Unveiling the best programming languages for hackers in 2024
Do you want to become an ethical hacker but don’t know which programming language to learn?
Maybe you are already an ethical hacker, but you are wondering which programming language you should add to your knowledge.
Well, worry no more because by the end of this article, you will have known which programming language to learn as an ethical hacker and why.
Just as an artist selects specific brushes for different strokes, ethical hackers must also pick their languages based on the tasks at hand.
But before we delve into these languages, let’s get to know the factors to consider when choosing the right language.
Criteria for choosing the right programming language
The choice of programming language for hacking activities depends on several factors:
1.) System Compatibility
Different systems and platforms require different languages. A hacker targeting a Windows machine might use different tools and languages than one targeting a Linux server. Compatibility with the target system is crucial for effective hacking.
2.) Task Specificity
Certain tasks are better suited to specific languages. For instance, web-based attacks might rely heavily on JavaScript and SQL, while low-level system exploits might require C or C++. Understanding the task at hand helps determine the most effective language to use.
3.) Community and Resources
The availability of community support, libraries, and frameworks can significantly influence the choice of language. Languages with a large user base and extensive documentation are more attractive to hackers because they provide easier access to knowledge and tools.
With that let’s get to know these languages and why they are more preferred among hackers.
#1. Python
For many years, Python has been one of the most popular programming languages and one of the most preferred by hackers.
It’s simplicity, versatility, and extensive libraries make it a favorite among hackers. Moreover, its readability and ease of use enable quick development and prototyping of hacking tools.
Why is Python ideal for hackers?
Python’s appeal to hackers, particularly ethical hackers, lies in its ease of use and readability. These features allow hackers to write and understand scripts quickly, enabling rapid development and deployment of security tools.
Additionally, it’s extensive library support provides ready-made solutions for many hacking tasks, reducing the need for writing code from scratch.
What are the key uses of Python in hacking?
Network Scanning and Penetration Testing: Python scripts can automate network scans, identifying vulnerabilities in a system. Tools like Nmap can be scripted with Python, making network reconnaissance efficient and thorough.
Exploit Development: Python’s capability to interact with system processes and its extensive libraries, such as pwntools, allow hackers to develop and test exploits effectively.
Automating Tasks: Repetitive tasks, such as brute force attacks or scanning for open ports, can be automated using Python saving time and reducing human error. Now, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to repeatedly perform tasks as a hacker, right? It would be greatly tiresome.
Web Application Security: Python’s frameworks, like Django and Flask, also help in securing web applications by providing tools to prevent common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
Popular Python Libraries
- Scapy: This is a very powerful library for network packet manipulation and analysis.
- Requests: This one simplifies sending HTTP requests, making it easier to interact with web applications.
- Pwntools: This CTF framework and exploit development library simplifies writing exploits.
- BeautifulSoup: Use this one for web scraping and data extraction from HTML and XML files.
Examples
This is a simple Python script for port scanning:
This script demonstrates Python’s power in network scanning, a fundamental task in penetration testing.
Is Python Worth Learning?
The answer to this is a simple yes. Python’s simplicity, combined with its powerful libraries and extensive community support, makes it an essential tool for any ethical hacker.
Nonetheless, wide range of applications in network security, web application security, and automation ensures that ethical hackers can address various security challenges efficiently. Learning Python not only enhances a hacker’s toolkit but also opens up numerous opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
#2. JavaScript
JavaScript is a cornerstone of web development, making it a fundamental tool for ethical hackers. Its ubiquity in web applications and its ability to manipulate client-side behavior make it indispensable for identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.
Why is JavaScript ideal for hacking?
JavaScript’s prevalence in modern web development ensures that any ethical hacker must be proficient in it to effectively analyze and secure web applications.
Its dynamic nature allows hackers to interact with web pages in real time, testing for and exploiting vulnerabilities such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). Additionally, it’s integration with HTML and CSS makes JavaScript fundamental for understanding web technologies.
What are the key uses of JavaScript in hacking?
