Hey there, future cybersecurity rockstars! If you're eyeing the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) or the OSEP (Offensive Security Experienced Penetration Tester) certifications in 2024, you're in for an exciting, albeit challenging, journey. These certifications are your golden tickets to a career in penetration testing and ethical hacking. But where do you even begin? Don't worry, I've got your back. I've compiled a list of the best OSCP and OSEP books that will help you navigate the tricky waters of cybersecurity and emerge victorious. These books are not just about passing the exam; they're about building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve you throughout your career.

Why These Certifications Matter

Before we dive into the book recommendations, let's quickly touch upon why these certifications are so highly regarded. The OSCP is the industry standard for penetration testing certifications. It's a hands-on, practical exam that requires you to demonstrate your ability to compromise systems in a real-world environment. The OSEP builds upon this, focusing on advanced penetration testing techniques and methodology. Getting certified can significantly boost your career prospects, open doors to higher-paying jobs, and validate your expertise in the field. They are tough certifications, so you will need to invest your time and focus on the preparation phase. This includes books, labs, and practical experience.

The Importance of Good Study Materials

Choosing the right study materials is crucial for your success. These certifications demand that you not only understand the concepts but also apply them in a practical setting. The books I'm recommending are designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. They cover a wide range of topics, from basic networking and Linux fundamentals to advanced exploitation techniques and report writing. Remember that reading the books is only one part of the equation. You'll also need to practice what you learn in a lab environment. OffSec provides its own labs, which are an integral part of the certification process, but supplementary resources like those offered in these books are indispensable.

OSCP Prep: Your Foundation in Penetration Testing

Alright, let's kick things off with books that are essential for acing the OSCP exam. This certification is the foundation for your penetration testing career. These books will provide you with the fundamentals you need to succeed. Keep in mind that the OSCP is a hands-on exam, so it's essential to complement your reading with practice labs and real-world experience.

1. Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking by Georgia Weidman

If you're new to the world of penetration testing, this book is a fantastic starting point. It provides a solid introduction to the core concepts and techniques used by ethical hackers. It covers everything from basic networking and Linux fundamentals to web application security and privilege escalation. The best part? It's written in a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand style, making it accessible to beginners. The book is not just theoretical; it also includes plenty of hands-on exercises that allow you to practice what you learn. These exercises are crucial for reinforcing your understanding and building your practical skills. You'll learn how to set up a penetration testing lab, scan networks, exploit vulnerabilities, and much more. This is an essential book to grasp the basic concepts of cybersecurity. The hands-on approach is fantastic, providing practical exercises that build skills.

This book is a gem because it doesn't assume you know everything already. It starts from the basics and gradually builds your knowledge. It's like having a friendly guide who walks you through the fundamentals of hacking without overwhelming you with jargon. The hands-on labs are great for building practical skills, which are super important for the OSCP exam. It's a great primer, especially if you're coming from a non-technical background. It's like a crash course in ethical hacking, and it sets a great foundation. Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking is an excellent starting point for anyone preparing for the OSCP.

2. The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto

Web application security is a crucial part of the OSCP exam, and this book is your ultimate guide to mastering it. This is considered the bible for web application security. This comprehensive resource covers a wide range of web application vulnerabilities, from SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) to authentication and authorization flaws. This book is a must-have resource for anyone serious about web application security. It provides an in-depth understanding of web application vulnerabilities and how to exploit them. It's like having a detailed map of the web application landscape, showing you all the hidden paths and dangers. If you have some previous experience with web applications, this book will be a great resource to help you understand web security. You'll learn how to identify, exploit, and mitigate various web application vulnerabilities, which is essential for the OSCP exam. It's packed with real-world examples, practical techniques, and detailed explanations of complex concepts. The book is regularly updated to cover the latest vulnerabilities and attack techniques, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve. This is an invaluable resource for both the OSCP and your overall cybersecurity career.

This book is like a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of web application security. It's not just about theory; it's about practical techniques and real-world examples. This book will help you to understand web application attacks. This book isn't just about reading; it's about doing. It encourages you to get your hands dirty and experiment with different attack techniques. It's a deep dive into the world of web application hacking. It's a must-have for anyone preparing for the OSCP and working with web applications. It's an indispensable resource for understanding and mitigating web application vulnerabilities. The Web Application Hacker's Handbook is your go-to guide for web application security.

3. OSCP Official Study Guide (Offensive Security)

Let's be real, the best study material to study for the OSCP certification is the official course material provided by Offensive Security. The official guide is invaluable for the OSCP exam. While it might not be a standalone book, the course material is designed specifically for the exam. This is the most relevant material. The course is built around the PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) lab environment, where you get hands-on experience hacking into simulated networks. The material is regularly updated to reflect the latest exam changes. It covers all the essential topics, from networking and Linux basics to advanced exploitation techniques. The official course material includes videos, lab exercises, and a comprehensive PDF guide. It's tailored to the OSCP exam, so it covers all the topics you'll need to know. It's not just about reading; it's about practicing. The course provides access to a lab environment where you can put your skills to the test. This is an essential resource for preparing for the OSCP exam.

