It was just early August 2023 when we were in Vegas for BSides and DefCon. We took advantage of the pre-conference crowd and hit up a restaurant for some grub. Our server strikes up a conversation that of course leads to asking what brings us to Vegas. Proceeding to explain DefCon, he quickly catches on, and demonstrates with a large smile as he explains how much fun he has with the typical “DefCon crowd”. It didn’t take long for him to share his passion for the Mr. Robot TV series and questioned our thoughts on the show. From there, I’m quickly trying to rattle off some of the great books, documentaries, podcasts, etc off the top of my head. While I am sure I was able to cover some of the best content I know of, I can’t help but think there’s some worthy mentions I missed. So, for funzies, I’m putting this together for those who have that kind of interest and maybe looking to explore more into these resources revolving around hacking and cybersecurity.
Books
For transparency, while I physically have all the listed books, anything with an “*” next to the title means I have not yet read it.
- The Cuckoo’s Egg by Cliff Stoll (1989)
- This is so far my favorite book. I remember hearing other’s fantastic opinions on this book in my early days and after reading, I couldn’t agree more. We go on a thrilling journey into the world of hacking and espionage. Stoll’s firsthand account of tracking down a hacker who infiltrated a U.S. military computer network in the 1980s not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of cybersecurity. Do not cheat yourself by watching the YouTube video before reading the book!
- This is so far my favorite book. I remember hearing other’s fantastic opinions on this book in my early days and after reading, I couldn’t agree more. We go on a thrilling journey into the world of hacking and espionage. Stoll’s firsthand account of tracking down a hacker who infiltrated a U.S. military computer network in the 1980s not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of cybersecurity. Do not cheat yourself by watching the YouTube video before reading the book!
- Ghost in the Wires by Kevin Mitnick (2011)
- Kevin writes his autobiography about the time of the world’s most notorious hacker, playing high-stakes cat-and-mouse games with law enforcement. Mitnick’s narrative not only provides a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of cyber crime but also explores the limits of technology and the human capacity for deception. Kevin sadly passed away July 16th 2023, and we are lucky to have a piece of him in the pages of this amazing book.
- Kevin writes his autobiography about the time of the world’s most notorious hacker, playing high-stakes cat-and-mouse games with law enforcement. Mitnick’s narrative not only provides a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of cyber crime but also explores the limits of technology and the human capacity for deception. Kevin sadly passed away July 16th 2023, and we are lucky to have a piece of him in the pages of this amazing book.
- Cult of the Dead Cow by Joseph Menn (2019)
- This book aims to properly explore the history of a notorious hacking group that pioneered ethical hacking and digital activism with a sense of justice. Journey into the world of cybersecurity, revealing the group’s influential role in shaping the internet’s early days and its lasting impact on the evolving landscape of digital freedom. I cannot begin to tell you how much I learned form this book that I would not have expected.
- This book aims to properly explore the history of a notorious hacking group that pioneered ethical hacking and digital activism with a sense of justice. Journey into the world of cybersecurity, revealing the group’s influential role in shaping the internet’s early days and its lasting impact on the evolving landscape of digital freedom. I cannot begin to tell you how much I learned form this book that I would not have expected.
- The Art of Deception by Kevin Mitnick (2001)
- The Art of Deception is an exploration into the world of social engineering and cybersecurity, offering readers a journey through real-life scenarios where human psychology becomes the battleground for digital warfare. Mitnick illustrates how understanding the art of deception is essential for both individuals and organizations to fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
- The Art of Deception is an exploration into the world of social engineering and cybersecurity, offering readers a journey through real-life scenarios where human psychology becomes the battleground for digital warfare. Mitnick illustrates how understanding the art of deception is essential for both individuals and organizations to fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
- The Art of Intrusion by Kevin Mitnick (2005)
- The Art of Intrusion takes you into the world of real-life hacking incidents that reveal some of the tactics used by hackers to infiltrate seemingly impenetrable systems. Mitnick provides invaluable insights into the mind of a hacker, making this book an eye-opening exploration of the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
- The Art of Intrusion takes you into the world of real-life hacking incidents that reveal some of the tactics used by hackers to infiltrate seemingly impenetrable systems. Mitnick provides invaluable insights into the mind of a hacker, making this book an eye-opening exploration of the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
- The Art of Invisibility by Kevin Mitnick (2017)
- Provides insights into protecting their online presence. Mitnick navigates the complex landscape of cyber threats, offering strategies to make individuals and businesses virtually invisible to malicious actors in the digital realm.
