The ability to code is a powerful skill that can set you apart in cyber security!
Whether you're looking to enhance your hacking skills, automate repetitive tasks, analyse malware, or improve your understanding of security concepts, learning the right programming language is crucial.
With countless languages to choose from, each offering unique advantages, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. However, we’re here to give you a helping hand! In this article, we explore the most relevant programming languages for cyber security, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals and interests. Let’s begin!
Commonly used programming languages in cyber
Did you know? Python is the most used programming language for cyber security! As a firm favourite among security professionals, Python offers versatility, is easy to learn and implement, and is the most widely supported programming language.
The programming language is also widely used in cyber security for scripting, automation, and building security tools.
However, while Python can be the most useful programming language for cyber security, it entirely depends on the area of cyber security you wish to venture into, and your specific interests and goals. For example, if you intend to branch into malware analysis and reverse engineering, C/C++ or Assembly language may be more suitable.
What programming language should I learn for cyber security?
Cyber security professionals use a variety of programming languages depending on the specific tasks and objectives they need to achieve. Proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial for versatility and adaptability in handling various cyber security challenges!
Really, there is no ‘best programming language’ for cyber security! The language you choose should entirely depend on your current skill level and the specific area of cyber security you're interested in.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 popular languages and how they apply in cyber areas. Before we dive in, we’d like to explain that not all of them are considered ‘programming’ languages. Some are known as query languages or scripting languages instead, but we’ve included them below as they carry great use in the cyber security world.
Let’s begin!
1. Python
As the most common programming language for cyber security, Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and versatility. Python's design philosophy emphasises code readability, and its syntax allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code than in languages like C++ or Java. It is widely used in many security tools and frameworks, which may explain why Python is frequently used in cyber security!
Most applicable to:
- General cyber security
- Scripting
- Automation
- Penetration testing
- Malware analysis
- Network security
- Web application security
Relevant training:
- Python Basics - learn the basics of the Python programming language
- Python for Pentesters - gain an understanding of Python scripts including hash cracking, key logging, enumeration and scanning
2. C/C++
C and C++ are two of the most widely used programming languages, particularly known for their performance, efficiency, and control over system resources. They both offer low-level access to memory and system resources, which is crucial for understanding and interacting with operating systems and hardware. And did you know? A large number of exploits and malware are written in C/C++.
Most applicable to:
- System security
- Malware analysis
- Reverse engineering
- Developing security tools
- Network security
3. JavaScript
JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted programming language that is widely used for web development. JavaScript is a core technology of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML and CSS, and is essential for creating interactive and dynamic web pages.
Understanding JavaScript is essential for analysing and exploiting various web-based vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting (XSS) among other client-side attacks!
Most applicable to:
- Web application security
- Client-side security
- Browser security
4. Assembly Language
Assembly language is a low-level programming language that is closely related to machine code, the binary instructions executed directly by a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit). It provides insight into the lowest level of code execution, and is essential for reverse engineering binaries and understanding processor-level operations.
Most applicable to:
- Malware analysis
- Reverse engineering
- Exploit development
- Low-level system security
Relevant training:
- x86 Assembly Crash Course - your crash course in x86 assembly to enable us in malware reverse engineering!
5. Ruby
Ruby is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and productivity. It was created with the goal of making programming both fun and efficient, and is often praised for its elegant syntax, which is easy to read and write.
Ruby is also the language behind the Metasploit framework, a popular penetration testing tool. It's useful for writing exploits and understanding Metasploit modules.
Most applicable to:
- Penetration testing
- Scripting
6. Bash/Shell Scripting
Bash (Bourne Again SHell) is a Unix shell and command language that is widely used for scripting and automation on Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS. Shell scripting allows users to write scripts to automate tasks, manage system operations, and enhance the functionality of the command line.
Shell scripting is vital for automating tasks in Unix/Linux environments, managing system operations, and performing incident response activities.
Most applicable to:
- System administration
- Scripting
- Automation
- Incident response
7. PowerShell
PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft that consists of a command-line shell and an associated scripting language. It is built on the .NET framework and designed primarily for system administration and automation. PowerShell is a powerful scripting language for automating tasks and managing Windows environments. It's also commonly used in post-exploitation scenarios.
Most applicable to:
- Windows system administration
- Scripting
- Automation
- Incident response
Relevant training:
- Hacking with PowerShell - learn the basics of PowerShell and PowerShell Scripting
- PowerShell for Pentesters - explore the principle uses of PowerShell in penetration tests
8. SQL
While it’s not direcently a programming language, SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardised language specifically designed for managing and manipulating relational databases. SQL allows users to create, read, update, and delete database records. Understanding SQL is essential for preventing and exploiting SQL injection attacks, one of the most common web application vulnerabilities.
Most applicable to:
- Database security
- Web application security
Relevant training:
- SQL Injection - learn how to detect and exploit SQL Injection vulnerabilities
- Advanced SQL Injection - learn advanced injection techniques to exploit a web app
- SQHell - try and find all the flags in the SQL Injections
9. Java
Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language designed to be platform-independent, meaning that Java programs can run on any device equipped with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This "write once, run anywhere" capability has made Java a popular choice for building cross-platform applications.
Java is widely used in enterprise environments and web applications. Understanding Java helps in analysing and securing large-scale applications.
Most applicable to:
- Enterprise security
- Web application security
10. Go (Golang)
Go, also known as Golang, is an open-source programming language developed by Google. Designed with simplicity, efficiency, and strong concurrency support in mind, it’s an ideal language for modern, distributed, and scalable systems. Go is becoming popular for building high-performance security tools and network services!
Most applicable to:
- Network security
- Developing security tools
And there we have it! The more tools you have at your disposal, the better prepared you are to handle the myriad of challenges you’ll face. Learning these languages will not only bolster your technical skills but also open up new opportunities for innovation and problem-solving in your cyber security career.
We've listed some helpful rooms throughout this article to help get you started, but click the button below to check out our full library of training rooms!
Ben Spring