4 New Software Security Testing Books Reshaping the Industry in 2025

Grant Ongers, CTO at Secure Deliver and OWASP Chair, and other thought leaders highlight new Software Security Testing books with cutting-edge insights for 2025.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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The Software Security Testing landscape changed dramatically in 2024, driven by evolving cyber threats and the rapid adoption of DevSecOps practices. Staying current on the latest techniques and tools is crucial as organizations face increasingly sophisticated vulnerabilities. This year’s crop of new books captures these shifts, providing perspectives that reflect the realities of modern software security challenges.

Grant Ongers, CTO at Secure Deliver and Chair of the OWASP Global Board, stands out as a forward-thinking expert who actively shapes software security testing practices. His endorsement of the Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook underscores how practical, experience-driven knowledge is vital to mastering tools like ZAP in today’s security environment.

While these insightful books offer fresh knowledge for 2025, readers seeking content tailored to their experience level and specific goals might consider creating a personalized Software Security Testing book that builds on these emerging trends with focused strategies and targeted learning paths.

Best for hands-on penetration testers
Grant Ongers, CTO at Secure Deliver and Chair of the OWASP Global Board, brings an authoritative voice in software security testing. He found this cookbook invaluable for navigating the complexities of the Zed Attack Proxy tool, especially during his efforts to deepen hands-on security testing practices. As he notes, "The Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook by Ryan Soper, Nestor N Torres, and Ahmed Almoailu is a great way to get stuck in with ZAP... the wealth of experience distilled into the book is quite astounding." This endorsement highlights how the book bridges theory and practice, making it a vital resource if you're keen on mastering advanced penetration testing techniques with ZAP.

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. (from Amazon)

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

Drawing from Ryan Soper's extensive background as a lead penetration tester and senior application security engineer, this book guides you through mastering the OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) tool to enhance your cybersecurity defenses. You’ll learn to install and configure ZAP across different systems, perform a variety of web application and API vulnerability tests including advanced exploits like Java deserialization, and integrate ZAP into CI/CD pipelines. Each recipe-style chapter breaks down complex testing scenarios with clear screenshots and practical examples, making it accessible whether you’re a cybersecurity professional or enthusiast. If you’re looking to deepen your hands-on skills with one of the most versatile open-source security tools, this book delivers focused, experience-driven instruction without unnecessary jargon.

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Ari Takanen, cofounder of the fuzzing tool company Codenomicon and investor at Kielo Growth, leverages his deep experience in software testing and security to present this second edition. Drawing from his research with Finland's University of Oulo Secure Programming Group and commercial tool development, Takanen reveals how fuzzing has become an essential process for improving software quality and security in modern development.

Ari Takanen, cofounder of Codenomicon and expert in software fuzzing, brings you a detailed exploration of fuzzing’s evolution and its role in software security testing. You’ll get an insider’s view of how fuzzing tools like American Fuzzy Lop (AFL) have advanced, alongside practical guidance on integrating fuzzing seamlessly into development workflows. The book digs into customer requirements and surveys commercial fuzzing tools, helping you choose the best fit for your projects. If you're involved in software testing or security, this book sharpens your understanding of fuzzing as a vital quality assurance process.

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Best for custom learning paths
This AI-created book on software security testing is tailored to your specific goals and background in the field. You share your experience level and areas of interest, and the book focuses on the newest developments in 2025 that matter most to you. This personalized approach helps you explore cutting-edge techniques and emerging discoveries without wading through less relevant material. Getting a custom book like this makes sense because software security testing evolves rapidly, and focused learning saves you time while keeping you ahead.
2025·50-300 pages·Software Security Testing, Vulnerability Detection, Dynamic Analysis, Threat Modeling, Security Automation

This tailored book explores the latest developments in software security testing as of 2025, focusing on emerging techniques and discoveries that shape the field. It covers innovations in vulnerability detection, dynamic analysis, and threat modeling, providing an up-to-date exploration tailored to your interests and background. By concentrating on the newest breakthroughs, this personalized guide helps you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape, addressing your specific goals and experience level. The book examines cutting-edge tools and practices in software security testing, revealing trends and insights that are crucial for adapting to future challenges. This tailored content offers a focused learning experience that matches your unique needs, making complex advances accessible and relevant.

