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.

LinkThe Web Application Hacker’s Handbook

2. WebSec Academy (PortSwigger)

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

LinkWebSec Academy

3. OWASP Web Security Testing Guide

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

Link to Latest VersionOWASP Web Security Testing Guide

Version 4.2 by Ellie Saad and Rick MitchellWeb 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.

LinkReal World Bug Hunting

5. Bug Bounty Bootcamp

Author: Vickie Li

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

LinkBug Bounty Bootcamp

6. The Red Team Field Manual

Author: Ben Clark

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

LinkThe 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.

LinkRed Team Development and Operations

8. Operator Handbook

Author: Joshua Picolet

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

LinkOperator 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.

LinkTribe of Hackers Red Team

10. The Pentester Blueprint

Authors: Phillip Wylie and Kim Crawley

Summary: A roadmap for aspiring penetration testers.

LinkThe Pentester Blueprint

11. OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online Information

Author: Michael Bazzel

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

LinkOSINT Techniques

12. Evading EDR

Author: Matt Hand

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

LinkEvading EDR

13. Attacking Network Protocols

Author: James Forshaw

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

LinkAttacking Network Protocols

14. Black Hat GraphQL

Author: Nick Aleks

Summary: Focused on exploiting vulnerabilities in GraphQL APIs.

LinkBlack Hat GraphQL

15. Hacking APIs

Author: Corey Ball

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

LinkHacking APIs

Companion LabsAPISEC University

16. Black Hat Go

Authors: Tom Steele, Chris Patten, and Dan Kottmann

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

LinkBlack Hat Go

17. Black Hat Python

Author: Justin Seitz

Summary: Advanced Python techniques for pentesting and security automation.

LinkBlack Hat Python

18. Black Hat Bash

Authors: Dov and Nick Aleks

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

LinkBlack Hat Bash

19. Zseano’s Methodology

Author: Zseano

Summary: A free methodology guide for bug bounty hunting.

LinkZseano’s Methodology

20. Breaking Into Information Security

Author: Andy Gill

Summary: A practical career guide for newcomers to cybersecurity.

LinkBreaking Into Information Security

21. Expanding Your Security Horizons

Author: Andy Gill

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

LinkExpanding Your Security Horizons

Online Platforms and Wikis

1. Wiki Book Pentest (Living Document)

Overview: A comprehensive resource for penetration testing techniques.

LinkPentest Wiki

2. HackTRICKS

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

LinkHackTRICKS

3. Fuzzing Lists

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

LinkFuzzing Lists

4. SecLists

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

LinkSecLists

5. Payloads All The Things

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

LinkPayloads All The Things

Hands-On Labs and CTF Platforms

1. Pentester Lab

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

LinkPentester Lab

2. Try Hack Me

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

Red Team Fundamentals ModuleTry Hack Me

3. HTB Academy

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

LinkHTB Academy

4. Hacktivity (HackerOne)

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

LinkHacktivity

5. Vulnerable U

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

LinkVulnerable U

Newsletters

1. Sharing What Matters in Security

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

LinkSecuribee Newsletter

2. Intigriti

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

Link: [Intigriti]