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Vidar Frostbjorn — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:41:37 GMT

The best books about cybersecurity I’ve read personally. For everyone from beginners to experts.

This list contains my favorite books I have read about cybersecurity in general. They are not sorted in any particular order, as they all concern some unique parts of cybersecurity.

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Some form of media about Stuxnet is honestly a must-read for anyone serious about cybersecurity. It tells the story of Stuxnet, the incredibly sophisticated piece of malware that was designed to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program.

This was the first known (there were some unconfirmed ones before this) case of a digital weapon being used to cause physical destruction, marking a new era in both cyber warfare and cybersecurity.Zetter does an amazing job of walking readers through the technical details without losing them, and she connects it all to the larger implications of cyberweapons and digital attacks. What makes this book crucial for the top 10 list is that it shows just how far-reaching and impactful a single piece of code can be. And not just on computers, but on global politics and security.And as I said, some form of reading about Stuxnet is important, especially for anyone that was not around in the industry at the time.

The book is closing in on being 10 years old, but is probably more relevant now than ever due to the geopolitical landscape in 2024.

The Red Web is an eye-opening journey into the battle for control of the internet in Russia. What makes this book so fascinating is the way it dives into the history of surveillance, from the Soviet-era KGB’s iron grip on information to the modern-day tactics of the FSB.The authors do an incredible job of breaking down how the Russian government uses technology to monitor, manipulate, and control its citizens, while also keeping it gripping.It also tells the inspiring stories of internet freedom activists who are fighting back, showing that the internet can be a double-edged sword for oppressive regimes.It’s such a timely read, especially with everything going on in the world today, and it will give you a much better understanding of the tactics and thought process of Kremlin.

While this is also a bit of an older one, it is a classic that anyone newer in the field should read to get a history lesson of the younger days of cybersecurity.

This book details a true story about Clifford Stoll’s discovery of a hacker infiltrating U.S. government and academic networks during the 1980s.A 75-cent error is all it took to lead Stoll to start a cat-and-mouse game with a hacker that ultimately ends up uncovering a spy ring, a fascinating story.It highlights the early days of cybersecurity and explores how Stoll meticulously tracked the hacker, despite having limited tools. It emphasizes how persistence and curiosity are very important traits within cybersecurity, and gives a great look at the early days.

No list would be complete without a book from the late great Kevin Mitnick. While this is one of his older books, it is my personal favorite of his.

The book explores the “social engineering” part of tactics used by hackers. Mitnick, being somewhat of a hacker himself, explains how attackers exploit human trust and social behaviors to breach security systems.The book is filled with real-world examples of social engineering attacks and emphasizes the importance of training employees to recognize and resist such tactics.Mitnick advocates for a security approach that is not just technical, but also includes education on the human vulnerabilities that can compromise systems.

When you are moving from a strictly technical point of view, and thinking about pointing your career towards security leadership roles or CISO roles, this is one of the best books I have read.

The book explains how to quantify and measure risks and goals within cybersecurity, providing you with better tools to both improve risk assessments yourself, but also to present them to non-technical leaders.

This book about Sandworm, a group of Russian hackers linked to some of the most devastating cyberattacks in history, is a great read for any cybersecurity enthusiast.

From taking down Ukraine’s power grid to unleashing NotPetya, one of their more recognizable attacks, this book covers the significant potential of cyberwarfare.What makes Sandworm gain a spot in my list is how it expertly connects these attacks to the larger geopolitical landscape, showing how cyberwar is becoming the new frontier in global conflict.It adds a deeper understanding other than just the technical knowledge, and offers a look at real-world consequences of hacking. It absolutely makes you think about how fragile our digital world can be.

Edward Snowden is one of the few people in the cybersecurity world that absolutely needs no introduction, and his book is rather good on its own as well. This is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, and government surveillance.

This memoir details Snowden’s journey from a young tech enthusiast working in the U.S. intelligence community to the whistleblower who exposed the massive surveillance programs run by the NSA. The book explains what drove him to leak classified information to the public.Including this book in my top 10 is a no-brainer almost on the significance of Snowden on his own, but also how controversial his methods and even the things he uncovered, like Prism, Tempora, and XKeyscore.I am somewhat divided on Snowden myself, especially how hastily he made his findings public, however this is absolutely one of the most significant privacy breaches in modern history.Snowden’s story sheds light on the real-world impact of mass surveillance and will make you question ethical questions surrounding government oversight, privacy, and individual freedom.

This is a great look into the origins and evolution of cyber warfare, explaining how hacking has become a crucial tool for national security and conflict. The book traces back as far as the Cold War, continuing until modern times.

This book belongs in my list because it not only explains the technical aspects of cyber warfare but also examines the political and strategic factors driving it. For anyone looking to have more complete knowledge that covers a bit more than just the technical side, books such are these is a great way to broaden your view.The book shows how cyberwar has changed the way nations engage in conflict. It’s a great blend of history, policy, and technology, making it both informative and engaging.And the book is still great for beginners as it manages to make the topic of cyberwar accessible and relatable, even to those not immersed in cybersecurity.If you want to understand the origins of today’s cyber threats and the future of digital warfare, this book is a must-read.

This book contains a unique compilation of interviews with some of the world’s top cybersecurity experts. Instead of a traditional narrative, the book offers a series of insights, tips, and advice from experienced hackers and security professionals who have shaped the industry.Each interview covers a range of topics, from career advice to practical security tips, giving readers a rare look into the minds of the best in the field.

The book is definitely different from the other books in this list, but is absolutely a great addition to it because it offers real-world, actionable insights from a wide range of experts.Whether you’re just getting started in cybersecurity or are a seasoned professional, it will give you valuable perspectives that can help sharpen your skills and broaden your understanding of the industry.It’s an easy, conversational read, making complex topics approachable and engaging.What makes Tribe of Hackers particularly special is how it brings together voices from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, offering a well-rounded view of the cybersecurity landscape.It’s packed with personal stories, hard-learned lessons, and practical advice, making it both informative and inspiring.I always love to listen to and learn from people with more experience than me, and this is a great read for that.

This is a thrilling deep dive into the world of cryptocurrency crime and the people investigating it. It follows the rise of dark web marketplaces, where criminals thought they could operate anonymously using Bitcoin.But as is revealed, a group of dedicated experts developed tools to trace these supposedly untraceable transactions, leading to the downfall of major online criminal networks.

This book caught my attention because it tackles one of the larger issues in digital finance today, the intersection of cryptocurrency and crime. It shows how new investigative techniques have reshaped the landscape of online criminal activity and proves that no one is truly anonymous online.The storytelling makes this technical world accessible, turning it into a gripping narrative that reads like a detective thriller. This means that the book is approachable not only for experts, but also people curious about the world of criminal use of cryptocurrency.What makes it stand out for me is how it captures the tension between privacy and security in the digital age. It’s a fascinating look at how technology both enables but also limits criminal activity, and how law enforcement is catching up and developing new techniques and methods to more effectively investigate these crimes.

That was all 10!! Hope you enjoy some of them, and please add a comment with any books I might have missed. I’m always up for a new great read!

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Top 10 Best Cybersecurity Books was originally published in ILLUMINATION on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.