Chapter 1: Introduction to Expanding Your Reading in Security

Since completing my own book in 2021, I have been eager to broaden my understanding of various topics in security and software engineering. While much of my knowledge came from casual online searches, I believe that immersing oneself in a well-crafted book is one of the best methods to establish a strong grasp of a subject. In this article, I'll share insights on how to maximize your reading of technical literature while minimizing both time and financial expenditure.

Chapter 2: Efficient Reading Strategies for Technical Literature

In this video, discover must-read cybersecurity books that can enhance your understanding of the field and improve your skills.

When it comes to reading, I prefer physical books. However, for career-related, non-fiction, and educational texts, I find that audiobooks and summaries are often more efficient. Tools like Audible and Blinkist have helped me engage with more non-fiction content.

Additionally, generative AI can assist in creating chapter summaries, which provide a concise overview of a book's main ideas. This technique allows you to determine whether a full read is warranted.

That said, for highly technical books that delve into specific exploits and coding practices, summaries or audio formats are insufficient. A more focused approach is necessary to efficiently explore new topics.

I used to feel compelled to read every book from start to finish, but this can be counterproductive with technical literature. Many comprehensive texts aim to cover essential basics, meaning that as you advance, much of the material may already be familiar.

A more effective method is to skim the titles and subtitles of chapters. If you already understand a topic, move on. Conversely, if you encounter unfamiliar content, delve deeper into that section. This strategy also works well for technical blogs and tutorials.

Chapter 3: Recommended Security Reads

Here are some books I highly recommend for those looking to deepen their knowledge in cybersecurity. Some can be accessed for free, while others may require purchase or subscription.

• Alice and Bob Learn Application Security: An excellent entry-level guide on application security targeted at aspiring engineers.
• Breaking into Infosec: This book provides a solid introduction to essential hard and soft skills for aspiring penetration testers and bug bounty hunters.
• Web Application Security: Covers common vulnerabilities, exploitation methods, and defense strategies, ideal for software engineers and penetration testers.
• Security Superstream on O’Reilly: A curated list of articles and chapters that introduce various domains in application security.