The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing
A clear guide to ethical hacking for beginners, Patrick Engebretson’s book teaches essential skills with a practical, no-nonsense approach to starting a cybersecurity career.
In this edition of Cyber Book Club, we are spotlighting The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing by Patrick Engebretson, a practical and straightforward guide that introduces readers to the core steps of ethical hacking and penetration testing. This book serves as a perfect starting point for those new to cybersecurity, offering a structured and methodical approach to the hacking process.
Engebretson focuses on teaching readers how to properly use and interpret the results from today's most widely used penetration testing tools. He emphasizes a hands-on approach where you learn by doing, walking through reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting with real examples.
This book is intentionally concise and accessible, making it ideal for students, professionals entering cybersecurity, and anyone preparing for certifications. It lays a strong foundation before readers dive into more advanced topics or complex frameworks.
What You Will Learn
How to conduct reconnaissance on targets
Network scanning techniques using common tools
Exploiting vulnerabilities through practical examples
How to document and report penetration test findings
Understanding and interpreting real-world hacking tool results
Who This Book Is For
This book is ideal for:
Beginners interested in ethical hacking and penetration testing
Students preparing for cybersecurity certifications like CEH or CompTIA PenTest+
IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity roles
Anyone who wants a hands-on, practical understanding of basic hacking techniques
Whether you are curious about ethical hacking or starting a career in cybersecurity, The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing offers a simple and effective entry point.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Setting Up a Penetration Testing Lab
Passive and Active Reconnaissance
Scanning and Enumeration Techniques
Vulnerability Assessment
Exploitation Basics
Post-Exploitation and Maintaining Access
Covering Tracks and Reporting
Preparing for Further Study and Certification