ROADMAP.md

CTF Training Roadmap

topic detials, 30 day monthly timetable

A step-by-step roadmap for CTF training:

1. Networking and Security Fundamentals:
   • Start by building a strong foundation in networking concepts, TCP/IP, and network protocols. Understand how information flows across networks and how different protocols operate.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Book: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach
     • Course: Cybrary Network+

2. Programming and Scripting Skills:
   • Develop proficiency in a programming language such as Python, C/C++, or Java. Learn how to write scripts and automate tasks, which will be valuable for CTF challenges.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Python: Learn Python
     • C/C++: C Programming Tutorial
     • Java: Java Tutorials

3. Operating Systems and Command Line:
   • Familiarize yourself with Linux and Windows operating systems. Gain proficiency in command line interfaces and understand how to navigate and manage files, processes, and network configurations.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Linux: Linux Journey
     • Windows Command Line: Documentation

4. Reconnaissance and Information Gathering:
   • Learn techniques for reconnaissance and information gathering to gather intelligence about targets. Explore tools like Recon-ng and TheHarvester for discovering vulnerabilities and gathering information.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Tools: Recon-ng, TheHarvester
     • Google Hacking Database: Exploit-DB

5. Web Application Security:
   • Gain knowledge of web application vulnerabilities and security concepts. Understand common attack vectors such as SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF. Practice with vulnerable web applications to hone your skills.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • OWASP: OWASP
     • Web Security Academy: PortSwigger

6. Binary Exploitation and Reverse Engineering:
   • Delve into the world of binary exploitation and reverse engineering. Learn assembly language and understand common vulnerabilities like buffer overflows and format string attacks.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Binary Exploitation: Modern Binary Exploitation
     • Reverse Engineering: Reverse Engineering for Beginners

7. Cryptography and Steganography:
   • Study cryptography fundamentals, cryptographic algorithms, and encryption techniques. Explore steganography, which involves hiding information within different types of media.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Cryptography: Crypto 101
     • Cryptography Course: Stanford University
     • Steganography: Steghide, CTFlearn Challenges

8. Forensics and Incident Response:
   • Learn digital forensics concepts and techniques. Understand how to analyze and recover evidence from systems and networks. Develop incident response skills to investigate security incidents.
   • Recommended Resources:
     • Digital Forensics Framework: DFF
     • Incident Response: SANS Digital Forensics

9. CTF Platforms and Practice:
   • Engage in hands-on practice by participating in CTF competitions and challenges. Join platforms like CTFTime, HackTheBox, and TryHackMe to access various CTF challenges and sharpen your skills.
   • Recommended Platforms:
     • CTFTime: CTFTime
     • HackTheBox: HackTheBox
     • TryHackMe: TryHackMe

10. Continuous Learning and Community Engagement:
    • Stay up to date with the latest security news, blogs, and research papers. Engage with the cybersecurity community by joining forums, attending conferences, and participating in discussions.
    • Recommended Activities:
      • Read Security Blogs: Schneier on Security, Krebs on Security
      • Join Communities: Reddit /r/netsec, HackerOne Community
      • Attend Conferences: Black Hat, DEF CON

30-day monthly timetable

Day	Topic	Time Dedication	Description
1	Networking Fundamentals	1 hour	Explore the basics of networking, including protocols and network architecture.
2	Networking Fundamentals	1 hour	Dive deeper into network topologies, subnetting, and network security concepts.
3	Programming and Scripting Skills	1 hour	Learn the fundamentals of a programming language and work on small coding exercises.
4	Programming and Scripting Skills	1 hour	Explore advanced programming concepts and build mini-projects to practice coding skills.
5	Operating Systems and Command Line	1 hour	Gain familiarity with Linux and Windows command line interfaces and basic system administration tasks.
6	Reconnaissance and Information Gathering	1 hour	Discover various reconnaissance techniques and tools to gather information about targets.
7	Web Application Security	1 hour	Learn about common web vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection and XSS, and practice exploiting them on intentionally vulnerable web apps.
8	Web Application Security	1 hour	Dive deeper into web security concepts, such as CSRF and secure coding practices, and explore real-world case studies.
9	Binary Exploitation and Reverse Engineering	1 hour	Explore the basics of binary exploitation and reverse engineering, including buffer overflows and basic binary analysis.
10	Binary Exploitation and Reverse Engineering	1 hour	Dive deeper into advanced binary exploitation techniques and learn reverse engineering concepts and tools.
11	Cryptography and Steganography	1 hour	Discover the fundamentals of cryptography, encryption algorithms, and learn to detect and utilize steganography techniques.
12	Cryptography and Steganography	1 hour	Dive deeper into more advanced cryptographic algorithms and explore complex steganography challenges.
13	Forensics and Incident Response	1 hour	Learn the basics of digital forensics and incident response, including evidence collection and analysis techniques.
14	Forensics and Incident Response	1 hour	Explore advanced forensics concepts, such as memory analysis and network forensics, and practice investigating complex incidents.
15	CTF Platforms and Practice	2-3 hours	Sign up for CTF platforms like CTFTime, HackTheBox, or TryHackMe, and solve a variety of challenges to hone your skills.
16	CTF Platforms and Practice	2-3 hours	Engage in capture-the-flag competitions or simulated scenarios on CTF platforms to experience real-world challenges.
17	CTF Platforms and Practice	2-3 hours	Collaborate with other CTF enthusiasts, join forums, and participate in team-based challenges to enhance your skills.
18	Continuous Learning and Community Engagement	1 hour	Read blogs, research papers, and security news to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques.
19	Continuous Learning and Community Engagement	1 hour	Participate in cybersecurity communities, engage in discussions, and contribute to open-source projects for skill enhancement.

| 20 | Web Application Security | 1 hour | Practice web security challenges and try your hand at bug bounty programs to test your skills in a real-world context. | | 21 | Web Application Security | 1 hour | Stay updated with the latest web vulnerabilities and explore advanced techniques to secure web applications. | | 22 | Binary Exploitation and Reverse Engineering | 1 hour | Solve CTF challenges focusing on binary exploitation and reverse engineering to sharpen your skills in these areas. | | 23 | Binary Exploitation and Reverse Engineering | 1 hour | Explore advanced tools and techniques used in real-world scenarios and learn to analyze and exploit complex binaries. | | 24 | Cryptography and Steganography | 1 hour | Solve cryptography challenges on CTF platforms and explore practical applications of cryptography in secure communications. | | 25 | Cryptography and Steganography | 1 hour | Learn about advanced cryptographic protocols and algorithms used in secure systems and explore steganography challenges. | | 26 | Forensics and Incident Response | 1 hour | Practice analyzing forensic evidence, conducting memory analysis, and responding to complex security incidents. | | 27 | Forensics and Incident Response | 1 hour | Explore advanced incident response techniques, such as malware analysis and network forensics, to enhance your skills. | | 28 | CTF Platforms and Practice | 2-3 hours | Participate in CTF challenges of varying difficulty levels to apply your skills and identify areas for improvement. | | 29 | CTF Platforms and Practice | 2-3 hours | Work on realistic CTF scenarios or participate in online CTF competitions to gain practical experience under time constraints. | | 30 | Continuous Learning and Community Engagement | 1 hour | Attend virtual security conferences, webinars, or workshops to learn from experts, network, and discover new trends and technologies. |