In the world of cybersecurity, knowledge is power, and there are plenty of free resources to help aspiring hackers and security professionals build their skills. Below is a curated list of 19 free hacking books that can be found online.
These books cover a variety of topics, from web application hacking to malware analysis and social engineering. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, these resources are invaluable for enhancing your hacking and penetration testing abilities.
- Web Application Hacker’s Handbook
- The Hackers Playbook 2
- Hacking: The Art of Exploitation
- Ghost in the Wires
- Social Engineering: The Art of Human Hacking
- Computer Hacking Beginners Guide
- Kali Linux Revealed: Mastering Pen Testing Distribution
- The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Nmap Network Scanning
- Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-on Guide
- RTFM: Red Team Field Manual
- Hash Crack: Password Cracking Manual
- Mastering Metasploit
- Advanced Penetration Testing
- CISSP All in One Exam Guide
- Web Hacking 101
- Blue Team Handbook: Incident Response Edition
- Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers
- Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook
1. Web Application Hacker’s Handbook
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of web application security, providing readers with strategies for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about web penetration testing.
2. The Hackers Playbook 2
Packed with practical attack methods and real-world examples, this book takes a step-by-step approach to offensive security. It covers red teaming, penetration testing, and advanced evasion techniques.
3. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation
This book offers a deep dive into the fundamentals of hacking, teaching readers how to think like a hacker. It’s known for its hands-on approach, offering exercises that simulate real-world hacking scenarios.
4. Ghost in the Wires
An autobiography of the infamous hacker Kevin Mitnick, this book provides insight into social engineering techniques and the mindset of a hacker. It’s both an educational resource and a thrilling narrative.
5. Social Engineering: The Art of Human Hacking
A focused study on social engineering, this book explores how hackers manipulate people into revealing confidential information. It highlights the human aspect of hacking, a critical skill in penetration testing.
6. Computer Hacking Beginners Guide
For those new to hacking, this guide offers an excellent introduction. It covers basic hacking techniques, terminology, and concepts in a beginner-friendly format.
7. Kali Linux Revealed: Mastering Pen Testing Distribution
Kali Linux is the go-to operating system for penetration testers. This book covers everything from installation and configuration to using Kali tools for advanced hacking.
8. The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing
This guide offers a hands-on approach to learning the basics of hacking and penetration testing. It is particularly useful for those looking to practice ethical hacking in a lab environment.
9. Nmap Network Scanning
Nmap is a powerful network scanning tool used by security professionals worldwide. This book teaches how to use Nmap for network discovery, security auditing, and vulnerability detection.
10. Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-on Guide
If you’re interested in understanding malware and how to analyze it, this guide offers practical exercises that teach you to dissect and neutralize malicious software.
11. RTFM: Red Team Field Manual
A quick reference guide for penetration testers and red teamers, the RTFM provides concise command line instructions for a variety of hacking tasks, making it a handy companion during operations.
12. Hash Crack: Password Cracking Manual
This book is a detailed guide on password cracking techniques, covering everything from simple dictionary attacks to more sophisticated brute-force methods.
13. Mastering Metasploit
Metasploit is one of the most widely used tools for penetration testing. This book offers a deep dive into the framework, showing readers how to exploit vulnerabilities and set up complex attacks.
14. Advanced Penetration Testing
This advanced guide covers some of the most sophisticated penetration testing techniques, including attacking hardened environments, evading detection, and post-exploitation methods.
15. CISSP All in One Exam Guide
Though primarily an exam preparation guide for the CISSP certification, this book offers in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity practices, making it a valuable resource for professionals.
16. Web Hacking 101
This beginner-friendly guide introduces the reader to web hacking concepts, covering topics such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other common web application vulnerabilities.
17. Blue Team Handbook: Incident Response Edition
Designed for defensive security professionals, this book teaches incident response techniques, helping you defend against cyber attacks and efficiently respond to security breaches.
18. Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers
Python is an essential language for hackers. This book covers how to use Python for various hacking tasks, including network attacks, exploit development, and automation.
19. Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker’s Handbook
This book is a great resource for ethical hackers who want to enhance their skills while maintaining legal and moral boundaries. It covers vulnerability testing, reverse engineering, and exploiting systems.
Conclusion
These free online hacking books offer invaluable knowledge for anyone pursuing a career in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, or penetration testing. They cover a range of topics from beginner to advanced, ensuring that readers at any level can find something beneficial.
Whether you’re just starting your hacking journey or looking to refine your expertise, these resources provide a solid foundation to grow your skills in a rapidly evolving field.
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