Best
Cybersecurity
books of all time
(2024)

"The Web Application Hacker's Handbook" by Dafydd Stuttard, Marcus Pinto

The Web Application Hacker's Handbook

Pub. Year

2011

Last Ed.

2011

Pages

722

Ratings:

Amazon4.7

(978 ratings)

Goodreads4.23

(1159 ratings)

Stuttard and Pinto's 'The Web Application Hacker's Handbook' is a definitive guide for understanding the vulnerabilities and security challenges of web applications. It's an essential resource for cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and web developers who wish to deepen their knowledge of web security.

The book is praised for its detailed explanation of various hacking techniques and defenses. It provides practical insights into finding and exploiting security flaws in web applications, making it a vital tool for anyone responsible for web application security.

"Applied Cryptography" by Bruce Schneier

Applied Cryptography

Pub. Year

1995

Last Ed.

2015

Pages

784

Ratings:

Amazon4.5

(114 ratings)

Goodreads4.21

(2121 ratings)

Bruce Schneier's 'Applied Cryptography' is a landmark work in the field of cryptography. It covers a wide range of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the principles and practice of cryptography in security systems.

The book stands out for its comprehensive coverage of both theoretical and practical aspects of cryptography. Schneier’s clear and detailed explanations make complex cryptographic concepts accessible, and its relevance extends to professionals in security, programming, and network administration.

"Network Security Essentials" by William Stallings

Network Security Essentials

Pub. Year

2016

Last Ed.

2016

Pages

411

Ratings:

Amazon4.4

(65 ratings)

Goodreads3.7

(195 ratings)

William Stallings' 'Network Security Essentials' provides an in-depth look into the core principles and technologies of network security. Ideal for students and professionals in cybersecurity, this book covers essential topics such as cryptography, secure protocols, and firewall strategies.

The book is known for its clarity and concise presentation of network security concepts. Stallings’ ability to distill complex topics into understandable content makes it a valuable resource for understanding the fundamentals of network security and its practical applications.

"Black Hat Python" by Justin Seitz

Black Hat Python

Pub. Year

2014

Last Ed.

2021

Pages

171

Ratings:

Amazon4.6

(564 ratings)

Goodreads4.06

(522 ratings)

Justin Seitz's 'Black Hat Python' is a practical guide to Python programming for cybersecurity, focusing on offensive tactics. It's an excellent resource for cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and anyone interested in penetration testing or network defense.

The book is acclaimed for its hands-on approach, providing readers with Python scripts that can be used for various types of cyber attacks and defenses. Seitz’s engaging writing style and practical examples make this a go-to guide for learning how to use Python in a cybersecurity context.

"Threat Modeling: Designing for Security" by Adam Shostack

Threat Modeling: Designing for Security

Pub. Year

2014

Last Ed.

2014

Pages

624

Ratings:

Amazon4.5

(308 ratings)

Goodreads4.1

(249 ratings)

Adam Shostack's 'Threat Modeling: Designing for Security' is an authoritative guide on threat modeling, a crucial aspect of secure system design. It’s tailored for security professionals, system designers, and software engineers who are involved in developing secure systems.

The book excels in explaining how to identify and mitigate potential security threats in the early stages of system design. Shostack’s practical framework for threat modeling and his clear, instructive style make this book a fundamental resource for implementing effective security measures in system design.