7 New Network Security Books Defining 2025

Explore insights from IP Specialist, Trevor Shelwick, and other thought leaders on Network Security books reshaping 2025

Updated on July 1, 2025
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7 of 7 books have Kindle versions

The Network Security landscape changed dramatically in 2024, with emerging threats and evolving architectures forcing professionals to rethink their defense strategies. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, staying current with the latest methodologies and frameworks is no longer optional but vital for safeguarding digital assets. In 2025, the focus sharpens on practical, adaptable, and resilient network security techniques that respond to today's dynamic challenges.

Among the experts guiding these shifts is Trevor Shelwick, a seasoned network engineer known for blending foundational networking with up-to-date security practices. His work helps bridge the gap between theory and hands-on application, making complex concepts accessible to new and experienced practitioners alike. Alongside him and other thought leaders, these newly published books provide a window into the cutting-edge trends defining network security today.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Network Security goals might consider creating a personalized Network Security book that builds on these emerging trends, delivering customized knowledge to fit your unique background and objectives.

This guide stands out by concentrating exclusively on the Fortinet Certified Professional Network Security exam, offering a comprehensive set of 400 practice questions aligned with the latest 2024 exam blueprint. It provides detailed explanations and reference links for every question, allowing you to deepen your understanding of critical concepts like device registration, policy management, and troubleshooting. Independently published and structured to support exam readiness, it benefits anyone preparing for Fortinet certification by bridging knowledge gaps and reinforcing key skills essential for network security professionals.
2024·367 pages·Network Security, Certification Preparation, Device Configuration, Policy Management, Troubleshooting

Drawing from a focused expertise in certification preparation, the author crafted this collection to mirror the Fortinet Certified Professional Network Security exam blueprint closely. You’ll find over 400 practice questions that don’t just test your knowledge but also explain each answer thoroughly, complete with reference links for deeper study. The book covers a spectrum of topics from device registration and configuration to global management and troubleshooting, making it a solid tool for mastering the exam content. If you’re aiming to certify your skills with Fortinet’s framework or sharpen your grasp on network security management, this targeted practice guide offers a straightforward route without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for network security beginners
Kindle version available
In a landscape where network vulnerabilities can have wide-reaching consequences, "The Computer Networking Handbook" offers a clear roadmap for creating and securing networks effectively. This book highlights emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies shaping network security today. Its practical approach includes strategic design, advanced configuration methods, and an invaluable career planner for network professionals. Whether you're embarking on your first network project or aiming to deepen your expertise, this guide addresses the critical need for robust, secure infrastructures to protect both personal and business data.
2024·95 pages·Networking, Network Security, Network Design, Security Protocols, Configuration Techniques

What if everything you knew about building networks overlooked critical security elements? Trevor Shelwick, drawing on extensive experience in network engineering, offers a focused guide that blends foundational networking concepts with the latest security protocols. You’ll learn how to strategically design network layouts, apply advanced configuration techniques, and troubleshoot failures with practical clarity. The book’s inclusion of exclusive network configuration templates and a career planner makes it especially useful whether you’re starting fresh or looking to sharpen your skills. If you want a straightforward path to mastering both creation and protection of networks, this book is a solid companion, though those seeking deep theoretical analysis might look elsewhere.

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Best for personalized learning paths
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This AI-created book on network security is tailored to your background, skill level, and specific interests in the 2025 breakthroughs shaping the field. You share what aspects excite you most and your goals, and this book focuses on delivering exactly the developments and insights you need. Customizing content like this makes sense for network security since the landscape evolves rapidly and a one-size-fits-all resource can leave you behind. With this personalized guide, you get a focused exploration that matches your pace and priorities.
2025·50-300 pages·Network Security, Threat Detection, Security Architectures, Cyber Defense, Incident Response

This tailored book explores the latest breakthroughs in network security as they emerge in 2025, focusing specifically on your interests and skill level. It examines cutting-edge developments like new threat detection techniques, evolving architectures, and advanced defense mechanisms. By concentrating on your background and goals, the book reveals how these innovations apply directly to your context, helping you stay ahead of rapidly changing risks and technologies. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the most relevant and fresh knowledge, avoiding extraneous information while gaining a nuanced understanding of modern network security challenges.

