What programming languages are used in cybersecurity

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of programming languages. When considering a career in cybersecurity, you may be wondering which language, if any, you need to know.

While knowing how to code isn’t necessary in cybersecurity, the more you know, the more valuable you’ll be in analyzing, monitoring, detecting, and remediating cyberattacks.

It’s nearly impossible to know them all (nor do we recommend doing so), so we’ve narrowed them down to the top 5 programming languages that will help you be successful in a cybersecurity career. You’ll learn their applications, benefits, and how they’ll help you in your career.

Is there coding in cybersecurity?

One of the first questions people ask when interested in cybersecurity is whether they need to learn coding. While learning to code is not a requirement to enter the field, it adds tremendous value for a potential employer and can help you rise through the ranks faster due to your enhanced skill set.

Taimur Ijlal, information security leader at Netify, underscores the importance of programming in cybersecurity.

“So many tasks these days involve some level of coding, whether it's automating processes, developing tools, or analyzing data,” he says.

Learn more about how coding is important cybersecurity

What programming languages are used in cybersecurity?

Numerous unique programming languages are used today. While you don’t need to know them all, the more you know, the more skilled you can be in cybersecurity roles. Here are five of the most popular programming languages used in cybersecurity:

Python

Python is a common, versatile programming language that can help you achieve nearly any software task. This general-purpose programming language was built with a simple syntax that allows you to read and write code quickly. Many cybersecurity tools are built using this language.

Iljal says this coding language is also perfect for solving challenges like automating log review procedures, which saved analysts hours of work in manual data analysis.

“I was able to write a script that aggregated the logs, searched for specific keywords and patterns, and flagged any findings for the analyst to review,” he explains.

Cybersecurity applications for Python

Python is commonly used in penetration testing, allowing you to test your systems to look for vulnerabilities. It can also be used to automate vulnerability scanning and testing. You may also find it used for cybercrime investigations, including malware analysis.

Knowing Python is essential for cybersecurity roles, including:

• Security engineers (to test for system vulnerabilities)
• Penetration testers (for ethical hacking and information gathering)
• Software engineers (to code scripts and automation tools)

Get a free crash course on Python programming language.

JavaScript

JavaScript is designed for webpages and applications and sits dormant on the webpage until it’s activated (usually by a user visiting the page) by a JavaScript engine. It’s widely recognized as one of the easiest and most popular programming languages to learn, and many beginner cybersecurity professionals add JavaScript to their skills early in their careers.

Cybersecurity applications for JavaScript

JavaScript, despite its numerous benefits, can also be a tool for hackers. Cross-site scripting (XXS) attacks exploit JavaScript to inject malicious code into an organization’s systems. This code can steal sensitive information without needing validation checks, posing a significant threat to the organization’s cybersecurity.

Knowledge of Javascript helps cybersecurity experts in these roles check for JavaScript-related attacks so they can protect against them or remove the malicious code:

• Security engineers (to monitor and identify web vulnerabilities)
• Software developers (to perform web-based tasks)

Learn JavaScript essentials in our free online course.

Java

Despite their similar name, Java is different from Javascript. JavaScript requires an engine to function, but Java supports building more sophisticated, server-side applications that run on more platforms (not limited to the web). Java supports backend development (i.e. Android Apps), whereas JavaScript is front-end web development (i.e. websites).

Cybersecurity applications for Java

Java architecture creates a secure environment for running applications. Its suitability for use across multiple environments and platforms makes it an ideal tool for penetration testerto scan all an organization's systems using the same program. Security systems built in Java platforms can also be used when analyzing security events to provide valuable data to close security gaps and remediate your data.

When you know the Java programming language, you’re better prepared for jobs like:

• Penetration tester (to run penetration tests across multiple environments)
• Incident responder (analyzing security events on Java systems)

C and C++

Some of the oldest programming languages are C and C++. This low-level programming language effectively accesses a computer's RAM and system processes and is commonly used to code for computers, mobile devices, and web apps. C coding is procedural programming that does not support classes or objects, whereas C++ supports object-oriented programming.

Cybersecurity applications for C and C++

C is used in cryptography (encoding information that can’t be understood without a key) and network security (creating firewalls to prevent unauthorized system access). C++ is commonly used in cryptographic algorithms, encryption standards, and developing security protocols.

Knowing C or C++ is beneficial for roles such as:

• Security engineers (to build cyber defence systems, taking C and C++ hacks into account)
• Information security analysts (to understand threats to information security).

SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) helps programmers build and interact with databases and data. Many online databases are built on SQL, so it’s an essential programming language for cybersecurity professionals to understand. It’s also a great language for beginners as it doesn’t require an existing knowledge of computer systems.

Cybersecurity applications for SQL

Cyber criminals can insert code into your SQL systems to store their data or modify yours. If successful, SQL hacks can give cybercriminals access to your data or be used to grant admin access to your system to the hacker. Knowing SQL can help cybersecurity professionals better identify malicious code in your system before it causes irreparable damage or a security breach.

Security professionals with an excellent working knowledge of SQL are best suited for roles including:

• Penetration tester (to insert malicious SQL code into an online form to test for vulnerabilities in your database security)
• SQL developer (this entry-level role will help you use your SQL skills to build and maintain more secure digital databases)
• Database administrator (to secure your databases and know how to scan for malicious code)

Learn the basics of SQL for free in our online course.

Emerging programming languages in cybersecurity

Programming languages are continually evolving, and we’ve recently seen two new ones emerging as popular choices for cybersecurity applications: Go and Rust.

Go

Developed by Google, the Golang (Go) programming language was launched in 2009 to create a more secure and efficient web development experience for cryptography, data handling, and communication. Its strength is supporting multiple tasks at once without sacrificing efficiency. Its syntax is easy to read and write, and it enforces static typing to help catch coding errors that could create security vulnerabilities.

Benefits of using Go in cybersecurity applications include:

• Greater security, with built-in support for sensitive data
• Concurrent network security model (great for scanners and intrusion detection)
• Malware analysis to detect, analyze, and reverse engineer malware
• Standard library of cryptographic tools
• Open source

Rust

Rust is becoming a prominent programming language in cybersecurity programming. This statically typed and compiled language supports security and performance. Ransomware groups are turning to this language for their tools, so leading technology companies are already incorporating it into their security tools. As a new language, its learning curve may be steeper than that of more commonly used languages like Javascript.

Using Rust for cybersecurity applications is beneficial because:

• Its ownership system eliminates dangling pointers and memory leaks (common vulnerabilities in digital systems).
• Its performance is comparable to C and C++
• It supports concurrency to build multithreaded and parallel applications (such as vulnerability scanning and intrusion detection)
• It promises increased security of IoT devices.

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Choosing the right language for your cybersecurity career

With so many programming languages used in cybersecurity, which do you choose as you upskill or reskill for your cybersecurity career? We recommend developing a foundational understanding of multiple languages to increase your versatility and problem-solving skills in the industry.

Here are some recommended programming languages to learn based on the career path you choose:

Cybersecurity job	Recommended programming languages
Penetration tester	Python, Javascript, Java, SQL, C and C++ (The more you know, the more valuable you are in assessing and protecting a company’s systems)
Cybersecurity analyst	Python, C and C++
Cybersecurity engineer or software developer	Python, SQL, JavaScript, C and C++
Incident responder	Full control over policies, procedures, and implementation

Ijlal suggests starting with Python, “It's very approachable, with plenty of learning resources and a huge user community online. Focus first on learning core security principles so you understand why certain tasks require programming.”

In addition to knowing coding languages, read these additional eight skills necessary for a cybersecurity career.

Learning pathways and resources

Are you interested in learning and getting hands-on practice in new coding languages to support your cybersecurity career? Join online coding groups like HackerRank or Github Projects, or look for Capture the Flag competitions to practice your skills.

Take a free Introduction to Cybersecurity course to learn about the cybersecurity world. Then, enroll in a 12-week immersive, full-time or 30-week flexible, part-time Bootcamp through Lighthouse Labs. You’ll graduate with the fundamental knowledge, real-world experience, and critical soft skills you need to launch a rewarding career as a cybersecurity professional.

We have an extensive module on learning Python, which you’ll find helpful for nearly any cybersecurity career. Led by industry experts, you’ll learn the following pillars within cybersecurity:

• Fundamentals (including networks, shell commands, batch files, Wireshark, Python, and firewalls).
• Industry relevance (including relevant frameworks).
• Defensive security (including incident response, monitoring, cryptography and cryptographic tools.

No previous coding knowledge is needed before enrolling in the Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Upon graduation, you’ll get career support and guidance to find a rewarding career in your chosen area of cybersecurity.

Dive deep into the essential programming languages for cybersecurity with our Cybersecurity Program, designed to prepare you for a successful career.