Hacker. You've heard the term, and maybe even used it, but what does a hacker really do, and how does hacking work? Learn this and more in this tech lesson!

In this theory-based lesson on hacking, walk through the 6-step hacker methodology, and discover how hackers gain unauthorized access to systems and networks.

Now that you're comfortable with the basics of hacking, it's time to try a hacking exercise! Start by configuring a hack plan, and set up a virtual machine.

Before trying a hacking exercise, you need to install virtual machine software and Kali Linux. Go through each step of the install, and update the OS.

It's time to meet your best friend when learning how to hack: WebGoat! This hacking server developed by OWASP is a great way to learn basic hacking principles.

In this SQL lesson learn to install WordPress on a Kali Linux distribution. Once finished, you'll have a working WordPress server with users you can hack later!

In this hacking lesson get a quick introduction to Nmap, a network mapping tool that lets you learn about operating systems, applications, and open ports.

Using the virtual machine you've already built—and by employing the hacker methodology—learn about a very popular attack, called an SQL injection.

Learn all about cross-site scripting (XSS) in this lesson, including why a hacker would want to use an XSS attack, and what it takes to perform an XSS attack.

In this essential cyber security lesson, discover how to use WPScan to execute brute force and dictionary-based attacks to obtain user passwords.