OverTheWire Bandit is one of the best platforms for beginners who want to learn Linux, CTFs, and ethical hacking step-by-step.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to solve Bandit Level 0 → Level 1 using basic Linux commands and SSH.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this level, you’ll understand:
What SSH is
How to connect to remote servers
How to use basic Linux commands
How to read files in Linux
How CTF challenges work
What is OverTheWire Bandit?
OverTheWire Bandit is a beginner-friendly cybersecurity wargame designed to teach Linux and hacking fundamentals through small challenges.
Bandit starts with very easy levels and slowly becomes more advanced.
This makes it perfect for:
Beginners
Ethical hacking students
Linux learners
Future bug bounty hunters
Official Website:
Level 0 Information
The website provides the login details:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Host | bandit.labs.overthewire.org |
| Port | 2220 |
| Username | bandit0 |
| Password | bandit0 |
Step 1 — Open Terminal
Open your terminal application.
You can use:
Kali Linux
Ubuntu
Parrot OS
macOS Terminal
Windows Terminal with WSL
Step 2 — Connect Using SSH
Type the following command:
ssh bandit0@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220
Understanding the Command
ssh
Used to securely connect to remote systems.
bandit0
The username.
@
Separates username and host.
bandit.labs.overthewire.org
The remote server address.
-p 2220
Specifies the custom SSH port.
Step 3 — Accept Server Fingerprint
First-time connections may display:
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?
Type:
yes
Press Enter.
This saves the server fingerprint locally.
Step 4 — Enter Password
Now enter:
bandit0
⚠️ Linux terminals do not display passwords while typing.
This is normal.
Press Enter after typing the password.
Step 5 — List Files
Once logged in, use:
ls
Output:
readme
What Does ls Mean?
ls stands for:
List directory contents.
It shows files and folders in the current directory.
Step 6 — Read the File
Now display the file contents:
cat readme
What Does cat Do?
cat displays file contents inside the terminal.
The output will show the password for the next level.
Example:
examplepassword123
(The real password may change.)
Step 7 — Login to Bandit Level 1
Now connect using the new username:
ssh bandit1@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220
Paste the password you found.
Congratulations 🎉
You solved Bandit Level 0 → 1.
Commands Learned in This Level
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
ssh | Connect to remote server |
ls | List files |
cat | Read file contents |
Why This Level is Important
This level teaches the foundation of:
Linux usage
Remote server access
Terminal navigation
File handling
These are essential skills in:
Ethical hacking
Bug bounty hunting
Penetration testing
Cybersecurity careers
Common Beginner Mistakes
Wrong Password
Passwords are case-sensitive.
Typing Errors
Check:
Username
Port
Spaces in commands
Password Not Visible
Linux hides passwords while typing.
This is expected behavior.
Final Thoughts
OverTheWire Bandit is one of the best free resources to learn Linux and cybersecurity fundamentals.
Bandit Level 0 → 1 may look simple, but it teaches critical beginner concepts used daily by ethical hackers and system administrators.
Continue practicing each level slowly and focus on understanding the commands instead of memorizing solutions.
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