28 Best Hacking E-books Every Beginner Should Know About

Fascinated by the world of hacking and cybersecurity but unsure where to begin and how to become a professional? Don’t worry because many of us have been there. Luckily, an abundance of resources like eBooks, online courses, and video tutorials is available to jumpstart your journey. To help you navigate the plethora of options, here is the list of the best ethical hacking e-books every beginner should know about.

Best Hacking E-books Every Beginner Should Know About

For both curious enthusiasts and budding cybersecurity professionals, reliable resources are crucial to grasp complex topics and improve skills. Luckily, this comprehensive list of the best hacking e-books is here to help you with everything from foundational knowledge to practical skills you need.

1. The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Made Easy

Written by Patrick Engebretson, The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing introduces readers to the world of hacking. It serves as an insightful guide, equipping readers with the essential knowledge of ethical hacking, including practical methodologies and effective tool utilization. For beginners aspiring to pursue a career in this field, this book is an invaluable treasure making it one of the best new hacking eBooks to read.

• It comes with a four-step methodology for conducting a penetration test.
• This book contains various chapters, examples, and exercises on different topics.
• You can find Linux, Backtrack, Netcat, Google reconnaissance, Fast Track Autopwn, and Hacker Defender rootkit.

2. Hacking Revealed

If you want to dive deeper into the captivating world of cyber security, then you should read Hacking Revealed. Penned by Parteek Sharma, this book raises awareness regarding the current landscape of the cyber world. For this, it emphasizes the importance of digital lives, privacy, and security, while busting myths about hackers.

• It provides an overview of cyber security.
• Hacking Revealed is suitable for readers of all levels of expertise.

3. CeH v9: Certified Ethical Hacker Version 9 Study Guide

If you are preparing for the ultimate CEH exam, then CeH v9: Certified Ethical Hacker Version 9 Study Guide is worth giving a shot. This ideal companion offers a comprehensive review of CEH certification requirements and is full of concise information to help you understand everything easily. For instance, it provides insights into DDoS attacks, malware creation, and buffer overflows by stating real-world scenarios.

• It covers all the essential topics for the exam.
• Emphasizes essential topics.
• The book comes with online study tools like flashcards, a glossary, and practice exams.

Also Read: 16 Best Hacking Websites for Free

4. ETHICAL HACKING FOR BEGINNERS: How to Build Your Pen Test Lab Fast

As the name suggests, ETHICAL HACKING FOR BEGINNERS is among the best ethical hacking e-books every beginner should know about. It is a marvelous guide for people who want to learn how to build a PenTest lab. With its well-written content and comprehensive approach, this book is perfect for beginners who want to take their skills to the next level. For this, it offers step-by-step techniques, tips, and tools to make everything easy to comprehend.

• This book contains easy-to-follow examples and definitions.
• You also get step-by-step instructions.
• It offers an introduction to different penetration testing techniques.
• The book also provides coverage of proxy, scanning tools, types of targets to consider, etc.

5. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation

Written by Jon Erickson, Hacking: The Art of Exploitation covers the fundamental and crucial of hacking. It is a useful guide for beginners who find the topic confusing and full of unanswered questions which makes it one of the best hacking e-books. The book contains detailed information about different hacking techniques from the perspective of a hacker.

• This book covers different hacking techniques.
• It presents an introduction to the fundamentals of C programming.
• You can learn how to redirect network traffic, access remote servers, program using C, and so much more.

6. Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide

Metasploit is a comprehensive book written by Jr. Kennedy and David. It teaches readers and first-time users how to effectively utilize the Framework and engage with the Metasploit community. It covers everything from the basics of penetration testing, and techniques, to client-side attacks, social-engineering attacks, and more.

• This book will help you understand Metasploit conventions and module systems.
• It will teach you how reconnaissance actually happens and how to bypass anti-virus technologies with ease.
• You will also get to know how to write your Meterpreter post-exploitation scripts by utilizing knowledge gained from this book.

7. Web Hacking: Attacks and Defense

Stuart McClure’s Web Hacking book delves into the world of hacking, exploring the continuously evolving landscape of this practice. By prioritizing this concept throughout the book, the author aims to expose the numerous vulnerabilities being faced by organizations.

