The field of cybersecurity is now seeing rapid and remarkable growth. This is generating a substantial number of job prospects in the field of cybersecurity. If you have an interest in mastering cybersecurity, there are several books that can greatly contribute to the success of your learning process. These books can facilitate the acquisition of new concepts and provide solutions to your cybersecurity-related inquiries.
Effective cyber security books provide knowledge gained from specific incidents and real-life situations that professionals may utilize. The most valuable ones are those that educate us about potential vulnerabilities, enabling us to proactively protect ourselves from falling prey to hackers.
Best Cyber Security Books To Learn
The discipline of Cyber Security presents significant opportunities for individuals who possess strong motivation and an unwavering passion for technology, with the possibility for substantial professional advancement. By utilizing these Cyber Security books, you can acquire valuable insights to bolster a thriving Cyber Security profession.
- Hacking: The Art of Exploitation
Numerous hackers are actively engaged in discovering innovative solutions to complex issues and taking advantage of vulnerabilities in poorly designed programs. However, only a select handful possess the knowledge and ability to truly innovate and exceed boundaries. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd edition, is widely regarded as one of the top Cyber Security books for learning Ethical Hacking. This is the second edition, which was published in 2008, following the original edition in 2003.
Unlike other publications on ethical hacking, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of problem-solving and exploitation, offering a holistic perspective on programming, network communications, and contemporary hacking methodologies, rather than simply presenting specific use cases. An advantageous aspect of the books is the inclusion of a CD that offers a comprehensive Linux and debugging environment. This facilitates hands-on programming experience without jeopardizing the functionality of your current operating system.
- Author: Jon Erickson
- Goodreads rating: 4.2/5.0
2. Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking
Georgia Weidman’s book imparts essential skills to prospective pentesters, who are security researchers and trainers. Designed for novices and aspiring hackers, this book provides comprehensive instruction on fundamental programming concepts and proficiently navigating Kali Linux — an operating system that comes preinstalled with advanced computer security tools such as Wireshark and Metasploit.
The book also covers advanced subjects such as mobile device security and methods for circumventing antivirus software. You will engage in discussions regarding the methods of breaking passwords and wireless network keys through brute force assaults and wordlists, conducting vulnerability tests on web applications, automating social-engineering attacks, and circumventing antivirus software, among other topics.
- Author: Georgia Weidman
- Goodreads rating: 4.2/5.0
3. The Art of Invisibility: The World’s Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to Be Safe in the Age of Big Brother and Big Data
The author of the book is Kevin Mitnick, a renowned hacker who has challenged major authorities such as the FBI. In the contemporary era, every gesture of swiping, tapping, and clicking on your mobile device, tablet, or computer is being monitored and scrutinized. In this book, the author, who is a former notorious hacker, aims to educate readers on how to safeguard themselves from cyber-attacks, both online and offline. It also provides information on simple yet effective methods of concealing and protecting individuals and customers in the era of extensive data collection. This book focuses on the preservation of anonymity and safeguarding personal identity, confidential information, well-being, and financial resources against cyber criminals. In addition, he discusses many strategies that are essential for optimizing privacy in the contemporary era.
- Author: Kevin Mitnick
- Goodreads rating: 4.0/5.0
4. Cyber Wars: Hacks that Shocked the Business World
This book provides a comprehensible yet non-specialized examination of many perilous cyberattacks that have occurred in recent years. The book serves as an excellent reference for anybody seeking to understand the principles of information security and seeking practical illustrations on effectively conveying security protocols to non-technical executives and end-users. Charles Arthur, the author, skillfully employs his storytelling abilities to recount a compelling chronicle of the most significant and alarming cybercrimes, presented in a manner accessible to individuals without technical expertise. The books also include information on the methodologies employed, the ramifications, and the precautionary steps.
- Author: Charles Arthur
- Goodreads rating: 4.1/5.0
5. Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide
The book, renowned among novices, is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of penetration testing. It begins by providing a concise overview of Metasploit’s background and instructions on how to install it, acknowledging the tool’s complexity for first-time users. This book simplifies the process of identifying, using, and disseminating vulnerabilities. You will also establish your fundamental knowledge in penetration testing. Upon completion of the aforementioned tasks, this book provides the opportunity to acquire knowledge in advanced penetration tactics, including network reconnaissance and enumeration, client-side attacks, wireless attacks, and targeted social engineering attacks. The book is a suitable resource for learners who possess proficient technical skills in Ruby and Linux.
- Author: David Kennedy
- Goodreads rating: 4.1/5.0
6. Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to Dissecting Malicious Software
As reported by Computer weekly, the average ransom paid by victim organizations in Europe, the US, and Canada increased significantly from $115,123 (€96,666/£82,788) in 2019 to $312,493 in 2020, nearly tripling in value. For those unfamiliar, in the event of a malware attack compromising your defenses, it is imperative to promptly take action to halt the intrusion and develop a strategic plan.
