8 Best Ethical Hacking Books You Must Read

The world is becoming increasingly reliant on the latest technologies. This marks the importance of safeguarding and preventing hazardous digital disasters in information technology. This is where ethical hacking comes into play. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers are crucial in securing today’s digital systems and networks.

Are you aspiring to become an ethical hacker, the superhero who saves the world of digital data? Then, what better way to start your journey than with a good book?

Yes! Books give you the best knowledge that anyone or any other resource could offer. In this blog, we’ll explore the 8 best ethical hacking books to help you get started on your journey to becoming a successful ethical hacker.

Best Ethical Hacking Books for Beginners

The best ethical hacking books discussed in this blog will help you navigate through the intricacies involved in understanding the fundamental concepts of ethical hacking.

These books are not mere guides; they are treasure maps to achieve higher in the field of Ethical Hacking. Get started!

Hacking: The Art of Exploitation

The book helps the reader to think like a hacker- innovative, smart, and investigative. The book is renowned for its practical and hands-on approach to teaching hacking. It introduces readers to various exploitation techniques, such as buffer overflow attacks and shellcode development.

It doesn’t just stop with techniques but also explains the underlying concepts, allowing readers to adapt and apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios.

The author encourages readers to use their acquired knowledge for securing systems and understanding vulnerabilities rather than for malicious purposes. It is best recommended for anyone willing to get started with Ethical Hacking.

By the end of this book, you’ll have a strong foundation in hacking techniques and knowledge of how to secure systems against these attacks.

• Originally Published: 2008 (Fifth edition)
• Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
• Price: ₹1673

If you want to begin your journey with Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity through a self-paced course, try GUVI’s Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking – Beginner course.

Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook

“Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook” is a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of topics in the field of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. It covers topics such as penetration testing, network security, web application security, wireless network security, and more.

It delves into technical corners and provides in-depth knowledge of tools, techniques, and methodologies for ethical hackers. This makes it a valuable resource for readers who want to acquire a deep understanding of the concepts. The book has excellent real-world relevance and comes with examples for every theory.

Also, The book features lessons from various experts in the field of cybersecurity and ethical hacking, ensuring that readers benefit from a diverse range of perspectives and expert insights. On a wider scale, this book is particularly useful for readers who want to deepen their technical knowledge and skills in the field.

• Originally Published : 2018 (Fifth edition)
• Amazon Rating : 4.7/5
• Price : ₹2361
• Authors: Allen Harper, Daniel Regalado, Ryan Linn, Stephen Sims, Branko Spasojevic, Linda Martinez, Michael Baucom, Chris Eagle, Shon Harris.

Ethical Hacking: A Hands-on Introduction to Breaking In

This book is a practical guide that provides readers with a hands-on approach to understanding the world of ethical hacking. It covers the fundamental concepts of hacking, making it a comfort book for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in this field.

The book introduces the readers to a variety of hacking tools, commonly used technologies, the efficiency of the tools, and how they can be used to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities.

The book also supplements the reader with learning resources, such as online labs, exercises, or supplementary materials, to help readers gain practical knowledge and apply the acquired lessons in real-life situations. This book is an excellent starter for those who intend to pursue a career in Cybersecurity.

• Originally published : 2021
• Amazon Rating : 4.8/5
• Price : ₹1648

The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook

The Web Application Hacker’s Notebook is one of the best ethical hacking books that equips readers to understand, identify, and secure web application vulnerabilities. It offers in-depth coverage of a wide range of web application security topics.

They describe several attack methods, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF), that are employed by malevolent hackers to take advantage of the web program. They provide detailed insights into the methods used for attacks and how they can be prevented.

In addition to discussing vulnerabilities, the book also covers defensive strategies and best practices for securing web applications. It offers assistance with secure coding, input validation, and other protective measures to help developers and security professionals safeguard their applications.

• Originally published : 2007
• Amazon Rating : 4.2/5
• Price : ₹412

The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing

The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing is a beginner’s go-to guide that provides readers with a foundational understanding of ethical hacking and penetration testing. It offers a step-by-step approach to understanding hacking techniques and penetration testing methodologies.

The book has engaging real-world examples to illustrate how hacking techniques are used in ethical contexts. It introduces readers to common hacking tools and software used in penetration testing, providing an overview of their features and capabilities.

The best part is that the book aligns with industry standards and best practices, making it relevant for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the cybersecurity field.

