# Cracking Station

> Free cybersecurity education covering TryHackMe CTF walkthroughs, ethical hacking labs, penetration testing tutorials, VPN setup guides, and certification prep for CEH, OSCP, and CompTIA Security+. Written by Mehmood Ali, a cybersecurity consultant and corporate trainer based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Content is hands-on and lab-based: step-by-step room walkthroughs with commands and screenshots, forensics and OSINT tool guides, and practical security tutorials aimed at beginners through certification candidates.

## Start Here
- [TryHackMe CTF Writeups & Walkthrough Roadmap](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-ctf-writeups-walkthroughs-roadmap/): Structured learning path through TryHackMe rooms, ordered beginner to advanced.
- [Cyber Security Roadmap 2026](https://crackingstation.org/cyber-security-roadmap-2026/): Career and skills roadmap for entering cybersecurity.
- [How to Use TryHackMe](https://crackingstation.org/how-to-use-tryhackme/): Beginner's orientation to the platform.
- [Linux Command Cheat Sheet (2026)](https://crackingstation.org/linux-command-cheat-sheet-you-should-know/): Navigation, permissions, networking, and security commands used in labs.

## TryHackMe Walkthroughs
- [Welcome Room Walkthrough](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-welcome-walkthrough/): First room, step by step.
- [Tutorial Room](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-tutorial-room/): Platform basics.
- [Starting Out in CyberSec](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-starting-out-in-cybersec-writeup/): Writeup with video walkthrough.
- [Introductory Researching](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-introductory-research-writeup/): Research skills room, full task coverage.
- [Learning Cyber Security Room](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-learning-cyber-security-room/): Beginner cyber awareness path.
- [OpenVPN Linux Guide](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-openvpn-linux-guide/): Connecting to TryHackMe VPN on Linux.
- [OpenVPN Windows Guide](https://crackingstation.org/tryhackme-openvpn-windows-guide/): Connecting to TryHackMe VPN on Windows.
- [Free VPN for Kali Linux](https://crackingstation.org/free-vpn-for-kali-linux/): Securing an ethical hacking setup.
- [Advent of Cyber 2025 Hub](https://crackingstation.org/advent-of-cyber-2025-tryhackme-guide/): Index of all 24 daily challenge walkthroughs — Linux CLI, phishing, Splunk, IDOR, XSS, YARA, forensics, prompt injection, AWS, and more.
- [Advent of Cyber Prep Track](https://crackingstation.org/advent-of-cyber-prep-track-guide/): Preparation challenges before the main event.

## Tools, Forensics & OSINT
- [OSINT and Attack Surface Mapping](https://crackingstation.org/osint-and-attack-surface-mapping/): Reconnaissance methodology and tooling.
- [Best Data Carving Tools](https://crackingstation.org/best-data-carving-tools-recover-lost-files/): Foremost, Scalpel, PhotoRec, Bulk Extractor, Autopsy for file recovery.
- [LaZagne Password Recovery Tool](https://crackingstation.org/lazagne-password-recovery-tool-complete-guide/): Complete usage guide.
- [CPENT v2 Labs](https://crackingstation.org/category/cpent-v2-labs-manual-training/): Lab manuals and training material.

## Security Awareness
- [Cybersecurity Threats in 2026](https://crackingstation.org/cybersecurity-technologies-and-threats-in-2026/): What organizations should prepare for.
- [Benefits of Cyber Security for Business](https://crackingstation.org/benefits-of-cyber-security-for-business/): Business case for security investment.
- [Facebook Phishing Protection](https://crackingstation.org/facebook-phishing-protection-2025/): Spotting fake Meta Verified ads and phishing.
- [Dangers of AI Image Trends](https://crackingstation.org/ai-image-trends-dangers/): Privacy risks of uploading personal photos.
- [WhatsApp wa.me/settings Bug](https://crackingstation.org/whatsapp-bug-wa-me-settings/): Fixing the Android and iOS crash.

## VPN & Antivirus Reviews
Reviews contain affiliate links.
- [ExpressVPN Review 2026](https://crackingstation.org/expressvpn-review-2026/): Pricing, Lightway Turbo, download and install guide.
- [NordVPN Review 2026](https://crackingstation.org/nordvpn-review-2026/): Safety, speed, Netflix and China performance.
- [CyberGhost VPN Review](https://crackingstation.org/cyberghost-vpn-review/): Speed tests and security features.
- [Best VPN for Android](https://crackingstation.org/best-vpn-for-android/): 10 apps tested and ranked.
- [Norton 360 Antivirus Review](https://crackingstation.org/norton-360-antivirus-review/): Protection and performance assessment.

## About
- [About Cracking Station](https://crackingstation.org/about-us/): Who runs the site and what it covers.
- [Contact](https://crackingstation.org/contact-us/): Get in touch.
- [Sitemap](https://crackingstation.org/sitemap/): Full URL index.