5 Books Every API Hacker Should Read
If you’re into web API security testing, then you know that API hacking books are a valuable resource. They can teach you new things, introduce you to new concepts around breaking web application programming and help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your field. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 5 essential books for any API hacker!
Even better, I am going to give away three of my favorite books. Find out how you can enter at the end of this article.
API security and you
So before I go through the list of book recommendations, I want to preface that if you are a security researcher who wants to conduct web API security testing, the reality is it’s just as important to focus on the web applications themselves.
As such, a crash course in web hacking fundamentals never hurts. So some of my recommendations may seem more focused on that than on breaking web application programming interfaces.
You may also notice that I also recommend a few books that focus on bounty programs and make it possible to make a living as you break APIs.
The point is, regardless of where you are in your API hacking career, these books can help. I have organized them in such a way that if you can’t afford to buy them all just yet, start from the top and work your way down.
Enjoy!
Book #1 : Hacking APIs: Breaking Web Application Programming Interfaces
Link: Hacking APIs: Breaking Web Application Programming Interfaces
Author: Corey J. Ball
Customer Rating: (4.7) 
Book Details
Publisher : No Starch Press (July 12, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 368 pages
ISBN-10 : 1718502443
ISBN-13 : 978-1718502444
Book Review
This is one of the few books that is actually dedicated to API hacking.
This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about API security and how to hack into web applications. It provides in-depth information on how to break through various types of APIs, as well as tips on how to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing field. Corey also shares his own personal experiences with API hacking, which makes the content even more valuable. If you’re interested in learning more about API security and want to start from the basics, then this is the perfect book for you!
Book #2 : The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws
Link: The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws
Author: Dafydd Stuttard
Customer Rating: (4.7)
Book Details
Publisher : Wiley; 2nd edition (September 27, 2011)
Language : English
Paperback : 912 pages
ISBN-10 : 1118026470
ISBN-13 : 978-1118026472
Book Review
This book is a tomb of information. It’s the oldest book on the list and by far the largest.
The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook is an essential read for anyone looking to understand how web application vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited. The book is filled with in-depth technical information and real-world examples that will help you understand the inner workings of web applications and how to protect them from potential attacks.
One of the best features of this book is the “Hands-On” sections, which provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to find and exploit various vulnerabilities. This makes it an ideal resource for both beginner and experienced hackers alike.
If you’re looking to beef up your skills in web application security, then The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook is a must-read!
Book #3 : Web Application Security: Exploitation and Countermeasures for Modern Web Applications
Link: Web Application Security: Exploitation and Countermeasures for Modern Web Applications 1st Edition
Author: Andrew Hoffman
Customer Rating: (4.4)
Book Details
Publisher : O’Reilly Media; 1st edition (March 24, 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 330 pages
ISBN-10 : 1492053112
ISBN-13 : 978-1492053118
Book Review
Sometimes before focusing on offense, we have to know defensive tactics.
This book provides in-depth coverage of all the major areas of web application security, from vulnerabilities and exploits to countermeasures and defense strategies. Written by security expert Andrew Hoffman, this book is packed with real-world examples and step-by-step instructions that will help you understand how developers protect their web applications from potential attacks.
If you’re serious about web application security, then this is the perfect book for you!
Book #4 : Bug Bounty Bootcamp: The Guide to Finding and Reporting Web Vulnerabilities
Link: Bug Bounty Bootcamp: The Guide to Finding and Reporting Web Vulnerabilities
Author: Vickie Li
Customer Rating: (4.7)
Book Details
Publisher : No Starch Press (December 7, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 416 pages
ISBN-10 : 1718501544
ISBN-13 : 978-1718501546
Book Review
If you are looking at being an independent security researcher focused on web API security testing, finding high payout API bugs may be important.
Bug Bounty Bootcamp is a guide to becoming a bug bounty hunter. The book covers the basics of hunting for bugs, including how to find and report them. It also includes a number of case studies of successful bug bounty hunting, detailing methods and strategies.
In chapter 24 of the Expert Techniques section, Vicki goes deeper into discussing multiple API attack techniques.
Overall, Bug Bounty Bootcamp is an informative and well-written guide that should be of interest to anyone considering a career in API hacking through bug bounty hunting.
Book #5 : Real-World Bug Hunting: A Field Guide to Web Hacking
Link: Real-World Bug Hunting: A Field Guide to Web Hacking
Author: Peter Yaworski
Customer Rating: (4.6)
Book Details
Publisher : No Starch Press; Illustrated edition (July 9, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 264 pages
ISBN-10 : 1593278616
ISBN-13 : 978-1593278618
Book Review
“Real-World Bug Hunting” is a brilliant resource for anyone who aspires to be a professional bug hunter. The book is written by Peter Yaworski, who is himself a professional bug hunter.
He begins by delving into the mindset of a bug hunter – what drives them to find vulnerabilities in software and systems? He then provides an overview of the bug hunting process, from identifying potential targets to writing up a report. The bulk of the book is devoted to teaching readers how to find and exploit common web application vulnerabilities.
Yaworski provides clear and concise explanations of each vulnerability, along with examples of real-world exploits. He also offers advice on how to avoid getting caught by security teams and how to maximize the value of your findings. “Real-World Bug Hunting” is an essential read for anyone who wants to make a career out of finding bugs.
Conclusion
These five books are essential readings for anyone interested in hacking APIs. They provide detailed information on how to find and exploit vulnerabilities, as well as defensive tactics and strategies. If you want to be a successful API bug bounty hunter, then these books will also give you the tools and techniques you need to get started.
Want your own copies of my favorite books?
I have a few extra copies of my favorite books sitting here in my office. I’m going to give them away to one of my readers on October 4th. Head over to https://danaepp.com/giveaway and enter for your chance to add these awesome resources to your own hacking library. I’ll even pay to ship the books anywhere in the world.
Good luck!
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*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Dana Epp's Blog authored by Dana Epp. Read the original post at: https://danaepp.com/5-books-every-api-hacker-should-read
