What Is The Most Secure Coding Language?

With the average cost of a data breach reaching $4.45 million, organizations are hunting for ways to build more secure applications. Even if it means from the ground up. 

Basic secure coding training teaches us that language choice matters. But how much?

Can choosing the right programming language prevent security vulnerabilities? If so, what is the most secure coding language?

In this article, we’re going to find out.

Decoding the Question: What Is The Most Secure Coding Language?

The debate around secure coding practices and language security in software security isn't going anywhere.

• Supply chain attacks are targeting weaker dependencies. 
• Vulnerabilities are being discovered in what were previously thought to be secure coding languages. 
• AI-generated code is introducing new software security challenges.

But here’s the thing.

The most secure applications aren't built with specific coding languages. They're built with safe languages plus teams with comprehensive security training and solid development practices.

When a development team asks, "What is the most secure coding language?", they're really asking: "How can we reduce risk at the foundational level?"

The answer isn't as straightforward as picking Rust over C++.

What Makes a Programming Language ‘Secure’?

There are a few coding language features that contribute to programming language security.

Memory Safety Features: Languages with built-in memory management prevent buffer overflows and dangling pointers, which account for roughly 70% of all security vulnerabilities in Microsoft products. 

CVE-2023-4863 was a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in libwebp that "allowed a remote attacker to perform an out-of-bounds memory write via a crafted HTML page." 

This type of vulnerability simply cannot occur in memory-safe languages like Java or C# because the runtime would prevent writing beyond allocated buffer boundaries.

In major ecosystems, ~70% of historical high-severity bugs stem from memory-unsafety. Managed, memory-safe languages (e.g., Java, C#, Go, Rust) largely prevent out-of-bounds writes and use-after-free by design—though they don’t eliminate logic or authentication flaws.

Strong/Strict Type Systems: Languages with strict type checking can catch errors at compile time rather than runtime. This prevents type confusion attacks, which occur when a program incorrectly interprets data of one type as if it were another type.

Sandboxing and Isolation: Languages that run in sandboxed environments limit what code can do. This is a feature of Java's JVM or JavaScript in browsers. Both provide additional security boundaries.

Standard Libraries: Some languages provide standard libraries with maintained functions and security utilities. They’re less reliant on vulnerable third-party dependencies.

Language-level protections only go so far.

Even the most secure coding languages can't protect against SQL injection, authentication bypass, or business logic vulnerabilities.

In 2024, Platform.sh disclosed an authentication bypass vulnerability in Go's x/crypto/ssh package (CVE-2024045337) that affected thousands of projects. This had nothing to do with Go's memory safety features. The flaw was a logic error in the PublicKeyCallback implementation that allowed attackers to gain access without possessing the required private key. 

But aren’t some programming languages inherently more secure than others?

Yes, but with important caveats.

According to an analysis of open-source vulnerabilities:

• C has the most vulnerabilities (47% of all reported)
• PHP accounts for 23% of vulnerabilities
• Python has the lowest (6% of vulnerabilities)

However, these statistics don't account for usage volume or codebase age. For example, C and C++ power critical infrastructure and have been around for decades, making them bigger targets.

Top Secure Coding Languages in 2025: Myths, Facts, and Use Cases

So, what are the most secure languages? Let’s break it down with tiered language comparisons. 

No ranking is absolute: operational posture, ecosystem maturity, and developer practices typically outweigh language choice.

S-Tier (Highest Security Foundations) 

Languages with built-in protections against entire classes of vulnerabilities

Rust

Used for operating systems, web servers, and cryptocurrency platforms where security breaches have massive consequences. Rust's key advantage is that it catches dangerous memory bugs before your code ever runs. The compiler simply won't let you deploy vulnerable code. Organizations like Microsoft and Google are adopting it to eliminate entire categories of security vulnerabilities.

Go

Garbage collection eliminates manual memory management risks, while simple syntax reduces complexity bugs that lead to vulnerabilities. The strong standard library includes robust cryptographic functions. 

Modern Java (17/21 LTS)

Modern Java benefits from automatic memory management and a strong type system. The JVM provides security features, and in practice, enterprises rely on container and application-server policies, as well as mature frameworks like Spring Security, for robust controls.

What really sets Java apart is the ecosystem. The comprehensive authentication frameworks, reliable libraries, and enterprise security features have been refined through years of real-world use in banks, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies.

A-Tier (Good Security with Proper Practices) 

Memory-safe languages that require developer awareness of certain security patterns

C#

The .NET framework handles memory management automatically and provides robust security APIs, but developers need to understand the nuances of configuration to avoid common pitfalls.

Python

The statistical winner with the lowest vulnerability rate is at just 6% according to WhiteSource data. Python's clean, readable syntax makes security flaws easier to spot during code reviews, and frameworks like Django provide built-in protections. However, dynamic typing can hide issues until runtime.

Swift

Apple's modern replacement for Objective-C that brings memory safety and null safety to mobile development. The language design eliminates many common security mistakes, with features like optionals that force developers to handle potential null values explicitly. 

B-Tier (Requires Significant Security Attention) 

Powerful languages that place security responsibility on the developer

C

The foundational systems programming language that powers everything from operating systems to embedded devices. Manual memory management means developers must meticulously track every byte, which is probably why C accounts for 47% of all reported vulnerabilities according to WhiteSource data. 

