# 🔓 Learn Hacking for Free — 36 Resources That Don't Assume You Know Anything

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/learn-hacking-for-free-36-resources-that-dont-assume-you-know-anything/316212>\
**Category:** Tutorials & Methods\
**Tags:** learning, freebies\
**Created:** [January 5, 2026, 9:14am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/learn-hacking-for-free-36-resources-that-dont-assume-you-know-anything/316212 "2026-01-05T09:14:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PlayBoy83](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/playboy83/32/164314_2.png) [@PlayBoy83](https://onehack.st/u/PlayBoy83)\
**Post date:** [January 5, 2026, 9:14am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/learn-hacking-for-free-36-resources-that-dont-assume-you-know-anything/316212/1 "2026-01-05T09:14:57Z")

</div>

# 🎯 Free Hacking Roadmap — Every Platform, Cert, and Tool in One Place

**Where the “awesome-hacking” lists fail you, we pick up the pieces.**

> 🗺 **One-Line Flow:** 36 free resources to learn hacking from scratch — labs, certs, tools, all sorted by skill level so you don’t drown.

![Pedro Pascal Gay GIF by Taimi](https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTNiMWQxM2I2Y2NocHNiMGk2aGlzOXJuMzk5Z3FheGl4b2NpazNwZjRxYXh4bGh4aiZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/auzw3hnwcedunFO0Lj/giphy.gif)

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That GitHub repo you found? Tool cemetery. IDA Pro, radare2, Metasploit… cool names, zero context for someone who doesn’t know what a “buffer overflow” is.

This guide is different.

**For the curious ones who:**

- Don’t know code (yet)
- Don’t have Kali Linux
- Don’t understand half the jargon
- Just want to _learn_ without drowning

> _“Why pick the lock when you can just ask the janitor?”_

* * *

## 🎯 What Even Is Hacking

**Problem-solving.** Not magic commands. Not Hollywood nonsense.

1. Find how something works
2. Find where it breaks
3. Exploit that weakness

That’s it. Everything else is details.

* * *

## 🏁 TIER 0 — Absolute Zero

No experience required. Literally none.

| Resource | What It Is | Why It Slaps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Hacksplaining](https://www.hacksplaining.com/) | Browser-based vuln lessons | See the hack → See the fix |
| [PicoCTF](https://picoctf.org/) | CMU’s gamified CTF | Designed for middle schoolers (actually accessible) |
| [OverTheWire: Bandit](https://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/) | SSH wargame, 34 levels | Learn Linux by using it |
| [TryHackMe](https://tryhackme.com/) | Gamified paths + browser labs | AttackBox = full hacking env in browser |

> **🔌 OverTheWire Level 0 Login**
>
> ```bash
> ssh bandit0@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220
> # Password: bandit0
> 
> ```

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## 🔧 TIER 1 — Building Real Skills

| Resource | What It Is | The Move |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [HTB Starting Point](https://app.hackthebox.com/starting-point) | Guided intro machines | Pwnbox = browser-based Parrot OS |
| [Hacker101](https://www.hacker101.com/) | HackerOne’s free training | 26 points → private bug bounty invites |
| [PortSwigger Academy](https://portswigger.net/web-security) | Burp Suite team’s labs | SQLi, XSS, CSRF, everything web |
| [Roppers Academy](https://www.roppers.org/) | Zero-knowledge foundations | Computing → Security → CTF fundamentals |

**Pro tip:** [ippsec.rocks](https://ippsec.rocks) — searchable database of 500+ HTB walkthroughs.

* * *

## 🔵 TIER 2 — Blue Team

Good defenders make great attackers.

| Resource | Focus |
| --- | --- |
| [CyberDefenders](https://cyberdefenders.org/) | 84+ free labs — forensics, threat hunting, malware |
| [LetsDefend](https://letsdefend.io/) | SOC training, alert analysis, incident response |

* * *

## 🆓 TIER 3 — Free Certs (Yes, Really)

Resume gold. Zero cost.

| Provider | What’s Free | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Fortinet NSE](https://training.fortinet.com/) | NSE 1, 2, 3 + badges | 30+ courses, counts toward (ISC)² CPE |
| [Cisco NetAcad](https://www.netacad.com/) | Intro to Cybersecurity, Networking Basics | CCST pathway, Packet Tracer included |
| [CISA Learning](https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/cisa-learning) | 850+ hours | Government training, open to everyone |
| [AWS Training](https://aws.amazon.com/training/) | 600+ courses | Security Learning Plan, Skills Builder |