• You get a detailed insight into various web attacks.
• This book comes with different methodologies and techniques.
• It offers numerous case studies and scenarios for better understanding.
• It helps readers with an in-depth exploration of web hacking vulnerabilities.
• You also get insights into payment systems and popular web commerce vulnerabilities.

Also Read: 8 Types of Ethical Hacking You Should Know About

8. GRAY HAT HACKING THE ETHICAL HACKERS HANDBOOK

Written by Allen Harper, the Gray Hat Hacking helps users to uncover the devastating network attacks in today’s world. For this, the book includes the most common techniques and strategies to empower users to fix security flaws like seasoned hackers.

• It has nine chapters.
• The book helps you learn the latest vulnerabilities and how to fix them while adhering to judiciary boundaries.
• It gives insight from industry experts into how hackers target your systems and write codes.
• You also get to learn how to develop and launch exploits using BackTrack and Metasploit.

9. BackTrack 5 Wireless Penetration Testing Beginner’s Guide

BackTrack 5 Wireless Penetration is a comprehensive guide for users who want to gain a deeper understanding of wireless attacks, it is also considered one of the best hacking e-books. This book provides step-by-step instructions and lab exercises, so you can make the most out of it. However, you need to have a basic understanding of Backtrack and basic wireless concepts.

• Different wireless attacks are described using lab exercises.
• You get access to illustrations related to the steps you have to follow.
• It helps intermediate readers to get started with wireless testing.

10. Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking

Penned by Georgia Weidman, Penetration Testing is a guide that aims to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the world of penetration testing and ethical hacking. Since the author herself is a renowned expert in the field, you get this book as a practical resource for beginners who wish to learn the said art.

• This book helps to strengthen your cybersecurity skills.
• You get clear and crisp concepts in penetration testing.

11. Hands-On Ethical Hacking and Network Defense

Hands-On Ethical Hacking and Network Defense delves deep into how safeguarding computer networks happens, it is also one of the best hacking e-books. For this, the book explores different methodologies usually employed by ethical hackers for penetration testing. Moreover, readers also gain access to updated computer security resources along with unique defense strategies.

• It explains a great deal about what is an ethical hacker.
• You get to know how ethical hackers protect government and corporate data from falling into the wrong hands due to cyber-attacks.
• It equips readers with the different skills and tools of an ethical hacker.
• This book further examines federal and state computer crime laws and penalties for illegal hacking.

Also Read: What is Ethical Hacking?

12. Exploiting Software: How to Break Code

Exploiting Software takes readers on a journey through the core of the software quality problem and its inevitable impact on computer security. It is often considered one of the best new hacking eBooks to read. Considering that all businesses rely significantly on software to run their operations, this book steps in to serve as a guide for readers to help them understand the importance of software quality and security.

• This book delivers important concepts in a concise manner.
• It is a helpful resource to explore software security.
• Readers gain an understanding of white hats and black hats.
• It contains examples and attack patterns to help you understand better.

13. The Tangled Web: A Guide to Securing Modern Web Applications

The Tangled Web is a famous book written by Michal Zalewski. It explores the intricacies of web application security along with the underlying vulnerabilities in browsers. For this, the book takes a look at the entire browser security model and explains how the browsers are actually insecure.

• This book explains how to perform URL parsing, HTML sanitization, and other complex tasks with ease.
• You get to learn multiple modern security features.
• It also helps you learn how to build mashups and embed gadgets.
• You also get insights into how to create secure web applications.

14. Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters

Black Hat Python by Justin Seitz offers an amazing guide to the world of ethical hacking penetration testing. For this, the book uses a hands-on approach by pairing Python programming language with numerous tutorials and practical examples.

• Black Hat Python is a suitable option for readers with intermediate user experience levels.
• This helps users kickstart their learning about how hacking and penetration testing actually work.
• It covers different tools like urllib2, OpenCV, Scrapy, and more.

Also Read: 17 Best App for WhatsApp Hacking

15. Advanced Penetration Testing: Hacking the World’s Most Secure Networks

Advanced Penetration Testing by Wil Allsopp goes beyond basic hacking knowledge to help readers build a better defense against motivated, organized, and professional attacks easily making it one of the best hacking e-books. This book features advanced techniques, usually not covered by other similar books or courses. It is a great option for intermediates and professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

• It features a multidisciplinary approach by integrating different aspects like social engineering and programming.
• It also covers custom coding examples in Flash, Java, VBA, etc.
• This book provides insights into standard library applications.

