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Shubham
Student
Nuapada, OD
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What programming language is required to be a professional cyber security expert
Cyber security
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7 answers
Joshua Allard, Ph.D.
Data Science & AI, Quantum AI designer developer
38
Answers
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Becoming a professional cybersecurity expert requires a solid understanding of various programming languages, as each language serves different purposes within the field. The choice of language depends on the specific area of cybersecurity you're focusing on, such as penetration testing, security analysis, reverse engineering, or malware analysis. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most essential programming languages for cybersecurity professionals:
1. python
2. C and C++
3. JavaScript
4. Assembly Language
5. Bash
6. SQL
7. PowerShell
8. Ruby
Below are some details on each of these (note these are not limited) and how they are used in cyber security.
Python is arguably the most versatile and widely used language in cybersecurity, known for its simplicity and extensive library support. It’s ideal for scripting, automation, and creating custom tools, making it an essential language for cybersecurity professionals. Python can be used to automate repetitive tasks such as scanning networks or analyzing logs and develop custom security tools like scanners, penetration testing scripts, and network traffic analyzers. Additionally, Python is frequently employed in writing exploits and payloads for penetration testing. Suppose you’re interested in learning Python for cybersecurity. In that case, online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy are great places to start, and books like "Violent Python" specifically focus on using Python for security purposes.
C and C++ are critical languages for understanding system-level operations, memory management, and vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, which are crucial in cybersecurity. These languages allow you to write and analyze low-level software, such as operating system components, drivers, and embedded systems. Knowledge of C and C++ is indispensable for reverse engineering malware, understanding the internals of software to identify security flaws, and developing custom exploits or analyzing the security of applications. To master these languages, read books like "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie and "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson.
JavaScript is essential for understanding web security because it is the backbone of web applications. As a cybersecurity expert, you must analyze and identify vulnerabilities in web applications, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). JavaScript is also useful for creating security-focused browser extensions or manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) during penetration tests. This language is vital for web application security assessments and developing front-end attack vectors. Resources like freeCodeCamp offer interactive learning for JavaScript, and "JavaScript: The Good Parts" by Douglas Crockford is a highly regarded book on the subject.
Assembly Language provides a deep understanding of how software interacts with hardware, making it crucial for reverse engineering and malware analysis. Proficiency in Assembly allows you to analyze and disassemble binaries to understand malware behavior or identify security vulnerabilities. This language is also essential for writing shellcode, often used in exploits for buffer overflows and other vulnerabilities. Understanding processor operations at this level enables you to exploit intricacies in the system, a skill necessary for advanced cybersecurity work. Books like "Programming from the Ground Up" by Jonathan Bartlett and resources from OpenSecurityTraining.info are excellent starting points for learning Assembly.
Bash (Shell Scripting) is indispensable for automating tasks and managing systems on Unix-based operating systems. As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll frequently use Bash to automate system administration tasks, such as monitoring logs, managing users, or securing servers. Additionally, Bash scripts are commonly used to automate penetration testing processes or vulnerability scans and to manage and secure Linux-based systems, which are prevalent in enterprise environments. To learn Bash, "The Linux Command Line" by William Shotts is a great resource, along with tutorials on websites like Linux Journey.
SQL is crucial for database security, understanding queries, and identifying SQL injection vulnerabilities. As a cybersecurity expert, you’ll need to conduct security audits of database systems to ensure they are secure from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection. Writing SQL queries is also vital for extracting and manipulating data during forensic investigations and understanding how to secure databases by limiting query privileges and sanitizing inputs. "Learning SQL" by Alan Beaulieu is an excellent book for getting started with SQL, and platforms like SQLZoo offer interactive learning experiences.
PowerShell is a powerful scripting language for automating tasks on Windows systems, which are common targets in cybersecurity. With PowerShell, you can automate Windows system administration and security tasks, such as managing Active Directory or deploying security patches. It’s also helpful in writing scripts to detect and respond to security incidents in Windows environments and developing and deploying custom security tools that leverage the Windows API. "Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches" by Don Jones is a well-regarded resource for learning PowerShell, complemented by Microsoft's extensive PowerShell documentation.
