Hey guys! Ready to level up your skills in cybersecurity and finance? 2024 is the year to dive deep into these fields, and what better way to do it than with some awesome books? I've put together a list of the best books out there for OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), OSEP (Offensive Security Experienced Penetration Tester), and general finance, making sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these books will give you a major boost. Let's jump in!

OSCP Preparation: Your Gateway to Cybersecurity Glory

So, you're eyeing that OSCP certification, huh? Smart move! It's a seriously valuable credential in the cybersecurity world. The OSCP is not just a certification; it's a test of your practical penetration testing skills. Passing the OSCP exam requires a strong understanding of various concepts, including network scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and post-exploitation. This is where the right books come into play. They'll be your trusted guides. They provide not only the knowledge you need but also the hands-on experience that you absolutely must have to get the certification. You see, the OSCP is a hands-on, practical exam, and the books provide a solid base for that. The more you know, the better. And you should focus on the best books. There are a lot of options out there, so I have made it easier for you. Keep in mind that a good OSCP book will be more than just a theoretical guide. The best OSCP books will feature practical exercises, walkthroughs, and real-world examples to help you gain the experience you need. Remember, theory is important, but practical experience is king when it comes to penetration testing, so these books will give you just that. Think of them as your training manuals before going into battle. These will help you develop not only technical skills but also the problem-solving mindset and methodologies that are crucial for success in the OSCP exam. To give you the best overview and also save you some time, I have included some of the best books out there for the OSCP.

The Complete OSCP Guide:

If you're looking for a comprehensive guide, then this is the perfect option. This will cover everything from the basics of networking and Linux to the more advanced topics like buffer overflows, web application attacks, and privilege escalation. This is a must-have for the OSCP! This book usually comes with a lot of practical examples and exercises to help you understand the concepts better and practice them. This means that, unlike a book that just has theory, this will have a hands-on experience, which is what the OSCP is about. It's a journey, not a destination, so take your time and learn everything there is to learn. The OSCP exam is very tough and the more you learn, the better. It is definitely worth it in the end! So get ready to dive in, learn, and conquer!

Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking:

Penetration Testing is a classic and very popular book. This is perfect for those who are new to penetration testing. It's an excellent introduction to penetration testing methodology, tools, and techniques. You'll learn the basics first and you'll slowly start to improve over time. A good thing is that this book doesn't assume that you know everything, so it's very beginner-friendly and great to start with. The book covers a wide range of topics, including information gathering, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation. Plus, it has many hands-on exercises that will let you practice your skills. The goal is to make you understand, not to make you memorize, and the best way to do that is by practicing. The more you practice, the easier it will be to understand everything. It is a good starting point for any future penetration tester or for those interested in cybersecurity.

Practical Malware Analysis:

Practical Malware Analysis is a great book to help you analyze malware. This is not directly related to OSCP but it does cover an area that is very useful to have under your belt. The book teaches you how to analyze malicious software, and it is crucial for a penetration tester. It is important to know how malware works, how to detect it, and how to defend against it. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in cybersecurity. It teaches you how to identify malware, analyze its behavior, and understand its purpose. This book is extremely useful in understanding how attacks are performed and how to defend against them. The more you know, the better. It is always important to learn about as many topics as possible to get a better overall understanding of cybersecurity.

OSEP Preparation: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Alright, you've conquered the OSCP and now you're aiming for the OSEP? Nice! The OSEP focuses on advanced penetration testing, covering topics such as evasion techniques, advanced exploitation, and red teaming. This certification requires a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced practical skills. You'll need more than just book knowledge. You will need to put in the time and effort. You should work on your hands-on skills, and that is what the books should focus on. You will face a lot of challenges, but with the right preparation, you'll be well on your way to success. So, what books are best for OSEP? OSEP books need to go into depth and offer extensive hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios. Make sure you fully understand the concepts. The OSEP focuses heavily on practical application, so the books should go deeper into the practical concepts. The books should cover advanced topics like: exploit development, advanced network attacks, and evasion techniques.

