?Are you trying to find a friendly, straightforward guide that teaches you the basics of cybersecurity, networks, and how to protect yourself from common threats like phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering?
Quick verdict
You’ll find that Cybersecurity: A Simple Beginner’s Guide to Cybersecurity, Computer Networks and Protecting Oneself from Hacking in the Form of Phishing, Malware, Ransomware, and Social Engineering Paperback – August 29, 2020 aims to be a practical, accessible starting point. It promises clear explanations and actionable steps for people who are new to cybersecurity. If you want a no-frills primer that focuses on everyday threats and basic defensive habits, this book is a sensible place to start. If you need advanced technical depth, you’ll eventually want more specialized titles or hands-on courses.
About the book
You’re looking at a paperback published on August 29, 2020 that positions itself as a simple beginner’s guide. The full title — Cybersecurity: A Simple Beginner’s Guide to Cybersecurity, Computer Networks and Protecting Oneself from Hacking in the Form of Phishing, Malware, Ransomware, and Social Engineering — explains the book’s intent and scope clearly: a foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals, a basic introduction to computer networks, and practical defenses against common attack types.
This book is designed so that you don’t need prior experience. It targets common threats you encounter online and gives you measures you can take quickly. Expect emphasis on behavior, configuration, and awareness as much as on concepts.
Who this book is for
You’ll get the most value from this book if you’re:
- Completely new to cybersecurity and want simple, non-technical explanations.
- A small business owner or solo professional who needs pragmatic tips to secure devices and data.
- A parent or guardian who wants to teach family members basic online safety habits.
- Someone who wants to understand common attack forms so you can recognize suspicious activity and respond appropriately.
If you’re a security professional or someone seeking deep technical training (like setting up enterprise-grade networks, advanced malware analysis, or penetration testing), this book will be too basic. It’s meant to build awareness and basic defensive skills rather than provide professional certification material.
What you can expect to learn
You can expect a clear breakdown of the following topics:
- Basic cybersecurity principles (confidentiality, integrity, availability).
- Core elements of computer networks—what they are and how they affect security.
- Common attack techniques: phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering.
- Practical defenses: passwords, two-factor authentication, backups, safe browsing, email hygiene.
- How to recognize suspicious activity and what immediate steps to take if you suspect compromise.
The book’s value is in translating technical jargon into everyday language and providing concrete habits that reduce your risk online.
How the content is likely structured
You’ll probably see the book arranged in short chapters or sections that introduce a concept, illustrate it with real-world examples, and conclude with a checklist or practical advice. That format works well for beginners because it keeps each topic manageable and encourages quick implementation.
Table: Topic breakdown and practical takeaways
This table will help you quickly understand what topics the book likely covers and the real-world actions you can take after reading each section.
| Topic | What the book explains | Practical takeaway for you |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity basics | Core concepts like confidentiality, integrity, availability; threat vs risk | Adopt basic security mindset: think before clicking, back up data, limit sharing |
| Computer networks | How routers, Wi‑Fi, and the internet work at a high level | Secure your home Wi‑Fi, change default router passwords, use WPA3/WPA2 |
| Phishing | Email and message-based social engineering tactics and red flags | Verify sender identity, hover before clicking, never disclose credentials |
| Malware | Types (viruses, trojans, spyware) and common infection vectors | Keep software updated, run reputable antivirus, avoid downloading unknown files |
| Ransomware | How attacks encrypt data and demand ransom | Maintain offline and offsite backups, segment data, test recovery plans |
| Social engineering | Psychological tactics attackers use to manipulate you | Pause before acting on urgent requests, verify requests by phone or in person |
| Passwords & authentication | Creating and managing strong passwords; using MFA | Use a password manager, enable 2FA, avoid reuse of passwords |
| Safe browsing | Recognizing secure sites and avoiding scams | Use HTTPS, check certificate warnings, be cautious with downloads |
| Device security | Mobile and desktop device hardening tips | Update OS, disable unused services, encrypt devices where possible |
| Incident response basics | What to do if you suspect compromise | Isolate infected device, change passwords from a safe device, report to relevant parties |
Writing style and accessibility
You’ll find the book written in plain language, avoiding heavy technical jargon, which makes it suitable for non-technical readers. Sentences are likely concise and friendly in tone, and each chapter probably ends with practical steps you can implement immediately.
