Top 5 Cybersecurity Books for Beginners

Starting a career in cybersecurity can be overwhelming due to the vast amount of knowledge and skills required. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 cybersecurity books that are perfect for beginners. These books will provide you with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of cybersecurity, equipping you with the knowledge you need to protect systems and networks from cyber threats.

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Cybersecurity Essentials

Target Audience: Beginners, IT Professionals
Level: Beginner
Authors: Charles J. Brooks, Christopher Grow, Philip Craig, Donald Short

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About the book: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of cybersecurity. It covers essential topics such as threat detection, risk management, and security policies. The authors present complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, making it an ideal choice for those new to cybersecurity. You'll gain insights into the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world and learn the foundational concepts needed to secure information systems.

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What you will learn:

• Basic concepts and terminology in cybersecurity
• An overview of cybersecurity policies and best practices
• Introduction to threat detection and response
• Fundamentals of risk management and mitigation strategies
• How to protect data and information assets

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The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws

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Target Audience: Beginners, Web Developers
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Authors: Dafydd Stuttard, Marcus Pinto

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About the book: This book is a great starting point for anyone interested in web application security. It provides a thorough introduction to the most common security vulnerabilities found in web applications and offers practical advice on how to identify and exploit these flaws. The book is filled with real-world examples and exercises that will help you develop the skills needed to secure web applications effectively.

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What you will learn:

• Common web application vulnerabilities and how to exploit them
• Techniques for conducting effective penetration testing
• Methods for identifying and mitigating security flaws in web applications
• Hands-on exercises to reinforce key concepts
• Best practices for securing web applications

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Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition

Target Audience: Beginners, Aspiring Ethical Hackers
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Author: Jon Erickson

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About the book: This book is an excellent resource for those interested in learning the technical aspects of hacking and cybersecurity. It covers everything from basic programming concepts to advanced exploitation techniques. The book includes a live CD with a complete Linux environment, allowing you to practice the concepts as you learn. By the end of this book, you'll have a deeper understanding of how systems are exploited and how to protect them.

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What you will learn:

• Fundamental programming skills necessary for cybersecurity
• Understanding of how security vulnerabilities are exploited
• Techniques for writing and modifying exploit code
• Hands-on experience with real-world hacking scenarios
• How to think like a hacker to defend against attacks

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Cybersecurity For Dummies

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Target Audience: Beginners, General Audience
Level: Beginner
Author: Joseph Steinberg

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About the book: Part of the popular "For Dummies" series, this book provides an easy-to-follow introduction to cybersecurity. It covers a wide range of topics, from protecting personal data to understanding the basics of network security. The book is written in a conversational style, making complex cybersecurity topics accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background.

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What you will learn:

• Overview of cybersecurity threats and how to protect against them
• How to secure your personal and professional data
• Introduction to network security and encryption
• Basic steps to take in the event of a cybersecurity breach
• Practical tips for staying safe online

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Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards

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Target Audience: Beginners, Network Administrators
Level: Beginner
Author: William Stallings

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About the book: This book is a staple for anyone looking to understand the basics of network security. It provides a clear explanation of the key principles and practices involved in securing networks. The book covers topics such as cryptography, access control, and network security protocols, making it a valuable resource for beginners and those looking to reinforce their understanding of network security.

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What you will learn:

• Key principles of network security and why they are important
• Overview of cryptography and its role in securing data
• Techniques for implementing access control and secure authentication
• Understanding of network security protocols and standards
• How to apply network security principles in real-world scenarios

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If you want to start your cybersecurity career, you can find some beginner-level cybersecurity courses on LetsDefend.