Foundations of Hacking: Essential Concepts for Beginners

Intro

Cybersecurity and hacking are among the most popular fields in 2025. Which are the most important topics in this field?

Foundations

A network is a collection of interconnected computers. Kind of a big web of computers connected with wires. To exploit the computer, we need to understand how they are connected. For the connections there are many of the protocols used. Some of the most important are:

1. TCP/IP

2. HTTP/HTTPS (Web runs mainly using these protocols)

3. SNMP

4. SMTP

5. ARP

6. DNS

OSI Model

Of course in the beginning it is necessary to at least check the OSI model. It’s a 7-layer model in which we can see how the protocols work with each other. In different layers we can perform different attacks. For example MiTM, Spoofing, Hijacking, Phishing and so on.

OS

It is really important to understand how Linux works. Mainly the Kali Linux distribution, which is made especially for hacking. It has many of the most popular hacking tools installed by default.

WiFi

Wifi networks are everywhere. All around us. It is really useful to learn about it. The IEEE 802.11.

SDR

Software Defined Radio is, I think, one of the most important topics. It’s the foundation of all of the networks. Basically, it’s a radio.. Everything is a radio. There’s no special WiFi or Bluetooth waves. It’s the old good radio but only the waves are in different hertz.

For example WiFi is usually run at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Key fobs are also radio waves. Most of the technologies are based upon radio waves. That’s the reason why it is really important if you aim to become a decent hacker.

Outro

These are the topics which are really important to understand to start doing some more interesting activities.

When you start learning, you'll find many resources and ways to explore this field. The most important thing is to take it step by step and not overwhelm yourself by trying to learn everything at once, as it can be intimidating.

FOOTER

I’m still learning. Currently I learn about networks using this book:

Network Basics for Hackers by Occupy The Web