Best books and websites to learn Ethical Hacking in 2018

In the age of the Information Technology, protecting privacy and information has become just as important as protecting the physical asset. Information security (InfoSec) is the practice of protecting both physical and digital information from destruction or unauthorized access. As an ethical hacker or InfoSec practitioner, you have to learn many technologies involving computer programming (coding), languages, database management, operating systems, computer hardware, networking, and so on. 

This blog post shows you selected books and websites that will help beginner ethical hackers to learn theoretical aspects of hacking. You can use these materials to teach yourself ethical hacking on your own space and time.

Best hacking books for 2018

1. The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing


This is one of the best hacking books for beginners because it covers a range of chapters on hacking and penetration testing. You don't need to have any prior hacking experience.
You will learn how to properly use modern hacking tools, which are required to complete a penetration test. Tool coverage includes Backtrack and Kali Linux, Google reconnaissance, MetaGooFil, DNS interrogation, Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, the Social Engineer Toolkit (SET), w3af, Netcat, post exploitation tactics, the Hacker Defender rootkit, and more.
The book provides a simple and clear explanation of how to effectively utilize the tools and introduces a four-step methodology for conducting a penetration test or hack.
2. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation 2nd Edition

According to the Author, Hacking is the art of creative problem solving, whether that means finding an unconventional solution to a difficult problem or exploiting holes in sloppy programming. 
Rather than merely showing how to run existing exploits, author Jon Erickson explains how arcane hacking techniques actually work. This book introduces the fundamentals of C programming from a hacker's perspective.
3. Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters

Programming skills are vital for ethical hacking. In Black Hat Python, the latest from Justin Seitz (author of the best-selling Gray Hat Python), you’ll explore the darker side of Python’s capabilities such as writing network sniffers, manipulate packets, infect virtual machines, create stealthy trojans, and more.
When it comes to offensive security, your ability to create powerful tools on the fly is indispensable. Learn how in Black Hat Python.
4. Metasploit: The Penetration Tester's Guide

The Metasploit Framework makes discovering, exploiting, and sharing vulnerabilities quick and relatively painless. But while Metasploit is used by security professionals everywhere, the tool can be hard to grasp for first-time users. Metasploit: The Penetration Tester's Guide fills this gap by teaching you how to harness the Framework and interact with the vibrant community of Metasploit contributors.
Once you've built your foundation for penetration testing, you’ll learn the Framework's conventions, interfaces, and module system as you launch simulated attacks. You’ll move on to advanced penetration testing techniques, including network reconnaissance and enumeration, client-side attacks, wireless attacks, and targeted social-engineering attacks.
5. Kali Linux Revealed: Mastering the Penetration Testing Distribution

Kali Linux has not only become the information security professional's operating system of choice, but evolved into an industrial-grade, and world-class operating system distribution--mature, secure, and enterprise-ready.
In this book, you will learn about Kali Linux platform and its tools. The developers will walk you through Kali Linux features and fundamentals, provide a crash course in basic Linux commands and concepts, and then walk you through the most common Kali Linux installation scenarios. You'll learn how to configure, troubleshoot and secure Kali Linux and then dive into the powerful Debian package manager. Throughout this expansive section, you'll learn how to install and configure packages, how to update and upgrade your Kali installation, and how to create your own custom packages. Then you'll learn how to deploy your custom installation across massive enterprise networks. Finally, you'll be guided through advanced topics such as kernel compilation, custom ISO creation, industrial-strength encryption, and even how to install crypto kill switches to safeguard your sensitive information.
Whether you're a veteran or an absolute n00b, this is the best place to start with Kali Linux, the security professional's platform of choice.
Best Websites to Learn Ethical Hacking
Once you learn the basics of Ethical Hacking, it is very important to keep your knowledge updated. You can use various forums, blogs, and websites to learn new vulnerabilities and discoveries. Here are few websites I use for everyday learning.
1. IT Security Stack Exchange

IT Security Stack Exchange is for Information Security professionals to discuss protecting assets from threats and vulnerabilities.
2. Hack This Site

Hack This Site is a free, safe and legal training ground for hackers to test and expand their hacking skills. More than just another hacker wargames site.It consists of an active community with many active projects in development, with a vast selection of hacking articles and a huge forum where users can discuss hacking, network security, and just about everything.
3. SecurityTube.net

SecurityTube.net consists of a video library, community forum, and tools section. If you are a visual learner, this website is a great resource. The videos are updated daily.
4. HackingLoops

This blog is intended for technical people at the beginning stages of trying to figure a way to break into the IT Security. This site is also for those who would simply like to understand the world of security better and learn to secure their own network or secure their company’s network better.
5. Hack A Day

Hackaday serves up fresh hacks every day from around the Internet. The front page is consists of a mix of hacks from around the community as well as our own original content. The website promotes the exchange of ideas and information.
Will I become a Hacker after reading books and web articles?
No, you have to practice while you learn. In this field experience is more valuable than knowledge. Use wide varieties of tools and learn to be patient and always plan ahead for any hacking activity.