Cyber security has been front and center in today’s digital world since its dawn. From protecting medical records to safeguarding sensitive financial information, cybersecurity professionals work hard around the clock to ensure that this data stays private, and that it doesn’t fall in the wrong hands. Hackers have been increasing attacks for years, getting more sophisticated every day. And, since the pandemic erupted a year ago, they have only stepped up their game. In fact, the United Nations reports that phishing attacks alone have risen a shocking 350 percent in the first quarter of 2020, largely targeting healthcare systems.Â
Because strong cyber security is so crucial, it’s no surprise that the demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is only continuing to grow. Whether you are just beginning to learn about cyber security from the ground up or you’re looking to expand on what you already know, the following are some of the best cyber security books to read in 2021:
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1. Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learn the Realms of Cybersecurity from A-Z
Author(s): Elijah Lewis
Date of publication: January 2020
What makes this one of the best cyber security books to read: This book takes a different approach to teach readers about cyber security, and focuses on using headline stories as real-life examples of cyber attacks. Through the examination of these real examples, readers can better understand how to prevent these types of attacks through advanced cyber security techniques.Â
Readers will learn about: Aside from being introduced to the basics of cyber security, readers will learn about how to protect their email, social media, smartphones and othe mobile devices; why cyber attacks occur, cyber terrorism, the dark web, and other fundamentals.
2. Cyber Minds: Insights on Cybersecurity Across the Cloud, Data, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT to Keep You Cyber Safe
Author(s): Shira Rubinoff
Date of publication: January 2020
What makes this one of the best cybersecurity books to read: This book explores some of the latest threats that are currently putting sensitive data at risk. Readers can also get tips and various points of views from several other experts in the industry, with this book compiling expert insights from sector security leaders.Â
Readers will learn about the different AI threats and opportunities, as well as cyber security strategies that can help prevent attacks against the cloud, IoT services, and other platforms. The book dives into blockchain applications for cyber security, industry trends, data breach prevention, and other cyber security principles.
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Advanced Executive Program in CybersecurityExplore Program3. Ethical Hacking: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learn About the Effective Strategies of Ethical Hacking
Author(s): Elijah Lewis
Date of publication: January 2020
What makes this one of the best cyber security books: It helps professionals think like a hacker to prevent security breaches, and this is exactly the approach that this book takes. This book is suited specifically for those looking to learn the skills needed to work as an ethical hacker.Â
Readers will learn about: Ethical hacking, DNS spoofing, SQL injection, AP spoofing, and penetration testing are just some of the many skills that readers will learn through this book. Readers also learn how ethical hacking differs from traditional hacking with malicious intentions, and how ethical hacking can help strengthen a system’s cyber security.Â
4. Cybersecurity Incident Management Masters Guide: Volume 1 - Preparation, Threat Response, & Post-Incident Activity (Cybersecurity Masters Guides)
Author(s): Colby A. Clark, with illustrations from Ireland J. Clark
Date of publication: June 2020
What makes this one of the best cybersecurity books to read: In this book, readers learn about how to successfully handle a security breach or security attack, and how to put an incident management program in place in order to prevent them from occurring at all. It helps readers understand the process by explaining how to manage each phase throughout the entire lifecycle.Â
Readers will learn about: Technical and non-technical planning aspects when it comes to cybersecurity and technology are some of the techniques that this book highlights. Readers also learn about the threat landscape, regulatory requirements, customer environments, and effective security controls.Â
5. Computer Programming and Cyber Security for Beginners
Author(s): Zach Codings
Date of publication: March 2020
What makes this one of the best cyber security books: This book dives into the technical aspects of cyber security by teaching readers about the basics of computer programming. If you’re new to the world of computer programming or the basics of cyber security, this book can be the perfect read, as it is geared specifically toward beginners.Â
Readers will learn about: Technical and programming skills are paramount to be successful in cyber security, and this book explores a wide range of topics. Readers will learn about Python (including data analysis and machine learning in Python), how deep learning and machine learning differ, the role of machine learning in cyber security, SQL, Linux, ethical hacking, coding, and much more.Â
Wrapping Up
Catching up on some of the best cyber security books is a great complement to an accredited learning program. If you’re serious about elevating your career and learning everything you need to know in order to succeed in a cyber security role, enroll in our Introduction to Cyber Security Course for Cyber Security Beginners today. Our comprehensive program features four hours of online self-paced learning, and other tools and features that can help you learn more about cyber security, as well as receive certification upon completion.Â
If you’re looking for something beyond the fundamentals, or you want to learn more about ethical hacking and its essential role in effective cyber security, we offer Certified Ethical Hacking Course, Cyber Security Expert Master's Program, Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security. Our CEH training program provides students with the hands-on instruction they need to master the highly technical skills that are necessary to succeed in a role in cyber security. As an accredited training partner of EC-Council, Simplilearn students can be assured that they are receiving top-quality instruction. This highly-rated program includes 40 hours of applied learning, 20 current security domains, and other exclusive features. Students enrolled in this program also have an exam-pass guarantee. Learn more and enroll today!
