When it comes to web development, ensuring security is of paramount importance. As such, selecting a programming language that offers dependable security features is crucial.
In this article, we will discuss the top 15 programming languages that are widely regarded as the most secure languages for web development.
Table of Contents
Most Secure Programming Languages for Web Development
1. Ruby
When it comes to secure programming languages, Ruby is at the top of the list. Made by Yukihiro Matsumoto in Japan, this high-level language is flexible & can be used for a range of purposes.
Since its creation, Ruby has become more and more popular & is now one of the most widely utilized programming languages across the world.
Its reputation for security makes it a good choice for developers looking to make secure applications. Ruby has been extensively utilized by a number of famous websites like Airbnb, Hulu, Kickstarter, & Github.
Its capability to manage complex information has made it one of the most effective programming languages in terms of cybersecurity. This has simplified the procedure of application development and reduced the need for extreme coding.
According to the survey, Ruby is considered the most secure programming language due to its low number of security vulnerabilities.
Although XSS vulnerabilities are the most common CWE, there are other CWEs such as CWE-20, CWE-200, CWE-264, and CWE-284. Over the past five years, Ruby has only experienced severe vulnerabilities 19% of the time on average.
2. .NET
In the sphere of web development, .NET stands out as a programming language that has top-notch security features & can be trusted to safeguard secret information while thwarting any attempts at illegal entry.
The safety features of .NET are a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. These features have been developed to make sure that applications developed on the .NET framework are secure and protected from possible threats.
.NET security features comprise a set of tools and techniques that are intended to prevent unauthorized access to applications and data, in addition, to protecting them from different malicious attacks such as injection attacks, cross-site scripting, and more.
3. HTML
The significance of HTML cannot be overstated as it is utilized by virtually every other website. As a markup language, it holds a unique and essential position among all programming languages. It can be likened to a baby’s first steps before learning to walk.
In the present tech industry, HTML is the programming language of choice for 90.7% of the multitude of websites out there.
HTML not only offers various security measures but also provides developers with a set of instructions and recommendations to ensure the creation of secure web applications.
These include implementing secure coding techniques, conducting frequent security assessments and trials, and keeping abreast of the latest security risks and weaknesses.
As a result, HTML is a dependable and resilient programming language that equips developers with the necessary means and assistance to construct trustworthy and protected web applications.
4. ASP
The programming language known as ASP has gained a reputation for its highly secure features, which have made it a preferred choice among developers who hold security as a top priority in their projects.
This language is commonly recognized for its capability to provide strong protection against various types of cyber threats, including hacking, data breaches, & other wicked attacks.
As such, it has become a gradually popular choice for businesses and organizations that handle sensitive data or operate in extremely regulated industries.
With its emphasis on safety, ASP has become a key component in the development of secure and reliable web applications, making it a necessary tool for developers who operate in today’s quickly evolving digital landscape.
5. PHP
PHP is a precious subject to master if you are seeking employment in the field of website safety. It delves into the intricacies of web application data flow, from input parameters to security measures.
Those who specialize in PHP security can use tools like RIPS to aid in their work. A PHP developer with a focus on security will create the server-side logic for web applications.
PHP has the highest count of vulnerabilities compared to other programming languages. It is the only language that has SQL Injection vulnerability (CWE-89) which has been growing in prevalence in recent years.
6. Perl
Perl is a programming language developed by Larry Wall in 1987 to simplify report processing on Unix systems. It is a versatile language that can be used for various tasks, including web development, network programming, and system administration.
Although not officially an acronym, it is known by various backronyms, including “Practical Extraction and Report Language.” Perl is often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of programming languages due to its versatility and power.
7. Python
Python is extensively regarded as the safest programming language for creating web applications because of its strong safety features and effective defenses against cyber attacks.
Its extensive use and popularity in the industry have further solidified its reputation as a reliable and secure language for web development.
Python has safety features that help protect data, prevent XSS & SQL injection attacks, and give support for security libraries and frameworks. This makes it simpler for developers to apply strong security measures in web applications.
Generally, Python’s emphasis on safety and efficient handling of security threats make it an excellent choice for web development projects that prioritize data protection & privacy.
8. Shell Scripting
With shell scripting, developers can create automated scripts that can perform repetitive tasks using the same commands as those used in terminal sessions of the operating system. If there is a need to quickly provide access to an account, shell scripting can help with the task.
If you require an automated system configuration security lockdown immediately, then shell scripting is an advantageous solution. In the event that you are utilizing Linux or macOS, it would be beneficial to acquaint yourself with scripting languages such as Bash.
Alternatively, if you are a Windows specialist, it would be advisable to delve into PowerShell.
9. SQL
SQL is a database management system that facilitates the organization of relational databases, enabling users to search and retrieve records that meet their specific criteria.
