Ethical Hackers hack into software or security systems to detect flaws or gaps that could allow malicious hackers access to weak points. This is an integral part of any organization’s overall security plan and helps to strengthen security.
Hackers may use different programming languages to find security holes. A complete software system may have many layers. Hackers might need to use more than one language in order to expose all the weaknesses.
Hacking can be done in many programming languages. Your choice of a programming language will depend on what system you are trying to hack and your strategy.
This article will cover a list of top programming languages that hackers all over the globe use extensively:
1) Python
Python may be the most widely used high-level programming language by hackers. It is object-oriented, which makes it easier to write. It comes with a framework that allows you to describe real-world objects. It has a very simple structure, much like regular English. This makes it easy to learn. It’s also a powerful scripting language with rich library support and a supportive community of open-source developers who help to improve and strengthen the language.
2) SQL
SQL can be used to perform tasks within databases. It is used to store, retrieve, and query data. This is an important language if you want to find exploits that can be done at the database level, such as SQL Injection attacks. Software is designed to gather some data or require some data if it isn’t directly collecting data.
Data should be protected at all costs. This is why SQL is one of the most important languages you can learn. SQL is also used by some of the most well-known database software engines, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL.
3) C
The most important of all modern programming languages, the C programming language, is widely used in the security industry. C’s low-level programming language gives it an advantage over other languages for hacking, especially when accessing low-level hardware components like the RAM. Security professionals use this language to access system hardware and other resources at a lower level. Penetration testers can also use C to create lightning-fast socket programming scripts.
4) Javascript
JavaScript is now the most popular web language, surpassing PHP thanks to Node.JS. It has also become the most popular programming language for hacking web apps. Security professionals often copy the JavaScript cross-site scripting technique of black hat hackers. This hacking language is well-respected for hacking complex web applications because it can manipulate both front-end and back-end web components.
5) HTML
The HyperText Markup Language – is the most common markup language for creating web pages. HTML is also used to develop hybrid mobile and desktop applications. HTML is a simple language to learn. It is recommended to learn HTML if you are looking to make web apps more secure.
6) PHP
PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. This dynamic programming language is the foundation of modern-day CMS’s like WordPress, Drupal, and others. These CMSs are the basis of most personal websites that you will see online. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of PHP in order to compromise such networks. If web hacking is your passion, we recommend that you improve your PHP skills.
7) C++
This programming language is one of the most effective for hacking corporate software. Hackers often need to reverse engineer corporate software to get around the restrictions of a proprietary license. C++ allows for the lowest level of access to the code, which can be used to bypass activation systems. C++ is the best language to learn if you want enterprise software cracking or building proprietary hacking programs.
8) Java
Java is one of the most popular programming language in the world. It powers both legacy and modern web servers like Apache Tomcat or Spring MVC. Java code runs on over 3 billion smartphones and tablets since the advent of Android. This language is still relevant, despite what some may think. Java is the ideal programming language to hack into mobile devices.
9) Ruby
Ruby is syntactically very close to Python, which is one of the most popular programming languages for hacking multipurpose corporate systems. While both languages can automate common hacking tasks, Ruby is more web-focused. Ruby is undoubtedly one of the most functional programming languages for hacking because it allows you to write exploits with greater flexibility. This is why metasploit, the most famous penetration testing framework, chose Ruby for its base language.
10) Perl
System administrators use Perl to handle all kinds of tasks. It is a scripting language that can be used to perform a variety of functions. It is used primarily by Network Programmers and System Administrators to carry out network routing operations. This language is useful when you hack into servers and need to reach other networks sources. It is possible to augment scripts that already exist to send information to locations other than the ones intended for information theft. Perl is the Swiss Army Knife in programming languages, and hackers should master it.
11) LISP
LISP was one of the most popular hacking languages and was once the preferred method for creating innovative solutions to software problems. The language’s popularity has since reduced mainly due to its complex programming style and the rise of simple structure languages such as Python and Ruby. However, people who are proficient in LISP are highly respected within the hacker community. This programming language is ideal for hacking into complex networks. It will also make you well-known among hackers.
12) Assembly
It’s a complex low-level programming language used to hack primitive systems. An assembly language allows a hacker to manipulate systems at the architectural level. Assembly language is the best coding language for creating malware such as viruses and trojans. If you need to reverse engineer software that has been built, Assembly is the best choice.
Conclusion
This article has examined the most popular programming languages for hackers and cybersecurity professionals. Each language offers its own advantages, and depending on how well you study, one may be easier than the other. Always remember that there is no one size fits all programming language. Each language has its own merits and can be useful depending on what you are trying to accomplish.
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