Hey there! If you've been led to believe Python is your go-to language for hacking, get ready for a reality check. While Python certainly has its place in the cybersecurity world, it's far from the ideal choice for aspiring hackers, especially when it comes to creating stealthy and effective tools. My experience has shown that relying heavily on Python for hacking can actually hinder your progress.
Where Python Falls Short for Hacking
Python's popularity stems from its ease of use, vast open-source libraries, and applications in AI/ML. It does offer a plethora of network libraries that can be helpful for developing certain cybersecurity tools. However, when it comes to the nitty-gritty of ethical hacking, especially for offensive operations, Python reveals several significant drawbacks:
Slow Execution Speed: Python is an interpreted language, which means it generally runs slower than compiled languages. This can be a major disadvantage when milliseconds matter in an exploit or a quick system interaction.
High Resource Consumption: Python applications often consume more memory and CPU compared to those written in lower-level languages, which can make them less discreet on target systems.
Dependency on External Libraries: While Python's extensive libraries are a pro for development speed, they can become a con when deploying tools. Reliance on numerous external dependencies can increase the size of your tools and introduce compatibility issues.
Not Ideal for Low-Level System Interaction: Hacking often requires direct interaction with system memory, processes, and hardware at a low level. Python's high-level abstraction makes it less suitable for these kinds of operations.
But the biggest reasons Python isn't recommended for serious hacking endeavors are related to the creation of malware and stealth tools:
Easily Detectable by Antivirus (AVs): I've personally tried numerous techniques, but Python-based malware is notoriously easy for antivirus software to detect. Its common runtime and predictable structure make it an easy target for signature-based detection.
Poor Stealth Capabilities: When it comes to evading detection, Python simply doesn't offer the same level of stealth as other languages.
Limited and Weak Obfuscation Techniques: While some obfuscation can be applied, Python's nature makes it difficult to create truly robust and undetectable code.
Not Suitable for Kernel-Level or Low-Level Exploits: For deep system compromise and exploits that target the operating system's kernel, Python is largely ineffective due to its lack of direct memory management and low-level control.
The Best Language for Ethical Hacking: Nim
So, if Python isn't the answer, what is? My unequivocal answer is Nim.
Nim is quickly gaining traction in the red team community, and for good reason. It offers an incredibly powerful combination of features that make it an excellent choice for ethical hacking and building stealthy tools:
Extremely Stealthy: Nim's compilation to native code and its ability to generate small, self-contained executables make it incredibly stealthy. Tools written in Nim are far less likely to be detected by antivirus software and Windows Defender.
Cross-Platform with Minimal Footprint: Nim allows you to compile your code for various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile) with a minimal file size, making your tools highly portable and discreet.
Easy Syntax, Powerful Output: Nim boasts a syntax that is remarkably similar to Python, making it relatively easy to learn for anyone familiar with Python. However, unlike Python, it compiles to highly efficient and powerful native code.
Growing Popularity in the Red Team Community: Nim's benefits are being increasingly recognized by red teamers and offensive security professionals, leading to a growing ecosystem of libraries and resources.
Low-Level Control: Despite its Python-like syntax, Nim provides low-level memory management capabilities, allowing you to interact directly with system components when needed.
With Nim, you can build a wide range of offensive security tools, including custom malware, for Windows, mobile, ISOs, web, and more. Its excellent libraries and ability to bypass common security defenses make it an indispensable language for any serious ethical hacker looking to create truly effective and stealthy "weapons."