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): JavaScript is essential in XSS attacks, where malicious scripts are injected into web pages viewed by other users. Ethical hackers use JavaScript to simulate these attacks, identify weaknesses, and develop safeguards. An example of this is when you visit a website and see a notification telling you to click a fraudulent link. Some of these links are well disguised by expert hackers making them hard to uncover.
Web Application Security Testing: Ethical hackers use JavaScript to test the client-side security of web applications. This includes testing for DOM-based XSS, input validation issues, and other client-side vulnerabilities.
Browser Exploits: JavaScript can be used to exploit browser vulnerabilities, allowing ethical hackers to understand and patch these weaknesses. By simulating attacks that target the browser’s JavaScript engine, they can ensure robust security.
Automating Web Interactions: With libraries like Puppeteer and Selenium, JavaScript can automate web interactions, making it easier to perform repetitive tasks such as form submissions and data scraping. This automation is vital for efficient vulnerability testing.
Popular Libraries
- jQuery: This library simplifies DOM manipulation and event handling, making it easier to interact with web pages.
- React: This popular library is crucial for building user interfaces and is useful for understanding modern web application structures.
- Node.js: This library allows JavaScript to be used for server-side scripting, broadening its scope beyond the client side.
- Express: This is a web application framework for Node.js, useful for building and testing RESTful APIs.
Examples
A simple example of a JavaScript XSS payload:
The above script captures the user’s cookies and sends them to a malicious server, demonstrating how JavaScript can be used to exploit web application vulnerabilities.
Is JavaScript Worth Learning?
Absolutely. Mastering JavaScript is crucial for any ethical hacker focused on web security.
Its ability to interact with both the client and server sides of web applications makes it a versatile and powerful tool. Learning JavaScript equips ethical hackers with the skills necessary to identify, exploit, and mitigate a variety of web-based vulnerabilities, ensuring comprehensive security assessments.
#3. Java
Java is a widely used programming language known for its platform independence and robustness. It plays a crucial role in ethical hacking due to its powerful capabilities.
Understanding Java is essential for ethical hackers aiming to secure applications and systems that rely on this versatile language.
Why is Java ideal for hacking?
Java’s appeal to hackers, especially ethical hackers, comes from its extensive use in web and mobile applications. Its ability to run on any platform that supports the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) makes it a valuable tool for developing cross-platform exploits.
Additionally, Java’s rich standard library and strong community support provide ethical hackers with a wide array of tools and resources for penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
What are the key uses of Java in hacking?
Web Application Security: Java is heavily utilized in enterprise web applications. Ethical hackers use Java to test and secure these applications against common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and broken authentication.
Mobile Security: Android applications are primarily written in Java. Ethical hackers specializing in mobile security use Java to analyze and secure Android apps, looking for vulnerabilities in the code that could be exploited.
Reverse Engineering: Java bytecode can be decompiled to reveal the source code, making it possible for ethical hackers to reverse engineer applications to understand their functionality and identify potential security flaws.
Network Security: Java’s robust networking capabilities allow ethical hackers to develop tools for network scanning, packet manipulation, and other network-related security tasks. Libraries such as Apache Commons and Netty facilitate these activities.
Popular Libraries
- Spring Security: This powerful library is used for implementing authentication and authorization in Java applications.
- OWASP ESAPI: This one provides a set of tools for developing secure applications, helping prevent security vulnerabilities.
- Apache Commons: This library is a collection of reusable Java components that simplify various programming tasks, including network operations.
- Retrofit: This one is a type-safe HTTP client for Android and Java, useful for making network requests in a secure manner.
Examples
A simple example of a Java program to perform an SQL injection test:
The above program shows how Java can be used to test for SQL injection vulnerabilities by executing a malicious SQL query against a database.
Is Java Worth Learning?
OfCourse. If you will specialize in monitoring and exploiting vulnerabilities in mobile applications, then start Java right away. Java’s extensive use in enterprise and mobile applications makes it an essential language for ethical hackers. Its platform independence and rich library ecosystem enable hackers to develop and test exploits across different environments efficiently.
