On Note Taking

If you’ve read my CPTS journey blog, you’ll remember I mentioned a follow-up blog on note-taking. Well, here it is.

The Principle:

Everyone has a different method for taking notes—highlighting, flashcards, and many more. Some use note-taking software like Evernote, Obsidian, Notion, etc. There are countless ways to take notes depending on personal preferences. However, there is one core principle that applies regardless of the method you use:

Good notes help you remember nearly everything with the least amount of time and effort. Bad notes do the opposite.

Think of it like a saved file in a video game. It takes up minimal space, but when you load it, you’re exactly where you left off, fully equipped. The same should apply to your notes—they should be minimal, yet detailed enough to trigger complete recollection with minimal time, effort, and mental energy.

How I take notes: (CTF Way)

As I’ve mentioned, I use Notepad++ for note-taking, and I store key information in a spreadsheet saved as a .csv file, which I then open in Notepad++.

It will look like this: (Gather notes and organize them in Google Sheets or Excel.)

Once convert it to .csv file and execute it with Notepad++ will look like this: (Convert the spreadsheet to a .csv file.)

There you go, CTRL+F is very easily and run smooth as well although Notepad++ is very picky when it comes to search term but I digress. (Open the .csv in Notepad++ for fast searching using CTRL+F. )

In Summary:

Use a consistent format in Notepad++ for note-taking, like in my write-ups.

• When you come across new techniques or knowledge, record and organize them in a spreadsheet.
• Convert that spreadsheet to a .csv file.
• Use the .csv file in Notepad++ as your hacking toolbox.

I hope these tips help sharpen your skills and support your cybersecurity journey!