Cybersecurity is perhaps the most in-demand job field in today’s technology sector. Many companies seek help from experts to keep their business (and their customers’) data protected from cyber attacks.
in fact, the information security engineer role was our no. 1 most in-demand tech job in 2021.
You are reading: Cyber security books for beginners
To help you get started on this promising career path, we’ve compiled a list of the best cybersecurity books for beginners.
what is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is generally understood as the protection of important information online. while this is a big part (and a pretty literal deconstruction of the name), cyber security is about much more than just protecting your digital footprint.
Cybersecurity is the practice of securing networks, resources, and systems. It involves defending computer networks against malicious attacks, unauthorized access, and security breaches from Trojans, viruses, and hackers. cybersecurity extends to data on the internet and your personal (or business) systems.
With so many facets of cybersecurity and the ever-evolving nature of the internet, hackers, Trojans, malware, etc., it is imperative to stay current in this field. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 11 great cybersecurity books for beginners. Whether you’re ready to enter the field or already working in it, these books will give you the knowledge you need to succeed.
11 cybersecurity books for beginners
1. cybersecurity for dummies
author: joseph steinberg
score: 4.5/5
Cybersecurity can be complicated, but this book makes it easy to understand.
cybersecurity for dummies is a great entry level book that looks at cybersecurity, what the threats look like and how you can protect yourself against them, whether it’s protecting your family from cyber attacks or keeping your business information safe and secure. .
also gives you the knowledge you need to respond to threats and recover if a security breach occurs and provides information on pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
discussed topics:
- the basics of cybersecurity
- personal and business security
- how to deal with a breach
buy on amazon
2. Piracy: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
author: jon erickson
score: 4.7/5
When you think of cybersecurity, does hacking come to mind? perhaps in a sense, cybersecurity is meant to protect against hacking, so why would we recommend this book?
Well, to understand what kind of threats you can face, it’s good to get inside the mind of a hacker and perform controlled attacks against their own software. While it may sound counterintuitive, it’s a great way to find vulnerabilities in your systems.
discussed topics:
- c programming, assembly languages and shell scripts
- generalized exploitation techniques
- ddos, hijacking and cryptology
buy on amazon
3. social engineering: the science of human hacking
author: christopher hadnagy
See Also: Top 25 Best H P Lovecraft Books Of All Time Review 2022
score: 4.6/5
social engineering focuses on manipulating human failings (human nature and emotions) to gain access to secure digital spaces rather than using brute force, cunning, and coding.
This book breaks down the concept of social engineering and how it appears today. It also delves into the psychology of profiling, disguising, chameleonizing, and influencing to “hack” systems through human social interaction.
discussed topics:
- popular techniques that usually don’t work
- how to use social engineering to protect your business
- the science behind human emotions and decision making
buy on amazon
4. Big Breaches: Cybersecurity Lessons for All
authors: neil daswani, moudy elbayadi
score: 4.8/5
This book breaks down various data breaches that occur at large companies, including Capital One, Equifax, and Facebook. analyzes the root cause of data breaches: phishing, malware, and software vulnerabilities.
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Not only will you come out the other side with a stronger understanding of how data breaches happen, but you’ll also see lessons applied to high-profile business examples that can make it easier to understand and recognize.
discussed topics:
- what causes data breaches and corporate examples
- habits and tips for highly effective security
- technological defenses to fight breaches
buy on amazon
5. The Hacker’s Playbook 3: A Practical Guide to Penetration Testing
author: peter kim
score: 4.7/5
The Hacker’s Playbook is a comprehensive book that introduces commercial tools and real-world attacks, exposing you to different hacking methods and vulnerabilities. this 2018 iteration is the red team edition, which simulates advanced real-world attacks against your organization.
red team campaigns start with objectives, and the book gives you everything you need to set up your external servers and start the fake attack. is a hands-on learning tool that will take him into an environment where he will learn by doing.
discussed topics:
- why massive security breaches keep happening
- basic resources to protect data
- evade network and av detection
buy on amazon
6. cybersecurity: the beginner’s guide
author: dr. erdal ozkaya
score: 4.7/5
This beginner’s guide to cybersecurity is great for any IT professional interested in learning more about cyberattacks and threats. While it might not be the most accessible read for complete beginners in the field, those with a basic understanding of IT infrastructure will be able to follow along and benefit from this book.
discussed topics:
- why cybersecurity is so important
- the evolution of cybersecurity
- understand the different types of security
buy on amazon
7. cybersecurity career master plan
authors: dr. gerald auger, jaclyn “jax” scott
score: 4.7/5
This is a phenomenal book that is appropriate for anyone to read. however, those who will benefit most are those looking to make a career change to become an IT professional.
