[Deque]

That's a very well made guide, and very subjective too.

Your definitions of script kiddie, cracker and hacker are argueable. We had a thread some time back about our personal definitions of an hacker and I already told there that my view is much wider than the limits to computer and technology. I.e. I would consider MD House a hacker, because he has a certain kind of thinking, a love for puzzle solving that is above everything else (like fame or money) and finds very creative ways to get what he wants.
Maybe I will find the thread so I don't have to write everything again.

However, I just wanted to say: Interesting view, but maybe you could mention to the readers that there are more (very common ones) than this one. The open source/free software scene is often associated or associates themselves with it. Those are people who usually don't do any exploitation. They are hackers by their definition, because they have a certain mindset, write software for free and engage in the open source or free software movement.

How come we are Hackers when we use tools built by others? We should be called Script Kiddies instead.

The most common view I have seen so far is that a Skript Kiddie uses the tools without understanding them.
A hacker may as well use tools made by others, but understands how they work and why.

I think no one can use no tools, depending on what you define as a tool though. @noize already mentioned that a browser is a tool too, so is a text editor and so is a compiler too.

But if you say tools are only the ones specialised for hacking: Yes, you can do some stuff without, but you will be limited. There has been so much work put into tools as well as knowledge, it is impossible for one person to get all that programming it alone.

Very common phrases associated with the hacker's mindset is: "Information should be free" and "Don't re-invent the wheel". I.e. software and information should be open source so people are not forced to program the same functionality again, but may reuse what's there instead.
That's very much the opposite of what you say: Not using tools made by others and programming all that on your own.
If a person, who associates with the view above, re-invents programs, he/she may only do it to gain knowledge and skill in the matter, but other than that will use the tools by others or reverse engineer open source code to fit the programs for the own need. (Sidenote: Reverse Engineering is not only cracking software. If you are working for a company you might as well get a program with source included done by other persons to improve it. That's also called Reverse Engineering and it is completely legal.)

You will have to master all the aspects of hacking in order to become.

It is impossible to know and have a skill in everything about hacking.
I think by this premise no one can be called a hacker.

[Ex094]

I agree with you @Deque and I agree that Reverse Engineering is not illegal, it's just how people use it. Same goes with what I said with Hackers. They are not criminals neither Hacking is illegal but it's the way how people use that knowledge to do bad stuff for own needs.

[lady_godiva]

Really well written. Actually there are many definition of a Hacker, i like one in particular : hacker is a person who can solve problem very efficiently only with the resources that he has

@Nael that is not actually possible for various reasons, security measures are implemented every day as new attacks are discovered. I'd talk more about evolution

[FSADED]

A very well written guide. One of the biggest things I absolutely hate is the facebook "hacking" community. People hijacking fan pages and shit and calling themselves "Elite Hackers" BULLSHIT.

[chapp]

I'm sorry, but why the need of putting labels on people?

Seriously who cares if someone does this and that and claim them self a title? It's not gonna hurt you or your knowledge.

Props if someone gain access to my facebook account. No matter how they do it, they have successfully compromised something and gain access to otherwise restricted functionality.

[chapp]

I'm sorry, but why the need of putting labels on people?

Seriously who cares if someone does this and that and claim them self a title? It's not gonna hurt you or your knowledge.

Props if someone gain access to my facebook account. No matter how they do it, they have successfully compromised something and gain access to otherwise restricted functionality.

[cL1kz0r]

Excellent guide mate , I thought I knew the basis of hacking/cracking but it have one doubt regarding reverse engineering..

Reverse Engineering of copyrighted games have been done in the past like SA-MP , a multiplayer mod for GTA SA , and even when its devs are clearly listed on their page , I see no issue with them regarding Rockstar Games.. Why they no prosecute them?

Perhaps SAMP helped rockstar sell more copies of GTA SA? But its still illegal right?

[XWorm]

I agree with you with the facebook bit. People see a Reflected type of XSS, and they dont know what to do with it...lol.

But I do not know the difference between a hacker and a penetration tester.

[Ex094]

@XWorm Glad I helped Stay tuned for more

[chmod]

I have come up with a fool proof way to win your challenge:

Spoiler:

- Cut the plug off your machine, guaranteed 100% unhackable however there is a down side, you will no longer be able to use it yourself.