Top 5 Programming languages for Cyber Security in 2024

My favorite Programming Languages for Cyber Security in 2024 with link to recommended online courses

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10 min readMar 25, 2023

Hello guys, if you want to become a Cyber Security professional in 2024 but are unsure which programming language to learn, you have come to the right place. Earlier, I have shared the best Cyber Security courses, and in this article, I am going to share the best programming league you can learn to become a Cyber Security engineer and professional.

These are also the top programming language required for any Cyber Security role, and you will often find them in job descriptions. Though you don’t need to learn them all, you can choose one and stick with it.

How can we be sure that we’re secure when discovering new things, blogs, articles, newsletters, and more in this era where technology is omnipresent, everything is digital, and everyone is connected to the Internet?

Technology is growing increasingly accessible, advanced, influential, and engaging, becoming increasingly harmful, hazardous, and insecure work as a Cybersecurity professionals, you must be well-versed in and comfortable with various programming languages.

We’ll go through some of the most powerful and popular programming languages cybersecurity experts use, which will help you get started in the field.

These are also the most popular programming language used in Cyber Security. You can choose a combination of language like Python and SQL, or JavaScript and SQL to start your career in Cyber Security.

5 Best Programming Language for CyberSecurity in 2024

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses and organizations worldwide, as hackers become increasingly sophisticated in their attacks. As a result, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, with job opportunities ranging from ethical hacking to security engineering.

One important aspect of the cybersecurity profession is proficiency in programming languages, as these are the tools that can be used to secure systems and prevent attacks.

In this article, we will discuss the top 5 programming languages that are essential for cybersecurity professionals to know. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to expand your skill set, these languages will give you a strong foundation for success.

Without wasting any more of your time, here is the list of best programming languages for Cyber security. You can learn any of these programming languages or a couple of them to start your career as a Cyber security engineer and specialist.

Along the way, I have also shared the best resources like online courses and books to learn these programming languages.

1. C and C++

C is a programming language that has been around for a long time. Dennis Ritchie created it to construct operating systems, compilers, and other software. It’s a fascinating and easy-to-learn language.

You may rapidly learn additional languages like Python and JavaScript after studying C. Bjarne Stroustrup created C++, a general-purpose programming language. C++ is an enhanced version of the C programming language used to construct compilers, operating systems, and video games.

Why C and C++ are beneficial in Cybersecurity

C and C++ are low-level programming languages. Kernels and drivers are written in C and C++, and C and C++ are useful for acquiring low-level access to memory and the system. C and C++ are also used to interact more accurately with hardware.

Because many hackers used to develop hazardous programs and scripts in these two languages, it is worthwhile to devote time to learning them if you want to work as a security researcher or professional. These two also assist hackers in writing efficient and quick code.

These languages construct several cybersecurity tools, such as Nmap and Network Mapper. C and C++ come in handy when practicing reverse engineering and system hijacking; C and C++ come in handy.

And, if you want to learn C++ in 2024 and need a course, then I highly suggest you join the Beginner C++ Programming course by Tim Buchalaka and his time. This is one of the best C and C++ programming courses in 2024.

This is a fantastic course for learning C++, and it’s available on Udemy. This course will teach you how to write in the powerful, fast, and widely used C++ programming language from the ground up, requiring just a basic understanding of computers.

This course will teach you how to construct games, systems, and applications using Modern C++ Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and STL. By the way, if you need more choices then you can also check out my list of best C++ Courses for beginners to explore more.

2. Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages today. Cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, software developers, and AI/ML experts, among others, find it simple to understand and utilize. Python is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that may be used to create complex applications, data mining, and data facilitation, among other things.

Why Python is beneficial in Cybersecurity

Python is a simple language to learn for novices, yet it is one of the greatest and most popular languages for hacking servers on the internet.
In the case of automation, Python makes it easy to develop scripts.
It contains a sizable library collection.
Python is used to do network scanning, port scanning, and host discovery.

And, if you want to learn Python from scratch, then I need a resource then I highly recommend you to join 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for the 2024 course on Udemy. This is a BootCamp-style course to learn Python in 2024.

This course introduces you to Python, a dynamic programming language used for web development, large data, science, and scripting.

This top-rated yet intermediate Udemy training expands on the foundations of the basic course and includes more advanced subjects, with almost 66,000 reviews and a rating of 4.7 stars. And, if you need more choices, you can always check out this list of the best python courses from Udemy and Coursera.

Top 5 Python Courses with Certificate for 2024 - Best of Lot

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3. JavaScript

Software developers and security researchers employ JavaScript, one of the most popular, trendy, and functional programming languages. It aids programmers in the development of powerful front-end apps. JavaScript has become more popular among programmers and researchers as Angular, jQuery, and ReactJs has grown in popularity.

