11 best iot books this year [learn about the internet of things today]

11 Best IoT Books of 2024 [Learn about the Internet of Things TODAY]

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of objects that are connected to the Internet and exchange data with other devices. These objects include:

✅ smart refrigerators

✅ smart watches

✅ fitness trackers

✅ medical sensors

✅ cars

And everything in between.

Objects in this network are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies.

🧠 Did you know? The first connected device was the humble ATM.

Why do we need the IoT?

Simply put, the IoT theoretically exists to make life better for humans. By connecting our devices, we can achieve more safety, security and comfort.

With IoT we can also get better tailored personal experiences with our devices.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.

TLDR: Best IoT Books

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Practical IoT Hacking: The Definitive Guide to Attacking the Internet of Things
&

IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of Things

💸 Best Value 💸

The Internet of Things (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)

Best IoT Books

Here are the best IoT books of this year.

1. Practical IoT Hacking: The Definitive Guide to Attacking the Internet of Things

↘️ Ideal for: developers familiar with the Linux command line and TCP/IP
↘️
Topics covered:
hacking the Internet of Things

Now Practical IoT Hacking by the ever-amazing No Starch Press might sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty awesome.

If you are a developer with a working knowledge of the Linux command line and TCP/IP, you’ll learn how to:

✅ develop a security testing methodology

✅ explore passive reconnaissance

✅ examine complete security of an IoT system

And that’s just for starters.

➡️ Practical IoT Hacking is one of the best IoT books for hackers.

You’ll learn both about hardware hacking and radio hacking. Then you’ll dive deep into embedded IoT device attacks and RFID systems.

By the end of Practical IoT Hacking, you should be able to do things like control a smart treadmill and jam wireless alarms.

See what IoT hackers are saying about Practical IoT Hacking:

If you want to hack/secure IoT, this is the book you must have.

– Juan Jacobo Tibaquira Murillo

💥 Geena’s Hot Take

No Starch Press = Buy now.


Srsly.

2. IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of Things

↘️ Ideal for: advanced IoT newbies
↘️
Topics covered:
technologies, protocols, best practices

IoT Fundamentals is a high-level overview of IoT fundamentals. You’ll learn about the technologies and protocols necessary for designing IoT solutions.

So you won’t find any hacking like in Practical IoT Hacking.

➡️ IoT Fundamentals is one of the best IoT books for Cisco technologies.

It’s complete with use cases covering:

✅ smart cities

✅ mining

✅ public safety

✅ manufacturing

And much more.

With real-world tips, insights and best practices, you’ll learn how to implement next-generation wireless networks built with Cisco IoT solutions.

Evolutionary phases of the Internet in the book IoT Fundamentals

3. The Internet of Things (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)

↘️ Ideal for: IoT newbies
↘️
Topics covered:
IoT technology, risks, future of IoT

The Internet of Things (MIT Press) is a bit different than IoT Fundamentals. Instead of learning Cisco technology, it takes you on a literary journey examining Internet of Things technology, its risks, and the future of IoT.

In this updated edition, you’ll find the latest developments of IoT and how it’s influencing our day-to-day lives.

➡️ The Internet of Things (MIT Press) is one of the best IoT books for developers on a budget.

Author Samuel Greengard takes us on a journey of technologies that make up the IoT. Then he looks at things like:

✅ smart manufacturing

✅ supply chain visibility

✅ integrated artificial intelligence

And beyond.

Finally, he examines the risks of IoT as it relates to free speech, inequality and cybercrime.

The Internet of Things (MIT Press) examines IoT technologies as they relate to the present day and our collective future.


4. Programming the Internet of Things: An Introduction to Building Integrated, Device-to-Cloud IoT Solutions

↘️ Ideal for: experienced Python and Java programmers new to IoT
↘️
Topics covered:
device-to-cloud Internet of Things solutions

Programming the Internet of Things published by O’Reilly is a hands-on guide with step-by-step instructions. You’ll learn how to design and build your own full-stack IoT solutions.

