InfoSec List: Essential Ethical Hacking Books for Information Security Professionals (2024)

By Adam Lori | Last Upload on January 3rd, 2022 | Home → Cybersecurity → Ethical Hacking Books for Cybersecurity Professionals

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Introduction to Ethical Hacking

The digital world is changing at a breakneck pace, and data must be secured at every stage. Data must be safe at every step since everything – personal information, financial data, friends, family, and so on – is now openly shared online.

Essentially ethical hacking is a process of identifying and rectifying system vulnerabilities to protect data from malicious cyber attacks. ethical hacking is also referred to as white hat hacking, bug bounty hunting, or penetration testing.

Ehical hackers are in high demand as they help companies shore up their cybersecurity before bad actors exploit any vulnerabilities.

Hacking techniques and a number of ethical hacking tools have been developed to assist security professionals better defend their organizations against cybercriminals.

The ethical hacking field is ever-changing, which is why it’s important to keep up with the latest information security news and ethical hacking publications.

When an organization’s computer systems/networks are harmed, it is critical that the vulnerabilities are disclosed so that they may be addressed as quickly as possible.

Computer systems and networks that are provided by clients (as well as their employees) can be attacked. Identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems/networks and developing countermeasures to protect them is known as ethical hacking.

Before investigating and reporting on findings, ethical hackers must receive written permission from the computer owner.

Protect your company and government networks from these types of attacks with the help of expert ethical hackers.

Hackers may not only steal your data, but also use it for their own benefit. Through ethical hacking, we can protect data from being stolen or misused, discover security flaws, build secure networks, and secure the data using this approach. There are five different types of ethical hacking, four of which are known to most people:

1. Web application hacking
2. Web server hacking
3. System hacking
4. Wireless network hacking
5. Social engineering

The ethical hackers must think like a real malicious hacker in order to complete an adequate test of each form of hacking. They should find gaps, be aware of penetration testing, utilize the proper tools for the hack, and be ready. Even if there is an actual assault, the damage is minor.

Types of Hackers

Hacking is a fascinating subject, and so are the hackers themselves. That’s why there are distinct kinds of hackers based on their goals:

• White Hat Hacker: These are the good guys, ethical hackers. They use security technologies to look for gaps so that ‘bad guys’ don’t exploit them. White-hat hackers have been hired by companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft who store critical information.
• Grey Hat Hacker: Grey-hat hackers are people who identify network problems and then correct them in order to make money. They are not trying to do bad things, but they will take advantage of any opportunity they see.
• A grey hat hacker also alerts and notifies authorities and intelligence agencies about cybersecurity flaws that might put citizens in harm’s way.
• Black Hat Hacker: A white hat hacker’s objective is to acquire unauthorized access to a network in order to compromise security systems, shut down systems, and alter website activities. Personal information, financial data, and passwords are all on the attackers’ radar.

Our List of the Essential Ethical Hacking Books for Cybersecurity Beginners

Ethical hacking is a very difficult task in computer science. It’s not an easy job to do. If you’re considering a career as a hacker, you’ll need considerable expertise and inspiration. Technical abilities aren’t enough; patience and inspiration are essential for hackers.

In the previous section, we attempted to give a basic introduction to hacking. You’ll be more interested in learning how things operate after reading about hacking, and nothing can compare to books when it comes to learning!

Reading books about hacking and hackers can help you understand the world of hacking better. This can expand your creative possibilities.

In this article, we’ll go through the best ten ethical hacking books, which will help you learn about and discover any security vulnerabilities. Remember that ethical hacking necessitates obtaining permission to hack; otherwise, it is a crime.

What to look for in Ethical Hacking Books for Beginner to Intermediate Hackers

A good starting point for people who are new to hacking is to look for authors who use language that is easy to understand and provides explanations of all topics. It’s also important to look for a book that provides real life hacking as well about theory, with few comments about techniques.

It’s a good resource to get an overview of all the major hacking ideas, such as security testing, various tools, penetration testing methods, mobile security, and network protection.

