[biomvx]

How do I get started with hacking as a beginner, with little experience? I'm mainly interested in network security.

[Faith Connors]

what are you referring to when you say network security

hacking is applied IT, how familiar are you with technology as a whole?
do you have any IT related certifications, if not, do you have the knowledge behind them?
are you familiar with networking fundamentals? if not, then why not? i mean, if networking is your field of choice, it would make sense to know something about them.

if you already have a field in mind, then you're ahead of 90% of the people who post here asking for guidance, but on the other hand, if you have a field in mind, then you shouldn't be asking what to do now, you should have enough brain cells to determine that on your own.

[dvlpr]

How do I get started with hacking as a beginner, with little experience? I'm mainly interested in network security.

I had a deep knowledge of networking when I first started so I traveled down the path of network security, pentesting, etc. This path would only require you to play around with networking topics then buy a $10 course online to learn about Kali Linux, Ethical Hacking, Virtual Machines, etc. (or free if you do not mind lower quality content).

Now, I have recently learned that I am interested in cybersecurity as a whole so I have just begun learning more about malware analysis, breaking down malware, and forensics. This path will require you to learn how hackers target victims (which is forensics), how malware infects a network (so again basic networking), and how malware is made/what its payload or endgame was (reverse engineering and forensics). This requires higher logical thinking and is more advanced both mentally and technically. You can start off easy learning all about networking and malware for free online, then venture into forensics and analysis by visiting those sections under "Advanced Hacking" here on HF or by purchasing/downloading guides and books.

The "Advanced Hacking" section here on HF regarding forensics and reverse engineering all have guides posted within. Some are old but some are still very useful. Even if it goes all over your head, just keep with it and try to find where your knowledge can be applied. Once you can take what you learned (even if it is low-level) and apply it, you will have a better learning experience. I hated reading those damn books, so I always try to figure out ways to tinker or "hack". The search feature at the top of this site will also be your best friend when you know what you are looking for.

Best of luck!