> **📜 How to Get Fortinet NSE Certs**
>
> 1. Go to [training.fortinet.com](https://training.fortinet.com)
> 2. Create free account
> 3. Complete NSE 1 “The Threat Landscape”
> 4. Complete NSE 2 “The Evolution of Cybersecurity”
> 5. Download your certificates
> 6. Flex on LinkedIn

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## 🕵 TIER 4 — OSINT

Before you hack anything, you need to _find_ information.

| Tool | What It Does |
| --- | --- |
| [OSINT Framework](https://osintframework.com/) | Massive tree of data sources |
| [Shodan](https://www.shodan.io/) | Search engine for internet-connected devices |
| [Google Dork DB](https://www.exploit-db.com/google-hacking-database) | Exposed data via search operators |

> **🔍 Google Dorking Quickstart**
>
> ```auto
> site:example.com filetype:pdf
> intitle:"index of" passwords
> inurl:admin
> 
> ```

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## 🧪 TIER 5 — Vulnerable Apps

Legal targets. Designed to be broken.

| App | Stack | Docker Command |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [DVWA](https://github.com/digininja/DVWA) | PHP | `docker run --rm -it -p 80:80 vulnerables/web-dvwa` |
| [WebGoat](https://owasp.org/www-project-webgoat/) | Java | `docker run -it -p 8080:8080 -p 9090:9090 webgoat/webgoat` |
| [Juice Shop](https://owasp.org/www-project-juice-shop/) | Node/Angular | `docker run --rm -p 3000:3000 bkimminich/juice-shop` |
| [bWAPP](http://www.itsecgames.com/) | PHP | 100+ vulns |
| [Metasploitable](https://sourceforge.net/projects/metasploitable/) | Full VM | VirtualBox/VMware |

**Master list:** [OWASP VWAD](https://owasp.org/www-project-vulnerable-web-applications-directory/)

* * *

## 🦠 TIER 6 — Malware Sandboxes

Analyze suspicious files without nuking your machine.

| Sandbox | The Deal |
| --- | --- |
| [ANY.RUN](https://any.run/) | Interactive — watch malware live, click around |
| [Hybrid Analysis](https://hybrid-analysis.com/) | CrowdStrike’s free sandbox, 1.4B+ IOCs |
| [Joe Sandbox](https://www.joesandbox.com/) | Win/Mac/Linux/Android, AI detection |
| [VirusTotal](https://www.virustotal.com/) | 70+ AV engines, URL scanning |

* * *

## 🔧 TIER 7 — Browser Tools

No install. Just go.

| Tool | What It Does |
| --- | --- |
| [CyberChef](https://gchq.github.io/CyberChef/) | GCHQ’s Swiss Army Knife — encode, decode, hash, encrypt, 300+ recipes |
| [Pentest-Tools](https://pentest-tools.com/) | Cloud-based scanning |
| HackTools | Browser extension — payloads, shells, hashes in dev tools |

CyberChef runs 100% in browser. No data leaves your machine. Built by UK intelligence. Free.

* * *

## 🔬 TIER 8 — Reverse Engineering

| Resource | What It Is |
| --- | --- |
| [Ghidra](https://ghidra-sre.org/) | NSA’s free RE tool. Competes with IDA Pro ($$$) |
| [NSA Codebreaker](https://nsa-codebreaker.org/) | Annual CTF, RE focus, students can compete |
| [Hackaday Ghidra Course](https://hackaday.io/course/172292) | Free 4-session intro |

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## 📦 TIER 9 — Wordlists & Cracking

| Resource | What It Is |
| --- | --- |
| [SecLists](https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists) | Holy grail — passwords, usernames, fuzzing, payloads |
| rockyou.txt | 14M real passwords. `/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt` on Kali |
| [CrackStation](https://crackstation.net/) | Free online hash cracker, 190GB backend |
| [Weakpass](https://weakpass.com/lists) | Specialized wordlists by language/industry |

* * *

## 📺 YouTube That Actually Teaches

| Channel | Vibe |
| --- | --- |
| **IppSec** | HTB walkthroughs. Legendary |
| **John Hammond** | CTFs, malware, beginner-friendly |
| **The Cyber Mentor** | Practical ethical hacking, OSCP prep |
| **LiveOverflow** | Deep exploit dives |
| **NetworkChuck** | Networking + security basics |

* * *

## 📚 GitHub Worth Bookmarking

| Repo | What |
| --- | --- |
| [Awesome-Hacking](https://github.com/Hack-with-Github/Awesome-Hacking) | Meta-list |
| [SecLists](https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists) | Wordlists for everything |
| [PayloadsAllTheThings](https://github.com/swisskyrepo/PayloadsAllTheThings) | Payloads for everything |
| [CyberChef](https://github.com/gchq/CyberChef) | GCHQ’s data manipulation tool |
| [Ghidra](https://github.com/NationalSecurityAgency/ghidra) | NSA’s RE framework |
| [CTF Archives](https://github.com/sajjadium/ctf-archives) | Past CTF challenges |

