If you're looking to dive into hacking and penetration testing, online labs are a fantastic way to get hands-on experience. Here are some of the best beginner hacking labs and platforms recommended by Redditors:

Hack The Box (HTB)

• Hack The Box Academy: Offers structured learning paths and labs. "Hack The Box Academy, PortSwigger Web Security Academy, and TryHackMe."

• HTB CDSA Certification: Provides a comprehensive experience. "I went though SOC analyst path and i got HTB CDSA certification."

TryHackMe

• Beginner to Advanced Rooms: Offers a variety of hacking rooms that teach real techniques. "TryHackMe: Beginner to advanced hacking rooms that teach you real techniques."

• VPN and Kali Box: Free if you set up your own VPN and Kali box. "tryhackme is free if you're willing to set up the vpn yourself and get a kali box."

Virtual Hacking Labs (VHL)

• Penetration Testing Skills: Allows students to hone their skills in a controlled environment. "Virtual Hacking Labs is a platform that allows students to hone their penetration testing skills in a controlled environment."

• Beginner to Intermediate Level: Great for those with some prior knowledge. "I'd say VHL is beginner to intermediate level so definitely great if you have some prior knowledge."

Hack Smarter Labs

• Realistic Hacking Labs: Offers 4-6 labs every month, some with multiple machines. "This is a new platform, but we release 4 - 6 labs every month."

• Free Weekend Access: Periodically provides free access to labs. "From Friday - Saturday this weekend all the labs are free."

CyberSecLabs

• Similar to VHL: Recommended for those looking for a similar experience. "If you are looking for something similar. Give CyberSecLabs a go."

PortSwigger Web Security Academy

• Web Security Focus: Great for learning about web vulnerabilities. "PortSwigger Web Security Academy."

VulnHub

• Vulnerable VMs: Provides a collection of vulnerable VMs for practice. "Set up labs and pop boxes from VulnHub or similar."

Overthewire

• Linux Tools and Thinking: Offers wargames that help you learn Linux tools and ways of thinking. "I would recommend you Overthewire."

Additional Tips

• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. "Labs are where you apply theories you learn. The more you practice, the better you get."

• Understand Fundamentals: Focus on the basics before diving into complex exploits. "You don’t start by running exploits on intentionally vulnerable machines. You start by learning the fundamentals computer networking."

• Use Virtual Machines: Safely practice hacking without legal trouble. "I love virtual machines because you can do what you want and undo the screw ups or changes using a snapshot."

Subreddits to Explore

• r/hackthebox

• r/hacking

• r/Pentesting

• r/cybersecurity

These resources and communities should provide a solid foundation for your hacking journey. Good luck!