As a cybersecurity professional, staying updated on the latest methods, technologies, and strategies is a top priority. Learning from industry experts is essential, and for me, books remain the best way to do it.
Growing up, I struggled with Shakespeare but was fascinated by the manuals for cassette players, fridges, and computers—an early sign of my passion for ethical hacking and security.
While knowledge is now everywhere—podcasts, webinars, eBooks—I still prefer physical books. My shelves are packed with scribbled notes and post-its for quick reference, while OneNote helps me organize key takeaways and lab insights for easy access.
My typical notes – looks like my books are growing paper hair!
My personal library is a mix of old and new, with some of my classics dating back to the early and mid-nineties. I've started using audiobooks more, and if I really enjoy a book, I also purchase the physical copy and add my notes. I believe in supporting these important authors and hopefully inspire future talent to join in.
A site I find helpful, and also supportive of authors, publishers, and charities, is Humble— the Humble Bundle enables you to get a bundle of great technical books at an affordable price. This is especially advantageous if you’re a student or trying to advance your knowledge in anticipation of switching careers. There are so many excellent books available.
Here's my list of the best cybersecurity books:
1. Hacked
You don't have to be in the cybersecurity field to enjoy this eye-opening look into the real-world tactics hackers use to exploit vulnerabilities—both technical and human. Blending expert insights with gripping case studies, this book breaks down everything from ransomware to social engineering in a way that’s both engaging and accessible. Whether you’re an IT pro or just cyber-curious, Dr. Jessica Barker's practical advice will leave you thinking differently about security and the role you play in it.
2. If it's Smart, it's Vulnerable
Mikko Hyppönen brings us a gripping exploration of how our increasingly connected world is also increasingly at risk. Drawing on decades of cybersecurity experience, Hyppönen shares real-world hacking stories, cybercrime trends, and the hidden dangers lurking in everything from smart devices to national infrastructure. His engaging storytelling makes complex security concepts accessible, while offering both warnings and solutions for the digital age. Whether you're in the industry or just tech-savvy, this book will change the way you think about security in a world where everything is online.
3. CISO Compass
An essential guide for both aspiring and seasoned security leaders. Blending expert advice with real-world lessons from top CISOs, the book offers practical strategies for managing risk, building security programs, and navigating the complexities of executive leadership. Todd Fitzgerald covers everything from boardroom communication to emerging cyber threats, making this a great read for anyone looking to thrive in a CISO role. Packed with insights from industry pioneers, it’s the perfect roadmap for cybersecurity pros aiming to lead with confidence in an evolving threat landscape.
4. The Cuckoo's Egg
To me, this read like a classic true cyber-espionage thriller that felt just like a detective novel. When astronomer-turned-sysadmin Clifford Stoll discovers a tiny accounting discrepancy on a university computer, he stumbles upon a Cold War-era hacker spying for the KGB. His obsessive pursuit of the intruder takes him deep into the world of cybercrime, government agencies, and early internet espionage. Filled with tension, humor, and real-world hacking techniques, this book remains one of the most engaging and insightful reads on cybersecurity—even decades after its first publication. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the origins of modern cyber threats.
5. Tracers in the Dark
I loved this gripping deep dive into the hidden world of cryptocurrency crime—and the investigators using groundbreaking forensic techniques to bring cybercriminals to justice. Following real cases involving dark web marketplaces, money launderers, and global crime syndicates, Andy Greenberg reveals how law enforcement cracked seemingly untraceable Bitcoin transactions. With the suspense of a thriller and the depth of investigative journalism, this book sheds light on the cat-and-mouse game between criminals and those determined to expose them. Whether you’re into cybersecurity, financial crime, or digital forensics, this one is hard to put down.
6. FAIK
This book is best for anyone grappling with the rise of synthetic media and AI-powered misinformation. Whether you're an IT professional, journalist, or just trying to stay informed, this guide will change the way you see the digital world. Perry Carpenter demystifies how deepfakes, fake news, and digital deception work, while offering practical advice on how to detect and defend against them. Blending cybersecurity expertise with real-world case studies, this book is both an eye-opener and a toolkit for navigating today’s blurred lines between reality and manipulation.
