5 best books to learn hacking in 2024

introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the importance of ethical hacking as a skillset is more pertinent than ever in 2024. As cyber threats continue to proliferate, the demand for proficient ethical hackers who can identify and mitigate vulnerabilities remains high. For individuals looking to embark on a journey into the realm of hacking, whether out of professional interest or personal curiosity, selecting the right resources is paramount. With an abundance of learning materials available, including online courses and certification programs, books remain a timeless and invaluable resource for acquiring knowledge and honing practical skills. In this article, we delve into the realm of hacking literature to uncover the 5 best books to learn hacking. These carefully curated selections offer comprehensive insights, practical guidance, and up-to-date information to empower aspiring hackers on their quest for mastery in the art of cybersecurity.

1. The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing

Overview of book

Serves as an introduction to penetration testing and ethical hacking
Requires no prior hacking experience
Covers modern hacking tools such as Backtrack Linux, Nmap, and Metasploit
Provides a structured methodology for conducting penetration tests
Encourages hands-on learning with practical exercises
Written by an author with real-world experience in penetration testing and teaching offensive security

book Review

Praised for its practicality and accessibility
Demystifies complex concepts for beginners
Includes hands-on exercises for reinforcement
Some readers may find the content lacking in depth
Nonetheless, serves as an excellent first step for aspiring penetration testers

Our opinion

Commendable entry point for newcomers to ethical hacking
Emphasizes practical learning and engagement
Provides a solid foundation for further exploration
While not exhaustive, effectively fulfills its intended purpose
Recommended for individuals seeking to begin their journey into cybersecurity

Customer review

The most interesting and best priced book for penetrative testing 's... Very simple with step wise illustration from the start of the book.... Go for this.... Ull not get bored....from the start

Must read for beginners

Good book, really help full to learn hacking.

Overview of book

Focuses on using Kali Linux for Windows penetration testing
Covers advanced tools and techniques used by sophisticated hackers
Explores various desktop environments available in Kali Linux
Discusses network sniffing, password cracking, and exploitation of Windows vulnerabilities
Provides practical use cases for tools like Social Engineering Toolkit and Metasploit
Guides readers on gaining and maintaining system-level access to compromised systems

Book review

Provides comprehensive coverage of Kali Linux setup and configuration
Offers insights into footprinting and reconnaissance techniques
Includes advanced methods for mapping and enumerating Windows networks
Demonstrates effective exploitation of common Windows vulnerabilities
Requires prior knowledge of Linux operating systems and command line interfaces

Our opinion

Valuable resource for ethical hackers seeking to expand their offensive skillset
Offers practical guidance and real-world scenarios for penetration testing
Assumes some familiarity with Linux and Windows command line interfaces
Provides a thorough understanding of Kali Linux tools for Windows penetration testing
Recommended for individuals with prior knowledge in cybersecurity seeking to enhance their expertise in offensive security.

Customer review

No review fetched

Overview of book

Provides a crash-course on hacking techniques with a focus on practical elements
Includes virtual labs exclusively designed for readers to hone their skills
Covers ethics, law, and various aspects of hacking including open-source intelligence gathering, domain name systems, email services, web servers, and more
Suitable for individuals with no previous hacking experience but with basic computer and networking knowledge
Offers insights into hacking into Linux, UNIX, and Microsoft Windows operating systems
Written by information security expert Matthew Hickey, known for discovering critical security vulnerabilities

Book review

Offers a blend of theoretical and practical aspects of hacking
Emphasizes the importance of creating a hacker-aware culture in organizations
Introduces the concept of Purple Teams for collaborative security testing
Provides in-depth coverage of network protocols and their vulnerabilities
Guides readers through hacking into various operating systems and web applications
Develops the mindset of an ethical hacker and outlines the processes of professional hacking

Our opinion

Presents a comprehensive and hands-on approach to learning hacking techniques
Suitable for beginners with a basic understanding of computers and networking
Offers practical exercises and virtual labs for skill development
Written by an experienced information security expert with a proven track record
Highly recommended for individuals seeking to enter the field of ethical hacking or enhance their cybersecurity skills.

