Our Favorite Cyber Reads on Hacking, Espionage, Cryptocurrency, Surveillance, and More

In the last thirty years, cybersecurity has transitioned from a specialized area of computer science to a thriving industry worth over $170 billion, backed by a global network of hackers. This change has been driven by major incidents such as the Sony breach in 2015, the U.S. election hack of 2016, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, and numerous hacks linked to the Chinese government, placing cybersecurity firmly in the public eye.

Pop culture has adopted the hacker theme through hit TV shows like Mr. Robot and films like Leave The World Behind. Yet, books remain a primary source of compelling cybersecurity narratives, both fictional and factual.

We have curated a list of noteworthy cybersecurity books based on our reading experiences as well as recommendations from the Mastodon and Bluesky communities.

This list of books (in no particular order) will be updated regularly.

Countdown to Zero Day, Kim Zetter

The Stuxnet cyberattack, executed by Israeli and U.S. government hackers, inflicted considerable damage on the centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and is often regarded as the most infamous hack in history. Its significant implications and advanced techniques captivated both cybersecurity professionals and the general public.

In her book, seasoned journalist Kim Zetter narrates the tale of Stuxnet as if the malware itself were a character, interviewing the key investigators who uncovered the code, analyzed its functionality, and evaluated its impact. This book is vital for cybersecurity experts and serves as an approachable introduction to the world of cyberespionage for casual readers.

Dark Wire, Joseph Cox

FBI’s Operation Trojan Shield stands out as one of the most ambitious and extensive sting operations, where authorities ran a startup, Anom, that provided encrypted phones to some of the world’s most notorious criminals, including high-stakes drug traffickers and elusive mobsters.

These criminals were under the impression that they were using devices immune to monitoring; however, their messages, images, and audio notes were being intercepted by the FBI and its international law enforcement allies. Joseph Cox from 404 Media expertly recounts the story of Anom, incorporating insights from the operation’s creators, the startup’s team members, and the criminals who operated these devices.

The Cuckoo’s Egg, Cliff Stoll

In 1986, astronomer Cliff Stoll was tasked with investigating a $0.75 discrepancy in his lab’s computer network usage. At that time, the internet mainly served government and academic institutions, which were charged based on their online consumption. Through diligent investigation, Stoll uncovered one of the earliest documented instances of government cyberespionage carried out by the KGB.

Stoll not only solved the puzzle but also chronicled it in a captivating narrative. Upon its publication in 1989, the book was groundbreaking; it demonstrated to the public and budding cybersecurity enthusiasts the ways to investigate cyber incidents, thrilling readers with excitement akin to real-life espionage. The Cuckoo’s Egg played a crucial role in illuminating the growing hacker landscape.

Your Face Belongs to Us, Kashmir Hill

Facial recognition technology has swiftly evolved from a concept often portrayed in films to a vital law enforcement tool, gaining improved accuracy. Veteran tech journalist Kashmir Hill details the development of this technology, focusing on Clearview AI, a controversial startup that popularized its use.

Hill’s narrative features engagement with at least one of Clearview AI’s founders, who aimed to share his perspective, while she meticulously fact-checked and sometimes contested their accounts. Having initially revealed Clearview AI’s existence in 2020, Hill presents a compelling firsthand narrative in parts of the book.

Cult of the Dead Cow, Joseph Menn

Investigative journalist Joseph Menn delves into the captivating history of the Cult of the Dead Cow, one of the pioneering hacking collectives from the ’80s and ’90s, and their influence in shaping the early internet. This group included notable figures who later became tech CEOs, activists, and government advisors, contributing significantly to advancements in cybersecurity, freedom of speech, and privacy rights.

Menn’s work encapsulates the achievements and obstacles faced by these hackers as they navigated the formative stages of the internet, providing a detailed history of this influential collective.

Hack to the Future, Emily Crose

“Hack to the Future” is an invaluable resource for anyone keen to understand the rich and intricate history of hacking culture. Written by hacker and security researcher Emily Crose, the book explores everything from early mischievous hacks to modern practices, leaving no detail overlooked across the years.

This work is thoroughly researched, serving not only as a historical account but also as a tribute to the hacker community, chronicling its evolution from curious outsiders to a powerful force affecting global dynamics while remaining integral to mainstream culture.

Tracers in the Dark, Andy Greenberg

The idea of cryptocurrency emerged in 2008 with a white paper penned by the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto, laying the foundation for Bitcoin and establishing crypto as a major player in the global financial scene nearly two decades later. Cryptocurrencies have become particularly attractive to a spectrum of hackers, ranging from small-time scammers to sophisticated government operatives.

In this book, Wired’s Andy Greenberg details prominent investigations that employed blockchain analysis to trace digital currencies. Through interviews with investigators, he reveals behind-the-scenes insights into takedowns involving the dark web marketplace Silk Road, the Alpha Bay hacking marketplace, and the infamous “Welcome to Video,” one of the largest child exploitation websites.

Dark Mirror, Barton Gellman

Years ago, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden unveiled the extensive scope of U.S. government surveillance efforts by leaking thousands of classified documents to select journalists. One of these reporters, Barton Gellman, chronicles the events surrounding Snowden’s initial outreach and the careful process of verifying the leaked files in his book Dark Mirror.

From tapping into private fiber optic connections of major corporations to covert surveillance of politicians and world leaders, the documents revealed how the NSA and its partners could monitor nearly anyone globally. Dark Mirror reflects not only on a pivotal moment in history but also offers a firsthand account of Gellman’s investigative journey, making it essential reading for aspiring cyber journalists.