Introduction to Ethical Hacker Books

Each hacking specialty requires unique skills, tools, and processes, and individuals who wish to learn and replicate malicious activity – will have to think just as intuitive as a real hacker would. Ethical hackers need to identify vulnerabilities, understand how to penetrate network systems and use the appropriate tools and technology carry out an attack

Types of Ethical Hackers

(White Hat vs.Black Hat Hackers)

Ethical hacking is the process of invading networks or computer systems to find vulnerabilities and flaws. The flaws can be both existing and potential, that hostile hackers could exploit. Any information revealed is later used to strengthen the system’s security and close any gaps. Doesn’t it sound interesting? Then you should take an online ethical hacking course or read black hat hacking books.

Intrusion testing, penetration testing, and red teaming describe ethical hacking. There are various types of hackers, but ethical hackers are called white hat hackers. This expertise is in high demand, and taking a white hat hacking course or reading good hacking books will help you get started in the field of cybersecurity.

A fast internet search will turn up a slew of ethical hacking courses, but not all of them are worth your time. Below, we will tell you more about our favorite classes and books. Let us get started with courses first.

How to Select the Appropriate Course?

Consider the following factors before picking which one to attempt first:

● Don’t get yourself into too much trouble at the start:

Some courses presume some prior knowledge, while others are designed for beginners. Choose an appropriate approach for your skill level, and do not mess up with your head too much.

● Think about the bare minimums:

Keep in mind that some courses will require specific software, so be prepared to gather the necessary resources.

● Keep an eye out for exceptional deals:

Paid courses are usually of higher quality, although they can be pretty expensive. However, many companies offer special discounts so that you can get a high-quality course for a low price.

●  Be wary of con artists:

Unethical hackers prey on inexperienced hackers, so you must be aware of unethical hackers who offer to teach you the ropes.

●   Required Skills:

Any one can learn how to hack, but you will need to focus on the essential skills needed to become a proficient hacker, see below.

• Basic Computer Skills
• Virtualization
• Cryptography/encryption
• Hacker Tools: Wireshark, Kali Linux, etc.
• Networking skills
• Internet protocols, routers, switches, advanced TCP/IP, etc.
• Wireless Technologies
• Database Skills, starting with SQL
• Linux Skills (non-negotiable)
• Reverse Engineering
• Security Concepts and Technologies, IDS, SSL, firewalls, etc.
• Scripting such as BASH, Perl, Windows PowerShell, etc.
• Web Programming
• Applications (how hackers target them)
• Digital Forensics

Best Ethical Hacking Courses & Resources

1.   The Complete Ethical Hacking Course Bundle by StationX

It is the gold standard for white-hat hacker learners and our top pick for the best ethical hacking school for many reasons. It is a detailed course dedicated to beginners in the field. It covers everything you need to know about protecting your computers/data and ethical hacking.

It begins with a glossary of terms before demonstrating how to install the necessary software and set up your penetration testing lab.

It will also teach you about hacking and testing for networks and websites social engineering. It also covers how to use Android to evaluate computer system security, in addition to penetration testing and ethical hacking.

Zaid Al Quraishi, a successful name in the computer science and ethical hacking field, will be your instructor throughout. Courses are available on ethical hacking, network hacking, website hacking, social engineering, and hacking using Android, all teaching you from scratch. You can choose one course as per your interests and needs. You need to have basic IT skills and a wireless adapter to start these courses.

2.   Ethical Hacking Course by LinkedIn Learning Lynda

There are around 18 teaching courses available on this learning point. Individuals who want to improve their abilities and knowledge in the field of ethical hacking should take advantage of this opportunity. The study curriculum provides something for everyone, for beginners and seasoned professionals.

You will get the opportunity to improve your hacking abilities with the guidance of industry experts like Scott Simpson, Lisa Block, Malcolm Shore, and James Williamson if you enroll in this ethical hacking course. This learning package covers all essential themes, including Enumeration, Ransomware, Scanning Networks, Session Hijacking, Kali Linux. Moreover, it will also teach you risk identification, surveillance, footprinting, Counter-Measures Implementation, etc.