Customer review

Good book, covers much of the basics and for some parts a little more. Recommended for anyone new to cybersecurity/ethical hacking.

Good book for Hacking

Very good book, but arrived without any protection slightly ruined..

Overview of book

Explores hacking as a form of creative problem-solving and exploiting programming vulnerabilities
Author Jon Erickson delves into the workings of arcane hacking techniques rather than just demonstrating existing exploits
Introduces C programming fundamentals from a hacker’s perspective
Includes a LiveCD with a complete Linux programming and debugging environment for hands-on learning
Covers topics such as buffer overflows, format strings, debugging, nonexecutable stacks, intrusion detection systems, shellcode, TCP hijacking, and cryptographic weaknesses
Equips readers with the skills to program computers using C, assembly language, and shell scripts, and to understand machine architecture and network communications

Book review

Offers a unique perspective on hacking by delving into the technical aspects of programming and exploiting vulnerabilities
Provides practical exercises and examples for hands-on learning
Requires no prior programming knowledge, making it accessible to beginners
Includes a comprehensive overview of hacking techniques, from buffer overflows to cryptographic weaknesses
Empowers readers to think creatively and push the boundaries of conventional problem-solving

Our opinion

Presents hacking as both an art and a science, encouraging creativity and exploration
Suitable for individuals with a curiosity for programming and a desire to understand the inner workings of computer systems
Offers valuable insights into programming, machine architecture, and network communications
Provides a comprehensive understanding of existing hacking techniques and equips readers with the skills to innovate and invent new exploits
Highly recommended for aspiring hackers and anyone interested in understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity.

Customer review

Good content

Good books for miserable concepts

Nice

Overview of book

Provides a comprehensive guide to fortifying computer networks using ethical hacking techniques
Based on curricula developed by the authors at major security conferences and colleges
Features actionable planning and analysis methods for identifying and combating targeted and opportunistic attacks
Covers Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, and cloud security, as well as penetration testing, malware analysis, and reverse engineering
Includes case studies, testing labs, and field-tested remedies for addressing security threats
Fully revised content with seven new chapters covering the latest threats
Includes proof-of-concept code stored on the GitHub repository
Authors are renowned trainers at major security conferences such as RSA, Black Hat, and Defcon

Book review

Offers comprehensive coverage of ethical hacking techniques and security strategies
Provides practical guidance and real-world examples for addressing security threats
Incorporates up-to-date information on emerging threats, including IoT, mobile, and cloud security
Includes hands-on labs and proof-of-concept code for practical learning
Written by experienced trainers and experts in the field of cybersecurity
Suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field

Our opinion

A valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of cybersecurity and ethical hacking
Covers a wide range of topics, from penetration testing to malware analysis
Provides actionable insights and practical steps for identifying and mitigating security threats
Incorporates the latest research and developments in the field
Highly recommended for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in ethical hacking and network security.

Customer review

One of the best books on the topic

Most updated book out there well written and highly recommended for anyone with the cyber interests

Best of all!

THANKS FOR READING

We hope that you got you’re answer about best books to learn hacking. 🙂

Read – Best laptops for hacking
Read – bug hunting books beginner to advance
Read – Vulnerability scanning VS penetration testing
Read – Boat data breach
Read – How to become bug bounty hunter
Read – Automate penetration testing task

Table of Contents

introduction

1. The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing

Overview of book

book Review

Our opinion

Customer review

2. Kali Linux 2018 Windows Penetration Testing

Overview of book

Book review

Our opinion

Customer review

3. Hands on Hacking

Overview of book

Book review

Our opinion

Customer review

4. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation

Overview of book

Book review

Our opinion

Customer review

5. Gray Hat Hacking

Overview of book

Book review

Our opinion

Customer review