In today's tech-driven world, grasping the basics of cybersecurity is crucial. Protecting computer systems, networks, and devices from unauthorized access, theft, or damage is essential, especially as cyberattacks are on the rise. Learning how to defend personal and professional data against hackers and cybercriminals is more important than ever.

For those interested in diving into cybersecurity, books offer some of the most accessible and detailed resources. This article presents the top five cybersecurity books to read this summer. These selections provide foundational knowledge about cyber threats and protective strategies, making them perfect for anyone considering a career in this field.

1 — Permanent Record

“Permanent Record” is the autobiography of Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the U.S. government who disclosed classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013. The book chronicles Snowden's life, including his upbringing in a family dedicated to federal service and his early fascination with computers.

Initially, Snowden believed in the U.S. government's mission to protect its citizens. However, as he ascended in the intelligence community, he became increasingly alarmed by the extensive surveillance state he witnessed.

The core of the narrative is Snowden's choice to leak classified documents exposing the global surveillance programs operated by the NSA and its allies. He meticulously orchestrated the data extraction and the leak, fully aware of the potential personal and legal consequences.

After sharing the documents with journalists, Snowden sought asylum and ultimately ended up in Russia, where he remains at the time of publication. “Permanent Record” combines a personal story with a critique of government overreach, advocating for privacy rights and digital freedom. Snowden's actions continue to spark debate, with some viewing him as a traitor and others as a hero. This book allows him to articulate his perspective directly.

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2 — Hacking: The Art of Exploitation

“Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” by Jon Erickson offers a practical look into the world of hacking. The central idea is that to effectively prevent hacking, one must comprehend the mindset and methods of hackers.

Erickson begins by clarifying what hacking truly entails, countering prevalent misconceptions and emphasizing that it extends beyond merely infiltrating systems. He portrays hacking as an art form and a mindset that involves exploiting vulnerabilities for various purposes.

The book explores essential areas of hacking, including networking, coding, cryptology, and exploits. It thoroughly explains networking principles and protocols like TCP/IP, along with an in-depth introduction to programming, primarily in C, highlighting how vulnerabilities like buffer overflows can be exploited.

Readers also learn about cryptology and various encryption types, along with strategies for breaking them. Additionally, the book discusses various exploitation techniques, illustrating how unauthorized access can be achieved.

What distinguishes “Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” is its hands-on approach, complete with a LiveCD that provides a Linux programming environment for practical application of the concepts without risk.

Erickson aims to educate rather than endorse illegal activities, enabling readers to enhance their system security and software development skills.

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3 — Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking

“Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking” is a thorough guide by Christopher Hadnagy that examines the psychological aspects of social engineering.

Hadnagy asserts that social engineering involves not just technological knowledge but a deep understanding of human behavior to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or taking compromising actions.

The book is organized into sections, each exploring different dimensions of social engineering. It starts with the basics and progresses into human behaviors and cognitive biases that can be exploited, as well as various manipulation techniques.

Utilizing real-world case studies, Hadnagy makes the concepts relatable and actionable. He offers practical advice for recognizing and preventing social engineering attacks while discussing ethical uses of these skills in fields like sales and negotiation.

Emphasizing that the human element is often the weakest link in security, the book advocates for education and awareness to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks.

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4 — Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions

“Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell serves as a detailed resource for software engineers preparing for technical interviews at major tech firms.

The book includes 189 interview questions, accompanied by comprehensive solutions and strategies for effective tackling. It is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the interview process, while the second covers specific technical content.

The technical section addresses data structures, algorithms, system design, and more, providing a brief review of key concepts followed by a range of problems of varying difficulty, each with a solution.

McDowell shares personal anecdotes from her experiences at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, offering insights into what these firms seek in candidates.

The emphasis is on enhancing problem-solving skills rather than just memorizing algorithms, making it a self-contained resource for mastering coding and interview techniques.

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5 — CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

The “CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide” (Tenth Edition) by Mike Meyers is a crucial resource for those aiming to achieve the CompTIA A+ certification, a well-regarded credential in the IT sector.

This comprehensive self-study guide provides everything needed to pass the Core 1 (220–1001) and Core 2 (220–1002) A+ exams. It covers all essential topics, including mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, and security.

Meyers’ engaging writing style simplifies complex topics, making them accessible to beginners. The book features practice questions, step-by-step exercises, tips, and reviews for effective learning.

Additionally, it includes online resources like simulations and video training to prepare readers for real-world IT challenges.

“CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide” (Tenth Edition) is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to enter the IT field.

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