Importance of Programming in Cybersecurity: Preliminary Findings from a Pilot Study Tailoring a Python Course for Targeted Educational Needs

Many studies confirm the significance of programming skills in the ever-evolving cybersecurity field and its know-how plays a pivotal role in safeguarding critical systems and data. This paper presents a preliminary finding from a pilot study that explores the potential benefits of tailoring a basic Python programming course to cater specifically to the educational requirements of budding cybersecurity professionals. The primary objective is to explore the potential advantages of adapting a conventional programming course to incorporate cybersecurity-focused elements. The pilot implementation of a course went through a series of modifications embedding cybersecurity-centric motivational content, increased emphasis on code analysis skills, hands-on approach to encompass contemporary tools and cybersecurity challenges. The pilot was carried out over a single semester with 36 participants, and its impacts were assessed through the analysis of student feedback, performance metrics, educator observations, and empirical experiences. Preliminary findings indicate a noticeable rise in students' interest in the course, study motivation, and enhanced overall learning experiences. However, the study reveals to a lesser extent improvement in academic performance. These findings contribute to the ongoing dialogue regarding programming education in the cybersecurity domain, emphasizing the potential of tailoring programming courses to align with specific needs by incorporating cybersecurity-focused elements and emphasizing relevant skills, such as code analysis and hands-on experience with contemporary tools and challenges, programming courses can become more valuable and engaging for students seeking cybersecurity careers.