-> FISIKS, the above advice is good and I am only adding to it.

-->A GREAT BOOK, perhaps better than all those mentioned above, is SECURITY ENGINEERING by Ross Anderson. It's not a tachnical book, it's an overview that touches many aspects of security, from smart cards to networks, from ATMs to military radar installations. A panoramic view of a large and varied subject. get it before its no longer available.

->Also, read the forum repeatedly, and if you hang out in the live security chat, have another window open with the forum so you can read about what they talk about. Talk less than you listen, and soon you will gain alot of insights just from the discussion. If you go in asking questions that many users know are in the forum, you won't get very far.

->any tool you download and employ can bring repercussions on you. read about them first then use them wisely. like a gun that can be used for good or ill, make sure you behave responsibly.

Have a good day