This book facilitates the acquisition of skills necessary to effectively analyze, debug, and disassemble any harmful software encountered, by instructing readers in the utilization of tools and procedures often employed by experienced analysts. This book provides instruction on utilizing key analysis tools such as IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and WinDbg.
In addition, you will acquire the skills to analyze and dissect malware, assess its impact, comprehensively sanitize your network, and implement measures to prevent any future recurrence of malware, all through practical exercises in the laboratory. The book is designed to transform novice individuals in the industry into proficient professionals.
- Author: Michael Sikorski
- Goodreads rating: 4.5/5.0
7. Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking
This book offers a comprehensive examination of social engineering approaches, elucidating their mechanisms and substantiating them with numerous real-life illustrations. The book comprehensively addressed the various facets of social engineering, including elicitation, pretexting, influence, and manipulation, and elucidated these concepts through the use of real-life illustrations.
The author elucidates the utilization of the prevailing technique, which possesses the capability to deceive even individuals with the most formidable security people. In addition to this. You may also uncover ineffective strategies that are not applicable in practical situations. The book further released a second version which incorporated the latest methodologies by presenting narratives, illustrations, and other relevant materials.
- Author: Christopher Hadnagy
- Goodreads rating: 3.8/5.0
8. Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C
Cryptography techniques have applications beyond the mere encoding and decoding of information. Applied Cryptography is the ultimate resource for developers seeking to enhance their knowledge of cryptographic approaches. It comprehensively explores protocols, procedures, and practical cryptographic algorithms. The book also provides comprehensive guidance on the practical issues of implementing cryptography. The book in question is around 25 years old. Currently, it is available in its 20th Anniversary Edition, which is widely regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive reference on cryptography ever released.
- Author: Bruce Schneier
- Goodreads rating: 4.2/5.0
9. Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker
Ghost in the Wires is an authentic narrative that appears more peculiar than a work of fiction, unlike its predecessor. Mitnick discusses his firsthand encounters infiltrating renowned corporations like Motorola, Pacific Bell, and Sun Microsystems.
Consider it as the memoir of a proficient hacker who commenced their career as a novice IT employee before ascending to become the most notorious hacker globally, with the FBI relentlessly pursuing them. Ghost in the Wires is a book with great potential to be adapted into a captivating cyber-thriller that would attract large audiences in movie theaters.
- Author: Kevin Mitnick
- Goodreads rating: 3.9/5.0
10. The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography
Simon Singh offers readers an exceptional book that meticulously traces the complete history of encryption, dating back to Ancient Egypt. Your hearing was accurate. Simon suggests that there is a connection between the ancient Egyptian methods of spying and the writings of that time, and the foundational principles of modern cybersecurity processes.
The book provides an extensive analysis of how encryption has profoundly impacted the contemporary world. Encryption has played a significant role in various aspects, ranging from the inception of the e-commerce industry to the extensive control exerted by the Nazi government.
“The Code Book” provides historical background for the term “encryption” and establishes its connections to significant historical personalities and events. Upon reaching the final page, you will be utterly amazed and filled with a sense of awe.
- Author: Simon Singh
- Goodreads rating: 4.7/5.0
11. Threat Modeling: Designing for Security
This book is particularly valuable for cybersecurity experts, such as developers and managers, rather than casual readers. The text describes a number of effective threat modeling techniques that have been successfully employed by prominent companies such as Microsoft to defend against security threats.
The concept proposes the integration of security measures at the initial design phase of systems, rather than addressing it at a later stage. Adam’s advice is exclusively focused on practical actions that security professionals can regularly employ to address risks.
- Author: Adam Shostack
- Goodreads rating: 4.1/5.0
12. Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters
Python is widely used for numerous attack frameworks. By utilizing GitHub, you can learn how to construct a trojan command-and-control system, identify sandboxing, and automate common malware functions.
This book explores Python’s more malevolent functionalities, such as infecting virtual computers, crafting network sniffers, and creating stealthy trojans.
This book covers fundamental concepts of networking, online programs, ways for escalating privileges in Windows, and various other topics.
- Author: Justin Seitz
- Goodreads rating: 4.0/5.0
Conclusion
Amidst the gradual global reopening and the seemingly interminable nature of the infection, delving into these Cyber Security books may provide you with a fresh outlook on problem-solving. In addition to these, there are numerous other books available that can assist you in your pursuit of studying cybersecurity.
Engaging with these Cyber Security publications enhances comprehension of the core principles of Cyber Security. Amidst the current era of digital progress, these Cyber Security publications can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles, historical context, and contemporary situations in the realm of technology.
Additionally, you have the option to enroll in the Cyber Security Program, which will provide you with the essential skills needed to become a proficient cybersecurity professional. In this regard, you can join the by Bytecode Security, the leading cybersecurity training institute in Delhi NCR, where you can learn the best cybersecurity education under the affluence of highly credible cybersecurity experts. To learn more about the upcoming batches at Bytecode Security, you can visit the Official Page of Bytecode Security or give us a call at our hotline mobile number +91-9513805401 and have a word with our skilled educational counselors.