10 Best Programming Languages for Ethical Hacking

UNIX and Linux operating systems come with Shell (SH) and the Bourne Again Shell (Bash) by default. These shells provide an ordered list of commands that hackers can use to gain access to data. Bash enables interactive line editing and job control, with features similar to C Shell (C SH).

It provides automation of repetitive tasks, navigation through directories to perform network configurations, and job control on supporting architectures. Beginners can learn Bash basics with a free online course exploring the automation of repetitive processes with a re-usable script. A coding bootcamp that covers Shell scripting is another learning alternative.

C is a valuable low-level language for hacking into hardware components and writing fast programming scripts. It's one of the oldest programming languages, developed in the early 1970s for the Bell Labs' UNIX operating system. Developers use the C programming language and expansions to build operating systems, databases, and compilers.

The C programming language is suitable for ethical hacking as it helps access memory and system processes. Ethical hackers use C to reverse engineer, simulate a cyberattack, then gain access as if a system breach occurred. Students can study this popular language online through tutorials, workshops, or cybersecurity-focused coding bootcamps.

C++ is an extension of the C programming language and supports functional, procedural, and object-oriented programming. It's a popular language for developing advanced computations, browsers, database software, games, graphics, and operating systems. Hackers exploit C++ by using it as a low-level programming language to gain access to hardware and system processes.

Employers may require a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity with a solid foundation in computer science. Some online colleges offer C++ as a stand-alone program, with a certificate for completing the course. Students could earn the certificate on their path to obtaining an online bachelor's degree in computer information systems.

Java ranks as the third most popular programming language worldwide, according to the Tiobe Index in July 2022. It's a widely used class-based, object-oriented programming language for application development, enterprise software, and scientific computing applications. Java is also popular for data analytics, programming hardware devices, and using server-side technologies such as Apache.

This reliable programming language is widely used for ethical hacking and tracking future risks. It's a cross-platform language, so ethical hackers can deploy Java on various operating systems, including Mac, Linux, and Windows. Additionally, they need a deep understanding of Java if their focus is developing hacking programs for Android.

JavaScript powers web pages incorporating outside elements and tracking user activity. It's the language hackers use in cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks to inject malicious scripts into a website via a web browser. Hackers send the malicious script to the web browser as a segment of JavaScript to access cookies and data.

An ethical hacking with JavaScript course teaches students how to exploit web security vulnerabilities using JavaScript techniques. Like malicious hackers, ethical hackers need to understand how to steal credentials, abuse application authentication, and exploit vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers can develop defensive strategies with a thorough understanding of how cybercriminals use JavaScript.

Perl is a scripting language with an archive network of 108,000 downloadable open-source modules. Each module contains a set of related functions in a library file, enabling programmers to perform network routing operations. Hackers use Perl to access a server, reach other network sources, augment existing scripts, and steal data.

Ethical hackers use Perl to create exploits and tools for penetration testing, mimicking real-world attacks. These tests help identify ways hackers breach security by locating where the app, network, or system is vulnerable. Perl provides a learning center on the website, with the language download and resources, including best practices.

Web and mobile app developers use Hypertext Processor (PHP), and hackers typically use PHP in Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. These attacks attempt to shut down the website, making its web applications unavailable to users. Ethical hackers use PHP to develop server hacking programs to detect malicious behaviors.

Various free and low-cost courses are available to learn PHP online, and some courses specifically address hacking in PHP. Coders learn to exploit, defend against attacks on PHP language, and test architecture, design, and web apps. A coding bootcamp in PHP is a more comprehensive option offering collaborative learning.

The Tiobe Index rated Python as the most popular programming language worldwide in July 2022. Python is an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use general-purpose language for automation, and it powers popular cybersecurity tools like Scapy. Ethical hackers can use Python for reverse engineering, malware analysis, forensics, and readily available debuggers, disassemblers, and hex editors.

Examples, tutorials, and online courses in ethical hacking with Python are excellent ways to start learning secure coding principles. Online courses provide an opportunity to get instructions on how to install a hacking lab and the necessary software. Additionally, it's an opportunity to explore tools and practice ethical hacking.

According to the Global Tech Council, Ruby is one of the best coding languages for hacking a multi-purpose corporate system. It's a flexible web-focused language for writing exploit code and is the base language of the Metasploit framework. Metasploit is a modular penetration platform to test, write, and exploit code.

Metasploit is one of the Ruby frameworks for advanced exploitation of vulnerabilities through easy-to-use interfaces and tools. Metasm is another Ruby framework for compiling, debugging, and disassembling native code from Ruby and is included with the Metasploit framework. Ronin is also a Ruby framework providing convenient methods for different protocols.

Structured Query Language (SQL) is what relational databases use to query, delete, insert, and update information. Malicious hackers use the SQL programming language to restrict queries, steal sensitive data, and wage web-based attacks. Understanding the language helps developers and database administrators understand and prevent SQL database-related attacks, like SQL Injection.

For example, malicious hackers can exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities, bypassing login and other app security to access data. An expert ethical hacker typically knows how to apply different solutions, including bind variables, escaping, and whitelisting input validation. Ethical hacking SQL injection tutorials can provide an opportunity to develop hacking skills.