Programming is one of the most important ethical hacking tools in the cyber security industry. Once you learn Python for cyber security, you can identify any potential threat and get more cyber security training. This programming language is extremely useful for attack vectors, security flaws, and common attacks.
Python provides not only ease of use but also libraries to help you save time while hacking. If you are interested in a career in cyber security as a hacker, then Python is one of the programming languages you should learn. This guide will highlight resources for learning Python for hacking as well as basic steps and libraries.
What Is Python?
Python is a general-purpose programming language. It can be used in various fields, including data science, software development, backend development, and automation. Python is quite versatile because it provides functionality for scripting and web scraping as well as data structuring and algorithm writing.
This programming language is used in the fields of artificial intelligence, data visualization, data analysis, and automation. It has a clean syntax, which makes it popular among data scientists and software developers. According to Statista, Python is the third-most popular programming language for software developers in 2021.
What Is Python Used for in Hacking?
Python is used among hacking professionals for its powerful and user-friendly libraries. It provides readability and simplicity, which can help you complete your tasks more quickly and easily. Python libraries are also used for code-cracking, decoding, network scanning, and even network attacks.
Python is also useful for an ethical hacker to detect vulnerabilities in a system. It doesn’t require too much coding, which saves time. It is used in penetration testing, understanding of vulnerability assessment, and security assessment processes. Many different types of hackers use Python and its powerful libraries to gain a solid understanding of cyber security.
How Long Will It Take to Learn Python for Hacking?
Learning Python for hacking can only take a couple of days if you already know how to code, but it can take a few months if you’re new to the scene. The method could be taught in a coding bootcamp, online courses, or a degree program. Coding bootcamps can take up to 13 weeks to complete, while degree programs can take up to four years.
You will learn not only the fundamentals of Python but also its advanced features. You should learn Python hacking libraries and other cyber security libraries because they may come in handy in the future. It will take a few months to gain a comprehensive understanding of Python.
Why Should You Learn Python for Hacking?
You should learn Python for hacking because it is an open source language, easy to read and write, and one of the most popular languages on GitHub. There are various reasons to learn Python for hacking, regardless of whether you are a white hat hacker, security professional, penetration tester, gray hat hacker, black hat hacker, or corporate hacker.
Open Source
This programming language, like Linux, was created as a free and open source tool. This nature of the programming language makes it have a strong community of dedicated developers who support and move the language forward. Furthermore, being open source gives you access to a broader range of resources for finding information when you need it.
Extensive Library
To be a good hacker, you must be able to work quickly. Python offers speed with its extensive library. If you know how to use the libraries, you will make your hacking process much easier. Anyone from a chief information security officer to a security architect to a successful hacker can benefit from learning Python libraries.
In addition, Python has a large third-party library to assist hackers in completing their tasks quickly. Some include allowing the hacker to work without being detected by antivirus software or intrusion detection systems. A Python library can help hackers prevent security incidents and make sure any successful attack strategy never happens again.
Several Other Uses
With a strong understanding of the programming language, you can complete any task as a hacker. This programming language can be used for various tasks like host discovery, malware analysis, packet decoding and transmission, port scanning, server access, and network scanning. Python is also good at task automation, scripting, and data analysis.
Ethical hackers use modern operating systems to expedite the scanning process, which Python libraries can also help with. They are some of the best network hacking tools out there and can prevent credential harvesters or other malicious actors who hack for financial gain from succeeding.
How Can I Learn Python for Hacking?
When it comes to Python for hacking, there are numerous learning resources available. Joining a structured Python hacking program or course is ideal because you can ask questions and work with other hackers to get hands-on experience. Read below to learn about the best methods for learning Python.
Coding Bootcamps
The best Python bootcamps are ideal because they provide a structured curriculum. The hands-on exercises give you the experience you need to land an entry-level position. You will learn the fundamentals of Python as well as the libraries required by hackers. You also learn about common hacking methodologies, such as malicious hackers and black hat hackers.
The general training from bootcamps applies to other areas such as data science and software development. This provides you with a well-rounded foundation for your future career. Bootcamps are also less expensive than traditional learning institutions and provide additional services to assist you in finding work.