This resource will be an excellent choice if you intend to learn how to uncover flaws in a company’s network and infrastructure. You will also learn about the most effective approaches to deal with the problems and eliminate the potential risk of mishaps and attacks. The information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner to ensure the best learning experience. You can begin with the trial version, which is free for the first month.

3. Guru99

Guru99’s free ethical hacking lesson provides a thorough overview of ethical hacking’s essential components and principles. Hacking Linux OS, accessing an application’s password, social engineering hacks, and prevention, information security awareness, and understanding flaws and viruses are all covered in the course. One of the most critical aspects of the course is valuable hacking tools, which can save a lot of time for novices to get their bearings. The website gathers tools for network scanning, IP address blocking, free firewall software, and virus eradication.

Although this resource does claim to be for complete beginners yet, it does not teach the skills needed to do ethical hacking successfully, such as understanding the basics of Linux, programming languages, SQL, etc.

4. Cybrary

Courses on Cybrary are entirely free and include a wide range of topics. These courses are free, but you need to submit a fee to get a completion certificate or attempt the final exam. The website is organized enough to guide you about your course choices as per your knowledge status. There are courses for a specific field in the profession, such as network engineering/penetration tester. It also allows you to create your syllabus. Yes, you can look for courses based on skill level, skill type, or certification. Cybrary Community is also motivation as the dashboard displays all the progress you have made, from showing courses you have accomplished to mid-way resources.

In this Ethical Hacking course, you will learn the high-scope skill of developing Python script and using it to hack a system with a Buffer Overflow. The Cybrary site also allows you to keep track of your progress, construct a knowledge portfolio, and eventually choose one or more certificates.

5. Hackthis.co.uk

It is a beautiful place for learners who are always looking for more information. The major stages in the courses are relatively easy and serve as a quick way to determine whether you enjoy offensive work. As you proceed along, the difficulty in stages will increase, letting you figure out how to respond when stuck on a puzzle.

The more exciting are the crypto levels. You can get hints to browse the forums and read other learners’ posts if you get stuck. It is an older and less appealing method of learning ethical hacking, but it will provide you with some new challenges to try. You can become a better ethical hacker in the shortest time this way.

6. Udemy – Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch

It is an entire ethical hacking course for complete novices who have no prior hacking or penetration testing experience or knowledge. It pays attention to the practical aspects of penetration testing while also considering the theory, such as how devices interact inside a network and much more.

It will teach you an introduction to information security, how to set up a testing lab on your computer, and install the Kali Linux operating system first. If you are not familiar with Linux, you can pick up the fundamental commands you will need to communicate with the Kali Linux terminal faster.

It covers attaining access, post-exploitation, web app penetration testing, and much more! To start these courses, you need to have a fundamental knowledge of IT and a wireless adapter.

7. Cybersecurity For Managers: A Playbook

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed this course specifically for executives and decision-makers. This teaching resource includes professionally prepared resources that can help you improve your skills in dealing with the workplace while maintaining data security.

It offers an essential playbook to help executives build a high-end cybersecurity structure for business operations security. You can learn cybersecurity risk management, strategies of cybersecurity management, and decision-making for designing a strong business.

Moreover, practical implications of offsets against security, privacy, language, and terminology for talks with CISO and CTO are also covered in the courses.

In addition to the preceding, you will also learn about defense mechanisms and how to design an advanced cybersecurity framework following industry requirements.

This e-course is designed for business leaders, executives, and managers in technical and non-technical roles who want to develop a strategic plan for their company’s future.

Best Ethical Hacking Books of 2022

Now that we have walked through learning resources, let’s find out the best books to learn ethical hacking from!

1.Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To Penetration Testing

Hacker Playbook 3 for wireless penetration testing is one of the best white hat hacking books for those who are just getting started with hacking and wireless security. Introduced by Packt Publishing, written by Vivek Ramachandran (a Wi-Fi security expert), this book is an excellent pick.