16. The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Find and Exploiting Security Flaws

The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook offers insights into the ever-increasing threats posed by web application attacks. For this, it offers detailed techniques for both offensive and defensive techniques, further making it easier for readers to navigate the evolving landscape of web application security.

• This comprehensive guide covers the latest attacks and defense techniques in web application security.
• You get to know about different frameworks like HTTP parameter pollution, HTML5, and many cross-domain integration techniques.
• It also features a companion website by authors, so you can try out the mentioned attacks and find answers to your questions.

17. Hacking: Computer Hacking, Security Testing, Penetration Testing, and Basic Security!

If you want to know how to protect yourself from hackers, learn the intricacies of ethical hacking, and the different techniques, then you should give HACKING a shot, it is one of the best cyber security ebooks for beginners. Written by Gary Hall and Erin Watson, Hackers covers everything from basic principles to advanced techniques.

• You get to know about the different types of hackers and attacks.
• It features detailed steps and the most commonly used techniques.
• You get insights about countermeasures to protect yourself.
• It explains complicated details in an easy-to-understand manner.
• This book acts as a perfect guide to learn about hacking and computer security testing.

18. Ethical Hacking: A Hands-on Introduction to Breaking In

Ethical Hacking by Daniel Graham takes you on a thrilling journey to master the art of hacking computer systems. If you want to become a professional penetration tester or malware analyst, then this book provides you with the required knowledge in the field.

• You get to learn the fundamentals of hacking from scratch.
• It is written with a hands-on approach to help you engage in practical labs and exercises.
• This book explores a wide range of hacking techniques.
• You can learn about working with professional penetration testing tools.
• It also explores advanced exploit methods like SQL injection, privilege escalation, and cross-site scripting.

19. Hands on Hacking: Become an Expert at Next Gen Penetration Testing and Purple Teaming

Hands on Hacking is an immersive guide that takes readers into the world of offensive hacking making it one of the best hacking e-books. Drawing from the author’s experience in the field, this book provides a unique perspective. From accessing servers and data to identifying vulnerabilities and exploits, this book has it all.

• This book covers everything from tools, tactics to procedures commonly used by ethical hackers.
• It covers the fundamentals of network vulnerabilities and helps readers learn how to apply hacking skills to uncover them.
• You get to learn about the steps to breach an organization to strengthen its safety and security grounds.
• It also comes with real-world practical examples.

Also Read: 18 Best Tools for Hacking

20. RTFM: Red Team Field Manual

RTFM by Ben Clark and Nick Downer is a popular option on this list for operators engaged in Red Team missions. It originated due to years of field experience and quickly became one of the best go-to resources for quick reference in common operating environments.

• Its new edition consists of 290 new commands and techniques.
• It has been tested to work against modern OS.
• RTFM version 2 includes an all-new MacOS section.

21. The Pentester BluePrint: Starting a Career as an Ethical Hacker

Written by Philip L. Wylie and Kim Crawley, The Pentester BluePrint allows readers to gain a deep understanding of the world of ethical hacking. It walks you through the basic fundamentals followed by advanced topics to assist you in finding vulnerabilities in systems and networks.

• This book introduces you to what and who is a penetration tester.
• It lays down the foundations of pen testing and covers different security systems.
• It helps you with community involvement through different networking strategies.
• The Pentester BluePrint is written in a clear and concise manner.

22. Bug Bounty Bootcamp: The Guide to Finding and Reporting Web Vulnerabilities

The next option on this list is Bug Bounty Bootcamp. It is an essential guide that helps beginners with the required skills to hack web apps effectively. By emphasizing bug bounty programs, this book explores the world of web hacking and empowers readers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

• You get to learn how to perform reconnaissance on targets.
• This book explores the mechanisms of common web vulnerabilities like template injection, XSS, and SQL injection.
• It also extends aid on how to choose a program and write quality bug reports.
• Bug Bounty Bootcamp further covers how to set up a web hacking lab.