- Provides insights into protecting their online presence. Mitnick navigates the complex landscape of cyber threats, offering strategies to make individuals and businesses virtually invisible to malicious actors in the digital realm.
- Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy by Gabriella Coleman (2014) *
- Dives into the world of Anonymous, unraveling the complex web of hacktivism and digital dissent. Coleman’s in-depth exploration provides a narrative that delves into the motivations, challenges, and cultural impact of this elusive and controversial collective.
- Dives into the world of Anonymous, unraveling the complex web of hacktivism and digital dissent. Coleman’s in-depth exploration provides a narrative that delves into the motivations, challenges, and cultural impact of this elusive and controversial collective.
- Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution by Steven Levy (1984) *
- Levy skillfully weaves together anecdotes and interviews, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the world of hackers whose passion and ingenuity transformed computing from a sterile enterprise into a dynamic, creative force.
- Levy skillfully weaves together anecdotes and interviews, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the world of hackers whose passion and ingenuity transformed computing from a sterile enterprise into a dynamic, creative force.
- sandworm by Andy Greenberg (2019) *
- A researched journey into the heart of the world’s most powerful cyber warfare operation, unraveling the mystery of the Russian hacking group known as Sandworm. Greenberg exposes the hidden battlefield of digital warfare, providing eye-opening exploration of the new frontier where geopolitics and technology collide.
Documentaries
I’ve been diving into documentaries lately and had no idea just how much content is out there. I was lucky to stumble across this article that along with a ton of fictional movies, includes a lot of documentaries. The result of this list ended much different than what I originally expected. There’s no real order here, it’s more of a “authentic hackers -> Cybersecurity” kind of flow. Also implemented sort of a guidance rating, where red is more “R” rated, green being more “PG” / “PG-13”. For a massive list of video resources around cybersecurity and hacking, check out this resource from cybersecurity ventures.
- We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)
- Exploration into the underground world of hacktivism, providing stories behind the notorious hacking collective Anonymous. Delves into the motivations, tactics, and impact of these digital activists, shedding light on the complex intersection of technology, civil disobedience, and the fight for online freedom.
- Exploration into the underground world of hacktivism, providing stories behind the notorious hacking collective Anonymous. Delves into the motivations, tactics, and impact of these digital activists, shedding light on the complex intersection of technology, civil disobedience, and the fight for online freedom.
- The Hacker Wars (2014)
- Digs into the world of hacktivism and cyber warfare, exploring the lives and motivations of hackers like Jeremy Hammond, Andrew Auernheimer, and Barrett Brown. The film provides a look at the blurred lines between activism, civil disobedience, and cyber crime, the impact of hacking on society and the struggle for digital freedom.
- Digs into the world of hacktivism and cyber warfare, exploring the lives and motivations of hackers like Jeremy Hammond, Andrew Auernheimer, and Barrett Brown. The film provides a look at the blurred lines between activism, civil disobedience, and cyber crime, the impact of hacking on society and the struggle for digital freedom.
- Hackers in Wonderland (2000)
- Explores the subculture and motivations of hackers. Through interviews with key figures, the film provides an insight into the underground community’s impact on technology and society. “Hacking used to make you an outlaw, now it’s a career choice.”
- Explores the subculture and motivations of hackers. Through interviews with key figures, the film provides an insight into the underground community’s impact on technology and society. “Hacking used to make you an outlaw, now it’s a career choice.”
- DEFCON: The Documentary (2013)
- DefCon, an annual gathering that brings together computer security professionals, hackers, and enthusiasts. Definitely worth a watch if you’ve never experienced this conference, if you think DefCon is just a bunch of hackers getting together and doing illegal things, this video is for you, just remember the 3-2-1 rule!
- DefCon, an annual gathering that brings together computer security professionals, hackers, and enthusiasts. Definitely worth a watch if you’ve never experienced this conference, if you think DefCon is just a bunch of hackers getting together and doing illegal things, this video is for you, just remember the 3-2-1 rule!
