6 Proxy Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by Grant Ongers, CTO at Secure Deliver, and other top professionals, these Proxy Books offer deep insights for serious learners.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if I told you that mastering proxy technologies could unlock new levels of control and security in your network or corporate environment? Proxy servers and the legal frameworks governing proxies are often seen as technical or regulatory labyrinths, but they hold the keys to smoother, safer operations.

Grant Ongers, CTO at Secure Deliver and Chair of OWASP’s Global Board, discovered the power of the Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) while navigating complex web security challenges. His insights reveal how practical, recipe-driven approaches can transform how professionals engage with proxy tools. Alongside him, legal experts like Thomas M Haines and Holger Spamann offer clarity on SEC proxy statements and Delaware corporate law, bridging the gap between technical and regulatory worlds.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience levels, goals, or niche areas within Proxy might consider creating a personalized Proxy book that builds on these insights for a more targeted learning journey.

Best for hands-on web security testers
Grant Ongers, CTO at Secure Deliver and Chair of OWASP’s Global Board, brings a wealth of expertise in web security, making his endorsement especially compelling. He emphasizes how this cookbook demystifies the complexities of ZAP, a tool with a notoriously multifaceted interface. "The Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook by Ryan Soper, Nestor N Torres, and Ahmed Almoailu is a great way to get stuck in with ZAP," Ongers remarks, highlighting the clear, recipe-driven format that mirrors practical labs. His appreciation for the authors’ hands-on experience shines through, as he notes the book’s ability to build real confidence in users navigating ZAP’s extensive capabilities.

Recommended by Grant Ongers

CTO at Secure Deliver, OWASP Chair

The Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook by Ryan Soper, Nestor N Torres, and Ahmed Almoailu is a great way to get stuck in with ZAP. Such a complex and versatile tool needs an instruction manual. Admittedly, the ZAP team does an excellent job of providing user interface hints and tips and many, many videos and blog posts explaining how to do various things too – but the cookbook does a fantastic job of providing recipes for brilliant and ever more useful things you can do with ZAP following the PortSwigger Academy Labs, and is a must-have in any ZAP user’s library. The recipes are laid out by the authors in cookbook format, as the title of the book suggests, and they are easy to follow. ZAP’s interface and many options make explaining how to do things a little complicated, but the book provides the right screenshots in the right places. The authors are professionals who actively use ZAP – and it shows! The wealth of experience distilled into the book is quite astounding. Whether you are looking for a reference book on ZAP or want to work through the exercises to build confidence in your usage of ZAP, I cannot recommend this book enough.

2023·284 pages·Cyber Security, Hacking, Software Security Testing, Proxy, Web Applications

What started as Ryan Soper's extensive work in penetration testing and application security became a detailed guide to mastering OWASP's Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP). This book walks you through installing and configuring ZAP, then guides you through exploiting web application vulnerabilities—from basic scans to advanced techniques like Java deserialization. You’ll gain hands-on skills in API testing, integrating ZAP with CI/CD pipelines, and using tools like BOAST for out-of-band attacks. If you’re a cybersecurity professional or enthusiast aiming to deepen your practical knowledge of web app security testing, this book provides clear, experience-driven recipes to build your expertise.

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Best for corporate governance professionals
This handbook offers a focused examination of SEC disclosure rules governing proxy statements, particularly those related to executive and director compensation. Its approach systematically unpacks the requirements for compensation discussion and analysis, summary compensation tables, and governance components, addressing the evolving regulatory landscape. If you engage with proxy filings, this guide helps you both prepare and interpret these documents, enhancing transparency and accountability to shareholders. A concise yet detailed resource, it addresses the core elements that shape proxy disclosures and shareholder decision-making.
2021·98 pages·Proxy, Executive Compensation, SEC Rules, Governance, Disclosure

Drawing from extensive expertise in SEC regulations, Thomas M Haines crafted this handbook to clarify the complexities of proxy statement disclosures. You’ll gain a clear understanding of executive and director compensation rules as outlined by the SEC, including how to interpret compensation discussion and analysis (CD&A) sections and summary tables. This book breaks down the evolving disclosure requirements, helping you navigate governance and accountability issues tied to shareholder decisions. If your role involves preparing or reviewing proxy statements, especially in corporate governance or compliance, this guide offers focused insights to enhance your grasp of these critical filings.

