Python for Security and Networking: Leverage Python modules and tools in securing your network and applications, 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.

"Python for Security and Networking" Third Edition by Jose Manuel Ortega is a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of topics, including network scanning, packet analysis, web application security, and cryptography. It also includes practical examples and code snippets that demonstrate how to use Python to solve real-world security problems. The book covers various security techniques and provides practical examples to help readers understand how to protect their networks and systems using Python. It starts by introducing Python scripting and essential libraries, then delves into core networking tasks such as vulnerability checking, packet sniffing, and endpoint protection. Throughout the book, readers will learn how to automate security and penetration testing tasks, analyze network traffic, extract information from servers, and detect vulnerabilities in web applications. The author also explores modern techniques, libraries, and frameworks from the Python ecosystem that can be used for network security. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced Python developers. The author provides clear explanations of the concepts and techniques used in network security, and the code examples are well-commented and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to network engineers, system administrators, and security professionals who want to enhance their understanding of network security using Python. The author assumes the reader has a basic understanding of programming structures and a familiarity with the Python programming language. Overall, "Python for Security and Networking" Third Edition is an excellent resource for anyone interested in using Python for network security. It provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of network security and demonstrates how to use Python to implement effective security solutions, offering insights and techniques for securing networks and applications. The book is highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of network security and Python programming.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into the world of Python for Security & Networking through this captivating book that I cannot recommend enough. This invaluable resource has truly transformed my understanding and proficiency. The book's well-structured and comprehensive approach immediately captured my attention from the beginning. The author's expertise in Python and their deep understanding of security and networking principles shone through, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable to learn. One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on practical applications. Each chapter is packed with hands-on exercises and real-world examples, allowing me to immediately apply what I learned and solidify my understanding. This approach enhanced my Python skills and instilled in me the confidence to tackle real security and networking challenges. The book's clear explanations and step-by-step tutorials make it suitable for both beginners and those with prior experience. Whether you're just starting your journey in Python or seeking to expand your knowledge in the realm of security and networking, this book caters to a wide range of skill levels. What I appreciate most about this book is its unwavering positivity and encouragement. The author's passion for the subject matter is infectious, creating an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. Complex topics are broken down into manageable pieces, fostering a sense of accomplishment with each new skill mastered. In conclusion, the Python for Security & Networking book is an outstanding resource that exceeded my expectations. Its engaging style, practical approach, and comprehensive content make it an essential companion for anyone interested in Python, security, and networking. Whether you're a student, professional, or enthusiast, this book will undoubtedly enhance your skills and empower you to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of security and networking with confidence.

I really enjoyed reading this book: Chapter five provides a comprehensive overview of packet-crafting and sniffing using Python modules such as pcapy-ng and scapy. It emphasizes the importance of having access to raw packet output and basic packet topology for effective security assessments and decision-making. Scapy's versatility is highlighted, as it allows for the creation of networking tools without building packets from scratch. In Chapter 10, the focus shifts to the analysis of vulnerabilities in web applications, which is currently a critical area for security audits. The chapter introduces various Python tools in the ecosystem that help identify server vulnerabilities in web applications, with particular attention given to sqlmap. XSS and SQL injection vulnerabilities are thoroughly examined, and several tools, including sqlmap and Nmap scripts, are discussed for detecting such vulnerabilities. The chapter also explores tools like Oralyzer and Fuxploider for vulnerability detection in web applications. Throughout the chapter, I learned about the primary vulnerabilities that can be found in websites and how Python scripts and automated tools can be employed to detect them. Additionally, the chapter sheds light on the detection of configuration errors on servers that can compromise website security and be exploited by attackers. These chapters provide valuable insights into packet analysis, web application vulnerability detection, and information retrieval related to vulnerabilities. In addition to providing theoretical explanations, practical examples, and the use of Python tools, this book provides a comprehensive and informative resource for security professionals and enthusiasts alike.

"Python for Security and Networking" by Jose Manuel Ortega is a well-written book and an excellent resource for anyone interested in security and networking domains. The author's writing style is impressive and attention-grabbing; no single page is not attractive. The book's content is well organized, and the transition from one chapter to the next is done very well. The progression from foundational concepts to advanced topics is well-managed for the learners. The author clearly explained complex concepts. Each chapter includes practical examples, exercises, and projects that allow the learner to practice the concepts learned. Most security books based on Python start with introducing Python language from the concept of variable. This book begins with an introduction to data structures in Python. Next, the author introduces system programming packages. This is how the author builds the Python background required for security and networking. Every chapter of the book is well-written with simple sentences. There is no poorly presented chapter in this book. This book is very helpful for students who want to start their careers in penetration testing or application security. I liked every chapter in the book. If I have to name some well-presented topics for beginners, I would say socket programming, forensics, cryptography, OSINT, vulnerability scanners, and Web application vulnerabilities. I strongly recommend "Python for Security and Networking" for beginners as a learning tool and for experienced professionals as a refresher.

I received an early review copy of “Python for Security and Networking Third Edition” by Jose Manuel Ortega. This book is a valuable asset whether your focus is networking or security. Why, you may ask? Often, the network and security teams operate in separate silos. However due to the increasing nature of data breaches, DDoS attacks, and pervasiveness of malware, network and security depts need to focus on a holistic approach on securing todays IoT networks. Python for Security and Networking Third Edition bridges the gap between the two principles, a few highlights: Chapter 1 discusses Python Fundamentals. Chapter 8 focuses on how to effectively make use of Nmap. Chapter 14 delves into Cryptography. What makes this book a valuable asset for your toolkit is the focus on implementing networking and security best practices using a programming language, in this case Python. Today, threat actors are using automation. In order to firm up network resources all of us will have to learn some form of programming, the Third Edition of Python for Security and Networking will aid in that regard. Highly recommend this book.

This book is a great way to add Python to your security abilities, you begin with python scripts which are very useful in building working functions, working with files and also working with packages. The fact that your can work in virtual enviorments was fascinating. This book takes you Though ways to leverage python in your security posture. Chapter 5 illustrates one of the most important parts of security and that is anaylizing network traffic and packet sniffing, this is where you have the ability to see a hacker on your network. Chapter 7 shows how to interact with ftp, sftp and ssh servers and shows you how to build a anonymous ftp server. This book will set well in any security professionals library and is a great asset to have. I believe that in todays cyber world that security professionals or anyone looking to gain a upper hand in security and taking on networking challenges should have this book.