That’s your entry point, Here’s some classic material to dive into - The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie. It’s like the timeless jam that never goes out of style. Grab that paper, grab a compiler, and for real, cut off the internet for a bit.

Now, let’s talk about this whole “ethical” nonsense. That term gets tossed around like a frisbee depends on who you ask. Hacking, it’s about, or was about, amplifying the voices that society tries to mute. Sometimes, you gotta bend the rules in this messed-up system. Injustice, exploitation, alienation – it’s a broken record, and sometimes you gotta spin it your way.

Back in the good ol’ days, asking a question like that would’ve probably landed you a virus. Times have changed, though, and the community’s more chill now. So, here’s a little guide take it with a grain of salt, though. I ain’t claiming to be the Oracle.

Dip your toes into the pool of network layers, wrap your brain around security, and delve into protocols. Web stuff is essential – DNS, HTTP, the works, including OWASP Top 10. Take a peek under the hood, explore hardware, firmware, and understand how things click together. Cryptography (Hashing, Encryption) these are your building blocks.

Exploitation CTFs are your playground. Take a look under the surface, read and interpret code. Identify structures, logic, and blend it all together. Write some offensive code, create your methodology. Take OPSEC seriously, avoid attribution. Learn how to leave little trace, from infrastructure (domains, emails, etc.) footprints, Encrypt your stuff. Virtual machines. Traffic routing. Assume you’re already compromised to some degree – it keeps you on your toes. Do your own research on cryptocurrency, decentralization, privacy, anonymity, and so on.

Hacking at its core isn’t as tricky as it may seem. But listen up, don’t be that dude hacking just because it’s cool. You’ll end up a skidd, doing zero good for yourself or what you’re supposed to stand for. Hacking ain’t a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s a whole vibe, a multidisciplinary state of mind. Learn the basics, understand the architectures, and if you’ve got that research game, breaking down systems will be a walk in the park, just a matter of time. So, hack stuff because it challenges you, and you want to learn and contribute to new concepts and techniques. Hopefully, I informed and inspired you to go out and hack some shit!

And seriously, the 16th century?