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Best for personalized proxy mastery
This AI-created book on proxy mastery is designed specifically for your skill level and interests. You share your current understanding, focus areas, and objectives, and this book covers exactly what you need to master proxy technologies efficiently. Personalization matters here because proxies can be complex and varied, so this tailored guide ensures you get clear, relevant insights without sifting through unrelated information.
2025·50-300 pages·Proxy, Proxy Fundamentals, Network Security, Proxy Configuration, Access Control

This personalized book explores the intricate world of proxy technologies with a focus tailored to your unique background and goals. It covers fundamental concepts and advanced techniques, examining various proxy types, configuration nuances, and security considerations. By aligning with your specific interests, it reveals practical insights into mastering proxy control, from setup and management to troubleshooting and optimization. The content synthesizes broad expert knowledge into a cohesive, tailored narrative that addresses your particular learning path. This approach ensures a deeper understanding of proxy mechanics and empowers you to apply sophisticated proxy solutions confidently and effectively.

Tailored Guide
Proxy Control Expertise
3,000+ Books Created
Best for legal compliance in proxy law
Simplified DGCL: including a guide to the federal proxy rules offers a uniquely accessible entry into the often daunting world of Delaware corporate law and proxy regulations. This booklet distills the Delaware General Corporation Law alongside federal proxy rules into a clear, concise format, updated as of 2021. If you’re involved in corporate governance, legal compliance, or shareholder relations, this guide simplifies the complex legal landscape with straightforward explanations and practical organization. It’s designed to help you understand and apply crucial legal provisions without getting lost in dense legalese, making it a valuable tool for lawyers, corporate officers, and anyone handling proxy matters.
2021·118 pages·Proxy, Corporate Law, Governance, Delaware Law, Federal Rules

While working through the complexities of corporate governance, Holger Spamann created this booklet to make the Delaware General Corporation Law and federal proxy rules more accessible. You’ll find a streamlined, easy-to-navigate version of the DGCL paired with a practical guide to federal proxy regulations, current through 2021. The book breaks down legal jargon into straightforward explanations, helping you confidently understand key provisions like shareholder meeting protocols and proxy solicitation rules. This resource suits lawyers, corporate officers, and anyone needing clarity on Delaware corporate law and proxy requirements without wading through dense legal texts.

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Best for advanced proxy network administrators
Duane Wessels became interested in web caching in 1994 while pursuing his master's thesis in telecommunications at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Working initially with the Harvest research project, he continued to develop Squid as others moved on to industry roles. His extensive experience operating large cache networks across the U.S. uniquely qualifies him to write this guide, which reflects both academic research and practical application. This background ensures you receive authoritative instruction on configuring and tuning Squid for diverse network environments.
Squid: The Definitive Guide book cover

by Duane Wessels··You?

2004·464 pages·Proxy, Web Proxy, Squid, Networking, Cache Management

Drawing from decades of hands-on experience developing Squid, Duane Wessels delivers an authoritative manual that goes beyond basic proxy setup. You’ll learn how to install and configure Squid on multiple platforms, optimize cache storage for speed, and implement access controls tailored to your network's needs. The book dives into advanced techniques like HTTP server acceleration and traffic monitoring, making it relevant for both newcomers and seasoned network administrators. If you manage web traffic or want to enhance network efficiency and security, this guide offers concrete, technical insights to apply directly.

