Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field for computer science and information technology. With the world going online even more during the 2020 pandemic, the demand for IT professionals in the field of cybersecurity is only going higher each year. Back in the 90s, you wouldn’t even know what the internet is. Now, it’s the biggest thing in the world.
Today, let’s talk about why cybersecurity is important and which programming languages are best to use. We’ll show you the best programming languages to learn, be it for kids starting out or professionals looking for a refresher on what the current era of cybersecurity is like.
What programming languages should I learn?
Deciding what programming languages to learn is no small task. Each language requires your utmost concentration and dedication. You can’t just do half-efforts in learning multiple languages. While being a generalist is beneficial, it takes much longer. It’s best to look at the trends and specialize in the languages that will be common for the next few years.
Source: Pexel
Take stock of what you want to do and which aspects of security you think are needed. Each language offers different strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Even having a rudimentary understanding of several languages can help you in your job search or personal improvement.
Now, let’s take a look at the most popular programming languages currently and learn about what they’re used for.
Python
Python is the dominant language in cybersecurity right now. A server-side scripting language that is automatically compiled, its incredible versatility makes it a great asset for most modern cybersecurity setups.
Its ability to automate multiple tasks and perform malware analysis, as well as general ease of use, makes it the perfect jack of all trades programming language.
JavaScript
Javascript is the most common programming language on the internet. It is estimated that over 95% of the internet runs on javascript. The sheer volume of sites using javascript makes it one of the most targeted languages for hackers. Javascript has resources by the thousands and is incredibly versatile, but has a lot of backdoors and flaws that can be exploited if left unchecked.
Java
Java is one of the oldest languages used on this list. It stood as the basis for the design of many major operating systems. Java is more complex than simpler languages such as C, but that complexity allows for more dynamic functionality. Do note that despite the namesake, Javascript and Java are different beasts.
PHP
PHP is the foundation of websites on the internet. As a server-side language, it accounts for well over 80% of the world’s websites. PHP’s widespread use, much like Java, makes it an essential tool in your kit for cybersecurity. PHP is often paired up with HTML to make websites run smoothly.
C and C++
C and its evolution, C++, are the simplest of the programming languages. A few months of training can make most competent programmers have a master-level understanding of the language. However, that is a double-edged sword, as it makes it easier for hackers to understand exploits in your system.
C is the one often used to teach the basics of programming, while C++ is the one used in professional settings. C++ in particular excels at finding exploits in security code via 3rd party tools like FlawFinder.
SQL
SQL is a programming language specifically assigned to domains. It’s very useful for companies that need large databases for everyday use. SQL is very on-demand due to the evergreen nature of keeping data saved and updating said data with new information.
Assembly
Assembly language is defined as any low-level language used for programming that is readable to humans. It’s straightforward to learn and it clearly shows the process and results of what certain programs do. This makes it very useful for understanding the process of malware to improve your security.
Golang
Golang is getting steam as an up-and-comer in the cybersecurity world. It’s great for cloud servers, versatility, ease of use, and analysis capabilities. It uses a single source code and has a massive library for malware analysis.
Ruby
Ruby is a new high-level language popularized in Japan and has since spread around the world. Ruby’s appeal is its simplicity. It optimizes a lot of the information to be readable to the programmer, making development that much easier. Plus, it’s an easy transition from other languages such as Python as the syntax is practically the same.
Conclusion
From the languages given above, the ones that would help you boost your career depends entirely on your experience. If you are looking to have a “pocket programming language” that can always be of use to any company, Javascript and Python are your best bet. If you’re looking to make exciting changes to your knowledge, new languages such as Golang and Ruby might be for you. Lastly, for database-focused career paths, SQL is a must.
About The Author:
Chatty is a freelance writer from Manila. She finds joy in inspiring and educating others through writing. That’s why aside from her job as a language evaluator for local and international students, she spends her leisure time writing about various topics such as lifestyle, technology, and business.
