From Boot to Root: My HackTheBox Journey (2022–2025) | Cyber Codex

Introduction — The HTB Chapter of My Cyber Journey

By 2022, I had already cut my teeth on TryHackMe. But I knew if I wanted to take things to the next level — real-world TTPs, OSCP-style boxes, hardcore enumeration — it was time to face the beast: Hack The Box.

HTB isn’t just a platform. It’s an arena, and once I stepped in, there was no turning back.

First Contact: 2022 — Entering the Underground

I joined Hack The Box in 2022

• Started with retired machines

• Got instantly humbled by the difficulty level

• Took my first real Ls on enumeration-heavy boxes

• Slowly got better: OSINT, web shells, pivoting, lateral movement

HTB made me rethink how I approached hacking. No hand-holding, just you, the box, and your brain.

Rank Progression

• Starting Rank: Noob

• Current Rank: Hacker

• Current Global Rank: #850 (as of June 2025)

Progressing in HTB is not about speed — it’s about persistence. Every rooted machine felt earned. No walkthrough. Just notes, forums, and pain.

HTB Labs: Where the Real Learning Happened

HTB Labs (the core playground of boxes) taught me everything I thought I already knew.

Solved active boxes across:

• Windows

• Linux

• Web, Crypto, Forensics, Reversing

Learned:

• Lateral movement techniques

• Realistic Active Directory abuse

• Post-exploitation beyond whoami

HTB Labs are what sharpened my red teaming muscle.

HTB Academy: MY CPTS Prep Ground (2025)

In 2025, I joined HTB Academy to prep for the Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) exam.

• The Academy was more structured than THM

• Loved the module-based, interactive content

Topics I mastered:

• Initial access techniques

• Web app attacks (advanced SQLi, IDOR chains)

• Privilege escalation on real misconfigured systems

• Active Directory attacks with BloodHound, GPO abuse, and LAPS exploitation

The Academy was the perfect bridge between CTFs and real pentests.

Favourite Boxes That Taught Me the Most:

Affiliate Partner — Giving Back to the Community

In 2025, I became an HTB Affiliate Partner.

That means I:

• Promote HTB events and new releases

• Create Content: Writeups, tutorials, walkthroughs (coming soon to YouTube)

• Help onboard new learners into the platform

Affiliate Link: https://hacktheboxltd.sjv.io/payloadphantom

Want to join Hack The Box and start your own journey? Use my affiliate link to unlock your first challenge!

Why HTB is Still in My Arsenal

Even after 3 years, I still use HTB because:

• It’s the closest thing to real pentesting I can simulate

• The content gets harder as I get better

• New machines come weekly — the grind never ends

• Perfect for staying sharp while prepping for certifications like CTPS, OSCP, CEH, CRT

Advice to Beginners Entering HTB

• Start with the Starting Point track

• Use the Official HTB forum when stuck, not walkthroughs

• Enumerate like your life depends on it

• Don’t be discouraged if you can’t root a box in 1 day

• Try the Academy first, then move to the boxes

Final Thoughts — HTB is Hard, But Worth It

Hack The Box isn’t just for clout. It’s for those who want to struggle, learn, improve, and eventually dominate. It taught me:

• Patience under pressure

• Tactical thinking in red team environments

• That real growth begins where comfort ends

And now, with rank #850 and climbing, I’m still hungry.