Cybersecurity month essentials: books, podcasts & ARISA Academy

Did you know that October is European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM)? Since 2012, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the European Commission have been coordinating this annual campaign to raise awareness and promote cybersecurity among citizens and organisations across Europe.

In a world where our daily lives, work, and critical services depend on digital technologies, understanding how to stay safe online has never been more important. This October is the perfect moment to strengthen your knowledge – from learning the basics and building practical skills to discovering exciting career paths in cybersecurity. To get started, explore our selection of recommended books and podcasts.

And if you are eager to boost your skills even further, why not enroll in a cybersecurity course through the ARISA Academy?

Books to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge

How Cybersecurity Really Works: A Hands-On Guide for Total Beginners (2021) by Sam Grubb 

A practical, beginner-friendly guide to cybersecurity that teaches foundational skills through hands-on exercises. Each chapter tackles a new topic from the ground up and includes exercises with practical activities. Readers learn real-world applications, from securing passwords and home networks to spotting phishing scams, while developing a proactive security mindset. 

Discovering Cybersecurity: A Technical Introduction for the Absolute Beginner (2023) by Seth James Nielson 

Nielson introduces major technologies that are employed in today’s cybersecurity landscape and the fundamental principles and philosophies behind them. This book is a beginner-friendly guide to key cybersecurity technologies and principles, helping professionals, including non-technical roles such as executives, policy makers, and compliance teams—understand what tools they need, ask the right questions, and collaborate effectively with security teams. 

Cybersecurity Blue Team Toolkit (2019) by Nadean H. Tanner 

A practical, easy-to-navigate guide to cybersecurity best practices, including a Linux training appendix, virtual lab setup, and glossary. Ideal for IT security professionals, digital policy experts, and executives, it serves as a lasting, career-spanning reference. 

Confident Cyber Security: How to Get Started in Cyber Security and Futureproof Your Career (2020) by Jessica Barker 

Confident Cyber Security is a beginner-friendly guide that explains cyber risk and protection in clear, practical terms. Covering human, technical, and physical aspects, it uses real-world case studies and exercises to teach fundamentals, helping readers build skills for thriving cybersecurity careers. 

The Art of Invisibility: The World’s Most Famous Hacker Teaches You How to Be Safe in the Age of Big Brother and Big Data (2017) by Kevin D. Mitnick and Robert Vamosi (co-author) 

In The Art of Invisibility, Kevin Mitnick, the world’s most famous hacker, teaches practical, step-by-step tactics to protect your privacy online and offline. Using real-world insights, he shows how to safeguard your identity, data, and personal life in the age of Big Brother and Big Data. 

Cybersecurity for Beginners: Learn Practical Skills to Defend Against Cyber Threats and Prepare for Certification Exams (2025) by Michael Patel 

Cybersecurity for Beginners is a practical guide to protecting personal and professional data. Covering fundamentals, malware and phishing defense, firewalls, antivirus, and ethical hacking, it also helps prepare for certifications like CompTIA Security+. It includes an interactive quiz with a certificate of completion. This book is ideal for IT professionals, students, and anyone looking to strengthen their cybersecurity skills. 

Podcasts to keep you informed 

Darknet Diaries is a podcast that dives into true stories from the dark side of the internet — hackers, cybercrime, data breaches, and digital espionage. Hosted by Jack Rhysider, it blends storytelling and investigative journalism to reveal how real cyberattacks unfold and the people behind them. 

CiberWire Daily is a leading cybersecurity podcast that delivers concise, up-to-date briefings on the latest cyber threats, trends, and events. Hosted by Dave Bittner, it features expert insights, interviews, and analysis to help professionals stay informed and prepared in the fast-changing world of cybersecurity. 

Malicious Life is a podcast that explores the fascinating history and human stories behind cybersecurity. Hosted by Ran Levi, it uncovers how cyber threats, hackers, and security innovations have evolved over time — revealing the people, motivations, and events that shaped the digital security landscape. 

Smashing Security is a lighthearted yet insightful podcast that covers the latest cybersecurity news, data breaches, and digital privacy issues. Hosted by Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault, it blends expert analysis with humor, making complex security topics engaging and accessible for tech professionals and general audiences alike. 

Risky Business is a long-running cybersecurity podcast that delivers sharp analysis and in-depth discussions on the latest security news, threats, and trends. Hosted by Patrick Gray, it features expert interviews and commentary, offering valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals and anyone interested in the evolving digital threat landscape. 

ARISA Academy

ARISA Academy

The ARISA Academy offers a free, online training programme designed for students, professionals, and educators. With seven expert-led courses, the Academy provides a structured learning path covering AI fundamentals, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, or enhance your curriculum, the ARISA Academy has something for you.