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Introduction:
The annual TryHackMe Advent of Cyber event has launched, offering a massive prize pool exceeding $150,000 alongside daily, beginner-friendly security challenges. This immersive training initiative is designed to demystify cybersecurity for newcomers while providing seasoned professionals with fresh, practical skills, starting with foundational Linux command-line proficiency led by industry experts like Eva Benn and Ryan Montgomery.
Learning Objectives:
- Master essential Linux command-line interface (CLI) commands for system navigation and security tasks.
- Develop a practical methodology for approaching guided security challenges and capture-the-flag (CTF) exercises.
- Understand how structured, gamified learning platforms can accelerate cybersecurity skill development.
You Should Know:
1. Linux CLI: The Hacker’s First Tool
The command-line interface is the primary portal for interacting with Linux systems, which power most servers and security tools. Mastering it is non-negotiable for tasks ranging from log analysis to vulnerability exploitation.
Step‑by‑step guide explaining what this does and how to use it.
Step 1: Accessing the Terminal. In a TryHackMe attack box or your own Kali/Ubuntu VM, open the Terminal application.
Step 2: Basic Navigation. Use `pwd` (Print Working Directory) to see your current location. Use `ls` to list files and directories. Use `cd cd Documents). Use `cd ..` to move up one level.
Step 3: File Manipulation. Use `cat
Step 4: Permission Inspection. Use `ls -la` to list all files with detailed permissions. Understanding the `rwx` (read, write, execute) notation for user, group, and others is crucial for privilege escalation paths.
2. System Reconnaissance for Beginners
Before any exploitation, you must understand the environment. Basic recon commands provide a map of the system, users, and running services.
Step‑by‑step guide explaining what this does and how to use it.
Step 1: Who Are You? Run `whoami` to confirm your current username. Run `id` to see your user ID (uid) and group memberships.
Step 2: System Context. Run `uname -a` to print system kernel information. Run `hostname` to see the machine’s name.
Step 3: Finding Files. Use `find / -type f -name “.txt” 2>/dev/null` to search for all `.txt` files from the root directory, suppressing permission denied errors. Use `locate password` for a faster, but database-dependent, search.
Step 4: Process Inspection. Run `ps aux` to list all running processes. This can reveal vulnerable applications or database services.
3. Network Fundamentals from the Terminal
Understanding network connections is paramount. CLI tools provide a quick way to diagnose connectivity and discover open ports.
Step‑by‑step guide explaining what this does and how to use it.
Step 1: Check Your IP. Run `ip a` or `ifconfig` to see your network interface configurations and IP addresses.
Step 2: Basic Connectivity. Use `ping
Step 3: Port Checking with Netcat. Use `nc -zv -z for scan, `-v` for verbose). This can identify open services like SSH (22) or HTTP (80).
Step 4: Curl for Web Interaction. Use `curl http://
4. Scripting Your First Automation
Repetitive tasks are automated with scripts. Bash scripting is the glue that ties CLI commands together.
Step‑by‑step guide explaining what this does and how to use it.
Step 1: Create a Script. Use `nano simple_scanner.sh` to create a new file.
Step 2: Write the Script.
!/bin/bash
A simple port scanner
TARGET=$1
for PORT in {1..100}; do
nc -zv $TARGET $PORT 2>&1 | grep succeeded
done
Step 3: Make it Executable. Run `chmod +x simple_scanner.sh` to add execute permissions.
Step 4: Run It. Execute with ./simple_scanner.sh <target_ip>.
5. Introduction to Privilege Escalation Concepts
A common goal in CTFs is to move from a low-privilege user to a high-privilege one (like root).
Step‑by‑step guide explaining what this does and how to use it.
Step 1: Enumeration. Run `sudo -l` to check if your user can run any commands as another user (especially root) with a password. This is a goldmine.
Step 2: SUID Binaries. Find Set User ID (SUID) binaries with find / -perm -u=s -type f 2>/dev/null. These execute with the owner’s privileges and can be misconfigured.
Step 3: Kernel Exploits. Run `uname -a` and search for the kernel version on Exploit-DB. A common tool to check for local exploits is linux-exploit-suggester.sh.
Step 4: Cron Job Abuse. Check for user-writable cron jobs with `cat /etc/crontab` or ls -la /etc/cron. A script scheduled by root that you can write to can lead to root execution.
6. Applying Skills in a Controlled Environment (TryHackMe)
Theory means nothing without practice. Platforms like TryHackMe provide safe, legal labs.
Step‑by‑step guide explaining what this does and how to use it.
Step 1: Join the Event. Navigate to the official Advent of Cyber page: https://tryhackme.com/r/event/adventofcyber4` (or the shortened link from the post:https://lnkd.in/gX768wyq`).
Step 2: Start the Machine. For each day’s challenge, click “Start Machine” to deploy a target virtual environment. Use the “Start Attack Box” to deploy a cloud-based Kali Linux machine if you don’t have your own.
Step 3: Follow the Task List. The room provides a structured task list. Read the background, follow the instructions, and use the CLI skills you’re learning to answer questions.
Step 4: Submit Flags. Each completed task yields an answer, often called a “flag,” which you submit on the platform to prove completion and earn points/prize entries.
What Undercode Say:
- Gamification is the Ultimate On-Ramp. The Advent of Cyber model, combining daily micro-lessons, hands-on labs, and substantial prizes, effectively breaks down the intimidating barrier to entry in cybersecurity, transforming learning into an engaging mission.
- Foundations Trump Flashy Tools. By starting with the Linux CLI, the event correctly emphasizes that core fluency is more critical than knowing every GUI tool. A true professional can operate even when fancy tools are unavailable.
The TryHackMe Advent of Cyber event represents a significant shift in cybersecurity pedagogy. It moves beyond theoretical, certification-focused learning into applied, continuous skill development. The collaboration with high-profile practitioners like Eva Benn lends credibility and provides relatable role models. This approach directly addresses the industry’s talent shortage by creating a pipeline of individuals who don’t just know terms but can perform tasks. The $150K prize pool isn’t just marketing; it’s a serious investment in community building and talent identification. The long-term impact will be a more diverse, practically skilled, and community-oriented generation of security professionals who cut their teeth not in isolated study but in collaborative, simulated combat.
Prediction:
Events like Advent of Cyber will become the standard onboarding path for cybersecurity newcomers, leading to a significant portion of the workforce having a “CTF-background.” This will raise the baseline of practical skills across the industry, forcing defenders to think more like attackers from day one. Consequently, we will see a rise in proactive defense strategies (like threat hunting and adversary emulation) becoming mainstream in corporate security programs, as more personnel will have firsthand experience in the offensive mindset required to find and fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited maliciously. The line between “red team” and “blue team” training will continue to blur at the foundational level.
🎯Let’s Practice For Free:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Evabenn Its – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
