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Hacking as a hobby

Hacking is creative and inspiring problem solving - it aims to find and exploit weaknesses in computer networks and systems. Hacking is a tool used by security professionals (and unfortunately also by criminals) to test the level of security of the targets they are trying to protect.


If you are interested in the more technical side of cybersecurity and working as a security professional, studying hacking is an excellent route to find a job in the field. In addition to the technical testing of systems, hacking teaches you to understand the objects to be protected, their structure and possible weaknesses. From a professional perspective, this is useful as an experienced hacker can show organizations their weak points and describe how to patch these vulnerabilities and thus make it harder for criminals to work.


In this article, we share information on platforms and challenges for learning hacking.


Legal Disclaimer

When practicing hacking, it is important to pay attention to what and where you hack so that you do not accidentally commit a crime. Hacking and attempting to hack without the permission of the person or entity concerned is punishable under Finnish criminal law. As your skills develop, you will learn to spot security flaws in websites and platforms. You should report any weaknesses you find and not exploit or share them yourself. In Finland, the right place to report vulnerabilities is The National Cyber Security Center.
 

Learn hacking in English

  • TryHackMe TryHackMe is an online platform that teaches cyber security through short, gamified real-world labs. The plaform has content for both complete beginners and seasoned hackers, incorporation guides and challenges to cater for different learning styles.

  • HackTheBox Hack The Box is a leading gamified cybersecurity upskilling, certification, and talent assessment software platform enabling individuals, businesses, government institutions, and universities to sharpen their offensive and defensive security expertise. The ideal solution for cybersecurity professionals and organizations continuously enhance their cyber-attack readiness by improving their red, blue, and purple team capabilities.

  • Hakatemia (English version) Hakatemia is a Finnish-based, next-generation web-based training platform where you can learn from professionals about ethical hacking and practice real attacks safely in a lab environment.

Hacking Challenges

  • Hacker101 CTF Web application security focused CTF provided by the HackerOne bug bounty platform.

  • Root Me Root Me is a platform for everyone to test and improve knowledge in computer security and hacking.

  • VulnHub A collection of intentionally vulnerable Linux virtual machines - Training requires building your own virtual environment.

  • Next Gen Hack- challenge A challenge for young people interested in security testing and hacking. The challenges have been built by experts in the field of information and cyber security, taking into account different skill levels. The challenge is mainly aimed at young people under 26, but the environment is open to anyone who wants to take part. However, rewards are only available for participants under 26 years of age.

  • Disobey Challenge 2024 What’s going on in Kouvostoliitto? A hacker group AHVEN has declared an operation to overthrow the leadership of Kouvostoliitto. Disobey Hacker Puzzle is live.

  • Reply Cybersecurity Challenge The Cyber Security Challenge is a Capture the Flag, a team-based security online competition where each team tries to solve 25 problems, divided into 5 categories. Test your skills in coding, web, miscellaneous, crypto and binary and win an amazing gaming laptop!



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