Top Cybersecurity books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Cybersecurity books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Understanding the concepts of Cybersecurity starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Hacking Exposed 7: Network Security Secrets and Solutions

Case studies expose the hacker's latest devious methods and illustrate field-tested remedies. Find out how to block infrastructure hacks, minimize advanced persistent threats, neutralize malicious code, secure web and database applications, and fortify UNIX networks.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking

In Penetration Testing, security expert, researcher, and trainer Georgia Weidman introduces you to the core skills and techniques that every pentester needs. Using a virtual machine–based lab that includes Kali Linux and vulnerable operating systems, you’ll run through a series of practical lessons with tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Burp Suite. As you follow along with the labs and launch at…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition

Hacking is the art of creative problem solving, whether that means finding an unconventional solution to a difficult problem or exploiting holes in sloppy programming. Many people call themselves hackers, but few have the strong technical foundation needed to really push the envelope. Rather than merely showing how to run existing exploits, author Jon Erickson explains how arcane hacking techn…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Cybersecurity: The Beginner's Guide: A comprehensive guide to getting started in cybersecurity

This book put together all the possible information with regards to cybersecurity, why you should choose it, the need for cyber security and how can you be part of it and fill the cybersecurity talent gap bit by bit. Starting with the essential understanding of security and its needs, we will move to security domain changes and how artificial intelligence and machine learning are helping to se…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters

In Black Hat Python, the latest from Justin Seitz (author of the best-selling Gray Hat Python), you'll explore the darker side of Python's capabilities—writing network sniffers, manipulating packets, infecting virtual machines, creating stealthy trojans, and more.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

CISO Desk Reference Guide: A Practical Guide for CISOs Volume 2

The CISO Desk Reference Guide, Volume 1, 2nd Edition is the greatly-anticipated update to the iconic first volume of the highly-respected two-volume set written by experienced practitioners and intended for recently-hired or promoted Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). These easy-to-use guides are also perfect for individuals aspiring to become CISOs, as well as business and technical…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Additional Cybersecurity Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Cybersecurity, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Beginners Guide: How to Become a Cyber-Security Analyst: : Phase 2 - Security Engineering and Ethical Hacking

This book teaches you how to install, configure and utilize three popular security tools: SPLUNK, Nessus and Wireshark. After that we will have some fun by performing several hacking techniques. During the ethical hack labs, you will practice Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access and Covering Tracks. This book is designed to cater to beginners that are interested in but …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

How Cybersecurity Really Works: A Hands-On Guide for Total Beginners

How Cybersecurity Really Works is an engaging introduction to the field of cybersecurity. You'll learn how attackers operate, as well as how to defend yourself and organizations against online attacks

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards

Network Securities Essentials: Applications and Standards introduces readers to the critical importance of internet security in our age of universal electronic connectivity. Amidst viruses, hackers, and electronic fraud, organizations and individuals are constantly at risk of having their private information compromised. This creates a heightened need to protect data and resources from disclos…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Threat Modeling: Designing for Security

Threat Modeling: Designing for Security is full of actionable, tested advice for software developers, systems architects and managers, and security professionals. From the very first chapter, it teaches the reader how to threat model.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking

Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking reveals the craftier side of the hacker's repertoire—why hack into something when you could just ask for access? Undetectable by firewalls and antivirus software, social engineering relies on human fault to gain access to sensitive spaces; in this book, renowned expert Christopher Hadnagy explains the most commonly-used techniques that fool even…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Cybersecurity for Business: Organization-Wide Strategies to Ensure Cyber Risk Is Not Just an IT Issue

Important and cost-effective innovations can substantially increase cyber risk and the loss of intellectual property, corporate reputation and consumer confidence. Over the past several years, organizations around the world have increasingly come to appreciate the need to address cybersecurity issues from a business perspective, not just from a technical or risk angle. Cybersecurity for Busine…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Specializations and Deeper Cybersecurity Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Cybersecurity is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Cert Guide

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) Cert Guide is a best-of-breed exam study guide. Expert technology instructor and certification author Troy McMillan shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and rete…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

The CERT Guide to Insider Threats: How to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Information Technology Crimes (theft, Sabotage, Fraud)

