The path to becoming a well-rounded hacker—whether for offensive security, defensive operations, or software security—requires mastering three essential domains: programming, cybersecurity, and Networking. This “Hacker Trifecta” forms the foundation for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security engineering. By leveraging the structured learning paths of NGT Academy and the Open Source Society University (OSSU), aspiring security professionals can build a strong and practical skill set that aligns with real-world demands.
Understanding the Hacker Trifecta
- Programming: The ability to write and analyze code is essential for automating tasks, understanding exploits, and developing secure software.
- Cybersecurity: Mastery of security principles, penetration testing techniques, and defensive strategies ensures well-rounded expertise.
- Networking: Understanding how networks function is critical for both attacking and defending them.
By strategically integrating NGT Academy’s networking and cybersecurity training with OSSU’s comprehensive computer science curriculum, students can develop the hacker trifecta in a structured yet flexible manner.
Phase 1: Mastering Programming with OSSU
I started on the journey to learn Programming with OSSU in Spring of 2021 during the lockdown. I took the class Python for everybody from OSSU and really enjoyed it. Professor Chuck really made understanding python fun and I learned how to analyze data from the projects in the course.
The next course I took was Introduction to Computer Science and Programming from MIT on EdX this course taught me about some interesting concepts like Big-O notation. I really liked the course on EdX but OSSU’s curriculum had changed it now to 6.0001L and got rid of Python for Everybody. I haven’t tried these courses. I really enjoyed the courses that I took.
Then during NGT academy I was also taking Systematic Program Design, I completed Part 1 with relative ease and started to do Part II. I got through most of it, it got difficult during the N-Queens problem but that was when it got most interesting.
That’s the programming foundation I have built on. I’m hoping to do Programming Languages Part A,B,C at some point but took a break from them to work on NGT Academy.
Phase 2: Cybersecurity Specialization
After establishing a strong programming foundation, the next step is cybersecurity mastery. This was acheived with
In NGT academy I focused originally on Cybersecurity. They introduced me to the basic security principles in their NCSA (NexGenT Cyber Security Associate) basic training. It was a few modules that explained cybersecurity. You could probably get a similar training from RITx’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals Course on EdX.
Then in the NCSP (NexGent Cyber Security Professional) program we did hack the box academy. Doing modules like Networking Fundamentals, Introduction to Metasploit, Using Web Proxies and doing some HackTheBox boxes like Blue got me some hands-on practice with Hacking.
More recently with OSSU I had been working on the Secure Software Courses from UC Davis, which I found to be really good. It covers concepts like secure coding and identifying security vulnerabilities. I hope to study these topics in more depth in the future
Finally I went for my security+ with NGT academy. I think that someone going through OSSU could benefit from doing HackTheBox or getting their security+
Phase 3: Networking Specialization
Finally there is the networking specialization, I enrolled in the Full Stack Network Engineering Program in NGT academy.
There I completed a full stack networking project in packet tracer implementing an enterprise-grade network with two branches. Full Stack meaning Routing, Switching, Security, Voice, and Wireless Then did two more labs implementing a Colocation center and an SSLVPN.
The project culminates with getting the CCNA, it’s a beast of an exam. I hope to take it in the near future
Also in addition to networking in NGT academy, OSSU has a course in their curriculum called Networking: A Top-Down Approach which I have been reading and found to be a good complement to the training at NGT academy.
For someone doing OSSU or wanting to learn networking I would recommend going for the Net+ through Professor Messer or CCNA from Jeremy IT Labs, both are available for free
Practical Integration for Real-World Success
I think doing hand-on exercises whether homework problems from programming classes or labs in networking classes or hacking labs are really important to get the practical skills for hacking down.
Conclusion
So that is the Hacker Trifecta – Programming, Security, and Networking. Having these three skills you can become a well-rounded hacker. Which is good for roles in Offensive security, Defensive Operations, or Security engineering. Hope you enjoyed the article!