its peculiar table of contents gives an idea of the ease of access that this book offers to anyone who picks it up. Whether you’re completely new to cybersecurity or already know what career path to pursue, this book is great to help you understand (and trust) the process.
discussed topics:
- different cybersecurity career options and what’s right for you
- education, training and certification options
- how to gain experience when you don’t have any
buy on amazon
8. Linux Basics for Hackers: Introduction to Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali
author: occupylaweb
score: 4.7/5
linux fundamentals for hackers teaches, you guessed it, the basics of linux and how hackers would use them to breach your systems. We’ve given this book a high rating because it offers a tutorial style guide to advanced linux petesting distribution and focuses on the basics to act as a building block for you in kali linux.
And when we say the basics, we mean it. You’ll start by learning how to install kali and review the basics of linux, then move on to broader topics, ending with creating your own hacking tools!
There’s even a bonus section at the end that will teach you the basics of python scripting for hackers.
discussed topics:
- kali linux basics: from commands to network administration
- bash scripting: what it is, how it works and common commands
- how to use it (and stress test) services like mysql
buy on amazon
9. Safe Cyber Security: How to Get Started in Cyber Security and Prepare Your Career for the Future
author: dr. jessica barker
See Also: Top 25 Best H P Lovecraft Books Of All Time Review 2022
score: 4.6/5
This excellent read will take you from the basics of cybersecurity to technical and human limitations. uses case studies from big names like disney and taylor swift to give you a clear picture of the basics and teach you how to protect your most important data.
discussed topics:
- what is cybersecurity and why is it important
- the technical and human elements of cybersecurity
- cybersecurity and your career: now and in the future
buy on amazon
10. black hat python, 2nd edition: python programming for hackers and pentesters
authors: justin seitz, tim arnold
score: 4.7/5
This focused book is up to date for Python 3. You should have a basic understanding of Python (and ideally some experience with the programming language) before diving in, otherwise you may have a hard time following it.
However, this book is a fantastic and unique read once you’re ready to dive in. focuses on the more stealthy side of python and how hackers build and use scripted tools to steal (or try to steal) your information.
discussed topics:
- how to write a sniffer
- automate common malware tasks
- use offensive forensics to detect vulnerabilities in your systems
buy on amazon
11. Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook, Sixth Edition
authors: dr. allen harper, ryan linn
score: 5/5
Hats off to gray hat hacking, one of the best cybersecurity books on the most up-to-date digital strategies being used to attack networks around the world. published in 2022, this book introduces the latest weapons, skills, and tactics that malicious hackers use to break into secure data systems.
discussed topics:
- an introduction to ghidra and project creation
- ethical hacking, command and control, and threat hunting
- exploits by the operating system and how to use them to test
buy on amazon
learn cybersecurity at coding dojo
Cybersecurity requires a lot of knowledge, but it is a more critical field than ever, with many vacancies and millions slated for the next few years. starting your education in the area now is a great idea.
At coding dojo, we offer intensive training camps to prepare you for a career in programming, it or data science in weeks or months; you just have to work hard.
Our cybersecurity bootcamp is part-time, giving you more flexibility to learn and grow as you strive to join this imperative industry.
frequently asked questions about cybersecurity books
what is ethical piracy?
ethical hacking is learning how to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, applications or other digital data. however, the difference with ethical hacking is that there is no malicious intent; in fact, it’s quite the opposite.
As hackers advance ever further, discovering and creating new techniques to gain access to secure systems, specialists must learn how to protect themselves and their businesses against these tactics by understanding them.
ethical hacking is done to uncover vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and networks to prevent data leaks caused by unethical hackers.
Are cybersecurity books worth it?
yes, absolutely! While cybersecurity is constantly changing, many fundamentals remain the same. Many of the cybersecurity books we’ve recommended deal with the basics of cybersecurity and the tools you can use to combat malicious attacks.
While some books require updated versions every few years as cyber threats evolve, they still have a solid foundation and will teach you various skills and techniques to combat breaches.
where to learn cybersecurity?
many online learning institutes offer various courses on cybersecurity.
At coding dojo, we offer an extensive and rigorous cybersecurity bootcamp that will truly prepare you for a career in cybersecurity – perfect for entrepreneurs like you who are ready to work.
and, with a part-time schedule, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy balance to boost your career.
how long does it take to learn cybersecurity?
Our 24-week program will teach you everything from the basics of cybersecurity to pro-level tools and tips you can implement right away. but keep in mind that once you enter the field, you must continue your education!
That’s where resources like these 11 Recommended Cyber Security Books for Beginners play a vital role; Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and hacking techniques to keep your business data safe.