Best Cyber Security Books and Ethical Hacking Books in 2024

Cyber security has been front and center in today’s digital world since its dawn. From protecting medical records to safeguarding sensitive financial information, cybersecurity professionals work hard around the clock to ensure that this data stays private, and that it doesn’t fall in the wrong hands. Hackers have been increasing attacks for years, getting more sophisticated every day. And, since the pandemic erupted a year ago, they have only stepped up their game. In fact, the United Nations reports that phishing attacks alone have risen a shocking 350 percent in the first quarter of 2020, largely targeting healthcare systems. 

Because strong cyber security is so crucial, it’s no surprise that the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is only continuing to grow. Whether you are just beginning to learn about cyber security from the ground up or you’re looking to expand on what you already know, the following are some of the best cyber security books to read in 2021:

1. Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learn the Realms of Cybersecurity from A-Z

Author(s): Elijah Lewis

Date of publication: January 2020

What makes this one of the best cyber security books to read: This book takes a different approach to teach readers about cyber security, and focuses on using headline stories as real-life examples of cyber attacks. Through the examination of these real examples, readers can better understand how to prevent these types of attacks through advanced cyber security techniques. 

Readers will learn about: Aside from being introduced to the basics of cyber security, readers will learn about how to protect their email, social media, smartphones and othe mobile devices; why cyber attacks occur, cyber terrorism, the dark web, and other fundamentals.

2. Cyber Minds: Insights on Cybersecurity Across the Cloud, Data, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT to Keep You Cyber Safe

Author(s): Shira Rubinoff

Date of publication: January 2020

What makes this one of the best cybersecurity books to read: This book explores some of the latest threats that are currently putting sensitive data at risk. Readers can also get tips and various points of views from several other experts in the industry, with this book compiling expert insights from sector security leaders. 

Readers will learn about the different AI threats and opportunities, as well as cyber security strategies that can help prevent attacks against the cloud, IoT services, and other platforms. The book dives into blockchain applications for cyber security, industry trends, data breach prevention, and other cyber security principles.

3. Ethical Hacking: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learn About the Effective Strategies of Ethical Hacking

Author(s): Elijah Lewis

Date of publication: January 2020

What makes this one of the best cyber security books: It helps professionals think like a hacker to prevent security breaches, and this is exactly the approach that this book takes. This book is suited specifically for those looking to learn the skills needed to work as an ethical hacker. 

Readers will learn about: Ethical hacking, DNS spoofing, SQL injection, AP spoofing, and penetration testing are just some of the many skills that readers will learn through this book. Readers also learn how ethical hacking differs from traditional hacking with malicious intentions, and how ethical hacking can help strengthen a system’s cyber security. 

4. Cybersecurity Incident Management Masters Guide: Volume 1 - Preparation, Threat Response, & Post-Incident Activity (Cybersecurity Masters Guides)

Author(s): Colby A. Clark, with illustrations from Ireland J. Clark

Date of publication: June 2020

What makes this one of the best cybersecurity books to read: In this book, readers learn about how to successfully handle a security breach or security attack, and how to put an incident management program in place in order to prevent them from occurring at all. It helps readers understand the process by explaining how to manage each phase throughout the entire lifecycle. 

Readers will learn about: Technical and non-technical planning aspects when it comes to cybersecurity and technology are some of the techniques that this book highlights. Readers also learn about the threat landscape, regulatory requirements, customer environments, and effective security controls. 

5. Computer Programming and Cyber Security for Beginners

Author(s): Zach Codings

Date of publication: March 2020

What makes this one of the best cyber security books: This book dives into the technical aspects of cyber security by teaching readers about the basics of computer programming. If you’re new to the world of computer programming or the basics of cyber security, this book can be the perfect read, as it is geared specifically toward beginners. 

Readers will learn about: Technical and programming skills are paramount to be successful in cyber security, and this book explores a wide range of topics. Readers will learn about Python (including data analysis and machine learning in Python), how deep learning and machine learning differ, the role of machine learning in cyber security, SQL, Linux, ethical hacking, coding, and much more.