The Best Programming Languages for Cyber Security in 2024

The best programming languages for cyber security in 2024 will be determined by the trends in cyber security. But it's obvious that developers are going to play a pivotal role in the everyday security of our digital technologies. The future of cyber security is not just about reading logs, but also about creating software that addresses vulnerabilities.

Cyber security is a booming industry, but it's not without the looming specter of inadequacy. While the need for cybersecurity experts won't diminish in the foreseeable future, a cyberwars arms race has inflated supply at a meteoric rate. 

 

The demand for cyber security skills is outpacing training opportunities by a staggering percentage. If you're an advocate of learning new languages/frameworks/tools, then look no further for your next language to learn.

 

With the cyber landscape ever-changing, it's crucial to be aware of the top programming languages for cyber security and their uses in the industry. Let’s dive deep further into the best programming languages for cyber security in this blog post.

Why Learning to Program Important for Cybersecurity?

A study by Forbes revealed that by 2024, the world would be generating 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day, which means an even greater demand for coders and programmers who can work with these new-fangled technologies.

 

Technology changes over time as newer technologies replace older ones. Programming languages follow a similar pattern.

 

Learning to program is important for cyber security because it gives you the skills to analyze, understand, and manipulate code. It's like learning to write in high school. Once you can do that well, you have a much better chance of being able to read other people's writing and make sense of it.

 

In this case, though, it's not just about understanding how others' code works—it's about being able to see what they did wrong and how to fix it yourself! It also helps you understand why certain lines of code exist and how they work so that you can avoid making similar mistakes.

What Programming Languages are Best for Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing job sectors across the globe. According to a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cyber security professionals will grow by 18% between 2016 and 2026, making it one of the fastest growing job sectors in the US tech market. 

 

Having said that, one of the best ways to get into this industry is by learning about programming languages, because almost all cyber security jobs require some kind of programming ability.

 

Simply learning one programming language is not satisfactory. You need to be able to apply the concepts of several different languages to solve problems in the field of cybersecurity. This means you can't just pick one and stick with it - you have to be versatile.

So what are the best coding languages for cyber security? Let's take a look at the 5 best programming languages to learn for cyber security and see what they can do for you.

Python

Python has been used as a computer language since 1991. Its uses are endless. You can use it to do anything from web development to data analysis to cybersecurity!

 

Considered to be one of the best coding languages for cyber security, Python offers easy-to-use solutions and a ton of great libraries that make it super useful in the field.

 

In fact, there are a lot of reasons why Python is so great for cybersecurity. Here are just a few:

• Python offers maximum flexibility when it comes to stepping outside the bounds of traditional programming, which makes it especially useful for hacking.
• It's easy to learn. You don't need previous experience with programming or computer science to learn Python—you can pick it up right away!
• It has a huge community of developers who use it every day for different projects, which means that there are tons of tutorials and guides out there if you ever hit a snag.
• It’s fast. Python runs on multiple platforms and has great support for concurrency and parallel processing. 
• An easy syntax (that means it's easy to read) and structure, makes it easier to understand your code. It also has a lot of built-in functions (things like "print" or "if" statements), which makes it easier to figure out how things work and what needs fixing when something goes wrong.
• It’s used by many leading companies for their cyber security issues, including Google and Facebook.

JavaScript

JavaScript is the language of cyber security and is the most popular programming language on the web. It's easy to see why—Yes! It's everywhere.

 

Many popular websites, including Gmail and Facebook Messenger, use JavaScript to power their core functionality.

 

Did you know that JavaScript is also one of the top programming languages for cyber security?

 

First of all, JavaScript is very flexible and can be used in many different situations. It can be written so that humans can easily read it, but computers cannot. This makes it harder for hackers to break into a user's system.

 

Another reason you might like JavaScript is its ability to run on almost any device—from your phone to your computer—and on almost any operating system (Windows, Mac OS X/macOS). That means you can write code once and use it anywhere.

 

JavaScript is a great tool for cybersecurity, because it can be used to detect threats before they reach your network. It uses artificial intelligence to predict security threats before they happen, so you can take action while there's still time.

C/C++

If you are looking for a new language to add to your cybersecurity career toolkit, C/C++ is the answer. Here are just some of the reasons why C/C++ is the perfect language for cybersecurity:

• It's easy to use. If you're not already familiar with C/C++, don't worry! Whether you're new to programming or have been coding for years, this language will be easy for anyone to pick up. Software developers use it to build security programs such as firewalls and antivirus solutions.
• It offers great flexibility. Need to write a program that can handle thousands of simultaneous users? No problem! Want to build a cybersecurity app that works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android? Easy as pie with C/C++.
• It's cross-platform, which means that if you write code in C/C++, you can run it on any device that has an operating system that supports those languages. This makes it ideal for writing programs for both mobile devices and PCs. 
• It's fast and reliable. C/C++ is a more efficient language than others and can save you a lot of time. This means you can spend your time doing other things, like relaxing or seeing your friends.
• A high-level language that allows you to write code faster than if you were using something like assembly language or machine code.

SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It's used by database administrators to manage their databases. In recent years, it has become one of the most sought-after computer languages for cyber security professionals.

 

SQL is a language that allows cybersecurity professionals to query multiple databases to find anomalous behavior. 

• SQL can be used to search for patterns in information that might indicate a security breach. For instance, SQL can show all the accounts that were accessed from an unusual IP address.
• Another use for SQL is for data aggregation. This is the process of collecting data from multiple sources in one place so you can analyze it. For example, you might want to create a report that shows all your company's employees' names, addresses, phone numbers, and salaries. You can do this by combining information from several databases into a single file.
• SQL is also used for logging transactions, SQL is also used to log transactions, which means recording every time someone makes changes or deletes items in your database. This helps you keep track of what has happened so you can remember who did what and when they did it. That way, you can remind them about their responsibilities if necessary.

Shell Scripting

Shell scripting is a useful tool for cyber security because it allows you to create scripts that automate repetitive tasks.

 

These scripts are particularly useful when it comes to automating processes that are too time-consuming or complex for humans. 

 

For instance, say you have a task that involves scanning thousands of files. You can use shell scripting to scan the first few hundred files and then automatically move on to the next batch of files after confirming the previous batch is safe.

 

An individual person can repeat this process thousands of times, making it a time-consuming task.

Let’s look at some of the ways cybersecurity professionals use shell scripting: 

• Security Testing Scripting- It’s a great way to test your systems for vulnerabilities and weaknesses without having to manually try each one yourself. You can write a script that will test your system for vulnerabilities. It will tell you which parts of your system are weak, and what you can do to strengthen them.
  
  This makes it much easier for companies with large networks of systems or customers with multiple locations around the world to identify their security flaws!
• Making Automation Tools - Cybersecurity professionals use shell scripts when they want to create tools that automate tasks or functions within their organizations or business processes. These tools can monitor network traffic, detect suspicious activity, and help you investigate problems before they become serious.
• Shell scripts can be written in any text editor, and they execute on the shell's command line interface (CLI). A shell script is a list of commands that are executed one after another. The Bash shell is the most common type of shell.

Which Programming Language to Learn First for Cyber Security?

There's a lot to consider when opting for the best computer languages for cyber security. You should first decide whether you wish to learn a new language or use existing ones like Python and Ruby.

 

If you're looking for a new language, C++ and Go are two popular options for programmers. Our recommendation is to start with Python! The language is straightforward. Libraries and code examples can help you get started. Once you’ve mastered the basics, move on to higher-level languages like Java or Visual Basic.

Final TakeAways

The top coding languages for cyber security will change as the existing languages and new technologies evolve. New survey results show that cybersecurity providers have the opportunity to capture a $2 trillion market by 2024.

 

While $2 trillion may sound like a lot of money, the truth is that cyber security is a real problem for companies across the globe. IT departments are having trouble keeping up with the growing number of cyber threats that appear every day.

 

Don't let your business be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. At InvoZone, we have a staff of pentesting experts who can help you protect your organization from the latest cyber threats. Let us help you fortify your business with our cyber security services.

 

Don't wait until it's too late! Call us today to schedule an appointment for a security assessment for your business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Python good for cyber security?

Python is a great computer language for cyber security. It's easy to learn, especially if you already know other programming languages, and it's used by many security tools.

The reason Python is so popular in the field of cyber security is that it's very flexible. You can use it to create web applications with secure connections, or you can use it to build your own custom scripts and programs. It's also easy to learn because of its clear syntax and simple design.

Is coding required for cyber security?

While it isn't required to have a background in coding when you're starting out in cyber security, it is definitely advantageous. 

 

As the field becomes more technical and increasingly focused on automation, having some coding experience can help you learn how to automate certain tasks. It also helps you understand what kinds of tools are available for use in your work.

Is cyber security harder than coding?

Cybersecurity is definitely harder than coding.

 

Cyber security is about preventing attacks, whereas coding is about creating new software. It's like the difference between being a police officer and being an engineer.

 

The main difference between cyber security and coding is that cyber security focuses on fixing problems that have already happened, while coding focuses on preventing problems from happening in the first place.