‘Linux Basics for Hackers’ by Occupy the Web & No Starch Press (Review)

If you are new to ethical hacking it can be quite scary looking at which books to get and courses to do but if anyone ever asks my advice then this will be the first one I mention, for a beginner and someone wanting a taste of Kali Linux then this book is an absolute must.

‘Linux Basics for Hackers’ is a book by OccupyTheWeb and printed by No Starch Press.

OccupyTheWeb is an InfoSec consultant, forensic investigator, and trainer with more than 20 years in the industry. He maintains the Hackers-Arise training site (www.hackers-arise.com) and trains US military personnel, Department of Defence contractors, and federal employees in information security and hacking.

No Starch Press is an American publishing company, specializing in technical literature often geared towards the geek, hacker, and DIY subcultures. They publish books with a focus on networking, computer security, hacking, Linux, programming, technology for kids, Lego, math, and science. The publisher also releases educational comics like Super Scratch Programming Adventure and The Manga Guide to Science series.

The book is spread out over seventeen chapters and at the end of each chapter, we have some tasks to work through from the knowledge we have just gained in said chapter.

Table of contents

• Chapter 1: Getting Started with the Basics
• Chapter 2: Text Manipulation
• Chapter 3: Analysing and Managing Networks
• Chapter 4: Adding and Removing Software
• Chapter 5: Controlling File and Directory Permissions
• Chapter 6: Process Management
• Chapter 7: Managing User Environment Variables
• Chapter 8: Bash Scripting
• Chapter 9: Compressing and Archiving
• Chapter 10: Filesystem and Storage Device Management
• Chapter 11: The Logging System
• Chapter 12: Using and Abusing Services
• Chapter 13: Security and Anonymity
• Chapter 14: Wireless Networking
• Chapter 15: Linux Kernel and Drivers
• Chapter 16: Startup Scripts
• Chapter 17: Python Scripting Basics

There is a detailed table of contents available online here (https://nostarch.com/download/LinuxBasicsForHackers_Sample_TOC.pdf) if you want to delve deeper in what is getting taught.

When I first started to work through it I thought I had maybe picked the wrong book as chapters one to six was quite basic for me having worked in Linux previously but looking back now it is essential for who the book is aimed at which is people looking for the basics in Linux.

I absolutely forgot how much I loved ‘Bash Scripting’ and it was fantastic getting to learn the basics in Wireless Network and Python.

The book is extremely well written, covers a broad variety of information and does a great job covering the basics.

Linux Basics cover just enough MySQL database and wireless hacking to whet the readers’ appetite but not overwhelm them.

“This practical, tutorial-style book uses the Kali Linux distribution to teach Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. Topics include Linux command line basics, filesystems, networking, BASH basics, package management, logging, and the Linux kernel and drivers.

If you’re getting started along the exciting path of hacking, cybersecurity, and pentesting, Linux Basics for Hackers is an excellent first step. Using Kali Linux, an advanced penetration testing distribution of Linux, you’ll learn the basics of using the Linux operating system and acquire the tools and techniques you’ll need to take control of a Linux environment.

First, you’ll learn how to install Kali on a virtual machine and get an introduction to basic Linux concepts. Next, you’ll tackle broader Linux topics like manipulating text, controlling file and directory permissions, and managing user environment variables. You’ll then focus in on foundational hacking concepts like security and anonymity and learn scripting skills with bash and Python. Practical tutorials and exercises throughout will reinforce and test your skills as you learn how to:

– Cover your tracks by changing your network information and manipulating the rsyslog logging utility
– Write a tool to scan for network connections, and connect and listen to wireless networks
– Keep your internet activity stealthy using Tor, proxy servers, VPNs, and encrypted email
– Write a bash script to scan open ports for potential targets
– Use and abuse services like MySQL, Apache web server, and OpenSSH
– Build your own hacking tools, such as a remote video spy camera and a password cracker

Hacking is complex, and there is no single way in. Why not start at the beginning with Linux Basics for Hackers?”

This book covers EVERYTHING you need to know to get started, I have found that learning Kali and Networking is by far the best round into hacking and this is perfect in that aspect.

Aimed at beginners which is why it is the “Basics” it does its job well, it creates a base of good learning in Linux showing you some general functionality and enough to manoeuvre around and know what is going on.

I loved having the exercises at the end of each chapter to work through as it had a school and course like feel to it that a lot of other books don’t and I just love that about it.

I am not going to go into each chapter in detail as this book is aimed at teaching the beginners the basics and my site is called The Security Noob so chances are this book would be fantastic for you and I recommend you go and buy it.

Genuinely surprised at how much I like this book and kind of wish Master Occupy the Web was my teacher all the time (he does do courses on his site, I just can’t afford them).

Fantastic book, highly recommended by me and stop reading my site now and go purchase this from No Starch Press.

Buy the book here = https://nostarch.com/linuxbasicsforhackers

No Starch Press Site = https://nostarch.com/

Occupy the Web = https://www.hackers-arise.com/