It is divided into nine chapters that address topics like WLAN encryption issues, bypassing WLAN authentication, wireless lab setup, and WLAN penetration testing technique.

Learning is made possible by the book’s practical quizzes and examples that can help you expand your mindset in the field. It goes into WLAN infrastructure penetration testing, design issues in wireless networks, wireless client security, and much more.

2. Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security

It is an excellent foundational book for beginners. Moreover, these are the finest books to learn to hack, especially those getting started with security, hacking, and networking. The author employs a straightforward approach and comprehensively explains the main concepts and themes. It is primarily a theory book with little emphasis on strategies or implementation. It is a good book for a high-level review of hacking principles, including different tools, security testing, mobile security, penetration testing approaches, and network security.

Highlights:

• There are several case scenarios and questions at the end of each chapter.
• Easy to read and explains complex concepts via easy language.
• The book introduces many terminologies and concepts.
• There are also additional references material in the book if you want to learn more about mentioned terms and concepts.

3. Cyber Security Six Pack: Improving Your Cyber Security and Privacy in Six Simple Steps

If you need to be a penetration tester/pen-tester, it is one of the best ethical hacking books to read. Nmap, Social-Engineer Toolkit, Backtrack and Kall Linux, Netcat, and many more technologies are covered in this book. The book is written in an organized way and lets you know each topic for a complete grasp and understanding. It is a full-fledged ethical hacking course for ethical hacking learners.

Highlights:

• If you’re unsure where to begin with ethical hacking, this book is a must-read.
• The author makes an effort to ensure that the reader thoroughly comprehends the fundamental principles.
• Rather than just stating what is being done, the author pays close attention to detail and explains why doing everything in a certain way.
• The author keeps things simple and does not bog you down with technical jargon or sophisticated concepts.
• Each chapter includes numerous examples, end-of-chapter tasks, and additional resources to enhance the reading experience.

4. The Hacker Playbook 2: Practical Guide to Penetration Testing

Peter Kim’s The Hacker Playbook 2: Practical Guide to Penetration Testing is published by Safe Planet LLC. This ethical hacking book is based on observations made during a soccer match. The text explains how to engage with various penetration testing principles attractively. The principles include intelligence gathering, vulnerability detection, social engineering, antivirus software evasion, and other regulations. This book can benefit you as a penetration tester and IT security expert.

The book is an excellent mix of helpful hints and real-life examples. Kim illustrates some of the encounters and tests users have in penetration testing with soccer-style plays. Pivoting past security measures, targeting diverse networks, and evading antivirus software are just a few of the challenges.

The Hacker’s Playbook:

The second Version contains all the information from the first edition but with more details and explanations. The second edition also offers new exploits, tools, and lessons gained.

Highlights:

• Complete solution in terms of the subject it covers.
• Provides extra resources
• It is a great reference guide.
• A thorough introduction to the hacker’s world.

5. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation

Jon Erickson’s book Hacking:

The Art of Exploitation is one of the most valuable free hacking books for beginners. Everything from programming to computer architecture, as well as network connectivity, is well-explained. The book also discusses new hacking technologies to help you stay advanced in the field. Instead of showing readers how to use existing exploits, Erickson explains how black hat hacking strategies work.

By introducing C programming essentials from a hacker’s point of view, he demonstrates how hacking is open to everyone. The manual also includes various sample code examples, allowing readers to practice what they have just learned.

There is also a CD in the book, with a complete Linux programming and debugging environment for users to use. You can use the CD to attack network communications, debug code, circumvent protections, overflow buffers, and create your exploits.

Advanced books on ethical hacking usually delve into a single topic in depth. Reading this book will allow you to get the most out of the books for expert level.

6. Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To Penetration Testing

The Hackers Playbook 3 is a progression from the previous installment, The Hackers Playbook 2.