However, SQL databases are vulnerable to SQL injection attacks, which can be executed by hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
SQL is extensively used in enterprise settings and is the preferred programming language for hackers looking to breach large databases.
It is considered a risky cybersecurity skill because protecting databases from attacks is extremely challenging without it. As such, cybersecurity experts must have a thorough grasp of SQL and database functionality.
10. Java
Java, a programming language that was introduced in 1995, has gained immense popularity over the years. This high-level, object-oriented language is designed to have minimal dependencies on implementation.
Java is widely used for the development of a diverse range of applications, including desktop and mobile applications, big data processing, and embedded systems, largely due to its secure nature.
11. JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language that enables developers to incorporate interactive and animated elements into WebPages. Due to its extensive usage in web applications, it is often targeted by hackers for website breaches.
Node.js expands the use of JavaScript to include back-end development, which presents a wider range of opportunities for exploitation. The utilization of JavaScript enhances the interactivity of websites.
This language is commonly used for creating dynamic elements on websites, and as a result, it is often targeted by hackers attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications.
Due to its widespread use in web development, JavaScript is a primary focus in many web development boot camps, including those offered online.
12. ColdFusion
ColdFusion is a top contender among programming languages used for web development because of its unparalleled security features.
Developers who prioritize security in their projects often choose ColdFusion for its unique capabilities that provide a highly secure environment for web applications.
With built-in security features that guard against common threats like cross-site scripting and SQL injection attacks, ColdFusion is designed to provide maximum protection.
Furthermore, ColdFusion presents a sturdy system for overseeing user validation and restricting access, guaranteeing that confidential information remains safeguarded continuously.
With its extensive safety protocols and established history of dependability, ColdFusion is unquestionably the leading selection for developers in search of a secure and trustworthy platform for web development.
13. C++
C++ is highly valued in the world of web development for its exceptional security features, making it the go-to programming language for developers.
It is essentially an upgraded version of the outdated C language and having a strong understanding of both languages is highly desirable for potential employers.
C++ developers are responsible for creating both desktop and mobile applications and possess the necessary skills to detect and rectify issues and vulnerabilities. Mastering C++ is crucial for those seeking a career in cybersecurity.
14. C
C is a very popular programming language that has been in the picture since 1970. It is mainly effective for reverse engineering & opening detection. Its unfussiness & simplicity of use make it a well-liked choice among programmers, who appreciate its capability to mark low-level code.
C is also favored by security experts, who utilize it to make sure that sites are completely secure. Moreover, despite common misconceptions, programmers frequently employ C to recognize potential weaknesses in a site’s security.
15. Go
Golang also recognized as Go, was created by Google in 2007 and is an open-source programming language. It shares syntax similarities with C and is specifically designed to enable the development of secure and efficient web applications.
Go is particularly well-suited for tasks such as network programming, the creation of data pipelines, and the development of machine learning packages.
Languages with Most Security Vulnerabilities
There are certain languages that are more vulnerable to safety threats than others. These vulnerabilities can leave computer systems and networks open to attack, which can result in significant damage to data and operations.
Here, we will take a quicker look at some of the languages that have the most security vulnerabilities.
Generally, it is significant for developers and organizations to be conscious of the security risks associated with different programming languages and to take steps to alleviate these risks.
.NET (31%)
The programming framework .NET has been found to contain the highest number of security vulnerabilities. According to a recent study, .NET security vulnerabilities account for 31% of all security issues.
This means that a significant portion of security breaches and attacks can be attributed to weaknesses in the .NET framework.
It is important for developers and security professionals to be aware of these vulnerabilities and take steps to mitigate them in order to protect their systems and data.
Java (28%)
Java has an enormous percentage of safety vulnerabilities, with 28% of these problems being classified as such. This means that there are several potential risks associated with using Java, and users should take extra precautions to make sure their safety.
These vulnerabilities might comprise weaknesses in the code itself, flaws in the design of the software, or vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers or other nasty actors.
ASP (15%)
There are safety vulnerabilities in ASP, which account for 15% of the issues. ASP security vulnerabilities are a noteworthy concern for web developers and website owners. It is vital to understand the risks and take proactive events to mitigate them.
By implementing secure coding practices and frequently updating the software, you can protect your website and users from possible attacks.
PHP (2%)
There are many problems with PHP that could make it easier for hackers to do terrible things, but only a tiny bit of PHP is affected. Out of all programming languages, PHP has the lowest amount of vulnerabilities.
Particularly, it is the sole language that has the possible weakness of SQL Injection (CWE-89), which has seen an increase in incidence during 2017 and 2018. Moreover, Cross-Site Scripting (CWE-79) is one more vulnerability that is frequently related to PHP.
