The importance of coding for cybersecurity depends on two things: your job role and the expertise you want. In the beginning, coding is less important because there are other skills to learn that are quicker to acquire. Some examples include: computer networks, operating system architecture, and system administration. Mastering these skills can better serve beginners earlier in the cybersecurity field.

But as you develop your expertise over time, a lack of programming will limit your effectiveness. Here's why.

Our ability to shape and control the physical or digital world depends on TOOLS. Almost all cybersecurity tools are made up of code. Even hardware such as switches, network jacks and storage media have firmware and drivers.

Thanks to the UNIX philosophy, tools are specialized and goal-specific. Indeed, loosely coupled software is easier to compose and debug. This is generally a better design pattern. Therefore, you will often face problems where you do not have the right tool to solve a cybersecurity problem. Knowing how to program allows you to develop tailor-made solutions to overcome this problem. Otherwise, you'll be forced to rely on a teammate or vendor who knows how to code.

There is a distinction to keep in mind between scripting and software development. Many people often use “coding” or “programming” to describe both. Software development is a broad term covering scripting, but also including other topics. Scripting involves automating tasks with an interpreted language like Python or Bash. It’s a skill that can be learned in 2 to 3 months of dedicated practice. Better yet, it is more often used in operators' daily cybersecurity work. People who can write scripts are often much more effective in cybersecurity than those who can't.

So for those without a computer science background, it's worth learning scripts. It allows you to understand tools at a deeper level, by modifying them or composing them together. Ultimately, cybersecurity is a team effort. The magic in the interaction between them. If you don't know how to code, it's never too late to learn. If you can, be a hero to those who can't.

Execution code:
https://runcode.ninja

Automate Boring Things with Python (2nd ed.):
https://nostarch.com/automatestuff2

Learn Powershell in a month of lunches:
https://www.manning.com/books/learn-windows-powershell-in-a-month-of-lunches-second-edition

UNIX and Linux System Administration Guide
https://www.amazon.com/UNIX-Linux-System-Administration-Handbook/dp/0134277554

00:00 How important is coding?
00:35 Relationship between tools and skills
01:49 3 types of cybersecurity professionals
04:07 My experience in cyber without coding
05:59 Scripting and software development
07:23 Should you learn scripts?
07:59 Resources for learning scripts
08:26 Final verdict

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