C++

Builds upon C's foundation while adding object-oriented programming and modern features. You inherit all of C's memory management challenges while gaining additional complexity from features like operator overloading and multiple inheritance. Popular for game engines, high-frequency trading systems, and applications where computational efficiency is important, but requires disciplined coding practices.

PHP

The web development language that powers a massive portion of the internet, including WordPress and Facebook's backend. At a 23% vulnerability rate, it requires constant attention to security best practices. Modern PHP (7.4+) with frameworks like Laravel has made improvements, but legacy baggage from early design decisions still creates security challenges.

Notable Mentions - New Contenders in Secure Language Design

Emerging languages like Carbon (Google), Zig, and V are designed with security in mind. But here's our advice: Don't chase shiny new languages for security alone. Established languages with mature ecosystems are usually safer bets.

Does the Language Matter as Much as How You Use it?

The truth is, secure coding practices and development methodology go hand-in-hand. Good development means picking the right language for the job.

That’s why NIST, CISA, and NSA all have dedicated frameworks and guidance emphasizing secure coding.

For this reason, we’d take coding best practices and secure design over the most secure language any day of the week. There are multiple factors that come into play when it comes to vulnerabilities. From poor input, insufficient authentication, inadequate logging, improper training, and more.

That’s why we believe a dollar invested in training is worth more than 100 dollars invested in tech.

When it comes to application security, disciplined change management, thorough code reviews, and developer knowledge play a bigger role than anything. If you’re going to invest time in anything, invest it there.

Can Insecure Code Be Written in Any Language?

Any language can produce secure code just as well as it can produce insecure code.

Developers can introduce vulnerabilities to secure languages through:

• Logic Flaws: No language prevents business logic vulnerabilities
• Configuration Errors: Leaving debug modes enabled or using weak crypto settings
• Dependency Vulnerabilities: Your app is only as secure as its weakest dependency
• API Security Issues: Rate limiting, authorization, and data exposure problems

The takeaway? 

Focus on building security expertise, not just choosing the "right" language.

How Can Secure Coding Training Empower Your Team - Regardless of Language?

This brings us to the most important factor: developer education.

Secure code training addresses knowledge gaps that lead to vulnerabilities in the first place.

Specifically, you want to look for effective programs that can provide hands-on, tailored training. Not just the typical ‘fluff’. This includes

• Language-specific security guidance and vulnerability patterns. Knowing not just which languages are more secure but why and how to code safely with any language.
• Hands-on learning with real-world scenarios. The importance of hands-on labs and assessments can’t be stressed enough. Security training isn’t valuable if it’s not applicable and relevant.
• Continuous assessment and progress tracking. The learning journey is continuous. Threats are only growing and growing. Your team needs to be ready.
• Role-based training that is customized to each team.

Security Champions Programs

One of the most effective approaches is developing security champions within teams.  84% of software engineers and AppSec professionals believe that security champions have the power to improve security and strengthen relationships between security and DevSecOps teams 

Fostering a Security-First Culture

The most successful organizations create environments where security is everyone's responsibility through regular training and security-focused events. Organizations need to reward safety and security to build it into their culture.

What Are the Best Practices for Ensuring Application Security?

Here are foundational practices that apply regardless of language choice:

• Input Validation: Whitelist acceptable patterns, use parameterized queries
• Error Handling: Generic user messages, detailed secure logging
• Least Privilege: Minimal permissions, role-based access controls

Integrating Standards and Compliance

Modern security must address OWASP Top 10, PCI DSS, and NIST Framework requirements through regular assessments and threat modeling.

Role-Based Training

Different roles need different training and frameworks. Here’s a quick breakdown of each role and what training you should look for.

Developers

Start with hands-on OWASP Top 10 training that shows real exploits. Not just theory. Look for courses that walk through actual code examples. Training should emphasize secure pattern workshops that teach proactive and defensible code. Threat model training should teach frameworks like STRIDE so you can spot vulnerabilities before they grow.

DevOps

DevOps training should include infrastructure hardening bootcamps that cover baseline configuration and network segmentation strategies. Container security courses are non-negotiable. The most valuable may be CI/CD security workshops that demonstrate how to build security gates into the pipeline.

Security Pros

These trainings should include penetration testing certifications that teach you to think like an attacker. Vulnerability management training should help cover risk assessment frameworks and how to prioritize fixes based on impact. 

Building a Culture of Security Beyond Language Choice

Organizations with the most secure software development practices don't just choose secure languages. They create a security culture. They build comprehensive programs with leadership support, resource allocation, and continuous improvement mindsets.

No single program guarantees safety. Remember, people are the foundation. Security starts with knowledgeable developers who stay continuously educated on the threat landscape.

It’s also processes that include supporting workflows and clear escalation paths. Knowing what to do when it happens.

The most impactful step you can take is investing in comprehensive secure code training for your development team.

Secure Code Training by Security Journey offers hands-on learning experiences, role-based training paths, continuous assessment, and real-world scenario practice tailored to your technology stack. 

You can even use our extensive library of expertly crafted lessons to build a program based on your own team’s needs.

Don't let the "secure language" debate distract from what really matters: building security expertise in your team.

Explore how our platform can help you build lasting, secure development habits that work regardless of your programming language choices. 

Because the most secure code is written by developers who know how to make any language secure.