Important Programming Languages for Ethical Hacking

Hacking has become a very popular thing among computer enthusiasts. In fact, most people pursue it as a full-time career. Others even take up a Cyber Security master’s degree to have a deeper knowledge about ethical hacking and securing important business data.  One of the basic requirements that you need to have in order to be an ethical hacker is coding skills. You should have a proper grasp of various programming languages. But, which languages should you use?

Well, here are the must-know programming languages for ethical hackers.

Programming Languages for Ethical Hackers

1. Python

The simplicity of Python is unrivalled. You can study the language and build powerful applications within a few months after you are done with the studying. When it comes to hacking, Python provides a fertile ground for building offensive hacking tools.

The language is perfect for developing and testing different security measures. You can execute basic hacking activities without breaking a sweat. The flexibility of Python programming makes it a darling to budding ethical hackers. It can be used on both stand-alone and web applications. It is also a go-to language for building bioinformatic applications. Most hackers prefer Python to be their primary programming language. This is mainly because of its simplicity and versatility.

Read in detail: Why Python Programming Language is very useful for Hackers?

2. Java

Java programming language has one outstanding characteristic-it is versatile. This explains the common phrase that is always associated with this language “ write once, run everywhere.” This is a language that can break all the barriers. It can run on any machine or platform. As a promising ethical hacker, this is one of the key characteristics that you need to look in a programming language.

The flexibility of Java programming is at a completely different level. Whether you are a hacker or just a developer, you will appreciate this language. The solid user base of Java is another reason why you should learn it as an aspiring ethical hacker. There is a high chance of exploring many applications that are based on this programming language.

Apart from just web and enterprise applications, knowledge of Java can be used for hacking Android applications. Since Android is the most popular operating system for mobile devices, you can be sure of having a solid client base. The popularity of Java means that you can get lots of resources for learning and testing this language.

3. JavaScript

JavaScript is mainly used for developing web applications. It can improve the functionality of a site while at the same time make it more interactive. Apart from websites, JavaScript is also widely deployed in AppleScript.

If you are harbouring the intentions of becoming a reliable and versatile hacker, you should take JavaScript seriously as it is one of the must-know languages for ethical hackers. You can use it to explore both the front-end and back-end of web applications. As a hacker, JavaSript can also give you a leeway to exploring mobile applications.

4. C/C++

There are various solid reasons why C is always referred to as a mother of all the programming languages. Most schools and colleges teach it as the first programming language. C++ is versatile and highly portable. It is a cross-platform language that can run on different platforms. This means that as a hacker, C++ will help you to access different systems.

C++ is a fast and powerful programming language. You can use it to develop different tools for hacking. It also has extra resources for developing and testing security measures. It also enjoys a large user base hence you can get any help whenever you need.

5. Ruby

Ruby has built quite a name in the field of computer security and hacking in general. It has built its base on Lisp, Perl, Ada and Eiffel, and Smalltalk languages. There are several similarities between Ruby and Python. One of them is both the languages are easy to understand and use.

When it comes to hacking, you can use Ruby to write powerful and effective scripts. The simple syntax of Ruby makes it a good choice of language for easy penetration into systems and applications. There is also quite a wide range of security frameworks that are built on Ruby.

6.PHP

 

While JavaScript performs its various roles on the front-end of a web application, PHP will be running the back-end or server side. Well, as an ethical hacker, you should be able to gain access to the server side. The knowledge of PHP will play a critical role in helping you achieve this goal. You can depend on PHP to penetrate a website and even test its vulnerability.

The fact that PHP is a widely used programming language makes it a perfect choice for any hacker. At least 80% of websites run on this language. This simply means that this language will make you more relevant and marketable in your career as an ethical hacker.

7. SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL is the most popular language for database programming. One of the things that motivate hacking activities is the need to get data. This is because we are living in a data-centric world. The importance of data cannot be underestimated.

As an ethical hacker, the knowledge on SQL will help you to understand how databases are hacked and data are stolen. You will then be able to come up with bullet-proof security measures that can be used to offer protection against database hacking.

8.HTML/XML

It won’t be fair to talk about JavaScript and leave out its close partners – HTML and XML. These languages aren’t considered as programming languages but they are the foundation of world wide web.  These languages are used on the client side of web applications. They can be manipulated and be a security threat. Any ethical hacker should try to master these two languages.

Read in detail: Difference Between Scripting, Markup and Programming Languages

Conclusion

In conclusion, being an expert in the above programming languages can lay a strong foundation that you can use to become an ethical hacker. Hacking is a wide field that requires the mastery of several programming languages. This is because different systems are built on different programming languages. Being an expert in more than one languages will give you an upper hand.

As they say, practice makes perfect. Keep practising these languages and with time you will be perfect. Due to the robust nature of hacking, strive to update yourself with the new developments on these languages. This is because as an ethical hacker, you should always exploit new security loopholes.