How to Start Learning Ethical Hacking from Scratch?

If you're looking for hands-on practice, try DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application). Set it up on your computer using PHP and MySQL, then practice attacking it. This will not only introduce you to ethical hacking but also give you insights into server management and web-facing software setup.

KALI LINUX, BRO! Just kidding! Seriously though, it’s a huge field with a lot to learn. You can’t just jump into hacking. Start with Python, C, and JavaScript as foundational languages, then dive into security fundamentals. It’s like building a house—you need a solid foundation before you start hacking away.

It all hinges on what type of hacking you want to pursue. C is a must-have language for binary exploitation and reverse engineering. Python is great for creating gadget libraries and proofs of concept. If website hacking is your thing, then get familiar with JavaScript, PHP, and SQL. And don't overlook networking and operating system concepts—they’re crucial. For a solid read, check out *Gray Hat Hacking* by Harper et al.

It really depends on what area of ethical hacking you’re interested in, since cybersecurity covers a lot of ground. If you're focusing on web application security, I’d recommend downloading Burp Suite and checking out the Portswigger Academy—it’s free, and once you complete it, you can pay for a respected certification. It’s excellent for getting your feet wet! Plus, for automating web attacks, Python is key, but you’ll also want to learn some JavaScript, especially for things like cross-site scripting.