100 Days Of Hacking

Programming, terminals, networking, and penetration testing. There’s a lot to love in computer hacking.

Are you learning to hack?

Maybe you’ve started but can’t keep motivated or you might not know where to start, let’s fix that!

Here’s 100 days of hacking, a flexible learning path to keep you on track.

Are you in? Yes, good, let’s go!

Disclaimer, this is designed for self-paced learning and uses multiple resources from various creators.

1. Your Guide

You’re essentially starting out in Cyber Security, you’re about to nurture a broad set of tech skills, exciting stuff.

Jump around from one resource to another, this is known as scaffolding. It allows you to learn in multiple ways, a great way to have stuff actually sink in.

Here’s how to start:

1. Courses, there’s a lot of layers to computers, start with some well-structured courses. Intro To Computing is the best starting point, the creator, Dennis Devey, is an independent security researcher who has years of experience.
2. Capture The Flags (CTFs), most students in tech are/we’re gamers, start with Over The Wire’s Bandit, warning, it’s addictive. Applying new skills and overcoming each level can be a rush.
3. Labs, learn practically by creating your own virtual network. Start with Ubuntu on VirtualBox and take Linux Unhatched.
4. Content and community, follow and participate with others in Cyber Sec like NetworkChuck, Day Cyberwox and me!

For a full breakdown, read Beginner Hackers Learning Path and grab a free checklist.

2. Motivation Policy

Learning is hard work and that’s a good thing.

If you’re struggling, that means you’re challenging yourself, but it’s hard to stay motivated when learning gets tough.

Here are the methods to stay focused:

1. Set a dream, this is your long-term finish line so make it big, the bigger the better! For example, “I’m going to be the best cyber security professional in the world”.
2. Log your activity, take course notes, keep a daily journal and record your projects. This keeps you on track while building a routine.
3. Be flexible, don’t stick to a strict schedule, take your time, there’s no rush. Choose quality over quantity with your learning.
4. Don’t give up, it’s okay to fail, that’s a part of learning, it’s a good thing to make mistakes. Be humble, pick yourself up and carry on. There is no try, only do, thanks Yoda.
5. Share your progress – this is equally exciting as it is terrifying. But do it, share what you learn with the world. Make ‘how-to’ posts or simply share course notes.

3. Join In

There’s no time like the now to start your 100 days of hacking!

Here’s how:

1. Write an announcement post (template below).
2. (optional) Upload to your website.
3. Share via Twitter/LinkedIn/whatever.
4. (optional) Tag me @mrashleyball.

Announcement post:

My hacking journey begins, I’ve started #100DaysOfHacking – I’m learning computing fundamentals, programming, networking and heaps more! And the whole time, I’m going to share everything! I’ll be joining @mrashleyball – happy hacking!

If you don’t have a website, see Website In A Week.

4. My Progress

Now you’re aboard, welcome fellow newbie hacker! This post itself is my announcement and here’s it shared via Twitter:

⚠ Announcement ⚠

I've started #100DaysOfHacking … but I'm doing it a little different.

Full post: https://t.co/heI4pVCOnb

— Mr Ash (@mrash_co) March 26, 2021

My 100 days of hacking (so far):

1. How To Setup Ubuntu Using VirtualBox
2. Starting Out In Cyber Security
3. PicoCTF General Skills
4. Bandit Level 0 → Level 4
5. Learning Path For Beginner Hackers
6. TryHackMe – RootMe
7. Kali Linux WSL WITHOUT Microsoft Store
8. Beginner Python Project – Guessing Game
9. Bandit Level 5 → Level 10
10. Hackers Beginner Guide To Online Anonymity
11. Learning Path For Beginner Hackers v2
12. Mini Linux Lessons
13. Python Basic Project Idea – Is It Raining?
14. Linux Unhatched Cisco Course Review And Notes
15. Mini Linux Lessons v2
16. Beginner Hackers Learning Path v3
17. Linux Quick Start Guide
18. CyberWox’s Cyber Sec Homelab On Virtual Box
19. 100 Days Of Hacking v2
20. Basic Home Network Analysis
21. Intro To Python • Free Python Starter Guide
22. Mad Lib Game • Beginner Python Project
23. Hashing Passwords • Python Module Basics
24. Username Generator • Beginner Python Program
25. Random Number Generator • Easy Python Project
26. Bagels • Beginner Python Project
27. ZigZag • Beginner Python Project
28. Homelabs • Beginner’s Guide To Homelabbing
29. Python Range Function • Quick Python Project Lesson
30. CompTIA A+ Study Notes (220-1101)
31. CompTIA A+ Study Notes (220-1101) v2
32. Linux Fundamentals 1 • TryHackMe Walkthrough
33. Linux Fundamentals 2 • TryHackMe Walkthrough
34. Linux Fundamentals 3 • TryHackMe Walkthrough
35. Linux Fundamentals 1 • TryHackMe Walkthrough v2
36. Linux Fundamentals 2 • TryHackMe Walkthrough v2
37. Linux Fundamentals 3 • TryHackMe Walkthrough v2
38. TryHackMe Nmap Walkthrough
39. TryHackMe Nmap Room Notes
40. TryHackMe Network Services Walkthrough SMB Part 1/3
41. TryHackMe Nmap Walkthrough v2
42. TryHackMe Network Services Room Notes
43. Cowsays What CTF – A Beginner Linux Project
44. Hackers Learning Path v4
45. TryHackMe Network Services 1 Part 2 Telnet
46. TryHackMe Network Services 1 Part 3 FTP
47. Learning HTTP Requests – A Mini HTTP Exercise
48. CS50 Python Problem Set Guide
49. CS50 Python Problem Set Guide v2
50. Automate The Boring Stuff With Python Practice Projects
51. CS50 Python Problem Set Guide v3
52. THM SimpleCTF Hints, Writeup & Notes
53. OhSINT Hints, Writeup, Walkthrough & Notes
54. Agent Sudo // TryHackMe Walkthrough
55. CS50 Python Problem Set Guide v4
56. [Video] Crack The Hash TryHackMe Walkthrough
57. [Post] Crack The Hash TryHackMe Walkthrough
58. [Post] Crack The Hash TryHackMe Walkthrough v2

To be clear, I’m not doing a consecutive 100 days in a row. Follow my journey on Twitter, subscribe to the newsletter and see the blog. Happy Hacking.