Ruby is known for its use in security tools like Metasploit, which is widely used in penetration testing. As a cybersecurity professional, you can customize and develop modules for Metasploit using Ruby, allowing you to exploit vulnerabilities more effectively. Ruby is also helpful for writing security scripts and tools tailored to specific penetration testing scenarios and developing web applications emphasizing security to prevent common vulnerabilities. "The Well-Grounded Rubyist" by David A. Black is an excellent book for learning Ruby, and RubyMonk offers a comprehensive online learning experience.
To be a well-rounded cybersecurity expert, it's important to have proficiency in multiple programming languages, each serving different purposes within the field. Python and C/C++ are foundational, while JavaScript, Assembly, Bash, SQL, PowerShell, and Ruby offer specialized skills crucial in various cybersecurity contexts. By mastering these languages, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the diverse challenges in the cybersecurity landscape and advance your career in this dynamic and essential field.
1. python
2. C and C++
3. JavaScript
4. Assembly Language
5. Bash
6. SQL
7. PowerShell
8. Ruby
Below are some details on each of these (note these are not limited) and how they are used in cyber security.
Python is arguably the most versatile and widely used language in cybersecurity, known for its simplicity and extensive library support. It’s ideal for scripting, automation, and creating custom tools, making it an essential language for cybersecurity professionals. Python can be used to automate repetitive tasks such as scanning networks or analyzing logs and develop custom security tools like scanners, penetration testing scripts, and network traffic analyzers. Additionally, Python is frequently employed in writing exploits and payloads for penetration testing. Suppose you’re interested in learning Python for cybersecurity. In that case, online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy are great places to start, and books like "Violent Python" specifically focus on using Python for security purposes.
C and C++ are critical languages for understanding system-level operations, memory management, and vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, which are crucial in cybersecurity. These languages allow you to write and analyze low-level software, such as operating system components, drivers, and embedded systems. Knowledge of C and C++ is indispensable for reverse engineering malware, understanding the internals of software to identify security flaws, and developing custom exploits or analyzing the security of applications. To master these languages, read books like "The C Programming Language" by Kernighan and Ritchie and "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson.
JavaScript is essential for understanding web security because it is the backbone of web applications. As a cybersecurity expert, you must analyze and identify vulnerabilities in web applications, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). JavaScript is also useful for creating security-focused browser extensions or manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) during penetration tests. This language is vital for web application security assessments and developing front-end attack vectors. Resources like freeCodeCamp offer interactive learning for JavaScript, and "JavaScript: The Good Parts" by Douglas Crockford is a highly regarded book on the subject.
Assembly Language provides a deep understanding of how software interacts with hardware, making it crucial for reverse engineering and malware analysis. Proficiency in Assembly allows you to analyze and disassemble binaries to understand malware behavior or identify security vulnerabilities. This language is also essential for writing shellcode, often used in exploits for buffer overflows and other vulnerabilities. Understanding processor operations at this level enables you to exploit intricacies in the system, a skill necessary for advanced cybersecurity work. Books like "Programming from the Ground Up" by Jonathan Bartlett and resources from OpenSecurityTraining.info are excellent starting points for learning Assembly.
Bash (Shell Scripting) is indispensable for automating tasks and managing systems on Unix-based operating systems. As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll frequently use Bash to automate system administration tasks, such as monitoring logs, managing users, or securing servers. Additionally, Bash scripts are commonly used to automate penetration testing processes or vulnerability scans and to manage and secure Linux-based systems, which are prevalent in enterprise environments. To learn Bash, "The Linux Command Line" by William Shotts is a great resource, along with tutorials on websites like Linux Journey.
SQL is crucial for database security, understanding queries, and identifying SQL injection vulnerabilities. As a cybersecurity expert, you’ll need to conduct security audits of database systems to ensure they are secure from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection. Writing SQL queries is also vital for extracting and manipulating data during forensic investigations and understanding how to secure databases by limiting query privileges and sanitizing inputs. "Learning SQL" by Alan Beaulieu is an excellent book for getting started with SQL, and platforms like SQLZoo offer interactive learning experiences.
