Python for Security and Networking: Leverage Python modules and tools in securing your network and applications, 3rd Edition Paperback – 7 Jun. 2023

I really enjoyed reading “Python for Security and Networking - Leverage Python modules and tools in securing your network and applications" by Jose Manuel Ortega. This book is a well-written and comprehensive guide for network administration and cybersecurity professionals. As a Python developer myself, I cannot emphasise enough the value of having this book as an essential resource.The book covers a wide range of topics with clear explanations and practical examples. Ortega writes about security applications, including vulnerability assessment and network defense. He also addresses advanced trends like machine learning and automation. There are exercises, downloadable code samples, and the writing is accessible.Ortega starts by establishing a solid foundation in network protocols, security principles, and Python programming. He seamlessly combines theory with hands-on examples, allowing readers to grasp complex ideas and immediately apply them. The clear and concise writing style makes the book accessible even for readers without extensive programming backgrounds! Step-by-step instructions and well-organised code snippets further facilitate learning and implementation.At the end of each chapter, the author includes challenges and exercises to help reinforce the concepts covered within each chapter. The author also adds a “further reading” section at the end of each chapter, which is very useful for those who want to dig deeper into each concept.I highly recommend this book to anyone using Python or interested in security and networking.

We all know that the Python language deals with and dominates all domains right from web development, data science and machine learning tool development aspects. One step further that it has the capabilities to build modules and tools in securing your network and applications is the amazing power of Python and its extensive capabilities and libraries.This book brings almost all necessary concepts into a single window and learners can visualize the entire journey with classical sample code and outstanding explanations across the book on each concept.Let me share my observations and overall reviews after my deep reading of this excellent book for your perusal understanding buy and get higher benefit from it.The author divided this book into 5 major sections and putting the reader towards the right path to learning and progressSection 1: Python Environment and System Programming Tools: The author gives a detailed introduction to data structures and collections followed by functions, classes and objects with classical examples inclusive of file handling, and exceptions. Exclusive notes on modules and packages working together and the difference between a module and a Python package. The author deals with OS, file systems and thread concepts with typical examples and their importance in this section. In section 1 I am sure the learners can understand the basics of Python, especially towards security and network aspects later in this book, so this section will help to understand all these in handy.Section 2 Network Scripting and Packet Sniffing with Python: In this section, the author feeds you how to use Python libraries for network scripting and developing scripts for analyzing network packets with the scapy module. Going deeper with respect to various features of socket programming and its implementations (TCP, UDP, HTTP). We use socket modules, server and client socket methods to manage sockets, and file transfers, and implement secure sockets with TLS and SSL modules.Building an HTTP client with the urllib and request module. Help us build authentication mechanisms with Python and implement OAuth clients and JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) in Python. Analyzing Network Traffic and Packet Sniffing is one of the major topics for learners to understand and the author gives perfect guidance on how to implement the scapy module for network port scanning. Network forensics and working with scapy to detect ARP spoofing attacks must read the topicSection 3 Server Scripting and Port Scanning with Python: In this section, the author has provided very detailed information about OSINT tools, how to Interact with FTP, SFTP, SSH Servers and Nmap Scanner. Google Dorks, DNS servers, Fuzzing and Interacting with FTP, SFTP and SSH Servers and Nmap Scanner topics is a powerful pack. The author handled the synchronous and asynchronous scanning with python-nmap is very impressive.Section 4 Server Vulnerabilities and Security in Web Applications: The author gives special space forserver vulnerabilities and security. Help us learn how to automate the vulnerability scanning process, identify server vulnerabilities, and analyze security in web applications, CVE, NVD, and vulners databases. Interacting with Vulnerability Scanners, OpenVAS and OWASP ZAP with Python using is remarkable work by the author. Vulnerabilities in Web Applications and Databases are a major breakthrough in this book and whoever is interested in implementing a security system must digest these chapters.Section 5 Python Forensics: I would say this section would be the bumper prize for learners to learn tools for applying forensics techniques, using Python to extract geolocation and metadata from documents, images, and browsers. Python Tools for Brute-Force Attacks, Cryptography and Code Obfuscation are additional credits for readers.Overall … I can give 4.0/5.0 for this. Certainly, a special effort from the author is much appreciable.-Shanthababu PandianArtificial Intelligence and Analytics | Cloud Data and ML Architect | Scrum MasterNational and International Speaker | Blogger |

"Mastering Python for Network and Security" by Jose Manuel Ortega is an exceptional book that serves as a comprehensive guide for both aspiring and experienced professionals in the field of cybersecurity and network administration. It provides an in-depth exploration of Python programming techniques specifically tailored to network and security applications, making it an invaluable resource for anyone working in these domains.The book has a practical approach and extensive coverage of relevant topics. From the very beginning, the author establishes a strong foundation by introducing fundamental concepts of network protocols, security principles, and Python programming. He seamlessly blends theory with hands-on examples, allowing readers to grasp complex ideas and immediately apply them in real-world scenarios.One of the book's notable strengths is its clear and concise writing style. Jose’s explanations are easy to follow, and he takes the time to explain intricate concepts in a way that even readers without a strong programming background can understand. The step-by-step instructions and code snippets provided throughout the book are well-organized and accompanied by insightful explanations, making it easy to learn and implement Python in network and security projects.The book covers a wide range of topics relevant to network and security professionals. He dives into network scanning, packet manipulation, network traffic analysis, web scraping, cryptography, and much more. Each topic is explained thoroughly, with practical examples that showcase how Python can be effectively leveraged to solve real-world challenges.What sets this book apart is its emphasis on security applications. Ortega dedicates significant portions of the book to exploring Python's potential for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and securing network infrastructure. By the end of the book, readers will have a solid understanding of how to implement secure coding practices, prevent common security threats, and build robust network defenses.The book also addresses the latest trends and technologies in the field, such as machine learning for anomaly detection, threat intelligence, and automation. Ortega's coverage of these advanced topics demonstrates his expertise and ensures readers stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving landscape of network and security.In addition to the rich content, the book includes practical exercises and challenges at the end of each chapter. These exercises reinforce the concepts learned and provide an opportunity for readers to apply their skills to solve real-world problems. Furthermore, the author provides access to online resources, including downloadable code samples and additional reference materials, enhancing the overall learning experience."Mastering Python for Network and Security" is a must-have resource for anyone seeking to excel in the field of cybersecurity and network administration. Jose Manuel Ortega's expertise shines through every page, and his ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner is commendable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, this book will undoubtedly enhance your Python programming skills and equip you with the knowledge to tackle network and security challenges with confidence.I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to master Python for network and security applications. It is an invaluable reference that will undoubtedly become a go-to resource in your professional journey.