Best Computer Hacking Books of 2025

A Hacker's Mind by Bruce Schneier is a thought-provoking book that explores how hacking is not limited to the world of computers, but is present in every aspect of society. Schneier takes a hacker's mindset to analyze the vulnerabilities and loopholes in the systems that underpin our society, from tax laws to financial markets to politics. He reveals how powerful actors use these hacks to their advantage, at the expense of everyone else. This book is a must-read for those who want to understand how to notice hacks and protect themselves from those who would exploit our society. Schneier's unique perspective on hacking is both informative and entertaining.

Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions by Gayle Laakmann McDowell is a comprehensive guide for software engineers preparing for coding interviews. The book covers a wide range of programming interview questions, from basic to the most complex algorithm problems, and provides a walk-through of how to derive each solution. It also offers hints on how to solve each question and five strategies to tackle algorithm questions. The book is unique in that it reflects what's truly being asked at top companies, so readers can be as prepared as possible. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their coding interview skills.

The CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit is a comprehensive review kit for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 certification exam. It includes a study guide, exam objectives alignment, and practice tests to help readers assess the security posture of an enterprise environment, implement appropriate security solutions, and identify and respond to security events and incidents. The authors, Mike Chapple and David Seidl, are experienced professionals in the field of information security, and their expertise shines through in the content of this kit. Overall, this is a valuable resource for anyone looking to obtain the CompTIA Security+ certification.

This book is a practical guide for anyone interested in learning Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. The book covers fundamental concepts like filesystems, networking, and package management, and then moves on to more advanced topics such as security and anonymity. The tutorials and exercises throughout the book provide a hands-on approach to learning, making it an excellent resource for anyone starting in the cybersecurity field. Overall, Linux Basics for Hackers is a great first step towards learning Linux and acquiring the tools and techniques needed to take control of a Linux environment.

The Ultimate Unofficial Encyclopedia for Minecrafters by Megan Miller is a comprehensive guide for both new and experienced Minecraft players. This A-Z reference book covers everything from mining and farming to building and fighting. The book is illustrated in full-color throughout, making it easy to follow and understand. It's a great guide for readers who love games like Terraria and Pokemon GO, and it's ideal for both young newcomers and seasoned players. Overall, this book is a solid purchase for anyone looking to improve their Minecraft skills and knowledge.

Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions is an interdisciplinary work that explores how computer algorithms can be applied to everyday life to solve common decision-making problems. The authors, Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths, explain how to have better hunches, how to deal with overwhelming choices, and how best to connect with others. The book is a solid, research-based work that is applicable to real-life problems. It transforms the wisdom of computer science into strategies for human living. The book is highly enjoyable and potentially practical, making it a must-read for those interested in business decision-making.

The book "Probabilistic Machine Learning: An Introduction" offers a comprehensive introduction to machine learning through the lens of probabilistic modeling and Bayesian decision theory. It covers mathematical background, basic and advanced supervised and unsupervised learning, and deep learning. The author provides end-of-chapter exercises and online Python code to help readers apply what they have learned. This book is an excellent resource for those interested in the field of machine learning and deep learning, and it stands out for its comprehensive approach and practical examples.

The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction is an excellent guide for beginners who want to learn the Linux command line. The author, William Shotts, takes the reader step-by-step from basic terminal commands to writing shell scripts. The book not only covers practical knowledge, but also explains the philosophy behind these tools and their rich heritage. The short, easily-digestible chapters make it easy to learn and apply the concepts. Overall, this is a highly effective and useful guide for those looking to master the Linux command line.

Network Basics for Hackers: How Networks Work and How They Break is a must-read for beginner to intermediate cybersecurity professionals. The author, OccupytheWeb, explains complex topics in a simple and easy-to-understand way. The book covers various types of networks, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, SCADA/ICS, and more. It also provides an in-depth analysis of protocols such as DNS, ARP, and SMTP. The author leads the reader through the major vulnerabilities of each protocol and application. The final chapters cover cutting-edge networks in cybersecurity, such as Car, Radio, and Industrial networks. This book is a unique and valuable resource for anyone interested in computer network security.

The fourth edition of Physically Based Rendering is the leading-edge computer graphics textbook that sets the standard for physically-based rendering in the industry and the field. The book offers a comprehensive update on photorealistic computer graphics and physically-based approaches to rendering. It describes both the mathematical theory behind a modern photorealistic rendering system as well as its practical implementation. The book’s leading-edge algorithms, software, and ideas equip the reader to design and employ a full-featured rendering system capable of creating stunning imagery. This book is an essential text for professionals learning about and working in the field.