The writer of the book, Peter, guides you through all the stages of a penetration test. He walks you through the processes of a penetration test, including web application exploitation, evading antivirus and intrusion detection systems, surveillance, social engineering techniques, network compromise, physical attacks, and exploitation.

There is no doubt that this edition is more complex than the previous one. Read the second edition before purchasing the third because the techniques are more advanced in this edition. There is also much information about the differences between a Penetration Tester and a Red Teamer, which you will find fascinating to learn.

7. Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World’s Most Wanted Hacker

Kevin Mitnick wrote the book Ghost in the Wires, which was published in the year 2011. The book tells the story of Kevin Mitnick’s path from being the world’s most wanted hacker to being the world’s most wanted hacker of the time. Kevin was a black hat hacker who switched sides and eventually became a white hat.

The book details how he deceived the NSA, FBI, and other agencies, unnoticed for years. He hacked into large corporations, tampered with information, and stole money. He was later involved in significant hacking activities and became a consultant in system intrusion prevention. The tale of how he accomplished all in the book takes you to another world of experiences and knowledge.

8. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition

It is one of the significant cybersecurity books for anyone who wants to understand all the essential white hat hacking terms. This book by John Slavio is known for providing a solid theoretical foundation for your hacking training, as well as many resources.

It discusses the history of hacking, various sorts of hackers, fundamental hacking tools, different types of hack attacks, hiding IP addresses, standard forms of attacks or threats, spoofing attacks, smartphone hacking, email hacking, penetration testing, and other topics.

9. Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters

This book is one of the significant cybersecurity books for those with some programming expertise but none in hacking. Python is a simple language to learn, so you can learn it by reading this book. Since this is for intermediate to expert-level people, you can consult internet materials for extra information if you find something confusing. The book is written in Python 2 and focuses on writing successful hacking tools with Python. It goes over all the tactics in detail and puts you to the test on several levels. It can be used as a reference and a starting point for learning.

10. Hacking Exposed 7: Network Security Secrets and Solutions

Hacking Exposed 7 was written by Joel Scambray, Stuart McClure, and George Kurtz. This best ethical hacking book will show you how to increase your system’s security to battle cybercriminals, strategies, and tools. The book includes:

• Case studies demonstrating the latest cunning hacking techniques.
• Expert guidance from the world-famous Hacking Exposed team.
• Field-tested remedies.

This book aims to equip cyber defenders with a hacker’s perspective. As a result, it offers you an overview of several attack methods and explains how to guard against SQL injection and other common attack strategies.

Compared to the other publications on this list, Hacking Exposed provides a more comprehensive treatment of hacking tactics and is not for beginners. In addition, the book covers common ethical hacking targets such as Windows/Linux machines and so on. The literature illustrates hacking infrastructure and counter-measures to protect against such attacks.

The Bottom Line!

The digital world is evolving fast, necessitating data security in almost every organization and field. One must protect data because everything, including financial credentials, and personal information, is now shared online. Many hackers steal such sensitive information for various reasons, including national security breaches, conflicts of interest, terrorist operations, etc.

All such reasons excite the scope of ethical hacking. Those mentioned above are the best ethical hacking books and courses that can help you get started in this field. Even if you have zero background knowledge, the books and approaches will assist you in expanding your knowledge.

FAQs

Let’s know about some frequently asked questions related to ethical hacking books!

Phishing:

It is a cyber-crime that targets people via text, email, or phone calls. The caller acts like some legitimate institution and asks for credential information such as ID information, credit card detail, passwords, etc.

Malware:

Malware is software, especially for damaged computers. It can be in the form of viruses, spyware, ransomware, etc.

Spoofing:

Spoofing is the procedure for pretending to be something or someone to win trust. This is done to access the target’s computer system’s / networks/app to steal information, money, or spread malware.

Ethical Hacker

“Ethical” hacking is when a computer system is scanned and tested for potential dangerous vulnerabilities. The job of an ethical hacker is to identify and find out problems in an application, network, or system. Contrary to a “Black Hat” hacker who seeks to to exploit flaws for personal benefit, an ethical or “White Hat” hacker identifies exploitable flaws and communicates them for fixing and security remediation.

