What resources are actually reliable for learning penetration testing — where should I start?

Don't jump into pentesting without a solid grasp of the networking layer. Know the TCP three-way handshake, DNS poisoning, ARP mechanisms, and HTTP request methods inside out. Learning how to intercept traffic between browser and server using a proxy tool and manually tampering with packets is the most essential starting point.

Here's the order I'd recommend: 1) Linux CLI and basic scripting skills. 2) Open web security standard guidelines. 3) Browser-based vulnerability labs. 4) Network traffic capture and local analysis tools. 5) Standard penetration test reporting templates.

When I transitioned from sysadmin to security, I put in 600 hours of hands-on practice in my first year. I spent only 8,000 TL of my budget on online practice labs. The moment I learned to read code instead of relying on out-of-the-box tools, I completely stood out in interviews. No need for overpriced bootcamps.

stay away from those online automated tool tutorials imo... people who just run point-and-click scanners and paste the output into a report can't find jobs. I mean you can't spot vulnerabilities without understanding the core mechanics.

Most of the 30k-40k lira Turkish courses on the market are cash grabs. They basically just read out poorly translated slides of open-source docs and global standards. Save your money for hands-on, globally recognized practical exams instead of training courses.

Having a sysadmin background is a massive plus imo. I started out just learning the security tools directly and because I didn't know network architecture, it took me months to even grasp what a vulnerability in a report actually meant.

Go install a hypervisor on your machine today, spin up a Linux distro and an intentionally vulnerable open-source web app. Start practicing SQL injection and privilege escalation locally on your own box.

You're right.

the most overlooked point about penetration testing resources is this: Don't hesitate to ask; those who don't ask always pay more.

taking measures without an inventory leaves doors you haven't seen open. i mean if you have questions write them; I'll answer as best I can.

I didn't know that.

I feel the same way. Don't rely on a single measure; go layer by layer.

If I were you, I'd go this route.

this is exactly what we experienced. payment information changes are never verified trough the channel they came from.

that's all, sorry if I went on too long.

i didn't know that. anyway everything goes well for the fiirst three months; problems arise in the fourth.

if you post the result here, it will help others too.

Quick summary for newcomers: Any unwritten clause becomes a point of disagreement later, as both sides remember it differently.

Payment information changes are never verified through the channel they came from. Good luck with that.

Let me summarize the topic, since several different answers were given. Solutions that work at a small scale collapse when you grow; I learned this late.

The real issue isn't the number, but what it's based on. Of course it varies if your situation is different.

I agree, and I'd like to emphasize that. When making decisions, write down the worst-case scenario too, not just the best.

Just leaving this note, it might be useful.

Following.

the discussion got scattered, let me summarize. securrity isn't absolute; it's about making attacks not worth the effort.

if you have questions, write them; Ill answer as best I can.