[BlueTrademark]

Heyo! I'm new here, if you couldn't tell. I've always been interested in computers and technology, and after becoming an adept in the physical field, I decided to pursue the digital. I have learned a couple coding languages, and now I want to see what these skills can be used for. Hacking (ethically or otherwise) seems like fun, on top of all the profitable opportunities it provides.

Getting to my point, can anyone let me know how they decided to start looking into hacking, and what the first few steps they took were? I just want a good idea of where to start!

[Elitas]

Tell me your languages and I will tell you your field.

[BlueTrademark]

Tell me your languages and I will tell you your field.

I am fluent in c++, have a fair handle on html and java, and am almost adept in unity.

[CyberStrike]

I'd say stick to the ethical one you will and do make money second you don't have to worry about being arrested .. etc. Not sure exactly what you plan on getting into when it comes to hacking but like anything else there are several fields to choose from, for example network pentesting, web application pentesting, exploit development, wifi pentesting, and vulnerability assessments later when you are comfortable with the attacking side you can always move over to digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) or malware reversal.

[BlueTrademark]

I'd say stick to the ethical one you will and do make money second you don't have to worry about being arrested .. etc.  Not sure exactly what you plan on getting into when it comes to hacking but like anything else there are several fields to choose from, for example network pentesting, web application pentesting, exploit development, wifi pentesting, and vulnerability assessments later when you are comfortable with the attacking side you can always move over to digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) or malware reversal.

Thanks! I appreciate the advice; it looks like network pentesting and being a general advisor for network protection methods in small-medium companies is a good route to start looking at for me.

[CyberStrike]

Great best of luck you will find that it's rewarding not just financially but also it feels good to help your clients.

[Elitas]

I am fluent in c++, have a fair handle on html and java, and am almost adept in unity.

Fluent in C++?

Are you a pro or just proficient? If you're able to make really advanced programs using winapi or whatever then you should look at windows exploit development, it's a super interesting area.

You're not too good with web-based languages, so obviously web application pentesting won't be for you.

Hmm maybe network/system security could be a good area, but with your knowledge of object-orientated native languages I feel windows exploit dev would be a really good area for you!