➡️ Programming the Internet of Things is one of the best IoT books for experienced Java and Python programmers.

You’ll get a complete walkthrough of:

✅ development environment setup

✅ tooling

solution design

✅ implementation

You’ll also explore the typical IoT ecosystem while identifying challenges that commonly occur with IoT.

With Programming the Internet of Things, you’ll go end-to-end from device to cloud.

IoT data flow diagram in Programming the Internet of Things

5. Internet of Things Programming Projects: Build modern IoT solutions with the Raspberry Pi 3 and Python

↘️ Ideal for: IoT programmers, Python developers
↘️
Topics covered:
Raspberry Pi, building IoT projects

This book is a bit different than others on our list. With Internet of Things Programming Projects, you’ll focus exclusively on building IoT projects using Python and Raspberry Pi.

Never used Raspberry Pi before? Don’t worry, this book will show you how to set it up.

➡️ Internet of Things Programming Projects is one of the best IoT books for hands-on developers.

After a brief “Hello, World” introduction using flash LEDs, you’ll start building real-world projects such as:

✅ retrieving weather data and displaying it

✅ building a home security system

✅ send signals to a web service that will text you when there is a person at your door

✅ create an IoT robot car to monitor pets

Exciting, right?

Internet of Things Programming Projects shows you methods to make your IoT projects stand out above the competition.


6. The IoT Hacker’s Handbook: A Practical Guide to Hacking the Internet of Things

↘️ Ideal for: pentesters, embedded device developers, IT developers
↘️
Topics covered:
hacking the Internet of Things

The IoT Hacker’s Handbook is similar to Practical IoT Hacking. But you’ll work with some different technologies. For example, here you won’t learn about Linux or TCP/IP.

But you will learn about technologies such as ZigBee and BLE.

➡️ The IoT Hacker’s Handbook is one of the best IoT books for white hat hackers.

The IoT Hacker’s Handbook shows you how to build devices securely to avoid infiltration from attackers.

First you’ll review the central components of IoT such as hardware communication interfaces and radio protocols. Then you’ll learn how to gain entry to the devices by:

✅ performing a threat model

✅ using reverse engineering

✅ identifying security issues

✅ exploiting radio communication protocols

And beyond.


7. IoT Inc: How Your Company Can Use the Internet of Things to Win in the Outcome Economy

↘️ Ideal for: developers curious about IoT
↘️
Topics covered:
how IoT works, methods, implementing an IoT strategy

IoT Inc. is a bit different than other IoT books on our list. Instead of learning how-to, it takes you on a journey to explore the Internet of Things in a non-technical setting.

➡️ IoT Inc. is one of the best IoT books for learning about how the IoT works.

In this playbook, you’ll learn how to implement the Internet of Things with your business, customers and competitors.

It takes an in-depth look into:

✅ how IoT is changing business

✅ methods for using IoT in your business

✅ implementing IoT strategies

And much more.

Manager’s view of the Internet of Things in IoT Inc.

8. Building the Internet of Things: Implement New Business Models, Disrupt Competitors, Transform Your Industry

↘️ Ideal for: business managers
↘️
Topics covered:
implementation, business models

Building the Internet of Things is another non-technical book on IoT. But unlike IoT Inc., it’s geared towards business managers. That’s because you’ll look at the Internet of Things through the lens of a team leader.

➡️ Building the Internet of Things is one of the best IoT books for managers.

You’ll start with the simplest of IoT concepts before learning how to create your own IoT recipe that best suits the needs of your business.

You’ll also learn how to avoid disruptions while capitalizing on everything the IoT has to offer.

Finally, you’ll discover the social and technological impacts of the Internet of Things.

Building the Internet of Things is meant to help business leaders understand the gravity of and implementing the IoT in today’s technological landscape.


9. The Internet of Things Myth

↘️ Ideal for: developers curious about IoT
↘️
Topics covered:
history, forecasts, mistakes

The Internet of Things Myth is a 4-part book that looks at discrepancies within the IoT.