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Emerging Threat Analysis
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Best for Linux network defenders
Kindle version available
The Ultimate Linux Network Security for Enterprises stands out by focusing exclusively on the nuances of securing Linux-based networks at an enterprise scale. It covers emerging insights and practical methods, from access control mechanisms to advanced cryptographic safeguards, providing a clear framework for professionals navigating today’s complex threat landscape. This guide helps you build confidence in managing Linux network defenses, addressing critical needs like vulnerability assessments and incident response with hands-on exercises. Ideal for cybersecurity practitioners aiming to enhance their Linux expertise, it fills a vital niche in network security literature.
2024·276 pages·Network Security, Cybersecurity, Linux Systems, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection

Adarsh Kant's extensive experience in Linux network environments shines through in this focused guide on enterprise security. You’ll explore concrete techniques like firewall implementation, intrusion detection, and cryptographic tools, all tailored specifically for Linux systems. Each chapter is packed with practical exercises, such as setting up secure labs and crafting incident response plans, that equip you to handle real-world challenges. This book is best suited for cybersecurity professionals and network administrators who want to deepen their Linux-specific security skills and stay ahead of evolving threats. If you're looking for a theoretical overview, this might not be your pick, but for hands-on mastery, it delivers.

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Best for foundational theory and practice
Kindle version available
Alex Cipher is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience, from experimenting with system securities in his youth to mastering ethical hacking. After university, he began his software development career, using C and assembly languages to enhance system communications and develop innovative bypass techniques for robust firewalls. His work, driven by a passion for Python and efficient coding, has won him several industry awards. Alex dedicates his expertise to educating the public on safeguarding digital environments, emphasizing proactive security measures and personal accountability.
2024·425 pages·Network Security, Cybersecurity, Encryption, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection

Alex Cipher brings over twenty years of cybersecurity expertise to this detailed exploration of network security fundamentals, bridging theoretical principles with practical application. You’ll gain a clear understanding of each OSI model layer’s role in securing networks, including deep dives into encryption methods, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems illustrated through concrete case studies. Chapters that unpack compliance and regulatory issues also help you grasp the broader ethical and legal context shaping security practices today. This book suits anyone serious about mastering network security from the ground up, whether you’re starting out or refining your knowledge with current industry insights.

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Best for industrial control system security
Kindle version available
IEEE Communications Magazine, a respected voice in network security, identified this book as essential for those focused on modern industrial control system protection. Their detailed review highlights how the book addresses emerging ICS threats with up-to-date methods, reflecting the rapid evolution of the field. They found it particularly useful for both academic researchers and industry specialists, underscoring its relevance for anyone working to secure critical infrastructure networks. Their endorsement signals that this work offers insights that can reshape your approach to protecting vital systems.

...worth recommendation for people who are interested in modern industry control systems security. Additionally, it will be advantageous for university researchers and graduate students in the network security field, as well as to the industry specialists in the area of ICS. (from Amazon)

Drawing from decades of experience in industrial control systems security, Eric D. Knapp addresses the growing threats faced by critical infrastructure networks. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of vulnerabilities unique to SCADA and smart grid environments, including in-depth exploration of protocols and attack methodologies like Trisis and Industroyer. The book walks you through risk management tailored for cyber-physical systems and offers updated guidance on network segmentation, monitoring, and incident response lifecycles. If you work with or protect industrial control systems, this book offers a solid foundation in the evolving landscape of ICS cybersecurity challenges and defenses.

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Best for personal defense plans
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This AI-created book on network security is crafted based on your unique background and specific goals in defending modern networks. By sharing your skill level and areas of interest, you receive a book focused on the latest threats and defense approaches relevant to your role. Personalizing the content ensures you explore emerging research and practical techniques that truly matter to your cybersecurity challenges, making your learning experience both efficient and highly applicable.
2025·50-300 pages·Network Security, Threat Analysis, Proactive Defense, Intrusion Detection, Firewall Techniques

This tailored book explores the forefront of network security as it stands in 2025, focusing on developing proactive defenses that align with your role and expertise. It covers emerging threats, innovative defense techniques, and the latest discoveries shaping the cybersecurity landscape. By tailoring content to your background and goals, it ensures you engage deeply with subjects that matter most to you, from advanced intrusion detection to adaptive firewall strategies. This personalized approach empowers you to stay ahead of evolving risks through a focused, relevant learning journey, unveiling cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights that match your specific interests and professional context.