23. Rw Bug Hunting: A Field Guide to Web Hacking

Written by Peter Yaworski, Rw Bug Hunting is another popular and one of the best hacking e-books for beginners. This comprehensive field manual helps readers unmask the secrets of finding software bugs. It helps readers grasp the concept of fundamental web hacking, how attackers compromise websites, and how to find bug bounty programs.

• This book uses real-life case studies of app vulnerabilities, so you can learn from the best of both worlds.
• It covers the most commonly found bugs.
• Every chapter in this book introduces a new vulnerability type.
• It combines effective storytelling with practical wisdom from the field.

Also Read: 20 Best WiFi Hacking Tools for PC

24. Getting Started Becoming a Master Hacker: Hacking is the Most Important Skill Set of the 21st Century

Getting Started Becoming a Master Hacker is a compelling tutorial-style guide. It helps readers access the knowledge and expertise required to become a professional hacker. For this, the book offers unique perspectives on the hacker’s mindset and strategic thinking. It is one of the best cyber security ebooks for beginners.

• You get an in-depth case study on NSA EternalBlue malware.
• It offers detailed tutorials of essential hacking techniques such as Metasploit 5, reconnaissance, Python, etc.
• The book contains links to in-depth articles on different topics.

25. The Hardware Hacking Handbook: Breaking Embedded Security with Hardware Attacks

In simple words, The Hardware Hacking Handbook guides readers into the world of embedded devices and explores the intriguing concepts of hardware attacks. It emphasizes the need to understand the security of embedded devices by explaining different types of embedded systems, security limits, reverse-engineering challenges, and so on making it one of the best hacking e-books.

• This book covers how to use attacker profiles and objectives to model security threats.
• It offers electrical fundamentals to help you understand signaling and communication interfaces.
• You get to explore diverse techniques for leveling up power analysis.
• This book helps readers identify injection points.
• You also get tons of lab experiments.

26. Practical loT Hacking: The Definitive Guide to Attack the Internet of Things

Written by a skilled team of all-star security experts, Practical loT Hacking provides a quick-start conceptual approach to testing and exploiting loT systems and devices. The best part about this guide is that it draws knowledge from real-life exploits and equips readers with the knowledge to test and mitigate risks in loT environments.

• It guides readers through common threats.
• You get to learn about passive reconnaissance.
• This book helps readers learn how to write a DICOM server scanner as an NSE module.
• It offers a detailed analysis of different attacks against loT devices and RFID systems.

Also Read: 7 Best Websites To Learn Ethical Hacking

27. Hacking APIs: Breaking Web Application Programming Interfaces

Hacking APIs is known as a popular crash course that takes readers through the world of web API security testing and is one of the best hacking e-books that you should try. This immersive guide equips readers with the knowledge and techniques required to navigate penetration tests on APIs, fortify the security of their own APIs, and uncover vulnerabilities that lead to rewards. It is one of the best cyber security ebooks for beginners.

• You can get a deep understanding of how REST and GraphQL APIs function.
• It helps readers with multiple API attack techniques for a NoSQL injection.
• This book helps to set up a streamlined API testing lab using Burp Suite and Postman.
• It covers advanced topics like reconnaissance, fuzzing, and endpoint analysis.

28. Hacking Connected Cars- Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

The next option on our list is Hacking Connected Cars by Alissa Knight. This comprehensive field manual contextualizes cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and risks mainly targeting autonomous vehicles. It helps readers identify vulnerabilities commonly affecting cyber-physical vehicles and mitigate them through different measures.

• This book helps readers understand how to perform penetration testing.
• You get to explore how vulnerabilities in Bluetooth and wireless networking are exploited.
• It takes readers through different tactics to keep their connected cars safe.
• It also features an analysis of risk levels associated with vulnerabilities.

Also Read: 14 Best Game Hacking Apps For Android

If you want to explore the intricate realm of hacking and cyber security, these are some of the best hacking e-books that every beginner should know about. From building a solid foundation, and brushing up on skills to gaining practical knowledge, they have got you covered. So, wait no more and get started learning today. If you enjoyed reading this article, please leave your feedback in the comments. Also, stay tuned to read more such informative blogs on TechCult.