Why Books Matter in Bug Bounty?
While tools and write-ups are useful, books offer deep, structured learning. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hunter, the right book can sharpen your skills, fill knowledge gaps, and provide valuable perspectives. Here you'll find books categorized by skill level, topic focus, and practical application.
🟢 Beginner Level
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The Web Application Hacker's Handbook by Dafydd Stuttard & Marcus Pinto
A classic must-read covering web application testing from A to Z. Learn how to think like a hacker and understand tools like Burp Suite in detail. -
Bug Bounty Bootcamp by Vickie Li
A perfect intro for aspiring bug bounty hunters. Covers platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd, with hands-on examples and realistic recon workflows. -
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson
Offers a deeper technical understanding of how exploits work, using C and assembly. Great for curious minds starting their journey.
🟡 Intermediate Level
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Real-World Bug Hunting by Peter Yaworski
Collection of real reports with explanations, ideal for building the hacker mindset. Learn what researchers actually found and how. -
Linux Basics for Hackers by OccupyTheWeb
Improve your Linux command-line skills, a must-have for any recon or exploitation phase. -
Practical Web Penetration Testing by Gus Khawaja
Dive into real testing scenarios, using Burp, Nmap, and more in a structured methodology.
🔴 Advanced Level
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Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation (AWAE) Notes & Practice
Although not a traditional book, notes from the Offensive Security course AWAE are often compiled into personal guides and GitHub repositories. These are goldmines for advanced exploitation and black-box testing. -
Black Hat Python by Justin Seitz
Learn how to write offensive tools using Python. Ideal for crafting custom scanners or payloads. -
The Hacker Playbook 3 by Peter Kim
Offers a full red team workflow, including web, network, and physical security. Great for expanding beyond bug bounties.
📘 How to Use These Books
Follow a progressive strategy:
- 📖 Start with foundational books like “Bug Bounty Bootcamp” and “Web Application Hacker's Handbook”. Take notes.
- 💻 Build labs using platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or OWASP Juice Shop alongside reading.
- 🔁 Iterate with real CTFs and reports after reading case-study books like “Real-World Bug Hunting”.
- 🧠 Specialize or deepen your skills with advanced books like “AWAE Notes” or “Black Hat Python”.
🧠 Practical Tips for Learners
- Use tools mentioned in the books (Burp, Nmap, FFUF, etc.) while reading.
- Document everything you learn — build a personal wiki or knowledge base.
- Join online communities (Reddit, Discord, HackerOne forums) to discuss what you’re reading.
- Don't just read — reproduce attacks in your own lab.
- Set realistic goals: “Read 1 chapter per week, apply 1 technique in lab.”