PowerShell is a powerful scripting language for automating tasks on Windows systems, which are common targets in cybersecurity. With PowerShell, you can automate Windows system administration and security tasks, such as managing Active Directory or deploying security patches. It’s also helpful in writing scripts to detect and respond to security incidents in Windows environments and developing and deploying custom security tools that leverage the Windows API. "Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches" by Don Jones is a well-regarded resource for learning PowerShell, complemented by Microsoft's extensive PowerShell documentation.
Ruby is known for its use in security tools like Metasploit, which is widely used in penetration testing. As a cybersecurity professional, you can customize and develop modules for Metasploit using Ruby, allowing you to exploit vulnerabilities more effectively. Ruby is also helpful for writing security scripts and tools tailored to specific penetration testing scenarios and developing web applications emphasizing security to prevent common vulnerabilities. "The Well-Grounded Rubyist" by David A. Black is an excellent book for learning Ruby, and RubyMonk offers a comprehensive online learning experience.
To be a well-rounded cybersecurity expert, it's important to have proficiency in multiple programming languages, each serving different purposes within the field. Python and C/C++ are foundational, while JavaScript, Assembly, Bash, SQL, PowerShell, and Ruby offer specialized skills crucial in various cybersecurity contexts. By mastering these languages, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the diverse challenges in the cybersecurity landscape and advance your career in this dynamic and essential field.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
724
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
To excel as a cybersecurity professional, Shubham, you need to have a good grasp of several programming languages. However, there are a few key ones that stand out:
1. Python is a go-to language in cybersecurity, often used for scripting and automating tasks. Its flexibility makes it perfect for crafting security tools, dissecting data, and building exploits. Its wide-ranging libraries and frameworks cater to various cybersecurity needs.
2. C and C++ are vital for low-level programming and system security. They're commonly used to create and scrutinize exploits, and knowing them aids in spotting software and system weak spots.
3. As many web applications depend on JavaScript, it's a must-know for web security specialists. It's useful in recognizing and neutralizing web-based threats like cross-site scripting (XSS) and other client-side weaknesses.
4. SQL proficiency is key to understanding and defending against database-related attacks, such as SQL injection. It equips cybersecurity experts to evaluate and safeguard database interactions.
5. Shell scripting knowledge is handy for task automation and managing Unix/Linux systems. It assists in creating scripts for system administration and security tasks.
6. For detailed malware analysis and reverse engineering, a working knowledge of assembly language is helpful. It enables experts to decipher and analyze binary code at a basic level.
By mastering these programming languages, you can boost your ability to identify vulnerabilities, create security solutions, and respond effectively to threats. A strong base in these languages is a stepping stone to success in the cybersecurity realm.
1. Python is a go-to language in cybersecurity, often used for scripting and automating tasks. Its flexibility makes it perfect for crafting security tools, dissecting data, and building exploits. Its wide-ranging libraries and frameworks cater to various cybersecurity needs.
2. C and C++ are vital for low-level programming and system security. They're commonly used to create and scrutinize exploits, and knowing them aids in spotting software and system weak spots.
3. As many web applications depend on JavaScript, it's a must-know for web security specialists. It's useful in recognizing and neutralizing web-based threats like cross-site scripting (XSS) and other client-side weaknesses.
4. SQL proficiency is key to understanding and defending against database-related attacks, such as SQL injection. It equips cybersecurity experts to evaluate and safeguard database interactions.
5. Shell scripting knowledge is handy for task automation and managing Unix/Linux systems. It assists in creating scripts for system administration and security tasks.
6. For detailed malware analysis and reverse engineering, a working knowledge of assembly language is helpful. It enables experts to decipher and analyze binary code at a basic level.
By mastering these programming languages, you can boost your ability to identify vulnerabilities, create security solutions, and respond effectively to threats. A strong base in these languages is a stepping stone to success in the cybersecurity realm.
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
The easiest and most popular programming language to learn is Python. I recommend Javascript as well.
