Programming Languages for Cyber Security
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.
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