5 Non-hacker Books That Every Hacker Should Own!

Controversial opinion: If you want to excel at hacking and security then you can't just read hacking books alone.

There are a million-and-a-half books out there already that will teach you hacking techniques. But overspecializing breeds in weakness. So let's have some fun with it! Here are five books that every hacker should own to broaden their skillset, change their thinking, and stay ahead of the competition.

Now, let's dive in.

#1 The Tangled Web: A Guide to Securing Modern Web Applications

This is the best non-security, security book I have ever read!

The Tangled Web gives a complete history behind how the web actually works, and why it's really just a mishmash of shoestring and bubblegum. In here, you'll learn how to find the line between expectations and reality.

#2 Threat Modeling: Designing for Security

Companies could save millions with just this one skill!

It makes me sad that not enough teams do this, and you should. Threat modeling is a crucial step in red teaming as it gives you insight into where security controls are lacking. Map out their environment, enumerate the flaws, avoid the controls, and profit.

#3 Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

Hackers are programmers!

As a network guy myself, I've spent my whole life trying to prove this statement wrong; and I've failed. If you want to be a hacker, you gotta learn programming. This is the best resource I've found by far to get you started.

#4 Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected

Learn how to communicate!

I think we can all admit that hackers aren't known for their social skills. Whether it's finding a job, writing reports, or even making some friends, this book is where it's at. 99% of my ability to talk and present comes from this book (I wish I was kidding).

#5 Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career

Hackers are experts at becoming experts!

Let's face it, hacking is hard. To be any decent at it, you need to learn every environment better than the engineers who built the damn thing. So why not supercharge your learning to stay ahead of the curve? This book will change your life.

Go Wide

The best hackers pull ideas from every area of their life. By going wide, you too can think creatively to solve challenges in new and unique ways.