Since 2001, the CERT® Insider Threat Center at Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) has collected and analyzed information about more than seven hundred insider cyber crimes, ranging from national security espionage to theft of trade secrets. The CERT® Guide to Insider Threats describes CERT’s findings in practical terms, offering specific guidance and countermeasu…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Advanced Penetration Testing: Hacking the World's Most Secure Networks

Featuring techniques not taught in any certification prep or covered by common defensive scanners, this book integrates social engineering, programming, and vulnerability exploits into a multidisciplinary approach for targeting and compromising high security environments.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Enterprise Cybersecurity: How to Build a Successful Cyberdefense Program Against Advanced Threats

Enterprise Cybersecurity empowers organizations of all sizes to defend themselves with next-generation cybersecurity programs against the escalating threat of modern targeted cyberattacks. This book presents a comprehensive framework for managing all aspects of an enterprise cybersecurity program. It enables an enterprise to architect, design, implement, and operate a coherent cybersecurity pr…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Cybersecurity Career Master Plan: Proven Techniques and Effective Tips to Help You Advance in Your Cybersecurity Career

The book starts by helping you gain a foundational understanding of cybersecurity, covering cyber law, cyber policy, and frameworks. Next, you'll focus on how to choose the career field best suited to you from options such as security operations, penetration testing, and risk analysis.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Cybersecurity Incident Management: Master Guide

Successfully responding to modern cybersecurity threats requires a well-planned, organized, and tested incident management program based on a formal incident management framework. It must be comprised of technical and non-technical requirements and planning for all aspects of people, process, and technology.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

Augment your Cybersecurity books

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

Only 1 Spot Left

Hello! For over 14 years, I've been immersed in the Cyber Security field, honing my skills in Detection Engineering and Incident Response. I'm passionate about helping others crack the code to their dream career. My journey in this ever-evolving field has equipped me with the expertise to guide you through …

$180 / month
  Chat
2 x Calls
Tasks

Only 1 Spot Left

Hello, I'm Abhishek Koserwal, a Principal Software Engineer at Red Hat and a dedicated mentor ready to guide you on your career journey. Whether you're just starting as a software engineer or trying to identify your best career path, I'm here to help you succeed. Designing your career: Together, we'll …

$120 / month
  Chat
1 x Call


Eugene is an AI-driven technologist, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, advisor, and mentor. As the founder of Reactive Lions Inc., he is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge AI solutions with visionary entrepreneurship, working to shape the future of tech through both innovation and ethical leadership. A recognized expert in AI, machine …

$120 / month
  Chat
Tasks

Only 2 Spots Left

I'm a senior Cyber and Information Security leader with over 17 years of experience working in enterprise IT environments across a variety of roles and sectors. I possess a strong technical background in infrastructure, information, and contemporary cyber security disciplines, all of which is underpinned by internationally recognizable qualifications and …

$150 / month
  Chat
2 x Calls
Tasks

Only 3 Spots Left

I am passionate about growing professional skills & looking for opportunities to innovate is part of my daily routine, focusing on operational excellence, driving tangible results and measurable business impact. I would like to share my wisdom with you that I have aquired in the last 20 years working for …

$240 / month
  Chat
1 x Call
Tasks

Only 2 Spots Left

I am a seasoned CTO with more than a decade of experience. But I am also a passionate developer and architect with even more years of experience. I am tech savvy and have an extensive software engineering background ranging from early stage start-ups to scale-ups with many teams in parallel. …

$240 / month
  Chat
2 x Calls
Tasks

Browse all Cybersecurity mentors

Still not convinced?
Don’t just take our word for it

We’ve already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they’ve left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

Find a Cybersecurity mentor
  • "Naz is an amazing person and a wonderful mentor. She is supportive and knowledgeable with extensive practical experience. Having been a manager at Netflix, she also knows a ton about working with teams at scale. Highly recommended."

  • "Brandon has been supporting me with a software engineering job hunt and has provided amazing value with his industry knowledge, tips unique to my situation and support as I prepared for my interviews and applications."

  • "Sandrina helped me improve as an engineer. Looking back, I took a huge step, beyond my expectations."