Online Courses
Another learning resource is online ethical hacking courses and online Python courses. These courses can take the form of massive open online courses (MOOCs), and some are available for free to the general public. The popular providers include Coursera, Udacity, Udemy, and edX. For a hacking with Python course, you can enroll in a specialization course that includes everything you need to succeed in the field.
These ethical hacking courses are mostly self-paced, which allows you to take your time mastering each concept and subject before moving on. Some ethical hacking Python courses include a certificate of completion to demonstrate that you completed the course. However, you may be required to pay a fee in order to obtain the certificate.
Books
When it comes to Python for hacking, books are also a great resource. You can get paperbacks or ebooks that cover a beginner’s guide to Python from the Internet. This is an excellent way to learn if you are an old-school reader. With Python, you can learn about prebuilt tools for hacking phases, hacking processes, and hacking steps.
The main disadvantage of books is that they may need to be updated from time to time. Since the field of hacking and IT is constantly changing, the resources must be kept up to date with new information. When you have already purchased the book, it may be difficult to obtain an update. Otherwise, books are an excellent way to learn.
Top Python for Hacking Libraries
Python comes with minimal syntax and many libraries to make the hacking process easier. Libraries are available for different domains, such as the PI touch intensive loop for artificial intelligence, ScaPy for hacking, pandas, and matplotlib for data science. Some of the most important Python hacking libraries are listed below.
- Scapy.
- Cryptography.
- Requests.
- Python-nmap.
- Pylibnet.
These libraries are some of the most common, and there are many different ways to use them. For example, Requests makes HTTP requests to be more user-friendly and has hundreds of thousands of downloads per day. As well, Pylibnet is used for constructing and injecting network packets.
Cryptography is also a library that many ethical hackers use to streamline the process with message digests, symmetric ciphers, and key derivation functions. There are several other libraries out there, such as RawSocketPy that eases communication with MAC addresses.
How to Learn Python for Hacking: A Step-by-Step Guide
Python is easy to learn for most people. Before you start learning, you need to define your goals to give you the motivation to keep going even when you’re exhausted. It can be overwhelming, but creating a plan and setting goals can help keep you on track. Below are some pointers to help you learn Python for hacking as smoothly as possible.
Start with the Basics
It is essential to start with basic concepts of programming in Python before moving on to advanced concepts. This is why learning with a structured curriculum is preferable. It covers all of the topics you need to know before diving in. Python programming skills will help you prepare for more advanced skills and digital assets.
Work on Projects
After learning the basics and some more advanced subjects, you’ll need to find a way to gain some hands-on experience. Creating your own projects is a great way to learn and put your new skills into practice. Projects also help you learn new things by pushing your capabilities. Similarly, structured projects will provide you with content for your portfolio later on.
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Consider Pair Programming
If you still need some guidance while working on projects, pair programming could help. It involves working with another experienced hacker to write and review code. Both partners in the pair are responsible for checking and correcting errors. This is one of the best ways to learn ethical hacking from scratch as well as programming basics.
Teach Others
Teaching other newbies can also help you retain what you have learned. You can either teach local hackers or contribute to open source projects. Platforms like GitHub allow you to contribute to projects so you can pitch in and edit codes for review. It will allow you to meet other hackers and developers in the community while also allowing you to build a strong network.
Get More Practice
The only way to master Python for hacking is to practice constantly. The more you practice, the more you learn. Aside from contributing to open source projects, you can take things a step further by participating in hackathons to put your skills to the test. If possible, you can also volunteer to work in the field while gaining Python hacking experience.
Start Learning Python for Hacking Today
Python can help you save time as a hacker or cyber security analyst by eliminating the need to create hacking tools and codes from scratch. Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages and best languages for penetration testing and ethical hacking. According to PayScale, the average salary for people with Python skills is $93,000.
Python is a versatile programming language that is easy to learn, and there is a huge community to help you if you have any problems. Your programming knowledge is your first step to learning more advanced tools. If you’re not sure of all the fuss about hackers, you will understand once you learn Python for educational purposes.
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