How to Set Up a Home Lab for Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity
How to Set Up a Home Lab for Ethical Hacking (Beginner’s Guide) If you’re interested in learning ethical hacking or preparing for a cybersecurity career , setting up a home lab is the safest and most practical way to start. A home lab gives you a controlled environment where you can practice hacking techniques, test tools, and build your skills without risking real-world systems. In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll explain everything you need to set up your own ethical hacking lab at home — step by step. 🖥️ Hardware Requirements for an Ethical Hacking Lab Before installing any tools, make sure your computer can handle multiple virtual machines (VMs). PC or Laptop – At least 8GB RAM , 250GB+ storage , and a quad-core CPU . More is better. External HDD/SSD (Optional) – For storing VM files and backups. Wi-Fi Adapter (Recommended) – One that supports monitor mode and packet injection (e.g., Alfa AWUS036NHA). Optional Router/Switch – For hands-on networkin...