Advanced Penetration Testing:

This book is a great option for those looking to level up their penetration testing skills. It covers advanced topics such as red teaming, advanced exploitation, and evasion techniques. You'll find a lot of real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises. It will help you develop the skills you need to become a successful penetration tester. This book is not for beginners. This book assumes that you have a solid understanding of the basics. The book is focused on the advanced aspects of penetration testing. You'll dive deep into techniques used by attackers and learn how to defend against them. The book provides a practical approach to learning penetration testing. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from real-world examples. It's perfect for those who want to take their skills to the next level. This is definitely worth it for anyone aiming for the OSEP.

Red Team Field Manual (RTFM):

This is a super handy quick reference guide for penetration testers and red teamers. It's packed with commands, scripts, and techniques you'll use daily. Even though it's a reference guide, it's still a super useful tool to have, and it can help you understand the concepts in the OSEP. It will come in handy during your OSEP studies and while working in the field. This book is designed to provide you with the tools and information you need to succeed. The RTFM is perfect for anyone looking to step up their game in the world of cybersecurity. Having a quick reference guide like this can save you time and it will help you understand the various aspects that the OSEP covers.

The Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To Penetration Testing:

This is another excellent option for those preparing for the OSEP. It covers a wide range of topics, including web application testing, network penetration testing, and social engineering. This is a very practical guide that provides hands-on experience and real-world examples. This book will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in the OSEP. You will learn about various penetration testing techniques and tools. You'll also understand how to use these tools effectively. This book is perfect for anyone looking to take their penetration testing skills to the next level. This book is focused on providing practical knowledge and real-world examples to help you succeed in your career.

Finance Books to Boost Your Financial Savvy in 2024

Okay, let's switch gears and talk about finance! Whether you're interested in personal finance, investing, or just want to understand how the financial world works, reading finance books is a great way to learn. In 2024, there are tons of great books out there that can help you become more financially savvy. These books will provide insights into topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and more. This is an overview of the best finance books to read, so let's get into it! Finance can be a complex field, but with the right resources, you can learn to manage your money effectively and make informed financial decisions. The books mentioned below are designed to cover a wide range of financial topics, so you can pick the ones that are more suitable for your goal. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, these books will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help you achieve your financial goals. Let's get started!

The Intelligent Investor:

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is a classic for a reason. This is a foundational book on value investing, and it's perfect for those looking to invest wisely. The book teaches you the principles of value investing. It's a great choice if you want to understand how to analyze stocks and make informed investment decisions. This book will teach you how to analyze companies, and assess their intrinsic value, and also shows you how to manage your investment portfolio effectively. This is a must-read for anyone looking to build a solid financial foundation. The book is known for its timeless investment principles and comprehensive guidance. If you're serious about investing, then you must read this book.

Rich Dad Poor Dad:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is a great introduction to personal finance. This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn about money management and financial independence. This book is about the importance of financial literacy, and it's perfect for those who want to build wealth and achieve financial freedom. The book teaches you about the difference between assets and liabilities and the importance of investing. The author shares valuable insights and practical strategies for building wealth. It emphasizes the importance of financial education and taking control of your financial future. This book can help you understand the fundamentals of money management and how to build wealth.

The Total Money Makeover:

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey is all about getting your finances in order. This book provides a practical, step-by-step approach to managing debt, saving money, and building wealth. It is a great guide if you're looking to eliminate debt, save money, and build wealth. The book focuses on practical strategies to achieve financial freedom. It provides a straightforward plan for managing your money. The book teaches you how to create a budget, pay off debt, and invest for the future. You'll be ready to take control of your finances. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to take control of their financial future. The book emphasizes the importance of financial discipline, budgeting, and debt reduction. You'll learn how to build a solid financial foundation and achieve financial freedom.

Conclusion: Your Path to Success

So there you have it, folks! My top picks for books to read in 2024 to boost your skills in cybersecurity and finance. Remember, reading is just the first step. You should apply what you learn, practice consistently, and never stop learning. Each book offers unique insights, practical strategies, and real-world examples to help you succeed. Whether you're aiming for the OSCP, OSEP, or seeking to improve your financial literacy, these books provide a roadmap to success. Stay curious, stay persistent, and enjoy the journey! Good luck out there!