#4. PowerShell
PowerShell is a command-line shell and scripting language developed by Microsoft, designed specifically for system administration. Its robust features and integration with Windows systems make it a vital tool for ethical hackers.
PowerShell’s ability to automate administrative tasks and manipulate system components is unparalleled, making it a key player in the cybersecurity domain.
Why PowerShell is Ideal for Hackers?
PowerShell’s deep integration with the Windows operating system provides ethical hackers with powerful capabilities for managing and securing Windows environments. Its extensive set of cmdlets (command-lets) allows for comprehensive control over system processes, configuration, and administration tasks.
Additionally, PowerShell scripts can perform a wide range of actions, from simple file operations to complex system configurations, making it indispensable for both offensive and defensive security tasks.
Key uses of PowerShell in hacking
System Administration and Automation: PowerShell excels at automating administrative tasks, such as user management, system updates, and configuration changes. Ethical hackers can use it to streamline and secure these processes, ensuring that systems are properly configured and maintained.
Penetration Testing: PowerShell is commonly used in penetration testing to exploit vulnerabilities in Windows systems. Hackers can write scripts to gather information, exploit weaknesses, and establish persistence on compromised systems.
Post-Exploitation: After gaining access to a system, PowerShell can be used to perform post-exploitation activities such as privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within a network.
Its ability to run scripts remotely and manipulate system settings makes it a powerful post-exploitation tool.
Defensive Security: PowerShell is also valuable for defensive security measures. Security professionals use it to create scripts that monitor system activity, detect anomalies, and respond to security incidents in real-time.
Popular Libraries and Modules
- PowerSploit: This is a collection of PowerShell scripts for penetration testing and post-exploitation.
- PSReadLine: This one enhances the PowerShell command-line experience with features like syntax highlighting and command history.
- PowerShell Empire: This post-exploitation framework that allows for the deployment of agents to execute PowerShell scripts remotely.
- Pester: This is a testing framework for PowerShell used for creating and running tests to ensure scripts and configurations are working as intended.
Examples
A simple PowerShell script to enumerate running processes on a system:
This command lists all running processes on a Windows system in a neatly formatted table, providing essential information for system monitoring and analysis.
Is PowerShell Worth Learning?
Undoubtedly. And do you know why hackers love it? Well, if you don’t, then here’s why. It’s very hard to detect and can access nearly every Windows device by initiating a remote connection. Amazing, right?
PowerShell’s integration with Windows systems and its powerful scripting capabilities make it an essential tool for ethical hackers. Its versatility in both offensive and defensive security tasks ensures that ethical hackers can efficiently manage, secure, and exploit Windows environments.
Learning PowerShell equips ethical hackers with the skills necessary to perform comprehensive security assessments and respond effectively to security incidents in Windows-based networks.
#5. Bash
You’ve probably just heard of this one. Well, just know that it’s a very powerful tool for hackers. It is a must-have in every hacker’s toolkit.
Bash, or the Bourne Again Shell, is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language used primarily on Unix-based systems.
It is a cornerstone of Linux system administration and a fundamental tool for ethical hackers. Bash’s versatility and efficiency make it indispensable for automating tasks, managing systems, and conducting penetration testing.
Why Bash is Ideal for Hackers?
Bash’s strength lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It allows hackers to write scripts that can automate a wide array of tasks, from basic file operations to complex system administration tasks.
Bash is pre-installed on most Unix-based systems, making it readily available for use. Its ability to execute commands quickly and handle system functions directly makes it an invaluable tool for ethical hackers working in Linux environments.
Key uses of Bash in hacking
System Administration and Automation: Bash is extensively used to automate repetitive tasks such as backups, system updates, and user management. Ethical hackers leverage Bash scripts to ensure systems are properly configured and maintained, reducing the potential for human error.
Network Scanning and Reconnaissance: Bash scripts can be used to perform network scans and gather information about systems and devices on a network. Tools like nmap can be integrated into Bash scripts to automate network reconnaissance.
