Is learning Java worth it for someone pursuing Cybersecurity/Black Hat Hacking?

Discussion & Solutions
1

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a BCA student (starting 3rd semester) and Java is part of my curriculum this term. My actual interest lies in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, Black Hat Hacking and penetration testing — and I’m trying to figure out how much time/depth I should invest in Java versus focusing on other languages more commonly associated with security work (like Python, C, or Bash).

A few specific things I’d love input on:

  1. Practical relevance: Where does Java actually show up in real-world security work?
  2. Tool ecosystem: I know tools like Burp Suite are built in Java. Does knowing Java help in customizing/extending such tools (writing Burp extensions, etc.)?
  3. Career/interview value: Do cybersecurity job postings or CTF challenges commonly expect Java knowledge, or is it more of a “nice to have”?
  4. Priority-wise, if my end goal is ethical hacking/black hat hacking /red teaming, should I treat Java as a “learn well” subject or a “get through the exam and move on” subject and instead double down on Python/C/networking fundamentals?

Would really appreciate insights from people already working in security roles — especially if you started with a similar academic background (Java-heavy curriculum) and pivoted into security. Thanks in advance!

1 Like
2

i’d recommend you double down on python. Its useful if you also wan’t to change careers say Data Science. I’d also focus on getting industry professional certifications such as CEH, CISA etc although some could get pretty expensive