What Are the Best Linux Commands for Ethical Hacking?

Introduction

Every single OSCP holder from our institute knows these Linux commands by heart. Our 8,000+ placed students at Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies use them daily during real pentests at Deloitte, EY, Paytm, Indian banks, and global red teams. Master these 100 commands in 30 days and you will be ready for ₹15 to 70 LPA jobs. Here is the exact categorized cheat sheet they keep open during exams and client projects.

Top 100 Linux Commands Every Ethical Hacker Must Know (2025)

Recon & Information Gathering

• whoami ; id ; uname -a
• cat /etc/passwd ; cat /etc/shadow
• lsb_release -a ; cat /etc/os-release
• ps aux | grep root
• netstat -tulnp ; ss -tulnp
• ifconfig ; ip a
• arp -a ; ip neigh
• route ; ip route
• find / -perm -u=s -type f 2>/dev/null (SUID)
• find / -writable -type f 2>/dev/null

File Transfer & Download

• wget http://server/file ; curl -O
• scp user@ip:file .
• python3 -m http.server 80
• nc -lvnp 4444 > file
• base64 file | copy to clipboard

Privilege Escalation Classics

• sudo -l
• sudo su ; sudo bash
• find / -perm -4000 2>/dev/null
• crontab -l ; cat /etc/crontab
• cat /etc/sudoers
• linpeas.sh / linux-smart-enumeration

Networking & Tunneling

• ssh -L / -R / -D (socks proxy)
• ssh -f -N user@attackbox -L 3389:target:3389
• chisel server/client
• socat , plink , ligolo-ng

Download full printable PDF cheat sheet. Complete Linux mastery course

Our Daily Linux Lab Practice Routine

Every student runs these commands on 50+ machines daily:
• Spawn Kali VM → Connect to vulnerable Linux target
• Initial foothold → Run enumeration scripts
• Find SUID, writable files, cron jobs → Escalate to root
• Create reverse shell → Transfer tools → Post-exploitation
• Clean logs and persist → Document for report

After 30 days, students type these commands faster than speaking.

How We Make You Linux Ninja in 30 Days

• Daily 10 new commands + real usage
• 200+ Linux vulnerable machines
• Linux privilege escalation CTF every week
• One-liner cheat sheet printed and pasted on desk
• Weekly speed test (who types fastest wins prize)

Result: 100% OSCP first-attempt success rate.

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Career After Mastering Linux Commands

Students become Penetration Tester (₹18 to 55 LPA), Red Team Operator (₹30 to 70 LPA) at Deloitte, EY, PwC, Paytm, Indian banks, and global firms. Linux mastery is the #1 skill recruiters ask in every interview.

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Conclusion

Best tool in the world is useless if you don’t know Linux commands. Master these 100 commands and no box will ever stop you. Join Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies, India’s only institute where students live inside Linux terminal 8 hours daily and get placed with ₹15 to 70 LPA packages. New batches every Monday in classroom Pune plus 100% live online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to master these Linux commands?

30 days with our daily guided practice.

Do you provide a printable PDF cheat sheet?

Yes. Full-color printable PDF given on day 1.

Is Linux knowledge compulsory for OSCP?

Yes. 70% of OSCP exam is Linux-based.

Which institute teaches Linux commands fastest?

Only Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies.

What salary can I get after mastering Linux for hacking?

Freshers start at ₹15 to 70 LPA instantly.

Can girls master Linux commands easily?

Yes. Many of our top female OSCP holders started from zero.

Can non-CS or non-IT students learn these commands?

Yes. We teach everything from absolute scratch.

Do you teach one-liner privilege escalation commands?

Yes. Full list with real examples on live machines.

Is Kali Linux provided in the course?

Yes. Pre-configured VM with all tools ready.

Will I get access to 200+ Linux machines?

Yes. Lifetime access to our cloud lab.

Are weekend batches available for Linux mastery?

Yes. Full weekend lab access available.

Is there a weekly Linux command speed test?

Yes. Top 3 fastest typists win cash prizes.

Next batch starting date?

Every Monday in Pune + 100% live online.

Is placement guaranteed after the course?

Yes. 100% written placement guarantee.

Is free demo class available?

Yes. Every Saturday 11 AM demo session.