Uploaded March 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
An interesting op-ed from Dr. Egginton at John Hopkins University highlights some efforts underway in the US to declare learning to code the equivalent of learning a new language.
Both are equally important. Languages help with understand and communication and everyone should learn as many as they can.
But programming computers is not the same exercise. Programming languages are all about logic and structure. But similarly, anyone in cybersecurity should learn at least the basics of coding.
The reason is the same as learning a second (3rd, 4th, etc.) human language: understanding. Learning to code (even just the basics) will give you a better understanding of the trades off necessary in cybersecurity. A better understanding of the challenges of successfully building and running a system that solves problems for customers. A better understanding of your colleagues.
When it comes to cybersecurity, a broader perspective is a better perspective. Learning additional skills within the IT sphere is never a wasted effort.
References:
- op-ed by Dr. Egginton, nytimes.com/2019/03/17/opinion/code-foreign-language.html?login=email&auth=login-email
// MWM Y2 no. 020
An interesting op-ed from Dr. Egginton at John Hopkins University highlights some efforts underway in the US to declare learning to code the equivalent of learning a new language.
Both are equally important. Languages help with understand and communication and everyone should learn as many as they can.
But programming computers is not the same exercise. Programming languages are all about logic and structure. But similarly, anyone in cybersecurity should learn at least the basics of coding.
The reason is the same as learning a second (3rd, 4th, etc.) human language: understanding. Learning to code (even just the basics) will give you a better understanding of the trades off necessary in cybersecurity. A better understanding of the challenges of successfully building and running a system that solves problems for customers. A better understanding of your colleagues.
When it comes to cybersecurity, a broader perspective is a better perspective. Learning additional skills within the IT sphere is never a wasted effort.
References:
- op-ed by Dr. Egginton, nytimes.com/2019/03/17/opinion/code-foreign-language.html?login=email&auth=login-email
// MWM Y2 no. 020