➡️ The Internet of Things Myth is one of the best IoT books for contradicting the mainstream perspective of the Internet of Things.

First you’ll look at the history of IoT and how predictions have not come to fruition.

Next you’ll find an analysis of why these predictions never came to pass, particularly the incorrect implementation of forecasts.

In the third part of The Internet of Things Myth, you’ll examine predictions that the authors make regarding the future of IoT.

Finally, you’ll discover connectivity standards and other opportunities with IoT.

The Internet of Things Myth uncovers IoT expectations and how they have not been met as predicted.


10. Internet of Things: What You Need to Know About IoT

↘️ Ideal for: aspiring IoT developers
↘️
Topics covered:
IoT, big data, predictive analytics, etc.

Internet of Things: What You Need to Know About IoT is unlike any other book on our list. You’ll see how different technologies are tied to the IoT.

➡️ Internet of Things: What you Need to Know About IoT is one of the best IoT books for developers curious about a wide range of technologies.

In addition to the Internet of Things, you’ll explore:

✅ big data

✅ predictive analysis

✅ artificial intelligence

✅ machine learning

✅ cybersecurity

✅ business intelligence

✅ augmented reality

And our collective future as it relates to these technologies.

Internet of Things: What You Need to Know About IoT takes a deep dive into modern technologies and they way they influence our day-to-day activities.


11. The Amazon Way on IoT

↘️ Ideal for: business leaders
↘️
Topics covered:
principles, strategy, plan

The Amazon Way on IoT is Amazon’s detailed analysis and approach to the Internet of Things.

➡️ The Amazon Way on IoT is one of the best IoT books for Amazon enthusiasts.

It helps business leaders learn about:

✅ cases

✅ concepts

✅ tools

✅ technologies

And more.

Along the way you’ll discover advanced IoT technologies to transform your business.

The Amazon Way on IoT is to help business leaders build and understand their Internet of Things strategy.


Best Internet of Things Books: Conclusion

Whether you want to learn the basics of IoT or want to create your own bot to spy on your pet iguana, these IoT books have you covered.

Today we looked at the best Internet of Things Books including:


🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Practical IoT Hacking: The Definitive Guide to Attacking the Internet of Things
&

IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols, and Use Cases for the Internet of Things

💸 Best Value 💸

The Internet of Things (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)

So whether you’re just getting started with the Internet of Things or want to sharpen your skills, we think these are the best IoT books of all time.


Internet of Things enthusiasts are also reading:


  1. What is the Internet of Things?

    The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of objects that are connected to the Internet and exchange data with other devices. These objects include smart refrigerators, smart watches, fitness trackers and everything in between. Objects in this network are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies. To learn more about the Internet of Things, be sure to check out today’s post where we look at IoT books.

  2. What are the best Internet of Things books?

    Some of the best Internet of Things books include Practical IoT Hacking: The Definitive Guide to Attacking the Internet of Things published by No Starch Press. Another IoT book we liked is IoT Fundamentals: Networking Technologies, Protocols and Use Cases for the Internet of Things. And for developers on a budget, we liked The Internet of Things (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge Series). You can learn about these and more Internet of Things books in today’s article.

  3. Why do we need the IoT?

    Simply put, the IoT theoretically exists to make life better for humans. By connecting our devices, we can achieve more safety, security and comfort. With IoT we can also get better tailored personal experiences with our devices. To learn more about the Internet of Things, check out today’s article where we look at books all about IoT.

  4. What are some types of Internet of Things?

    Some types of Internet of Things devices include smart refrigerators, smart watches, fitness trackers, medical sensors and cars. And that’s just for starters. You can learn more about the Internet of Things in today’s post where we’re looking at the best IoT books we could find.

  5. What are some IoT examples in daily life?

    Some IoT examples in daily life include connected appliances, smart security systems, cybersecurity scanners, and health monitors. This is only a tiny example of the daily use of IoT. To learn more about the uses of IoT, be sure to check out today’s article where we look at some of the best IoT books out there.