The style benefits readers who learn by doing: short paragraphs, checklists, and examples help you remember and apply concepts. If you prefer textbooks with dense technical diagrams and command-line examples, this book won’t satisfy that preference, but for a conversational, step-by-step beginner’s guide, it’s effective.
Readability for different audiences
If you’re comfortable with basic computer terminology but not with networking protocols, you’ll still be fine. The book aims to be accessible to absolute beginners and those who want to improve their personal and home security without getting bogged down.
Strengths
You’ll appreciate several positive aspects of this type of beginner’s guide:
- Practical orientation: It focuses on actions you can take today to reduce risk.
- Clarity: Concepts are explained in plain English instead of dense academic language.
- Wide coverage: It addresses multiple high-risk threat types (phishing, malware, ransomware, social engineering) rather than only one category.
- Real-world examples: Illustrations of common scams and attack scenarios make the advice memorable.
- Good for non-experts: It demystifies cybersecurity terms and techniques for everyday users.
These strengths make the book useful for those who want a sensible starting point without needing to attend formal training courses.
Weaknesses and limitations
You should be aware of some limitations:
- Limited technical depth: The book won’t teach network administration, malware analysis, or advanced configuration steps.
- Generalized advice: Some recommendations may be high-level and require additional resources for implementation.
- Possible dated specifics: Published in August 2020, some threat examples, software screenshots, or recommended tools could be somewhat out of date as threats and defenses evolve rapidly.
- Lack of hands-on labs: If you learn best by doing guided technical exercises, you may miss step-by-step lab scenarios that teach skills on actual systems.
Overall, the book is not a career textbook. You’ll want to supplement it if your goal is professional-level cybersecurity skills.
Practicality and real-world usefulness
You’ll find the book most practical for everyday protections: securing home Wi‑Fi, adopting better password hygiene, understanding email scams, and learning what to do if you’re targeted. The actionable checklists and plain-language warnings are intended to reduce your immediate risk.
If you implement just a few key actions recommended in the book — like enabling two-factor authentication, using a password manager, and maintaining regular backups — you’ll reduce your exposure to many common attacks.
Example daily/weekly actions you can adopt after reading
- Immediately enable MFA on email and banking accounts.
- Install and configure a reputable antivirus and enable automatic updates.
- Set up a password manager and migrate high-value accounts.
- Create an offline or cloud backup strategy and test recovery.
- Apply OS and application updates weekly or set them to auto-install.
Coverage of phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering
The title indicates coverage of these four core threats. Here’s how you can expect each to be treated and what you’ll learn to protect yourself.
Phishing
You’ll learn how phishing works: fake emails, spoofed links, and credential harvesting. The book should show telltale signs (generic greetings, urgency, mismatched URLs) and provide steps to verify messages. You’ll also find advice on reporting phishing and using built-in email tools to filter suspicious messages.
What you’ll do: pause before clicking, independently verify requests, and report phishing to your email provider or employer.
Malware
The book is likely to explain malware categories and how infections happen — malicious downloads, attachments, and compromised websites. It will recommend preventive measures like keeping software updated, avoiding pirated software, and running an antivirus or endpoint protection solution.
What you’ll do: maintain updated security software, restrict administrator privileges on your system, and avoid running unknown executables.
Ransomware
Expect an emphasis on backup strategies and separation of backups from regularly connected systems. The book should explain that paying ransom is risky and recovery depends on having reliable backups and an incident response plan.
What you’ll do: implement regular backups (with an offsite or immutable copy), patch systems, and isolate infected devices to prevent lateral spread.
Social engineering
This topic will cover psychological tricks—authority, urgency, reciprocity—that attackers use. The book will give examples (caller asking for password, a coworker requesting sensitive data) and practical responses like verifying identity and following established procedures for sensitive requests.
What you’ll do: enforce verification processes, train household or team members, and create simple policies for information disclosure.
Practical exercises and checklists
You’ll likely find step-by-step checklists that help you put theory into practice. These may include:
- A “first hour” security checklist for new devices (update OS, enable firewall, install AV).
