Top 10 Programming Languages for Ethical Hacking in 2023

The top programming languages for Ethical hacking in 2023 serves as the foundation for cyber security

Ethical hacking is a proactive approach using the same techniques like the same programming languages as malicious hacking. Ethical hackers must stay current on IT security as well as the latest methods and programming languages used by attackers. Three of the best programming languages for Ethical Hacking are PHP, Python, and SQL.

Programming languages are sets of instructions that instruct a computer to perform specific tasks. However, there are over 300 programming languages and many categories overlap. The C programming language is the most ancient of a group of languages that are distinct but overlap. Ethical hackers must have a thorough understanding of programming languages in order to analyse and modify code. Programming languages can also be used to automate time-consuming tasks and detect errors in software. Finally, the top programming languages for ethical hacking are determined by the computer systems and platforms under consideration.

The programming languages used by cyber criminals are the best for ethical hacking. Here are ten hacking languages to learn, ranging from Bash to JavaScript and SQL.

1. Bash

By default, UNIX and Linux operating systems include Shell (SH) and the Bourne Again Shell (Bash). These shells offer an ordered list of commands that hackers can use to gain data access. Bash provides interactive line editing and job control, similar to C Shell (C SH). It automates repetitive tasks, navigates directories to perform network configurations, and provides job control on supporting architectures.

2. C

C is a useful low-level language for hacking into hardware and writing quick programming scripts. It is one of the oldest programming languages, having been created in the early 1970s for the UNIX operating system at Bell Labs. Because it allows access to memory and system processes, the C programming language is appropriate for ethical hacking. Ethical hackers use C to reverse engineer a system, simulate a cyberattack, and gain access as if there was a system breach.

3. C++

C++ is a programming language extension that supports functional, procedural, and object-oriented programming. It is widely used to create advanced computations, browsers, database software, games, graphics, and operating systems. C++ is used as a low-level programming language by hackers to gain access to hardware and system processes.

4. Java

Java is a popular object-oriented, class-based programming language for application development, enterprise software, and scientific computing applications. This dependable programming language is widely used in ethical hacking and risk analysis. Because Java is a cross-platform language, ethical hackers can use it on a variety of operating systems, including Mac, Linux, and Windows.

5. JavaScript

JavaScript is used to power web pages that incorporate external elements and track user activity. It is the language used by hackers to inject malicious scripts into a website via a web browser in cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Hackers deliver the malicious script to the web browser as a JavaScript segment in order to access cookies and data.

6. Perl

Perl is a scripting language with a network of 108,000 open-source modules available for download. It is used by hackers to gain access to a server, connect to other network resources, augment existing scripts, and steal data. Ethical hackers use Perl to create exploits and penetration testing tools that mimic real-world attacks. These tests aid in determining how hackers breach security by determining where the app, network, or system is vulnerable.

7. PHP

Web and mobile app developers use PHP, and hackers commonly use PHP in Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. These attacks aim to take down the website, rendering its web applications inaccessible to users. PHP is used by ethical hackers to create server hacking programmes that detect malicious behaviour.

8. Python

Python is a general-purpose language for automation that is simple to learn and use, and it powers popular cybersecurity tools like Scapy. Python can be used by ethical hackers for reverse engineering, malware analysis, forensics, and the use of readily available debuggers, disassemblers, and hex editors.

9. Ruby

Ruby is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that can be used in a variety of paradigms. Because it can write quick scripts on a Linux platform, it is an excellent programming language for hacking. It is also a web-oriented language and the most important language for creating effective exploits. It is an excellent choice for creating fast hacking programmers and CGI scripts.

10. SQL

Relational databases query, delete, insert, and update data using Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL programming language is used by malicious hackers to restrict queries, steal sensitive data, and launch web-based attacks. Understanding the language aids developers and database administrators in comprehending and preventing SQL database-related attacks such as SQL Injection.