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Best for Linux network performance optimizers
Kulbir Saini is an entrepreneur based in Hyderabad with extensive experience in managing systems and network infrastructure. His practical knowledge of startups and open-source projects informs this guide, designed to help you harness Squid Proxy Server's caching and access control capabilities to improve your network's performance and efficiency.
2011·308 pages·Proxy, Squid, Web Proxy, Networking, Caching

When Kulbir Saini wrote this guide, his goal was clear: to demystify Squid Proxy Server for those managing network performance. Drawing on his extensive background in systems and network infrastructure, Saini walks you through configuring Squid to reduce bandwidth usage and speed up access to frequently requested web pages. You'll learn how to customize access control lists, employ different caching modes, and troubleshoot effectively, with practical examples and screenshots guiding you step-by-step. This book suits Linux or Unix administrators and web developers eager to optimize their networks without prior proxy experience.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on proxy acceleration is written based on your existing knowledge and specific goals. You share what aspects of proxy setup and security you want to focus on, your current skill level, and desired outcomes. The result is a tailored guide that navigates you through the most relevant proxy skills and improvements you need, making learning more efficient and engaging.
2025·50-300 pages·Proxy, Proxy Basics, Setup Procedures, Security Enhancements, Configuration Tips

This tailored book explores the essential steps to rapidly boost your proxy skills through a focused 30-day journey. It covers everything from proxy setup fundamentals to advanced security practices, ensuring a learning experience that matches your current background and goals. By concentrating on your interests, it reveals key techniques to configure proxies effectively, enhance security measures, and troubleshoot common issues. The content synthesizes expert knowledge into a personalized roadmap, helping you develop practical capabilities without wading through unnecessary details. Designed specifically to guide you through actionable proxy improvements, this book addresses your unique learning needs and accelerates your mastery of proxy technologies with targeted, clear explanations and hands-on guidance.

Tailored Guide
Proxy Skill Boosting
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical Squid proxy setups on Linux
Sujata Biswas brings decades of IT experience and a passion for sharing knowledge to this book. Active in writing since 2002, she crafted this guide to make Linux proxy server configuration accessible and practical. Her expertise shines through in clear instructions and the inclusion of cloud-based deployment scenarios, making it a useful resource for IT professionals and developers alike.
Linux Proxy Server - Squid book cover

by Sujata Biswas, Liza Noble··You?

2022·24 pages·Proxy, Squid, Web Proxy, Networking, Software Development

This book challenges the conventional wisdom that setting up a Linux proxy server has to be complex and time-consuming. Sujata Biswas, drawing on decades of IT experience, guides you through installing and configuring Squid on Linux systems with a clear focus on practical implementation, including new chapters on deploying Squid in AWS cloud environments. You’ll gain hands-on skills such as managing access controls and analyzing log files, making it a solid resource for developers and IT professionals who need reliable proxy solutions. While concise, its targeted approach means it’s best suited for those who want a straightforward, efficient way to master Squid proxy server setup without wading through unnecessary theory.

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Conclusion

Across these six books, a few clear themes emerge: the importance of practical, hands-on knowledge in proxy server configuration and security; a solid grasp of legal and governance frameworks governing proxy use; and the value of expert experience distilled into accessible formats.

If you're focused on network security, starting with the Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook and Squid guides will ground you in essential tools and techniques. For those navigating corporate governance or legal compliance, The Handbook for Reading and Preparing Proxy Statements and Simplified DGCL offer indispensable clarity.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Proxy book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and master Proxy with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with the Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook if you're into web security or Squid Proxy Server 3.1 for network performance. They offer practical, hands-on guidance that builds a solid foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Proxy?

Not at all. Books like Linux Proxy Server and Squid Proxy Server 3.1 are designed for beginners, offering step-by-step instructions to get you comfortable with proxy setups.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with practical guides like Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook and Squid. Then explore legal-focused titles like Simplified DGCL to understand governance aspects as your knowledge grows.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Newer books like the Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook reflect current technologies, but classics such as Squid provide timeless technical insights. Balancing both helps.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Simplified DGCL and The Handbook for Reading and Preparing Proxy Statements focus on legal theory. In contrast, Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook and Linux Proxy Server emphasize hands-on application.

Can I get customized Proxy knowledge without reading all these books?

Yes! While these books offer expert knowledge, you can create a personalized Proxy book tailored to your background and goals, seamlessly blending expert insights with your unique needs.

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