- Hackers Are People Too (2008)
- Good follow up to the DefCon Documentary, talks with various hackers at conventions, displaying how hackers are everyday people, and sometimes misrepresented as cyber criminals. Favorite line from this video: “Would you say the hacker community is very diverse?”
“Yea I’ve seen Linux, Mac, PC…” 😂
- Good follow up to the DefCon Documentary, talks with various hackers at conventions, displaying how hackers are everyday people, and sometimes misrepresented as cyber criminals. Favorite line from this video: “Would you say the hacker community is very diverse?”
- In the Realm of Hackers (2003)
- Following the lives of Australian hackers who operate on the fringes of cyberspace. The film shows Australian police follow hackers Electron and Phoenix as they break into computers including NASA, conquering the computer systems that put man on the moon. It also demonstrates the consequences of their actions prior and post arrest.
- Following the lives of Australian hackers who operate on the fringes of cyberspace. The film shows Australian police follow hackers Electron and Phoenix as they break into computers including NASA, conquering the computer systems that put man on the moon. It also demonstrates the consequences of their actions prior and post arrest.
- Code 2600 (2011)
- This was one of my favorite documentaries on this list. It explores the hacking evolution from the 1960s to the present day. Through interviews from popular hackers such as Jeff Moss (aka Dark Tangent) and archival footage, this film examines the ethical and societal implications of hacking, even goes into phone phreaking. Personally, I find it fascinating when these documents go into the history of computer technology and early day hacking.
- This was one of my favorite documentaries on this list. It explores the hacking evolution from the 1960s to the present day. Through interviews from popular hackers such as Jeff Moss (aka Dark Tangent) and archival footage, this film examines the ethical and societal implications of hacking, even goes into phone phreaking. Personally, I find it fascinating when these documents go into the history of computer technology and early day hacking.
- Secret History of Hacking (2001)
- Very similar to Code 2600 but focuses deeper into phone phreaking. Learn more about the blue box secret society and the early roots to the emergence of cyber crime in the late 20th century. It’s really fun to see the history of icons like Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Steven Levy and Kevin Mitnick join in on the fun and provide insights to the early days of hacking.
- Very similar to Code 2600 but focuses deeper into phone phreaking. Learn more about the blue box secret society and the early roots to the emergence of cyber crime in the late 20th century. It’s really fun to see the history of icons like Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Steven Levy and Kevin Mitnick join in on the fun and provide insights to the early days of hacking.
- Hackers – Wizards of the Electronic Age (1985)
- For those of us who appreciate a vintage documentary this one explores the emerging hacker subculture in the early days of personal computing. Through interviews with key figures like Steven Levy and Steve Wozniak, the film delves into the motivations and skills of these computer enthusiasts, shedding light on the evolving world of hacking and its impact on technology and society.
- For those of us who appreciate a vintage documentary this one explores the emerging hacker subculture in the early days of personal computing. Through interviews with key figures like Steven Levy and Steve Wozniak, the film delves into the motivations and skills of these computer enthusiasts, shedding light on the evolving world of hacking and its impact on technology and society.
- Freedom Downtime (2001)
- Kevin Mitnick, a notorious computer hacker who was once the FBI’s most-wanted cyber criminal. This documentary explores the life and legal battles of Mitnick’s arrest and the ethical implications of the government’s pursuit of him. Learn what it means to… whistle into a phone…
- Kevin Mitnick, a notorious computer hacker who was once the FBI’s most-wanted cyber criminal. This documentary explores the life and legal battles of Mitnick’s arrest and the ethical implications of the government’s pursuit of him. Learn what it means to… whistle into a phone…
- Kevin Mitnick Interviews
- It’s difficult to not put Kevin’s interviews here as a lot of them center around his story, which seem to echo the culture around that time frame of his incarceration.
- It’s difficult to not put Kevin’s interviews here as a lot of them center around his story, which seem to echo the culture around that time frame of his incarceration.
- Stuxnet (Zero Days) (2016)
- Deep dive into the world of cyber warfare, unraveling the covert story behind the infamous Stuxnet computer virus that sabotaged Iran’s nuclear program. Through interviews the documentary exposes the intersection of technology, espionage, and geopolitics, providing a glimpse into the future of warfare in the digital age.