This is the most direct path to OSCP success. It's designed to align with the exam, so you're learning exactly what you need. Following the official guide and doing the labs is a solid strategy. It has all the information in one place, which helps keep your study organized. It's the most targeted way to prepare, ensuring you're covering all the necessary topics. If you're serious about passing the OSCP, then the PWK course material is non-negotiable.

OSEP Prep: Elevating Your Penetration Testing Game

Now, let's shift our focus to the OSEP certification. This is for those who are ready to level up their penetration testing skills. These books delve into more advanced topics and methodologies. The OSEP focuses on advanced penetration testing and red teaming. You'll need to demonstrate your ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and work as a team. Be ready to take your skills to the next level!

1. Red Team Field Manual (RTFM) by Ben Clark

This is a fantastic quick-reference guide for red teamers and penetration testers. The RTFM is like a cybersecurity encyclopedia. It's packed with commands, cheat sheets, and practical tips for various tasks. The RTFM is an invaluable resource for the OSEP and your overall cybersecurity career. You'll find everything from basic Linux commands to advanced exploitation techniques. You can consider it as the ultimate cheat sheet. This book isn't meant to be read from cover to cover. It's designed to be used as a quick reference guide during penetration tests and red team engagements. It covers a wide range of topics, including reconnaissance, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting. The book is organized in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to find the information you need quickly. This is a must-have for anyone involved in red teaming or penetration testing.

This book is perfect for the OSEP because it's practical, fast, and covers a ton of material. It's not about reading a novel; it's about finding the commands and techniques you need right now. The RTFM is like a Swiss Army knife. It's filled with commands, tips, and tricks that will help you in your penetration testing endeavors. It's a quick-reference guide that you'll keep coming back to. It's incredibly useful for the OSEP exam. It will provide the answers to the questions you need to solve. If you're looking for a resource that's fast, practical, and incredibly useful, the RTFM is it.

2. Advanced Penetration Testing: The Ultimate Guide to Exploiting Security Flaws by Wil Allsopp

This book is a deep dive into advanced penetration testing techniques. It builds upon the fundamentals. This covers a wide range of topics, from advanced exploitation and privilege escalation to network pivoting and evasion techniques. The book is packed with real-world examples, case studies, and practical exercises. These will help you develop the skills you need to succeed on the OSEP exam. It is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to master advanced penetration testing techniques. You'll learn how to identify and exploit complex vulnerabilities, bypass security controls, and conduct stealthy penetration tests. It will help you develop your skills and take them to the next level. If you are serious about advancing your career in penetration testing, then this book is a must-read.

This book is great if you want to understand the how and why behind advanced penetration testing. It's detailed and provides in-depth explanations of complex topics. It will prepare you to be a penetration testing expert. It's not just about learning techniques; it's about understanding the underlying principles. This helps you to adapt to new situations. It's designed for experienced penetration testers, but beginners can also learn a lot by studying this book. It's perfect if you're aiming to take your skills to the next level. It's great to dive in and get into the advanced levels of penetration testing. Advanced Penetration Testing: The Ultimate Guide to Exploiting Security Flaws is the real deal.

3. OSEP Official Course Material (Offensive Security)

Just like with the OSCP, the official course material is essential for OSEP preparation. The official material is specifically designed to prepare you for the OSEP exam. This is the most crucial resource for your OSEP preparation. It will guide you through the labs and exam. The course focuses on real-world scenarios, so you'll learn how to think like a penetration tester. It is critical to the exam. It covers advanced penetration testing methodologies, including red teaming, Active Directory exploitation, and more. It includes hands-on labs, videos, and a comprehensive PDF guide. It's designed to get you ready for the OSEP exam, so you're learning exactly what you need. This will help keep your study organized and targeted. This is a must-have resource.

This is essential. It's the most focused way to prepare. This is the material that the exam is based on, so it's a no-brainer. This ensures that you're learning the right skills and techniques to succeed. The course material is up-to-date and covers all the exam objectives. This is a must-have resource for the OSEP.

Bonus Tip: Practice Labs are Key

Regardless of which books you choose, remember that practice is the most important thing. Reading is only the first step. You must practice in a lab environment to solidify your knowledge. OffSec's labs are a great resource, but there are also many other options available, such as Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and VulnHub. These platforms provide a safe and legal way to practice your hacking skills. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you'll become. These certifications are challenging, but with the right books, a solid study plan, and plenty of practice, you can achieve your goals. This is vital to succeed. Don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience.

Conclusion: Your Path to Cybersecurity Success

So, there you have it, folks! My top picks for the best OSCP and OSEP books in 2024. Remember, success in cybersecurity is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and never stop learning. These books will give you a significant advantage, but your hard work and dedication are what will ultimately determine your success. Good luck with your studies, and I hope to see you on the other side of the exam! You've got this!