In an overwhelmingly digital world, sometimes nothing is better than settling down to read a good book—even if it's about tech. There are some recent books on cybersecurity that have been generating buzz among insider cybersecurity groups and forum discussions. From books that help you brush up on your overall knowledge of cybersecurity to ones focusing on more granular aspects of the subject, here are seven newer publications worth checking out:
1. Zero Trust Networks: Building Secure Systems In Untrusted Networks (2nd Edition)
Published by prestigious O'Reilly Media, this book written by cybersecurity experts Razi Rais, Christina Morillo, Evan Gilman and Doug Barth dives into how to implement true zero trust by building an untrusting security infrastructure—and how security teams must have the mindset that the entire network is inherently compromised and hostile.
2. The Secret to Cybersecurity: A Simple Plan to Protect Your Family and Business from Cybercrime
Written by retired FBI agent Scott Augenbaum, this book provides tips on securing both your business and private life from cybercrime from a law enforcement perspective. Augenbaum shares stories and advice from his experience as a federal agent working in the cyber crime fraud unit. As he mentions in his book, "The victims are real, and the incidents happened. I don't mind taking you out of your comfort zone if it will prevent you from becoming a victim."
3. Cybersecurity Workforce Diversity: A Guide for Cyber Leaders
As countless research shows: diversity is good for business. A diverse cybersecurity team is also beneficial, says author Dr. Vivian Lyon, a cybersecurity professional and researcher. "Qualified women and minority cybersecurity talent are underrepresented in the cybersecurity workforce," Lyon asserts, citing research. "The risk of a lack of diversity in cybersecurity results in a deficit of cybersecurity talent to secure systems," Lyon writes and provides guidance on diversifying security teams.
4. The CISO Evolution: Business Knowledge for Cybersecurity Executives
Information security experts Matthew K. Sharp and Kyriakos "Rock" Lambro write about the business skills CISOs need to get the resources required to protect their infrastructure. The book provides tech professionals ways to "better communicate cybersecurity concepts and ideas to business people who lack a background or education in technology." Conversely, the book aims to provide tech professionals with the business language and concepts they need to know to effectively communicate with the C-suite and board members.
5. See Yourself in Cybersecurity: A Book About Careers in Cybersecurity for the Next Generation
There is a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The world's job market needs 3.4 million cybersecurity experts, according to data from The World Economic Forum.
Introducing kids to the possibilities of a cybersecurity career may make for a great investment in their earning future. This book by Zinet Kemel likens cybersecurity professionals to superheroes who fight "against hackers and cybercriminals to keep information, systems, networks,and applications safe from harm" in a way that is approachable and accessible for youth.
6. Wireshark 101: Essential Skills for Network Analysis (Wireshark Solution)
Though not technically a cybersecurity book, Laura Chappell is the doyenne of network analysis, and this is the definitive guide into analyzing network traffic. Chappell is unparalleled in using Wireshark, the open-source network analysis tool into finding out what is going on with your network—from inspecting TCP packets to filtering in on protocols—she has you covered. If you don't know what is going on within your network, you will be hard-pressed to protect it. And even if Wireshark isn't one of your network analysis tools of choice, Chappell has such a great grasp of everything network-traffic related that her book is a valuable resource to really dig underneath the hood of a network.
7. Ransomware Defense : Hands on Guide to Defeat This Threat (Playbooks for Organizations)
Ransomware is something that is top of mind not just for security teams, but for CEOs, CIOs and board members. It's one of the most maleficent forms of malware, with the potential to take down even the most successful businesses. In his guide, Thomas Follo—a cybersecurity pro—offers prevention strategies, recovery techniques and best practices for dealing with this ever-evolving cyberthreat.