JavaScript has several libraries to work with, and its scope has been expanded to include frontend development, mobile and web app development, and game creation.

It is considered to be one of the most hacker-friendly programming languages. You can decrease or even eliminate XSS assaults on the user’s website if you have a decent command of the language.

Why JavaScript is beneficial in Cybersecurity

JavaScript is used to simulate assaults on the server or client-side, and it may also be used to produce adware.
Cross-site scripting is commonly developed using JavaScript.
Hackers use it to carry out buffer overflow attacks.
JavaScript enables you to control event handlers and do Cross-Site Scripting by allowing you to handle cookies and modify how they function (XSS).

And, if you want to learn JavaScript from scratch and need a course, then I suggest you check out The Complete JavaScript Course 2024: From Zero to Expert! Course on Udemy by Jonas Schemedtmann.

This course will teach you all you need to know about the Javascript programming language. You’ll learn how to use Javascript to create programs to solve the common task and different Javascript features.

The course will begin with an introduction and some simple JavaScript videos to refresh your memory. If you need more choices, check out these best JavaScript online courses in 2024.

4. PHP

PHP is a server-side scripting language commonly used to build complicated APIs and website backends. PHP is one of the most widely used languages on the internet, and knowing it will help you fight against cyber-attacks or intrusions.

DOS (Denial of Service) assaults are among the most popular PHP-based attacks. This type of assault renders the program or website inaccessible to users.

Hackers can even wipe all data on your website using PHP and SQL exploits. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of your website, you are an easy target for them. Learning PHP will help you prevent such attacks.

Why PHP is beneficial in Cybersecurity

When you have a good understanding of PHP, you will be able to take down defective websites as soon as you see one. Integration of PHP-based solutions allows you to reduce, if not completely eliminate, cyber assaults.

PHP helps Cybersecurity Professionals to develop reliable website security solutions.PHP is also often used to hack into your websites (to explore bugs).

And, if you want to learn PHP in 2024 and need a course, then I suggest you to checkout PHP for beginners- become a PHP master-CMS project course by Edwin Diaz on Udemy. This is one of the best courses for PHP in 2024.

The best PHP course on Udemy, with over 37 hours of video content, begins with a beginner’s introduction to data types, embedding PHP with HTML, statements, and functions, then progress to intermediate topics such as security and encryption, preventing SQL vulnerabilities, and finally building a CMS system such as WordPress. And if you need more choices, you can also see this list of the best PHP courses for beginners.

5. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is commonly used for database administration; every program requires a database to perform properly. When we visit a website that requires us to enter our login credentials, the password from the database is displayed and compared to the one you entered.

While you couldn’t see it, hackers exploited this feature by utilizing SQL injections to obtain login credentials, bank account information, social security numbers, and other valuable information. As a result, knowing SQL will assist you in making databases more secure.

Why SQL is beneficial in Cybersecurity

SQL injections are used by black hat hackers to get unlashed credentials from databases. SQL injections are created by hackers using SQL queries to steal data from users.
You will be able to alter the database according to your needs if you have a solid understanding and command of SQL.
Because SQL injections are one of the most prevalent dangers to online applications, knowing SQL can help you avoid them.

And if you want to learn SQL and need a resource, then I highly recommend you to check out Introduction to SQL by Michigan university on Coursera. This is one of the best courses for SQL in 2024, especially for beginners.

This course on Coursera is appropriate for anybody with basic computer abilities and a desire to study independently. The good news is that no prior understanding of computer science or programming is required.

The course begins with a review of applied learning and progresses to increasingly advanced subjects. You will have completed multiple hands-on assignments after successfully completing these courses. You can either join this course alone or you can join it by joining Coursera Plus, a subscription plan which gives access to 3000+ Coursera courses, projects, and certificates.

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Get unlimited access to over 90% of courses, Projects, Specializations, and Professional Certificates on Coursera…

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Conclusion

That’s all about the best programming language for Cyber Security in 2024. Not only would knowing more than one programming language look nice on your CV, but it will also qualify you for various mid-and upper-level Cybersecurity jobs. Furthermore, even a basic grasp and knowledge of one programming language may help you improve in your profession and achieve long-term success.

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P. S. — If you want to become a Java Developer in 2024 then I also highly recommend you check out The Java Developer RoadMap which will guide you on what you can learn to become an expert Java programmer. It contains essential frameworks, libraries, and tools a professional Java developer should know.

The 2024 Java Programmer RoadMap

An illustrated guide to becoming a Java Developer in 2024 with links to relevant courses

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