Python for Security and Networking: Leverage Python modules and tools in securing your network and applications, 3rd Edition 3rd Edition

In chapter 1 you'll start learning about Python fundamentals, gaining a basic understanding of functions, built-ins, data types, methods, and Python's core features. This will help set the stage to the more complicated security programming concepts arriving in the later chapters. I specifically liked the beginning examples of how to interact with the filesystem, as this is something that I hadn't learned in depth before diving into this book.Everyone wants to make their programs faster; Chapter 2 does a great job at diving into methodologies to increase filesystem and process interaction with the host operating system. Threading and Multiprocessing are a must-have comprehension when creating cybersecurity tools for use in production environments.Chapter 3 dives deeply into socket programming. The tools I create at my day job must often interact with other devices over the network. I have already implemented some of the features discussed in this chapter in projects that I've been working on. One of the things I like most about this book are the code examples. I'm the type that learns faster from code blocks than I do from text. The author did a great job at dishing out small and easy to understand snippets for each new concept discussed per chapter. The author also did a great job at explaining enough of what you need to know to use the functions and methods without overloading you with technical jargon.Another _really_ good nugget from the sockets chapter was sending files over a network connection. That is something that I haven't yet played with. I have definitely walked away knowing more than I did when I started reading the book.Later chapters go into HTTP programming and interacting with Web Proxies (which anyone working in a corporation is going to run into), later followed by an in-depth dive of creating, interacting with, and packet capture data. All great chapters for upcoming cyber professionals wanting to extract, parse, or manipulate raw network traffic.Chapter 9 had a great walk through on how to interact with cybersecurity tools like OWASP Zap programmatically. This chapter alone could be the precursor to building plugin integrations for cybersecurity tools!Chapter 14 has a great working example of DES encryption and decryption. At some point in our careers, we're going to handle sensitive data that needs to be adequately protected. This chapter did a terrific job at showcasing how to implement cryptographic algorithms to increase the overall security of your code.My final review: Absolutely a must have for cybersecurity professionals across the board. If you are new to programming and cybersecurity--this is the best of both worlds. If you are a seasoned cybersecurity development professional--you will still walk away with useful nuggets of information that can be applied to current or deployed projects. This is a great book with many valuable resources that are directly applicable to a career in cybersecurity.PS: Don't forget to download the GitHub repo! All the code examples are nicely arranged so you can hop right in and start practicing with the exercises.

"Python for Security and Networking" by Jose Manuel Ortega is an excellent resource for anyone interested in leveraging the power of Python for network security purposes. This book provides a comprehensive guide that covers both the fundamentals of Python programming and its practical application in the field of cybersecurity.It is a great refresher on Python (data structures, functions, etc.). Then, leveraging this understanding, delivers the knowledge you need to deploy powerful security tools to understand your security posture and the traffic in your network. It delves into various security-related topics, including packet manipulation, network scanning, web scraping, and even ethical hacking techniques.One of the standout features of this book is the author's ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. Even if you have little to no prior experience with Python or network security, Ortega's explanations will help you grasp the material with ease. The book takes a step-by-step approach, gradually building upon the foundational concepts and introducing more advanced topics as you progress through the chapters.Another aspect that sets this book apart from others is its hands-on approach. Each chapter includes practical examples, exercises, and projects that allow you to apply the knowledge gained.Furthermore, the author emphasizes the importance of best practices and security considerations throughout the book. Whether it's discussing secure coding techniques, network vulnerability assessments, or protecting against common attacks, Ortega ensures that readers are equipped with the knowledge to develop secure and robust applications.While the focus of the book is on Python, it also provides valuable insights into networking protocols and concepts. This makes it a valuable resource for individuals interested in both programming and network security, as it bridges the gap between these two domains seamlessly.Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, this book will undoubtedly help you gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle security challenges using Python.