7. Space Rogue
Cris Thomas' story is a firsthand account of one of the most influential hacker collectives in cybersecurity history. As a founding member of L0pht, Thomas (aka Space Rogue) takes you inside the group’s rise—from a Boston loft to testifying before Congress about internet security risks that still resonate today. Packed with insider stories, hacker culture, and lessons on security’s evolution, I recommend this book for anyone interested in the roots of ethical hacking and how a small group of rebels helped shape the cybersecurity landscape we know today.
8. Red Team Development and Operations
If you’re looking to get into pentesting or red teaming, this book is is your best choice. It's a brilliant read and clearly provides a great distinction and defined roles between vulnerability assessments, pentesting, and red teams. It’s essential reading for security managers or leaders, or for business managers looking for a security assessment, as it helps identify the false sense of security companies experience when they follow checkbox security approaches, such as some compliance requirements. The book includes examples and clear takeaways. From the awesome duo: Joe Vest and James Tubberville
9. Operator Handbook: Red Team + OSINT + Blue Team Reference
This has long been one of my favorites. It's actually a reference manual to be honest, for your collection—this time from the amazing Joshua Picolet aka Netmux. You may be familiar with his previous books on Password Cracking, like Hash Crack, which emphasizes the importance of strong password best practices and explains why default passwords are an open door. This latest operator handbook provides some great tips and command references for different security teams whether you’re a Red Team member, OSINT, or Blue Team. I’ve used this book many times when one of my techniques was not working; it provided me with alternative methods. If you’re interested in getting into pentesting or cybersecurity or are already a security professional, this book is one to keep nearby.
10. Confident Cyber Security
Here’s a book for everyone. Whether you’re starting your career in cybersecurity, a seasoned professional, or even in another business, you’ll get value from this book. The extremely talented Dr. Jessica Barker has literally brought cybersecurity back to the forefront and describes how it must and should help humans be successful and stay safe. Jess brings so much experience to the subject; she shares real-life examples and comparisons that take us a step back from the sometimes technical trenches we get stuck in.
11. The Ghidra Book
Not for reading to your kids as a bedtime story or for the fiction section of your shelf. However, if you’re going down the career path of malware analysis or reverse engineering, then this is the must-have book for you. Chris Eagle (author of the IDA Pro Book) and Kara Nance deliver a thoroughly detailed book that’s not a software guide but an actual how-to guide on using Ghidra for reverse engineering using well-defined and helpful processes and techniques. The Ghidra Definitive Guide incorporates more than a decade of research, and for reverse engineers or malware analysis, this book should be a top priority. It includes great examples to help enhance your skills and knowledge.
12. Hackable
Hackable was written by a good friend and industry peer Ted Harrington. If you’re responsible for creating applications for your business, then this is your book. It takes us into the mind of an attacker and demonstrates how they think. Learn different methodologies and which is best suited for your business. Identify vulnerabilities early and build security into your development lifecycle rather than a plug at the end. Hackable is a book on how to do application security the right way.
13. Cybersecurity First Principles
If you're looking for a cybersecurity book that cuts through the noise and gets straight to what really matters, Cybersecurity First Principles by Rick Howard is a must-read. Howard takes a step back from the usual security playbook and focuses on the core principles—things like zero trust, resilience, and automation. He’s spent decades in the field, and it shows in the way he simplifies complex ideas without dumbing them down. Whether you're a CISO rethinking your strategy or a security pro looking for a fresh perspective, this book delivers a practical, no-nonsense roadmap for securing our digital world.
14: Sandworm
Andy Greenberg takes us through the journey of Sandworm; it got me watching old movies again, like Dune.
15. Privileged Access Cloud Security for Dummies
And finally—my own eBook on Privileged Access Cloud Security. It's a quick read that will get you up to date on all things related to privileged access, including the importance of eliminating default passwords, password rotation for service accounts, and multiple security controls for access.
I hope I’ve inspired you to continue your education with several of these great books. You may also enjoy reading Delinea's whitepaper: Cybersecurity versus the Business. After all, cybersecurity does not exist in a vacuum—your solutions need to coexist with business goals.