Tailored Guide
Advanced Security Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Catherine Newbould is a recognized authority in software testing, specializing in security testing and ISTQB certification. With extensive experience in the field, she has contributed significantly to the development of testing methodologies and training materials. Her work focuses on enhancing the skills of software testers and ensuring they are well-prepared for certification exams.
2023·236 pages·Software Security Testing, Security Certifications, Risk Analysis, Testing Methodologies, Defense Mechanisms

After years immersed in software testing and certification, Catherine Newbould crafted this guide to address the precise needs of aspiring ISTQB Security Testers. You learn not just the theory behind security testing concepts but also how to apply them through quizzes, revision exercises, and two full practice exams aligned with the ISTQB syllabus. The book walks you through security risk analysis, defense mechanisms, and how security fits into the software development lifecycle, making it ideal if you're preparing for certification or aiming to deepen your practical understanding. Its structured approach helps you build confidence and mastery over the 71 learning objectives essential for CT-SEC accreditation.

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Prof Philip M. Parker Ph.D. is a renowned expert in market research and forecasting, with extensive experience analyzing industry trends and economic dynamics. His expertise drives the insightful look at the software security testing market from 2025 to 2030, offering readers a strategic perspective on global demand and economic factors. This background ensures a comprehensive understanding of how fundamental economic shifts impact the software security testing industry worldwide.
2024·287 pages·Software Security Testing, Market Analysis, Economic Forecasting, Industry Trends, Global Markets

Prof Philip M. Parker Ph.D., an expert in market research and forecasting, leverages his deep understanding of global economic trends to examine software security testing markets worldwide. You’ll gain insight into the projected latent demand for software security testing services across more than 190 countries, including detailed economic benchmarks that position each country relative to others. The book focuses on strategic, long-term industry outlooks rather than product-specific or short-term sales data, making it especially useful for professionals interested in global market dynamics and emerging growth opportunities. If your goal is to understand the broader economic forces shaping software security testing from 2025 to 2030, this book offers a solid foundation.

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Future-Proof Your Software Security Testing

Stay ahead with the latest strategies and research without reading endless books.

Targeted learning paths
Up-to-date insights
Practical application

Forward-thinking experts and thought leaders are at the forefront of this field

The 2025 Security Testing Revolution
Next-Gen Penetration Blueprint
Fuzzing Mastery Formula
Strategic Security Tester Guide

Conclusion

Across these four new books, three themes stand out: hands-on tool mastery, strategic industry outlooks, and certification-focused learning. If you want to stay ahead of trends, start with The 2025-2030 World Outlook for Software Security Testing to grasp the market forces shaping the field. For cutting-edge implementation, combine Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook with Fuzzing for Software Security Testing and Quality Assurance to sharpen practical skills.

For those preparing for certification or needing structured knowledge, Software Testing Security Tester Guide for ISTQB certification provides a focused pathway. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Software Security Testing book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation.

These books offer some of the most current 2025 insights, helping you stay ahead of the curve in software security testing’s fast-evolving landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with the Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook if you're eager to develop hands-on penetration testing skills. If you're more interested in industry trends, try The 2025-2030 World Outlook for Software Security Testing first. Your choice depends on whether you want practical tools or strategic insights.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Software Security Testing?

Some books like the Software Testing Security Tester Guide for ISTQB certification are designed for learners preparing for certification, making them accessible to beginners. Others, like the Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook, assume some prior knowledge but offer clear, step-by-step guidance.

What's the best order to read these books?

Consider starting with certification basics in Newbould’s guide, then move to hands-on practice with the ZAP Cookbook. Follow that with fuzz testing techniques to deepen your skills, and finish with Parker’s market outlook for strategic context.

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

You can pick based on your goals: choose practical guides for skill-building or the market outlook for strategic understanding. Reading multiple books offers a broader perspective but isn't mandatory to advance your knowledge.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

The 2025-2030 World Outlook leans toward theory and market analysis, while Zed Attack Proxy Cookbook and Fuzzing for Software Security Testing emphasize practical application. Newbould’s guide balances both to prepare you for ISTQB certification.

How can I get personalized Software Security Testing knowledge tailored to my experience and goals?

Great question! While these expert books provide valuable insights, personalized books can complement them by focusing specifically on your background, skills, and objectives. You can create your own tailored Software Security Testing book to stay current and efficient in learning.

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