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Books to Learn Programming for Cybersecurity in 2025

Updated: May 18

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, cybersecurity professionals must stay ahead of malicious actors. The best way to do that starts with learning programming. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned analyst aiming to deepen your skills, mastering key programming languages is essential. It's crucial for understanding vulnerabilities, writing exploits, automating security tasks, and developing defense mechanisms. In this guide, we will cover the best books to learn programming specifically for cybersecurity in 2025.


Why Programming Is Critical in Cybersecurity


Cybersecurity is more than just configuring firewalls and analyzing logs—it’s also about understanding how software operates under the hood. Here’s why programming matters in this field:


  • Exploit Development: Understanding how attackers think allows you to write code that simulates attacks.

  • Scripting for Automation: Writing Python scripts can automate tasks like scanning, log parsing, and malware analysis.

  • Reverse Engineering: Familiarity with assembly and low-level languages is essential for binary analysis.

  • Custom Security Tools: You can build your own scanners, sniffers, or intrusion detection systems.


With this foundational knowledge, let’s dive into the top programming books tailored for cybersecurity learners.


1. "Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters" by Justin Seitz


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Focuses specifically on offensive security.

  • Teaches how to create keyloggers, trojans, network sniffers, and more.

  • Offers hands-on examples with code snippets for real-world hacking tools.


💡 Best For:

  • Beginners with basic Python knowledge.

  • Aspiring penetration testers and red teamers.


🔍 Keywords:

  • Python for hacking

  • Ethical hacking books

  • Black Hat Python cybersecurity


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3F0YFXc


2. "The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Covers C programming, assembly, and buffer overflows.

  • Includes a bootable Linux environment with all tools pre-installed.

  • Explains hacking techniques along with in-depth programming analysis.


💡 Best For:

  • Intermediate users with some programming background.

  • Anyone interested in exploit development.


🔍 Keywords:

  • C programming for cybersecurity

  • Hacker programming books

  • The Art of Exploitation review


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jIyV0R


3. "Violent Python: A Cookbook for Hackers, Forensic Analysts, Penetration Testers and Security Engineers" by TJ O’Connor


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • A practical guide to Python scripting for cybersecurity.

  • Covers tasks like cracking passwords, scanning, and network attacks.

  • Each chapter solves a real-world problem with code.


💡 Best For:

  • Cybersecurity students and professionals.

  • Anyone looking to build real hacking tools using Python.


🔍 Keywords:

  • Python cybersecurity scripting

  • Penetration testing with Python

  • Violent Python book


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/43kuYtv


4. "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson (2nd Mention for Depth)


📌 Deep Technical Insight:

  • Goes deeper than surface-level tutorials.

  • Encourages readers to think like a hacker by exploring memory, shellcode, and program structure.

  • Excellent for understanding the mindset and methodology of attackers.


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d9hkNi


5. "C Programming Language" by Brian W. Kernighan & Dennis M. Ritchie


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Written by the creators of C.

  • A must-read for anyone diving into low-level programming.

  • C is critical in exploit writing, reverse engineering, and OS internals.


💡 Best For:

  • Aspiring reverse engineers and exploit developers.

  • Those preparing for CTFs or binary exploitation roles.


🔍 Keywords:

  • C programming for hackers

  • Learn C for cybersecurity

  • Kernighan Ritchie C book


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/44ZaBTU


6. "Practical Malware Analysis" by Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Teaches reverse engineering using C, Python, and Assembly.

  • A comprehensive malware analyst’s guide with labs and tools.

  • Essential for anyone wanting to understand malicious code behavior.


💡 Best For:

  • Security analysts, DFIR professionals, malware researchers.


🔍 Keywords:

  • Malware programming books

  • Reverse engineering books

  • Learn Assembly for cybersecurity


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iZdFmz


7. "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Perfect for beginners to learn Python fast.

  • Teaches automation with real-world examples.

  • While not security-specific, it’s ideal for writing scripts for automation in SOC or blue team roles.


💡 Best For:

  • Cybersecurity beginners.

  • SOC analysts looking to automate tasks.


🔍 Keywords:

  • Python for cybersecurity beginners

  • Learn to script security tasks

  • Python for automation security


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/43nEQ5G


8. "Shellcoder's Handbook" by Chris Anley, John Heasman, Felix Lindner, and Gerardo Richarte


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Focuses on low-level exploit development.

  • Teaches how to write shellcode and understand system vulnerabilities.

  • Covers modern buffer overflows and heap-based attacks.


💡 Best For:

  • Advanced learners.

  • Individuals preparing for OSCP, OSEP, or careers in exploit development.


🔍 Keywords:

  • Shellcode programming

  • Exploit development books

  • Learn buffer overflow hacking


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iQyMY4


9. "Serious Python" by Julien Danjou


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Transitions you from beginner to professional Python developer.

  • Emphasizes clean code and architecture.

  • Useful for those building robust internal security tools.


💡 Best For:

  • Developers transitioning into security engineering roles.


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/42PXYJB


10. "Programming for Hackers: Learn to Code and Think Like a Hacker" by OccupyTheWeb


📌 Why It’s Great:

  • Written by the author of Linux Basics for Hackers.

  • Focuses on programming that directly relates to hacking and security tasks.

  • Covers Python, Bash, and basic networking.


💡 Best For:

  • Beginners with no programming experience.


📦 Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/42OWuiM


Bonus Tip: Best Programming Languages to Learn for Cybersecurity


To be successful in cybersecurity, consider focusing on these programming languages:


  • Python – Ideal for scripting, automation, malware analysis, and penetration testing.

  • C/C++ – Essential for binary exploitation, reverse engineering, and OS-level programming.

  • Assembly – Fundamental for malware development and reverse engineering.

  • JavaScript – Key for understanding web application security.

  • Bash/Shell – Vital for Linux administration and scripting.

  • PowerShell – Important for Windows exploitation and blue team tasks.


Final Thoughts


If you’re serious about cybersecurity, learning to program isn’t optional—it’s foundational. The books listed above cater to various skill levels. They provide the hands-on, technical experience needed for success in the field. Whether building exploits, analyzing malware, or defending systems, these books empower you to write code that secures the digital world! Have more questions or need help getting secured?


Contact us today! ☎️ 305-988-9012 📧 info@cybrvault.com 🖥 www.cybrvault.com


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