- Deep dive into the world of cyber warfare, unraveling the covert story behind the infamous Stuxnet computer virus that sabotaged Iran’s nuclear program. Through interviews the documentary exposes the intersection of technology, espionage, and geopolitics, providing a glimpse into the future of warfare in the digital age.
- Cambridge Analytica (The Great Hack) (2019)
- Exposing the tactics employed by Cambridge Analytica to exploit personal information for electoral gains. The film sheds light on the impact of digital surveillance on democracy, urging viewers to question the ethical boundaries of data-driven politics.
The following documentaries are much less “hack-y”, but discuss some important components of technology.
- Lo and behold (2016)
- Drifts away from hacking / cybersecurity, but does discuss the birth of the internet, and provides great explanation through a series of interviews the birth of the internet and its far-reaching consequences. Find out what the first ever internet traffic was and much more with this film.
- Drifts away from hacking / cybersecurity, but does discuss the birth of the internet, and provides great explanation through a series of interviews the birth of the internet and its far-reaching consequences. Find out what the first ever internet traffic was and much more with this film.
- The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014)
- Goes over the inspiring yet tragic life of a brilliant young prodigy who co-founded Reddit and played a pivotal role in shaping the internet as we know it today. This film explores Swartz’s relentless pursuit of information freedom, his advocacy for open access, and the profound impact he left on the digital world. “You literally ought to be asking yourself all the time what is the most important thing in the world I could be working on right now, and if you are not working on that why aren’t you?”
- Goes over the inspiring yet tragic life of a brilliant young prodigy who co-founded Reddit and played a pivotal role in shaping the internet as we know it today. This film explores Swartz’s relentless pursuit of information freedom, his advocacy for open access, and the profound impact he left on the digital world. “You literally ought to be asking yourself all the time what is the most important thing in the world I could be working on right now, and if you are not working on that why aren’t you?”
- Revolution OS (2001)
- This documentary explores the history and impact of the open-source software movement, focusing on the development of the Linux operating system, the rise of free and open-source software, along with the birth of proprietary software models. The film delves into the ideologies of key figures such as Richard Stallman and Linus Torvalds, shedding light on the philosophical underpinnings and collaborative nature of the open-source community that revolutionized the software industry. Interested in what the difference between GNU and Linux is, this one’s for you.
Magazines
- 2600: The Hacker Quarterly
- Provides insights into technology, cybersecurity, and digital culture. With in-depth articles, thought-provoking features, and exclusive interviews, it’s the premier source for hackers and tech enthusiasts.
Podcasts
- Darknet Diaries
- Gotta love the work Jack Rhysider is doing on this podcast, Darknet Diaries takes us on a journey into the shadowy corners of the internet, uncovering tales of cybercrime, hacking, and digital espionage. With meticulous storytelling and interviews with real-life hackers, security experts, and victims, it offers a captivating blend of true crime and technology that will leave you both informed and on the edge of your seat.
- Gotta love the work Jack Rhysider is doing on this podcast, Darknet Diaries takes us on a journey into the shadowy corners of the internet, uncovering tales of cybercrime, hacking, and digital espionage. With meticulous storytelling and interviews with real-life hackers, security experts, and victims, it offers a captivating blend of true crime and technology that will leave you both informed and on the edge of your seat.
- Security Now
- Join industry experts Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte as they deliver in-depth analysis, insightful commentary, and actionable advice, ensuring you stay informed and empowered to safeguard your digital life.
One of the coolest things we’ve gotten to witness on our annual DefCon trips over the last several years is when a speaker asks the audience “for how many of you is this your first DefCon?” The amount of hands that go up is incredible, and grows every year. Some are seasoned hackers just now having an opportunity to come out, and lots are younger, in their early days of exploring their place in this amazing community. I hope there’s at least something for everyone here, especially for those early in your journey.
Come next year, for DefCon 33, I can track down or Mr. Robot loving server and say “Hey! I made a blog dedicated to our conversation last year!” and watch the poor guy become absolutely confused. 😁
How’d I do? Did I miss your favorite resource? Do you know of something I need to checkout? Let me know in the comments.