a blend of artists, philosophers, and engineers. They believe in freedom and mutual responsibility. The world is full of urgent problems that need solving. Hackers find joy in solving these problems to improve their skills and sharpen their minds.
- Hackers gain cultural and intellectual benefits alongside their intrusions. Work enthusiastically like it's play, and play passionately like it's work. For a true hacker, the lines between "play," "work," "science," and "art" completely blur, merging into a creative, sophisticated humor.
- Read science fiction. Exploring this genre is one of the best ways to meet hackers and learn their protocols. Consider taking up martial arts. The discipline in martial arts mirrors the essential path a hacker follows. Hackers who practice martial arts focus more on mental discipline, relaxation, and control than physical strength or endurance. Tai Chi is an ideal martial art for hackers.

Learn to love problem-solving. Never solve the same problem twice. Think from other people's perspectives. Hackers believe sharing information is an ethical responsibility. When solving problems, share your findings to help others resolve similar issues.
- You don’t have to force yourself to give away all of your personal creative work, though hackers who do are often highly respected. This depends on the hacker’s values, with some selling their products enough to cover basic needs like food, rent, and equipment.
- Read "Jargon File" or "Hacker Manifesto" by The Mentor. They may be outdated in terms of technical aspects, but the attitude and inspiration remain timeless.

Học cách nhận biết và chiến đấu với chính quyền. Kẻ thù của tin tặc là sự buồn chán, tẻ nhạt, quan chức chính quyền lợi dụng sự kiểm duyệt và bí mật để bóp nghẹt tự do thông tin. Đây chính là công việc đơn điệu khiến tin tặc không ngừng xâm nhập.
- Coi việc xâm nhập như một cách sống để bác bỏ khái niệm công việc và tài sản "bình thường", lựa chọn đấu tranh vì bình đẳng và phổ biến kiến thức.

Có đủ khả năng. Vì vậy, bất kỳ ai dành thời gian trên Reddit đều có thể lập tên người dùng cyberpunk (khoa học viễn tưởng nói về một thế giới tương lai) và hành xử như tin tặc. Nhưng Internet là bộ cân bằng tuyệt vời, giá trị năng lực còn vượt trên cả cái tôi và thái độ. Dành thời gian tập trung vào sản phẩm thay vì hình tượng bản thân thì bạn sẽ nhanh chóng được mọi người kính trọng thay vì cố gắng bắt chước theo những hình mẫu về "xâm nhập" trong văn hóa hiện nay.
Xâm nhập Thành thạo

Viết phần mềm nguồn mở. Viết chương trình thú vị và hữu dụng với tin tặc khác, và chia sẻ nguồn chương trình với cộng đồng tin tặc. Người được sùng bái nhất trong cảnh giới của tin tặc là những người viết ra chương trình lớn, có khả năng đáp ứng nhu cầu đa dạng nhưng sau đó lại chia sẻ với mọi người, để ai cũng có thể sử dụng.

Giúp chạy thử và sửa lỗi phần mềm nguồn mở. Các tác giả phần mềm sẽ cho bạn biết người kiểm tra bản thử nghiệm giỏi (người biết miêu tả triệu chứng rõ ràng, xác định vấn đề tốt, tìm ra lỗi nhanh chóng, và sẵn sàng áp dụng một vài thói quen chẩn đoán cơ bản) còn quý hơn cả châu báu.
- Thử tìm chương trình khiến bạn hứng thú nhưng đang trong giai đoạn phát triển để trở thành người thử nghiệm giỏi. Có một sự tiến triển tự nhiên từ giúp đỡ chạy thử chương trình đến sửa lỗi và điều chỉnh. Bạn sẽ học được rất nhiều điều và tạo được thiện chí với những người sẽ giúp đỡ bạn sau này.

Announcing useful information. Another approach is to gather and filter interesting information to post on a website or create materials like Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), then share it with others. The individual responsible for the technical maintenance of the FAQs section is often as respected as the software author.

Maintaining infrastructure operations. Hacker culture (the development of the internet) thrives thanks to volunteers. Numerous necessary tasks, though not glamorous, need to be carried out: managing mailing lists, news groups, maintaining large software repositories, and developing RFCs and other technical standards. These unsung heroes earn respect for the immense time these tasks demand, even though they are less exciting than coding. This is their dedication!

Serving the hacker culture. This isn't something to do right away—it's a role you take on after becoming familiar with the community and gaining recognition for certain projects. Hacker culture has no leaders, but it does have cultural heroes, elders, historians, and spokespeople. Once you've been in the trenches long enough, you can join their ranks. Hackers don't trust the egos of the elders, so gaining fame within this culture is risky. Rather than striving for fame, it's important to understand your place and remain humble in your current position.
Advice
- Don’t get caught.
- Write well in your native language. Although many programmers struggle with writing, hackers are often very skilled writers.
- Consider learning LISP for several reasons—it offers a deep, transformative experience that enhances your skills as a programmer, even if you never use LISP again. You can start experimenting with LISP by writing and tweaking modes in Emacs or using the Script-Fu plugin in the advanced image editing software GIMP.
- Learning Perl is also advisable for several reasons; it’s widely used across many websites and systems, and even if you don’t use it, learning Perl allows you to read and understand this language. Many use Perl as an alternative to C for projects that don’t require C’s performance.
Warning
- Unlocking is an illegal act that may lead to administrative penalties. This is a serious crime and is subject to legal punishment.