* * *

## 🎮 Practice Labs — The Full List

| Platform | Difficulty | Cost | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [PicoCTF](https://picoctf.org) | Baby → Hard | Free | Best for absolute beginners |
| [TryHackMe](https://tryhackme.com) | Beginner → Advanced | Free tier | Browser AttackBox |
| [Hack The Box](https://hackthebox.com) | Intermediate → Insane | Free tier | Browser Pwnbox |
| [OverTheWire](https://overthewire.org/wargames/) | Beginner | Free | SSH wargames |
| [VulnHub](https://vulnhub.com) | Intermediate | Free | Download VMs |
| [Root-Me](https://root-me.org) | All levels | Free | 400+ challenges |
| [CyberDefenders](https://cyberdefenders.org) | Intermediate | Free | Blue team focus |
| [CTFtime](https://ctftime.org) | All levels | Free | CTF calendar + writeups |

* * *

## 🗺 The Path

```auto
PHASE 1: Foundations (Weeks 1-4)
├── Hacksplaining (understand vulnerabilities)
├── OverTheWire: Bandit (Linux basics)
├── Roppers: Computing Fundamentals
└── Fortinet NSE 1-2 (free certs!)

PHASE 2: Hands-On (Weeks 5-12)
├── TryHackMe: Complete Beginner path
├── PicoCTF: picoGym challenges
├── PortSwigger: Web Security Academy
└── DVWA / WebGoat (local practice)

PHASE 3: Real Challenges (Months 3-6)
├── HTB: Starting Point → Easy machines
├── Hacker101 CTF (bug bounty pipeline)
├── CyberDefenders (blue team)
└── CyberChef + malware sandboxes

PHASE 4: Specialization (6+ months)
├── Pick your path: Web / Network / Malware / OSINT
├── Bug bounties (HackerOne, Bugcrowd)
├── Ghidra + reverse engineering
└── NSA Codebreaker Challenge

```

* * *

## 🧠 The Mindset

1. **Google everything.** 90% of hacking is research.
2. **Take notes.** Future you will thank you.
3. **It’s okay to be stuck.** The wall is where learning happens.
4. **Use writeups — but try first.** Struggle builds skill.
5. **Community matters.** Discord, forums, Twitter — connect.

* * *

## ⚠ Legal

**Only hack what you have permission to hack.**

- CTF platforms ✅
- Your own lab ✅
- Bug bounty programs ✅
- Vulnerable apps (DVWA, WebGoat, etc.) ✅
- Random websites ❌ (jail time)
- “For educational purposes” ❌ (still jail time)

* * *

## 🔗 Quick Links

> **📎 All Links Organized**
>
> **Browser-Based:**
> 
> - [https://hacksplaining.com](https://hacksplaining.com)
> - [https://tryhackme.com](https://tryhackme.com)
> - [https://picoctf.org](https://picoctf.org)
> - [https://portswigger.net/web-security](https://portswigger.net/web-security)
> - [https://gchq.github.io/CyberChef/](https://gchq.github.io/CyberChef/)
> - [https://any.run](https://any.run)
> 
> **Labs:**
> 
> - [https://hackthebox.com](https://hackthebox.com)
> - [https://vulnhub.com](https://vulnhub.com)
> - [https://overthewire.org/wargames/](https://overthewire.org/wargames/)
> 
> **Free Certs:**
> 
> - [https://training.fortinet.com](https://training.fortinet.com)
> - [https://netacad.com](https://netacad.com)
> - [https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/cisa-learning](https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/cisa-learning)
> - [https://aws.amazon.com/training/](https://aws.amazon.com/training/)
> 
> **Tools:**
> 
> - [https://ghidra-sre.org](https://ghidra-sre.org)
> - [https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists](https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists)
> - [https://crackstation.net](https://crackstation.net)
> - [https://ctftime.org](https://ctftime.org)

* * *

## 💬 Final Words

That “awesome-hacking” repo wasn’t wrong — it’s just not _for you yet_.

Come back in 6 months. After you’ve:

- Popped your first shell
- Captured your first flag
- Understood why XSS is dangerous
- Felt the dopamine hit of solving something _nobody told you how to do_
- Earned your first free cert

Then those tools will make sense.

Until then? **Start at Tier 0. Work your way up. Break things (legally).**

* * *

_“The unknown is not to be feared — it is to be understood.”_

_“Information wants to be free.” But it also wants to be reachable._

Welcome to the 1% club, 1Hacker. 🔥

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