Infosec Audiobooks

TL;DR

Learning about cyber security doesn’t have to be staring at a screen! Here’s a guide to audiobooks that can help you build your knowledge, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or doing chores.

1. Choosing the Right Audiobook

1. Identify Your Level: Are you a complete beginner, intermediate, or looking for advanced topics?
2. Focus Areas: What specifically interests you? (e.g., ethical hacking, network security, cryptography).
3. Reviews & Ratings: Check Audible, Goodreads, and other platforms for feedback from other listeners.

2. Recommended Audiobooks for Beginners

• Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson: A classic introduction to the mindset and techniques of hacking. It’s a bit technical, but provides a solid foundation.

  (Note: This book may require supplementary materials or practice environments.)

• Cyber Security For Dummies by Joseph Steinberg: Covers a broad range of topics in an accessible way. Good for understanding the basics and common threats.
• The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing by Patrick Engebretson: A practical guide to getting started with penetration testing, including tools and techniques.

3. Intermediate Level Audiobooks

• Practical Malware Analysis by Michael Sikorski & Andrew Honigford: Learn how to dissect and understand malicious software. Requires some programming knowledge.

  (Consider using a virtual machine for safe malware analysis.)

• Blue Team Handbook: Incident Response Edition by Don Murdoch: Focuses on defending systems and responding to security incidents.
• Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards by William Stallings: A comprehensive overview of network security concepts, protocols, and technologies.

4. Advanced Level Audiobooks

• Reverse Engineering for Beginners by Dennis Yurichev: A deep dive into the art of reverse engineering software.

  (Requires strong programming skills and familiarity with assembly language.)

• Cryptography Engineering by Niels Ferguson, Bruce Schneier & Tadayoshi Kohno: Explores the design principles and implementation details of cryptographic systems.

5. Listening Tips for Effective Learning

1. Take Notes: Even though it’s audio, jotting down key concepts helps with retention.
2. Pause & Rewind: Don’t be afraid to replay sections you find difficult or confusing.
3. Supplement with Practice: Audiobooks are great for theory, but hands-on practice is essential. Use virtual labs (TryHackMe, Hack The Box) or set up your own testing environment.
4. Combine with Other Resources: Read articles, blogs, and documentation to reinforce what you learn from the audiobooks.

6. Platforms for Audiobooks

• Audible: The most popular platform, offering a wide selection of cyber security titles.
• LibriVox: Free public domain audiobooks (selection may be limited).
• Spotify & Google Play Books: Some cyber security books are available on these platforms as well.