Exploitation and Post-Exploitation: Bash is used to exploit vulnerabilities in Unix-based systems. Hackers write scripts to escalate privileges, establish persistence, and move laterally within a network. Its ability to execute system commands makes it ideal for post-exploitation activities.
Incident Response and Monitoring: Bash scripts are used to monitor system activity, detect anomalies, and respond to security incidents in real-time. Ethical hackers use these scripts to create alerts, log events, and automate response actions.
Popular Commands and Tools
- grep: This one searches through text using regular expressions, invaluable for log analysis and data extraction.
- awk: This is a versatile tool for text processing and data extraction.
- sed: A stream editor used for parsing and transforming text.
- cron: Schedules scripts and commands to run at specified times, essential for task automation.
- nmap: This network scanning tool can be integrated into Bash scripts for automated reconnaissance.
Examples
A simple Bash script for a ping sweep to identify active hosts in a subnet:
This script pings each IP address in the subnet 192.168.1.0/24 and identifies which hosts are active based on their responses.
Is Bash Worth Learning?
Absolutely. Hackers and pentesters have all found this as a great tool to perform hacking or pentesting activities.
Bash’s powerful scripting capabilities and its integral role in Unix-based systems make it essential for ethical hackers. Its ability to automate tasks, manage systems, and conduct security assessments ensures that hackers can work efficiently and effectively.
Knowledge and experience in Bash are very fundamental for any cyber security professional.
#6. SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a domain-specific language designed for managing and manipulating relational databases.
As the backbone of database management, SQL is a critical tool for ethical hackers. Its ability to interact with and exploit database systems makes it an essential skill for those looking to secure data and identify vulnerabilities.
Why SQL is Ideal for Hackers?
SQL’s importance in ethical hacking stems from its extensive use in data storage and management across various applications. Understanding SQL allows hackers to identify and exploit common database vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, ensuring the security and integrity of data.
SQL’s straightforward syntax and powerful querying capabilities enable hackers to perform precise data extraction and manipulation, crucial for penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
Key uses of SQL in hacking
SQL Injection Testing: SQL injection is one of the most common and dangerous web application vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers use SQL to test for and exploit these vulnerabilities, injecting malicious SQL code into input fields to access or manipulate database contents.
Database Enumeration: Hackers use SQL queries to enumerate databases, tables, and columns, gaining insights into the structure and contents of a database. This information is vital for identifying sensitive data and understanding the database schema.
Data Extraction and Analysis: Ethical hackers use SQL to extract and analyze data from compromised databases. This includes retrieving sensitive information, identifying data anomalies, and assessing the impact of a breach.
Database Security Auditing: SQL is used to audit database security configurations and identify weaknesses such as poor access controls, unpatched vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations. Ethical hackers use SQL scripts to automate these audits and ensure databases are securely configured.
Popular SQL Tools and Techniques
- SQLMap: This is an open-source tool that automates the process of detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws.
- Burp Suite: It is a comprehensive web vulnerability scanner that includes tools for testing SQL injection vulnerabilities.
- SQL Ninja: This tool is targeted at exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities on web applications.
- Nessus: A vulnerability scanner that can identify SQL injection vulnerabilities and other database-related security issues.
Examples
A simple example of an SQL injection attack:
The above example demonstrates how an attacker can manipulate a SQL statement to bypass authentication checks by always returning true for the condition.
Is SQL Worth Learning?
Yes, it very much is.
SQL’s pivotal role in managing and interacting with databases makes it an indispensable tool for ethical hackers. Its ability to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate data ensures that hackers can conduct thorough security assessments and protect sensitive information effectively.
Learning SQL equips ethical hackers with the knowledge to safeguard databases and mitigate the risks associated with data breaches, making it a crucial component of their skillset.
Bottom Line
While one may become a great hacker without coding knowledge, knowing some programming languages may make hacking activities so much easier.
And with so many programming languages out here, it is essential to choose the most appropriate ones. Luckily for you, I have enlisted the best ones here and you can choose which one you prefer most.
Pick your poison!
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