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.

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…

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CompTIA Security+ Study Guide with over 500 Practice Test Questions: Exam SY0-701 (9th Edition)

In the newly revised ninth edition of CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-701, veteran cybersecurity professionals and educators Mike Chapple and David Seidl deliver easy-to-follow coverage of the security fundamentals tested by the challenging CompTIA SY0-701 exam. You'll explore general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, mitigations, security architecture and operations, as wel…

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The Art of Invisibility: The World's Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to Be Safe in the Age of Big Brother and Big Data

In this explosive yet practical book, Kevin Mitnick uses true-life stories to show exactly what is happening without your knowledge, teaching you "the art of invisibility" -- online and real-world tactics to protect you and your family, using easy step-by-step instructions.

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Defensive Security Handbook: Best Practices for Securing Infrastructure

Despite the increase of high-profile hacks, record-breaking data leaks, and ransomware attacks, many organizations don’t have the budget to establish or outsource an information security (InfoSec) program, forcing them to learn on the job. For companies obliged to improvise, this pragmatic guide provides a security-101 handbook with steps, tools, processes, and ideas to help you drive maximum-…

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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.

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Become a Cybersecurity Analyst: First Edition

This guide provides clear and concise information on crucial cybersecurity analyst responsibilities such as: Configuring Tools: This may come in the form of virus software, password protectors, and vulnerability management software. They will evaluate what the company needs and use these tools to protect its information. Reporting: The analyst will detail what is currently going on in the netw…

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Additional Cybersecurity Reading

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

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.

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Broken Money: Why Our Financial System Is Failing Us and How We Can Make It Better

Broken Money explores the history of money through the lens of technology. Politics can affect things temporarily and locally, but technology is what drives things forward globally and permanently.
The book's goal is for the listener to walk away with a deep understanding of money and monetary history, both in terms of theoretical foundations and in terms of practical implications. From she…

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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…

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Applied Cryptography

This new edition of the cryptography classic provides you with a comprehensive survey of modern cryptography. The book details how programmers and electronic communications professionals can use cryptography-the technique of enciphering and deciphering messages-to maintain the privacy of computer data.

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Dark Wire: The Incredible True Story of the Largest Sting Operation Ever

The inside story of the largest law-enforcement sting operation ever, in which the FBI made its own tech start-up to wiretap the world, shows how cunning both the authorities and drug traffickers have become, with privacy implications for everyone.
In 2018, a powerful app for secure communications called Anom took root among organized criminals. They believed Anom allowed them to conduct bu…

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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…

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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.

(ISC)2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide 9th Edition

(ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Official Study Guide, 9th Edition has been completely updated based on the latest 2021 CISSP Exam Outline. This bestselling Sybex study guide covers 100% of the exam objectives. You'll prepare for the exam smarter and faster with Sybex thanks to expert content, knowledge from our real-world experience, advice on mastering this …

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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.

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Cybersecurity Career Master Plan: Proven techniques and effective tips to help you advance in your cybersecurity career

Cybersecurity is an emerging career trend and will continue to become increasingly important. Despite the lucrative pay and significant career growth opportunities, many people are unsure of how to get started. This book is designed by leading industry experts to help you enter the world of cybersecurity with confidence, covering everything from gaining the right certification to tips and tool…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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

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I am currently a Security Engineering Manager at SpotHero where I am building and leading the Information Security team. In my previous role at Resilience I worked with clients and their CISO's and Directors to help them with improving the security posture of their organization to enable them to get …

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Welcome to Your Next Step in Information Security Mastery! In a field as dynamic and critical as information security, your journey from learning the ropes to mastering the domain requires more than just technical knowledge—it demands a roadmap tailored to your unique career aspirations and challenges. That's where I come …

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I'm a cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience helping organizations—from federal agencies to private sector clients—navigate complex cybersecurity challenges. My career spans everything from leading threat detection and response teams to implementing strategic initiatives that strengthen security posture and manage risk. I'm passionate about developing talent in cybersecurity. …

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I'm a lifelong cybersecurity technologist turned entrepreneur. In 2016, I founded Sentant as my "side hustle" security consulting practice. It grew to over 30 employees, ~$6MM in revenue and was acquired in 2022. I've worked directly with dozens of startups over the years, both as a consultant and in-house. This …

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