⚠️ Important Disclaimer
🎓 About Courses and Certifications
Many YouTube channels try to sell their own courses and certifications. While some of these courses may be valuable, always verify their credibility before investing your time and money. Not all certifications carry the same weight in the industry.
✅ I Recommend Industry-Recognized Certifications:
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - EC-Council's globally recognized certification
- eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester) - Practical, beginner-friendly certification
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) - Highly respected hands-on certification
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - For security management
- CompTIA Security+ - Excellent entry-level certification
- PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester) - TCM Security's practical cert
Before purchasing any course or certification:
- Research if the certification is recognized by employers in your target industry
- Check reviews from multiple sources, not just the creator's website
- Verify the instructor's credentials and real-world experience
- Compare prices with industry-standard certifications
- Look for free alternatives or trial periods first
🛠️ About Hacking Tools, Hardware & DIY Kits
Many channels promote hacking tools, DIY hardware, and security toolkits like Flipper Zero, WiFi Pineapple, Bash Bunny, Rubber Ducky, Meow Kit, and various custom hardware. While these tools are fascinating and can be educational, there's an important reality check:
⚠️ Making or purchasing these tools without knowing the basics is useless.
Here's why:
- Tools are not magic: A Flipper Zero won't make you a hacker. It's a tool that requires knowledge of radio frequencies, protocols, and security concepts to use effectively.
- You need fundamentals first: Understanding networking, cryptography, and security principles is essential before touching hardware hacking tools.
- Legal risks: Owning these tools can be illegal in some jurisdictions without proper authorization or if used improperly.
- Waste of money: These tools can be expensive. Buying them without the knowledge to use them is throwing money away.
- False confidence: Having tools doesn't equal having skills. Learn the theory and practice in legal environments first.
✅ The Right Approach:
- Learn the fundamentals of networking, operating systems, and security concepts first
- Practice in legal environments (CTFs, bug bounties, lab platforms)
- Understand the theory behind what these tools do
- Start with software tools before investing in hardware
- Only purchase hardware when you understand exactly how and why you'll use it
- Ensure you have legal authorization for any security testing
💡 Bottom Line
Focus on building knowledge and skills, not collecting tools. The best hackers aren't the ones with the most expensive gadgets—they're the ones who deeply understand security principles and can think creatively with any tool at their disposal.
Watch YouTube channels for learning and inspiration, but be a critical consumer. Verify claims, research recommendations, and always prioritize understanding over tool collection.