The Ultimate Guide to Hacking Books and Resources for 2024

Cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals alike benefit from having the right resources at their disposal. Below is a detailed guide to essential hacking books and resources, complete with direct links for easy access.

Hacking Books and Learning Resources

1. The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook

• Authors: Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto

• Summary: A foundational guide to web application security, covering key vulnerabilities and attack methods.

• Why Read It: Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners.

• Link: The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook

2. WebSec Academy (PortSwigger)

• Overview: A free learning platform offering hands-on labs and courses on web application security.

• Link: WebSec Academy

3. OWASP Web Security Testing Guide

• Description: A community-driven guide to web application security testing.

• Link to Latest Version: OWASP Web Security Testing Guide

• Version 4.2 by Ellie Saad and Rick Mitchell: Web Security Testing Guide v4.2

4. Real World Bug Hunting

• Author: Peter Yaworski

• Summary: Insights into vulnerabilities discovered in real-world applications, such as Uber and Starbucks.

• Link: Real World Bug Hunting

5. Bug Bounty Bootcamp

• Author: Vickie Li

• Summary: A comprehensive guide to starting and succeeding in bug bounty hunting.

• Link: Bug Bounty Bootcamp

6. The Red Team Field Manual

• Author: Ben Clark

• Summary: A practical, command-focused manual for red teamers.

• Link: The Red Team Field Manual

7. Red Team Development and Operations: A Practical Guide

• Authors: Joe Vest and James Tubberville

• Summary: Guidance on building and managing effective red teams.

• Link: Red Team Development and Operations

8. Operator Handbook

• Author: Joshua Picolet

• Summary: Covers red, blue, and OSINT commands, making it a versatile reference.

• Link: Operator Handbook

9. Tribe of Hackers Red Team

• Authors: Marcus Carey and Jennifer Jin

• Summary: Features interviews with top hackers on career advice, tools, and philosophies.

• Link: Tribe of Hackers Red Team

10. The Pentester Blueprint

• Authors: Phillip Wylie and Kim Crawley

• Summary: A roadmap for aspiring penetration testers.

• Link: The Pentester Blueprint

11. OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online Information

• Author: Michael Bazzel

• Summary: Explores techniques for gathering intelligence using open-source tools.

• Link: OSINT Techniques

12. Evading EDR

• Author: Matt Hand

• Summary: A guide to bypassing endpoint detection systems during red team engagements.

• Link: Evading EDR

13. Attacking Network Protocols

• Author: James Forshaw

• Summary: A detailed exploration of network protocol vulnerabilities and exploits.

• Link: Attacking Network Protocols

14. Black Hat GraphQL

• Author: Nick Aleks

• Summary: Focused on exploiting vulnerabilities in GraphQL APIs.

• Link: Black Hat GraphQL

15. Hacking APIs

• Author: Corey Ball

• Summary: Comprehensive coverage of API vulnerabilities, supported by online labs.

• Link: Hacking APIs

• Companion Labs: APISEC University

16. Black Hat Go

• Authors: Tom Steele, Chris Patten, and Dan Kottmann

• Summary: A programming guide for creating offensive security tools using Go.

• Link: Black Hat Go

17. Black Hat Python

• Author: Justin Seitz

• Summary: Advanced Python techniques for pentesting and security automation.

• Link: Black Hat Python

18. Black Hat Bash

• Authors: Dov and Nick Aleks

• Summary: A forthcoming book focusing on scripting for offensive security using Bash.

• Link: Black Hat Bash

19. Zseano’s Methodology

• Author: Zseano

• Summary: A free methodology guide for bug bounty hunting.

• Link: Zseano’s Methodology

20. Breaking Into Information Security

• Author: Andy Gill

• Summary: A practical career guide for newcomers to cybersecurity.

• Link: Breaking Into Information Security

21. Expanding Your Security Horizons

• Author: Andy Gill

• Summary: The sequel to “Breaking Into Information Security,” focusing on advanced career planning.

• Link: Expanding Your Security Horizons

Online Platforms and Wikis

1. Wiki Book Pentest (Living Document)

• Overview: A comprehensive resource for penetration testing techniques.

• Link: Pentest Wiki

2. HackTRICKS

• Overview: A living document offering methodologies for penetration testing, defensive strategies, and OSINT.

• Link: HackTRICKS

3. Fuzzing Lists

• Overview: A curated repository of fuzzing payloads for testing applications.

• Link: Fuzzing Lists

4. SecLists

• Overview: A collection of common passwords, payloads, and fuzzing strings.

• Link: SecLists

5. Payloads All The Things

• Overview: A repository combining fuzzing payloads with tutorials on exploiting vulnerabilities.

• Link: Payloads All The Things

Hands-On Labs and CTF Platforms

1. Pentester Lab

• Overview: Offers hands-on exercises and labs for learning web vulnerabilities.

• Link: Pentester Lab

2. Try Hack Me

• Overview: An interactive platform for learning cybersecurity skills, with a focus on practical challenges.

• Red Team Fundamentals Module: Try Hack Me

3. HTB Academy

• Overview: Hack The Box’s learning platform offering structured tracks in various cybersecurity topics.

• Link: HTB Academy

4. Hacktivity (HackerOne)

• Overview: Public bug bounty disclosures showcasing real-world vulnerabilities.

• Link: Hacktivity

5. Vulnerable U

• Overview: A newsletter and resource hub focused on vulnerabilities and mental health in cybersecurity.

• Link: Vulnerable U

Newsletters

1. Sharing What Matters in Security

• Overview: A newsletter by Securibee covering critical updates in cybersecurity.

• Link: Securibee Newsletter

2. Intigriti

• Overview: Bug bounty news and methodologies from the Intigriti platform.

• Link: [Intigriti]