6 Best Programming Languages for Cybersecurity

If you’re a programmer or developer, you know how important it can be to learn a number of different programming languages. Different languages are better tools for certain types of projects, and they’re not one-size-fits-all.

And sometimes, when you’re working in an even more specialized field, you may need to put even more time into deciding which programming languages will be best to learn. Let’s take a look at the best programming languages for cybersecurity and how to choose the best one to learn.

What is Cybersecurity Programming?

Cybersecurity programming is a branch of software engineering and computer science that deals with software development to prevent cyber attacks. Cybersecurity programmers develop programs that protect computers and other devices from malware, viruses, and other malicious software. They also work to prevent unauthorized access to confidential data.

The number of cyber attacks is increasing as technology is used more frequently across industries. As the threat landscape has changed, so has the focus of programming for cybersecurity.

The software that cybersecurity programmers develop aims to be secure and free of bugs and vulnerabilities that hackers or viruses could exploit. The field draws from a number of different areas within computer science including (but not limited to) cryptography, network security, data structures, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Cybersecurity Software Engineers

Cybersecurity software engineers may find employment at startups or established companies in a variety of industries including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. They’re proficient in cybersecurity programming languages, developing secure programs, testing, and more.

They also have a strong understanding of how computers are used in business, government, and other organizations. Cybersecurity engineers need to have a grasp of how different types of data are stored, processed, shared, and communicated among different users, devices, and applications.

They also need to understand how a hacker can disrupt these processes. In many cases, cybersecurity engineers should be able to get inside the mind of a potential hacker to best protect against these attacks and maintain business continuity despite any possible disruptions.

Cybersecurity Engineering vs. Software Engineering

Cybersecurity engineering is a relatively new field of study and involves collaboration between developers and security experts to develop these secure software products. It also includes studying methods and techniques used by hackers to develop countermeasures against them.

Software engineering, on the other hand, is a broad discipline that encompasses all aspects related to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems. The most basic difference between cybersecurity and software engineers is that cybersecurity engineers are more specialized.

Learn more: Software Engineering vs. Cybersecurity Engineering

The Qualities of a Good Programming Language for Cybersecurity

When it comes to programming, many different languages can be used to create programs, but not every language is created equal. Some are better for different types of projects.

When it comes to cybersecurity, you need a language that is powerful enough to handle the complex algorithms and calculations necessary for security. The following are some of the other qualities that can make a programming language a good choice for cybersecurity applications:

• Easy to understand: you may be working with other programmers who have varying levels of experience with cybersecurity. It’s important for developers to be able to understand each other’s code without needing to refer back to notes or previous steps to figure out what someone was doing.
• Support libraries: good support libraries allow you to access certain functions without having to write the code yourself (like match functions of file I/O).
• Simple syntax and semantics: these should be simple enough that even beginners can learn to use it quickly and easily without getting confused by unnecessary complexities or overly complicated syntax rules. Overly complex language may lead to more bugs and, therefore, more vulnerabilities.
• Robust: this refers to how resistant a program can be against bugs, crashes, freezing, and other problems. The more resistant a program is to these problems, the better protected the organization. A robust language will keep a program working even if something minor goes wrong, giving hackers fewer chances to exploit a failed security program.  

The Best Programming Languages for Cybersecurity

Taking all of these qualities into account, here are some of the best languages for cybersecurity.

1. Java

Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world today. It’s also a good cybersecurity programming language because it offers a lot of security features out of the box. Java has been specifically designed for secure applications since its inception. It has built-in safeguards against malicious actions such as buffer overflows and SQL injection attacks.

2. Python

Python is another popular general-purpose programming language that has gained popularity among cybersecurity professionals in recent years. It excels at string manipulation, data analysis, and machine learning, which are all important components of cybersecurity.

In addition, it’s often used for penetration testing, network monitoring, and development of tools for reverse engineering malware because of its flexibility, efficiency, and speed of development compared with more complex languages.

Learn more: Why You Should Learn Python as Your First Programming Language

3. SQL

SQL is good for cybersecurity programming because it’s the language of databases. This means it has a very specific set of commands and functions that developers can use to query different data types. SQL is also very flexible in working with multiple database types including MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

When it comes to cybersecurity, developers can use SQL to store information about threats or vulnerabilities. They can also use it to store information about users and their accounts or other aspects of an organization’s security system.

Learn more: These are the Best SQL Certifications to Level Up Your Career

4. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that can be used for a variety of applications. It’s also popular in the world of cybersecurity because it provides several tools that can make it easier to write secure code.

For example, C++ includes a memory model that allows developers to allocate memory dynamically and then deallocate it when they’re finished with it. This can prevent common types of memory-related vulnerabilities like buffer overflows and use-after-free errors. C++ also includes an exception model that can help ensure that if one part of your program fails, it won’t bring down the entire application stack.

5. JavaScript

JavaScript is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to create websites, video games, or mobile applications. JavaScript’s popularity has grown significantly over the past few years, which has helped make it an attractive option for cybersecurity development.

One of the most significant advantages of using JavaScript is that it’s relatively easy to learn. Because it was designed as an object-oriented programming language, it has many features that make it easier to learn than some other languages like C++ or Java.

Learn more: What is JavaScript?

6. Ruby

Ruby is good for cybersecurity programming because it’s a versatile language that can be used to build software that’s both high-level and low-level. It has a large community of users and developers who are always working on new projects, making it a great choice for companies looking to hire developers who already have experience with this language.

Ruby has a reputation for being easy to learn, but it also has a lot of depth and flexibility. Ruby is often used in cybersecurity because it can be used to build tools that make security stronger.

How to Choose the Best Cybersecurity Programming Language for You

The world of cybersecurity is moving fast, and there are all these cybersecurity programming languages to choose from. When it comes down to it, though, the best language for cybersecurity is the one that fits your needs.

When choosing the best programming language for cybersecurity to learn, consider your skills and experience level as well as other factors like your goals, interests, position, and industry. Think about asking yourself some of the following questions.

What kind of job do you want?

If you want to be a security engineer or a penetration tester, Python may be better suited for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in developing new cybersecurity tools or products, C++ might be the better option. Different languages are better suited for different specific projects, so think about your ideal position and the skills you’ll need to accomplish your tasks.

What kind of company do you want to work for?

If you want to work at a big tech company like Google or Facebook where there are already-established security teams using certain languages and frameworks, then think about following their lead. Consider honing your proficiency in the languages these companies already value and have a demand for.

What are your interests?

If you want to create applications that help protect systems from attacks or intrusions, then Python might be a good choice. If you want to analyze data to detect potential threats or vulnerabilities, on the other hand, then R might work better for you. Do what you can to align your interests with what each cybersecurity programming language will enable you to achieve.

Take the quiz: Which coding language is best for you?

Start Developing Your Skills With App Academy

If you’re looking for a new career — perhaps you’re considering programming for cybersecurity — take a look at the immersive programs we offer. App Academy’s coding bootcamps can teach you the technical coding skills you need to take your career to the next level. With both in-person and online options, there’s nothing holding you back from investing in your skills.

Reach out to an Admissions Specialist today if you have any other questions, or explore our curriculum and find which program works for you.

Full-Time Online Coding Bootcamp - 24-Week Full-Time Software Engineer Program

‍Part-Time Online Coding Bootcamp - Part-Time Software Engineering Program

‍In-Person Campus Programs - New York & San Francisco Campus Programs

‍Learn to Code for Free - App Academy Open