Tailored Guide
Adaptive Defense Insights
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Best for zero trust architecture adopters
Kindle version available
Zero Trust Networks offers a fresh perspective on securing systems in an era where traditional network perimeters no longer suffice. This book dives into the zero trust security model, emphasizing continuous verification and the elimination of implicit trust, which is critical for modern network security. It details key components such as trust and policy engines, enriched with practical scenarios and case studies, making it invaluable for professionals tasked with deploying zero trust architectures. By exploring standards from organizations like NIST and CISA, it equips you to align your security approach with current industry frameworks and challenges.
Zero Trust Networks: Building Secure Systems in Untrusted Networks book cover

Razi Rais, Christina Morillo, Evan Gilman, Doug Barth(you?)

2024·332 pages·Network Security, Security Models, Zero Trust, Trust Engines, Policy Engines

What if everything you knew about network security was wrong? Razi Rais and co-authors challenge the traditional perimeter-based approach by presenting zero trust as a model that assumes breach and insists on continuous verification. You learn how to embed security deeply within system operations through concepts like trust engines, policy engines, and context-aware agents, illustrated by real-world scenarios and case studies. This book is especially useful if you're involved in migrating legacy networks to zero trust architectures or want to understand frameworks from NIST, CISA, or the DoD. If you seek a practical yet conceptual grasp of zero trust, this book delivers without fluff.

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Best for penetration testing practitioners
Kindle version available
Ultimate Penetration Testing with Nmap offers a systematic guide through one of the most critical tools in network security assessments. Travis DeForge’s book lays out a clear framework starting from foundational concepts of penetration testing and progresses through advanced techniques such as firewall evasion and scripting with Nmap. This resource is designed to empower cybersecurity professionals to improve their scanning and monitoring capabilities while minimizing risks. It meets the need for focused expertise in network security by covering both conceptual understanding and practical application, making it especially useful for those aiming to deepen their technical proficiency with Nmap.
2024·203 pages·Network Security, Cyber Security, Penetration Testing, Attack Surface, Vulnerability Mapping

After analyzing numerous case studies and hands-on challenges, Travis DeForge developed a methodical approach to mastering Nmap that demystifies penetration testing for both newcomers and seasoned security professionals. You learn to differentiate penetration testing from other security assessments while gaining practical skills in attack surface mapping, vulnerability reconnaissance, and advanced firewall evasion techniques. The book’s chapters build your expertise progressively, culminating in mastery of the Nmap Scripting Engine and optimized scanning strategies. If you aim to enhance your cybersecurity toolkit with a specialist’s command of Nmap, this book offers a focused path to that goal without unnecessary jargon or fluff.

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Conclusion

The collection of these 7 new Network Security books reveals clear themes: an emphasis on tailored solutions for varied environments—from enterprise Linux systems to industrial control networks; a pivot toward zero trust models reflecting modern threat landscapes; and a hands-on approach to mastering tools like Nmap for penetration testing. These books collectively underscore the necessity of both foundational knowledge and specialized tactics.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "Zero Trust Networks" and "Industrial Network Security" for deep dives into current architectures and critical infrastructure protection. For cutting-edge implementation, combine "Ultimate Penetration Testing with Nmap" with "Fortinet Certified Professional Network Security" to sharpen technical skills and certification readiness.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Network Security book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "The Computer Networking Handbook" by Trevor Shelwick if you're new to network security. It offers a clear path combining basic and security concepts, making it easier to build your knowledge step-by-step.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Network Security?

Not at all. Several books, like "Network Security Essentials For You," balance theory with practice and are well-suited for beginners as well as those refreshing their skills.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Network Security Essentials For You" leans toward foundational theory blended with practical cases, while "Ultimate Penetration Testing with Nmap" focuses heavily on hands-on skills and real-world techniques.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

In 2025, starting with the newest titles like "Zero Trust Networks" ensures you learn the latest frameworks. However, combining this with foundational books gives a comprehensive understanding.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your focus—certification, industrial security, or penetration testing. But exploring a few gives you a broader perspective on current threats and solutions.

Can personalized books complement these expert titles? How?

Yes, personalized books complement these expert titles by tailoring content to your experience and goals, keeping you current with evolving trends. They build on expert insights and focus on what matters most to you. Learn more here.

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