5 Books Every API Hacker Should Read
If you love web API security testing, you know API hacking books are a valuable resource. They can teach you new things, introduce you to new concepts around revolutionary web application programming, and help you stay up to date with the latest trends in your field. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 5 essential books for any API hacker!
Better yet, I’m giving 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 say that if you’re a security researcher who wants to do web API security testing, the reality is that 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 might also notice that I also recommend a few books that focus on bounty programs and making a living breaking APIs.
The thing is, no matter where you are in your API hacking career, these books can help. I’ve organized them in such a way that if you can’t afford to buy them all yet, start at 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 devoted to API hacking.
This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about API security and how to hack web applications. It provides in-depth information on how to break into different types of APIs, as well as advice on how to stay ahead of the game in this rapidly changing field. Corey also shares his own personal experiences with API hacking, which makes the content even more valuable. If you want to learn more about API security and want to start with the basics, then this book is for you!
Book #2: The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Vulnerabilities
Link: The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Vulnerabilities
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. This is the oldest book on the list and by far the largest.
The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook is essential reading for anyone looking to understand how web application vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited. The book is filled with detailed technical information and real-world examples that will help you understand the inner workings of web applications and how to protect them against 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 new and experienced hackers.
If you’re looking to boost your web application security skills, then the web application hacker handbook is a must read!
Book #3: Web Application Security: Exploits and Countermeasures for Modern Web Applications
Link: Web Application Security: Exploits 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 the attack, you have to know the defensive tactics.
This book provides in-depth coverage of all 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 to help you understand how developers protect their web applications from potential attacks.
If you’re serious about web application security, then this book is 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 plan to be an independent security researcher focused on web API security testing, finding high yielding API bugs can be important.
Bug Bounty Bootcamp is a guide to becoming a bug bounty hunter. The book covers the basics of bug hunting, including how to find and report them. It also includes a number of successful bug bounty hunting case studies, detailing methods and strategies.
In chapter 24 of Expert techniques section, Vicki digs deeper into the discussion of several 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 via bug bounty hunting.
Book #5: Real-World Bug Squashing: A Field Guide to Web Hacking
Link: Real-World Bug Squashing: A Field Guide to Web Hacking
Author: Pierre 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.
It begins by diving into the mindset of a bug hunter – what drives him to find vulnerabilities in software and systems? It then provides an overview of the bug hunting process, from identifying potential targets to writing a report. Most 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, as well as examples of real exploits. It also offers advice on how to avoid getting caught by security teams and maximize the value of your finds. “Real-World Bug Hunting” is essential reading for anyone interested in a career in bug hunting.
Conclusion
These five books are essential reading for anyone interested in API hacking. 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, 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 will give them to one of my readers on October 4th. Head to https://danaepp.com/giveaway and have a shot at adding these awesome resources to your own hacking library. I will even pay to ship the books all over the world.
Good luck!
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*** This is a syndicated blog from the Security Bloggers Network of Dana Epp’s Blog written by Dana Epp. Read the original post at: https://danaepp.com/5-books-every-api-hacker-should-read
