According to a report by Risk Based Security, each year there are more than 4,100 publicly disclosed data breaches, which collectively exposed more than 22 billion records. And that’s just what was publicized. Behind the scenes, it’s likely that even more threats to cyber security have compromised records we will never know have been breached. As a result, there are massive IT challenges facing people who work in cyber security. Professionals who work in the field, as well as related fields such as information security analysis, work tirelessly to protect digital information.
If you work in one of these fields or aspire to do so, you likely want to know which programming languages are the most secure and which are most commonly used to run the systems used to protect data from cyberthreats. In this article, we’ll examine the role of programming languages in cyber security.
Defining Programming Languages
In order to understand the role of programming languages in cyber security, we must first define what a programming language is. Programming languages are the code used to tell computers how to operate. These languages can be either high-level or low-level, with high-level languages being closer to human language and easier for programmers to understand.
A high-level language may use human words to execute a function. For example, in Visual Basic, you would use the word “PRINT” to command the computer to send a standard output to your screen. However, in a low-level language, you would need many hexadecimal symbols to achieve the same result, and these are harder to understand at a glance.
Programming languages are also called coding languages, though coding tends to refer only to the process of writing code, while programming and software development can carry a broader connotation of incorporating the design of the entire program, application, or website.
Programming Languages in Cyber Security
Cyber security involves the protection of electronic assets such as data, networks, websites, and devices from digital attacks. When hackers attempt to breach a device or a system to steal, alter, or erase information, cyber security measures are often all that stand between them and their goals. Without effective cybersecurity, an individual or organization remains vulnerable to:
- Malware, ransomware, and viruses
- Data breaches and loss of private information
- Irreparable damage to one’s reputation
Within an organization, cyber security may be handled in a number of ways. For example, some small businesses have the person responsible for IT also handle cyber security, while large firms may have a dedicated cybersecurity department. The bigger the organization, the bigger the target.
In order to understand how hackers successfully compromise IT systems, cyber security professionals must have a detailed understanding of the programming languages hackers use most and also the strength and vulnerabilities of the languages in use in the systems under attack. Therefore, cyber security professionals need a detailed knowledge of many programming languages.
One of the best ways to get that knowledge is through college-level courses or certification programs. When you complete a class or a program, you’ll learn about a specific language in a structured and effective way. However, this type of training can also generate a lot of coding homework assignments. If you are overwhelmed with coding homework, you can contact online experts from a homework help service for relief. Simply tell them “I want to pay someone to do my programming homework online,” and you’ll be connected with a programming expert who can help with doing your cyber security assignment of any complexity.
Essential Languages for Cybersecurity
Many languages are beneficial in the cyber security field, but seven stand out as the most important. As a professional in this field, you’ll want to be familiar with:
Java
One of the most widely used languages in the world and especially popular for mobile app development, it’s popular with hackers for creating botnets and attempting identity theft. You’ll want to be familiar with its vulnerabilities to guard against hacks.
Python
Because Python frequently uses in-network programming, it’s a popular choice for hackers looking to write malicious programs, exploits, or hacking scripts. Because Python has an expansive online support community, it’s one of the most frequent choices for newbie hackers looking to enter the cybercrime field.
SQL
SQL is widely used in databases, which makes it the obvious choice for hackers looking to run an SQL injection or an SQL database to access confidential information. This is the most important language for a cyber security professional to know if you work with databases because it is next to impossible to stop an attack on a database without SQL.
C and C++
These two low-level languages are among the most popular for malware because hackers can use them to gain access to infrastructure like system processes and RAM. However, C and C++ are highly complex and can take years to fully understand, meaning that you’ll need plenty of training to effectively wield C and C++ against hackers.
JavaScript
Because JavaScript is popular in web applications and one of the most widely used languages used online, it’s a top choice among hackers looking to hack websites.
Ruby
Similar to Python, Ruby is a good language for beginners. This also makes it a popular choice for newbie hackers who are looking for an easy entry point into cybercrime.
PHP
This server-side language is used to build websites, but older versions are vulnerable to a range of attacks. It’s important to understand PHP in order to keep it patched and up-to-date.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).