Programming for security

rampage

Hi guys
I searched to find the same topic but I didn't find anything.
I have been told many times,even several posts here, that programming is very important in security.If I wanna learn programming for security purposes,which language and how should I start to learn that?Any opinion is appreciated

docrice

I think this depends on which aspect of information security you're interested in. Software development knowledge is helpful, but more so in certain disciplines than others.

JDMurray

Programming skills and experience are necessary for understanding how software works inside. The vast majority of IT security problems are poorly designed, badly implemented, or mis-configured software. Therefore, it helps to understand how software works if you want to fix and protect it. Learning programming (software engineering, software development, etc.) is how to learn how software works.

dbrink

Do you want to write security tools or are you looking at just writing business-type applications in a secure manner?

YFZblu

I started with something easy - HTML/CSS. I then moved to Python which is pretty friendly to beginners. There are various books on programming for beginners. CodeAcademy.com has also been a good resource for me.

rampage

Thank you all for this great information.
I think the problem is I look at every aspect of security and I am interested in all of them .I don't know which one is exactly my cup of tea .However in most of them I see that programming is a major part.

Master Of Puppets

If you want a specific language to start, I'd say Python. It's pretty big on the security scene.

dbrink

I would suggest starting with Python also because it is a pretty easy language to pick up and it is also use a lot in the Infosec scene.

the_Grinch

Yup, Python is the way to begin. Great for security and for automation, plus with so many modules you can get far very quickly.

MrAgent

Any recommended books on Python?

dbrink

If you don't want to drop any cash right now you can start with Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/, and BeginnersGuide - Python Wiki

Master Of Puppets

It depends on your level and if you are new to programming or new to python.

To get a good start - Coursera has a great course on python from Rice university. This is for a total beginner. Plus it's free.

edx.org has a more advanced Python class from MIT. That's also free.


As for books:

I really enjoyed Think Python 2012. If you are new to programming Head First Python might be helpful.

Core Python Programming is also a good one.

If this is not your first clash with programming - you might like Python bible 2.1. It does start with basic python and explaining the syntax but dives deeper after that. A nice thing about this one is that it includes a lot of examples which are quite helpful.

I got a few more but no need to get carried away. There are also a few that I haven't personally checked out yet.

beantownmp

These two FREE courses will set you up very well with a strong foundation in Python. The second course is co-instructed by the creator of Reddit.

https://www.udacity.com/course/cs101

&

https://www.udacity.com/course/cs253

rampage

Great posts guys.I really appreciate them
I think I'm gonna start by Coursera .Their courses are great.