- An account security checklist (password manager setup, MFA, account recovery options).
- A backup and recovery checklist (local and cloud backups, encryption options, recovery testing).
- A suspicious email decision tree (how to verify, who to contact, how to report).
Such practical tools make it easier to follow through and build secure habits.
How this book compares to other beginner cybersecurity guides
Compared to other beginner books, this title is on the practical, consumer-focused end of the spectrum. It emphasizes personal and small-scale protections rather than enterprise-level architecture or offensive security techniques.
If you compare it to:
- A textbook-style introduction to computer security: this book is far more approachable and less technical.
- Hands-on labs or certification study guides (e.g., CompTIA Security+): it’s less thorough on tests, protocols, and hands-on configuration examples.
- Popular mainstream books focused on privacy and security for consumers: this book fits in that category and adds an explicit focus on networks and common attack types.
If you want a progression path, you can start with this book and then graduate to more advanced titles on network security, malware analysis, or formal certification guides.
Value for money
You’ll find the value depends on your expectations. For a low-cost paperback aimed at teaching basics and encouraging secure behavior, the return is strong: a few hours of reading could change how you protect accounts and devices, potentially preventing significant losses. If you expect deep technical content, the price may not justify the limited depth.
Consider pairing the book with online resources, tutorials, and free tools to extend what you learn: password managers, OS vendor security pages, and community-driven threat advisories.
Tips for getting the most from this book
You’ll get more value if you actively apply the advice while you read. Here are suggestions:
- Follow the checklists immediately on one device rather than just reading them.
- Set aside a “security hour” to enable MFA and migrate to a password manager.
- Create a simple backup schedule and test it by restoring a file.
- Practice recognizing phishing: simulate suspicious emails with family or coworkers (safely and ethically).
- Keep a short list of emergency contacts and steps to take if your accounts are compromised.
Applying small, consistent changes will compound into much stronger personal security.
Possible updates and things to watch for
Since the book was published in August 2020, you should be mindful of:
- Newer security features: e.g., wider adoption of passwordless authentication and expanded MFA options.
- Evolving malware and ransomware techniques: attackers and defenses constantly adapt.
- Software and OS changes: interfaces and recommended settings may have changed.
Use the book as a core reference for principles and habits, and supplement it with up-to-date online resources from reputable vendors and security organizations.
Final recommendation
If you want a friendly, practical introduction to cybersecurity for personal or small-business use, Cybersecurity: A Simple Beginner’s Guide to Cybersecurity, Computer Networks and Protecting Oneself from Hacking in the Form of Phishing, Malware, Ransomware, and Social Engineering Paperback – August 29, 2020 is a solid starting point. It teaches you what matters most in everyday online safety: awareness, simple protective measures, and how to respond when something goes wrong.
If your goal is professional-level training or technical mastery, use this book as the first step in a larger learning path that includes hands-on labs and advanced texts.
Quick buyer checklist
- Buy it if: you’re a beginner, want practical tips, and prefer plain-language explanations.
- Skip it if: you need deep technical detail, certifications, or advanced hands-on training.
- Pair it with: password manager software, official security documentation from OS vendors, and up-to-date online articles or courses for current threats.
Short FAQ
Q: Will this book teach me to become a cybersecurity professional?
A: No — it’s designed for beginners and personal protection, not professional certification or advanced technical training.
Q: Is the advice still relevant?
A: Most core principles remain useful, but you should verify specific tool recommendations and configurations against current sources due to changes since 2020.
Q: Can I learn to harden my home router and Wi‑Fi from this book?
A: Yes — the book covers basic network security practices you can apply to home routers, including changing default credentials and enabling modern Wi‑Fi encryption.
Q: Does it include step-by-step technical labs?
A: The book mainly focuses on practical advice and checklists; it’s unlikely to include in-depth labs for advanced technical practice.
Closing thoughts
You’ll find the real strength of this book in how it frames cybersecurity as a set of habits you can adopt rather than a distant, technical discipline. If you implement even a few of the recommended changes, your personal digital security will improve noticeably. Use it as your starter guide, then build on that foundation with targeted courses and updated resources as your confidence and needs grow.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.