• Originally published : 2011
• Amazon Rating : 4.6/5
• Price : ₹1450

Hands-on Hacking: Become an Expert at Next-Gen Penetration Testing and Purple Teaming

Hands-on Hacking is one of the best ethical hacking books and it is all about advanced hacking techniques and the collaborative approach of purple teaming, ensuring readers develop expertise in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.

It briefly explores the concept of purple teaming, which involves collaboration between red team (offensive) and blue team (defensive) cybersecurity professionals. This collaborative approach is crucial for enhancing an organization’s security posture.

Readers can gain in-depth knowledge of numerous hacking and penetration testing tools used by top professionals in the field. They could learn about their features, workings, and real-world relevance with examples.

The book encourages readers to understand both offensive and defensive perspectives to better protect organizations against evolving cyber threats. On the whole, this book is an advanced guide for readers looking to dive deep into the world of ethical hacking.

• Originally published : 2020
• Amazon Rating : 4.7/5
• Price : ₹1916

Hacking the Hacker: Learn From the Experts Who Take Down Hackers

As the name of the book suggests, this book paves the way to understanding the mindset and tactics of hackers to better protect systems and data. The book exclusively covers insights from experts who defend against hackers and cyberattacks.

Contrary to other books on this list, this one delves into the tactics and techniques used by malicious hackers to compromise systems and steal data. This book helps its readers understand the mindset and motivations of hackers, helping them anticipate and defend against cyberattacks more effectively.

It broadly discusses incident response, how organizations should react to cyber incidents and preventive measures in the event of a security breach. Of course, it offers practical insights into implementing security best practices and strategies and highlights the importance of ethical considerations and responsible use of knowledge in the field of cybersecurity.

• Originally published : 2017
• Amazon Rating : 4.4/5
• Price : ₹1993

The Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind the Exploits of Hackers, Intruders, and Deceivers

The Art of Intrusion is one of the best ethical hacking books with a series of gripping narratives that bring a whole new perspective to the readers by telling real stories of hackers who infiltrated secure systems, offering valuable insights into the mindset and tactics of malicious hackers.

These stories bring the hacking world to life and provide a unique perspective on the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by both individuals and organizations. As the book travels into areas such as psychology, motivations, and methods of hacking, readers can gain a solid understanding of the thought processes that drive hackers to exploit systems and deceive individuals and organizations.

Each narrative concludes with ethical takeaways and lessons from the learnings. These lessons help readers apply their knowledge to better secure systems and protect against vulnerabilities. The book illustrates many strategies employed by hackers, with examples involving deception, insider threats, social engineering, and network breaches.

This will be an invaluable book and intriguing read for aspirants looking to understand the perspective of hackers, gain motivations, learn methods and consequences of hacking, as well as ethical takeaways for improving cybersecurity.

• Originally published : 2005
• Amazon Rating : 4.5/5
• Price : ₹987

Kickstart your journey with Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity through a self-paced course, try GUVI’s Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking – Beginner course.

Wrapping Up

Ethical hacking is a career path that requires a strong commitment to ethical principles and the responsible use of your skills to protect digital systems and networks. The right books and expert guidance can make all the difference in the journey to becoming an ethical hacker.

We believe the eight best ethical hacking books explored in this blog offer deep knowledge and practical guidance with their diverse range of perspectives. These best ethical hacking books serve as priceless resources to help you stay at the forefront of cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Ultimately, the best ethical hacking books specific for you will depend on your level of expertise, interest, educational background, and specific interests within the field. So, put on your gear, choose the right book, and get started.

FAQs

1. Why should I learn Ethical Hacking?

With in-depth knowledge of ethical hacking, you can better protect your personal information and assist organizations in securing their digital assets. Ethical hacking career is in high demand, and organizations are constantly looking for ethical hackers who can help protect their systems and data from cyber threats. So, learning Ethical Hacking can open up lucrative career opportunities in this.

2. Can I self-study ethical hacking?

Yes, you can learn ethical hacking yourself, but it’s important to approach it responsibly and methodically. Gain a solid understanding of computer networks, cybersecurity fundamentals, and leading-edge tools through a comprehensive online course. You should also practice quizzes and real-life projects to get your hands on this field.

3. What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as white-hat hacking, is the practice of diagnosing computer systems, networks, or applications to identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This is done with explicit legal permissions to improve the security of the digital systems.

4. What career opportunities are available for ethical hackers?

Ethical hackers are in high demand and can pursue careers as penetration testers, security analysts, security consultants, and more.

5. What is the salary of an Ethical Hacker in India?

The average salary of an ethical hacker in India is 6 to 6.5 lakhs per year.