Malgorzata Schwab
Enterprise Software Architect
4
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Malgorzata’s Answer
Expertise in C++ will differentiate you. Best one to truly understand the core of computer science.
Elicia Westman
Software Testing
12
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Elicia’s Answer
Hello Shubham,
Python's versatility and its rich library support make it a fantastic option for quick development and scripting tasks. Meanwhile, Java, with its platform independence and top-tier security features, stands as a powerful contender for constructing robust and secure cybersecurity applications. Naturally, there are other languages you might want to explore too.
Here's a resource that could be beneficial in your journey: https://www.netacad.com/. This link will guide you to Cisco's Networking Academy, a place where you can deepen your Python knowledge and gain a broader understanding of Cyber Security.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Python's versatility and its rich library support make it a fantastic option for quick development and scripting tasks. Meanwhile, Java, with its platform independence and top-tier security features, stands as a powerful contender for constructing robust and secure cybersecurity applications. Naturally, there are other languages you might want to explore too.
Here's a resource that could be beneficial in your journey: https://www.netacad.com/. This link will guide you to Cisco's Networking Academy, a place where you can deepen your Python knowledge and gain a broader understanding of Cyber Security.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Murali Koppolu
Engineering Manager
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Murali’s Answer
Focus on Fundamental Expertise Over Language Specificity:
- Depth of Knowledge: It's less about the choice of programming language and more about the depth of your understanding. Aim to develop a strong expertise in a versatile language such as Python.
- Complementary Skills: Enhance your core programming knowledge with essential skills in database management, such as SQL.
- Solid Foundations: Prioritize a thorough grasp of fundamental concepts over a superficial familiarity with multiple languages.
- Depth of Knowledge: It's less about the choice of programming language and more about the depth of your understanding. Aim to develop a strong expertise in a versatile language such as Python.
- Complementary Skills: Enhance your core programming knowledge with essential skills in database management, such as SQL.
- Solid Foundations: Prioritize a thorough grasp of fundamental concepts over a superficial familiarity with multiple languages.
Justin Lee
Frontend developer
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Ooo. Fascinating question.
I'm not 100% certain of my answer, but I would say there's no preferred programming language. My reasoning is, security is not something external to a website (say, google.com) or an application (say, Microsoft Word)*. It is essential to the thing being coded. I assume Word is written in C or something similar, so you're understanding the security exploits of C and any packages Word is using. The same is said for google.com, which is JavaScript/CSS/HTML.
One way of looking at this is, you can pick whatever is the most popular language used by programmers for building applications. Python is quite popular (it's used to make web servers) as well as JavaScript (the official language of the web).
The other way of looking at it is, there are concepts in security that are separate from the languages, and so you can't really rely on a specific language. For example, the OWASP (Open Worldwide Application Security Project) top 10 describes common patterns in web applications that can be exploited (reference: https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/ ).
* In certain instances, security can be external to the application, but rarely. For example, there's something like Norton's Firewall that goes through the user's filesystem to see if it can detect the goings-on of any malware.
Apologies for not giving a clear answer, but I hope that clarifies how security is often approached.
I'm not 100% certain of my answer, but I would say there's no preferred programming language. My reasoning is, security is not something external to a website (say, google.com) or an application (say, Microsoft Word)*. It is essential to the thing being coded. I assume Word is written in C or something similar, so you're understanding the security exploits of C and any packages Word is using. The same is said for google.com, which is JavaScript/CSS/HTML.
One way of looking at this is, you can pick whatever is the most popular language used by programmers for building applications. Python is quite popular (it's used to make web servers) as well as JavaScript (the official language of the web).
The other way of looking at it is, there are concepts in security that are separate from the languages, and so you can't really rely on a specific language. For example, the OWASP (Open Worldwide Application Security Project) top 10 describes common patterns in web applications that can be exploited (reference: https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/ ).
* In certain instances, security can be external to the application, but rarely. For example, there's something like Norton's Firewall that goes through the user's filesystem to see if it can detect the goings-on of any malware.
Apologies for not giving a clear answer, but I hope that clarifies how security is often approached.