“InfoSec”

Information Security AKA “InfoSec” is the process of securing data from unwanted access. Despite this, it is also about providing safety against unwanted inspection, interference, change, disclosure, and data damage.

You can protect any kind of information using this security system, from physical to digital to electronic. It works even for your social media platforms’ credential data.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

The process of accessing any form of data, application, or computer system but with permission is called ethical hacking. This process mainly involves replicating what the malicious hacker has been doing, from his behaviors to techniques, so the evil hacker cannot exploit the data under attention.

Why Learn Hacking?

In today’s technology-driven era, hacking takes hold of a significant place. It can enable you to design and execute security procedures. Finding out flaws solving the potential risks to a system is covered by hacking. You can be able to protect against malicious hackers as well.

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is a term of ethical hacking. It is the act of launching simulated cyberattacks to find flaws in a computer/app/network so that the computer, app, the web can be exploited via that flaw.

Ethical hacking is accessing data, apps, or networks with permission to identify problems. It aims at providing solutions to the potential hazards and problems. Consent to access a specific app is always required from the system owner. Then, the ethical hacker’s job is to provide the data owner with precise results, protect privacy, and inform software/hardware providers of the found-out issues.

Free Ethical Hacking Resources:

The internet is brimming with online courses to be an ethical hacker. One of the most famous educators is Udemy offering a course for beginners and curious cyber-junkies.

Best VPN for Hackers?

VPN refers to Virtual Private Network, which connects a computer to the internet through a safe Internet server that is protected. Following are the best VPN services for hackers!

• Proton VPN – Editor’s Preference
• NordVPN – Cheap & Efficient
• Surfshark – Complex security
• PrivateVPN – Simple Solution
• CyberGhost – Allows for Dedicated IPs
• IPVanish – Fast connections

Best Software for Hackers?

These are the top 5 software you can use for ethical hacking.

1. Acunetix.
2. Nmap.
3. Metasploit.
4. Wireshark.
5. Nikto.

Best Hacking Books for Beginners

1. Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook, Fifth Edition 5th Edition – various strategies and case studies
2. Advanced Penetration Testing: Hacking the world’s most Secure Networks – relatable examples and a true opener of how vulnerable we are when we go digital.
3. Exploiting Software: How to Break Code by Greg Hoglund and Gary R. McGraw – describe patterns, including string format overflow, stack overflow, URL encoding, etc.

1. Hands-on Ethical Hacking and Network Defense – Easy to read
2. The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing – Patrick Engebretson – create a solid understanding of foundational concepts
3. The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws – introduces readers to many tools and encourages the use of their product.

What Is Cyber Crime?

Cybercrime is the act of promoting malicious and illegal things using a computer. It can be about kids having access to porn, stealing copyrights, invading someone’s privacy, revealing someone’s credential information online, etc.

Types Of Cyber Crime?

There are the following types of cybercrime standards these days.

• Botnets.
• Identity Theft.
• Cyberstalking.
• Social Engineering.
• PUPs.
• Phishing.
• Prohibited/Illegal Content.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a usual type of malware. It’s all about encrypting people’s data and holding it for ransom. It locks the victim’s computer systems and prevents them from accessing them.

Best Ways to Defend Ransomware:

Ensure that the following points!

1. Never click on unsafe links
2. Avoid disclosing personal information
3. Do not open suspicious email attachments
4. Never use unknown USB sticks
5. Keep your programs and operating system up to date
6. Use only known download sources:
7. Use VPN services on public Wi-Fi networks

Additional Resources

We always want to help you find what you need, check out these other websites for additional support in your learning!

Open Source Software & Resources – Awesome Open Source Software!

Privacy Resources & Global Gag Orders – Privacytools.io

Ethical Hacker News & Community – Hackwarenews.com

Training Your Hacking Skills – Overthewire.org