When Programming Language Choice Determines the Survival of The City

C++ plussers and Rustaceans Find Each Other

Jose Crespo, PhD
CodeX

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We programmers often find ourselves caught up in debates — C++ vs. Rust, high-level vs. low-level programming. But the real challenge isn’t just crafting elegant systems; it’s protecting them in today’s networked world, where malicious code is always lurking. No matter how flawless your code seems, ignoring potential threats is an invitation to disaster.

It’s not enough to patch security holes or release the next update. The real battle is in mounting an effective response when — yes, when, not if — your system is breached. This means implementing proactive intrusion detection, automating defense mechanisms, and sometimes getting your hands dirty with low-level programming to tackle threats at their source.

The battlefield extends beyond high-level logic into the very core of the system, where only the most skilled developers can effectively fight back. If you’re not prepared to counteract attacks at this level, all the safety features in the world won’t save you. In cybersecurity, defense without the ability to respond isn’t sufficient.

The Dark Side of the Mighty C Family, the Rise of the Rootkits: Tiny Code, Big Power

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