How to Become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
What is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)?
A Certified Ethical Hacker is a professional certification program offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). The Certified Ethical Hacker certification is designed to train individuals in the skills and knowledge necessary to identify potential security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
Ethical hackers are also known as white hat hackers, and they use their expertise to conduct penetration testing and security assessments on behalf of organizations to identify weaknesses in their information security infrastructure. Their job is to help organizations strengthen their security measures and protect against potential cyber threats.
Why should you get CEH certified?
Having the CEH certification can enhance a professional’s credibility in the cybersecurity industry and may open up opportunities for jobs in cybersecurity like ethical hackers, penetration tester, security analyst, or cybersecurity consultant.
The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification is valuable as it demonstrates expertise in identifying computer system vulnerabilities and security weaknesses. Holding this certification opens up various cybersecurity career opportunities— it is widely recognized in the industry, providing credibility to professionals and instilling client confidence in consulting firms. Moreover, CEH-certified individuals help organizations strengthen their security defenses by proactively identifying and fixing vulnerabilities. Additionally, the certification aids in meeting security compliance requirements and promotes continuous learning and staying updated with cybersecurity trends. Overall, the CEH certification is essential for career growth, improving cybersecurity skills, and enhancing organizations’ security measures.
How do you become a Certified Ethical Hacker?
The CEH certification covers various topics related to cybersecurity, including network security, system hacking, web application security, cryptography, and ethical hacking tools and techniques. To achieve the CEH certification, candidates typically need to pass a standardized exam after completing the required training or demonstrating sufficient work experience in the field of information security. Below is a list of various steps that need to be taken before you can become a certified ethical hacker:
- Meet the Eligibility Requirements: Before pursuing the CEH certification, you must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Attend official EC-Council training: You can attend the official EC-Council CEH training course at an accredited training center. The length of the course may vary, but it typically covers the necessary topics to pass the CEH exam.
- Self-study option: If you prefer self-study, you can attempt to meet the eligibility criteria by submitting proof of at least two years of work experience in the Information Security domain. You must also pay a non-refundable eligibility application fee.
- Prepare for the Exam: Regardless of whether you choose the training course or self-study option, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare for the CEH exam. The exam covers various topics related to ethical hacking, network security, system hacking, cryptography, and more.
- Register for the Exam: Once you are ready to take the exam, you can register on the EC-Council website or through an accredited training center. There is a fee associated with the exam, so make sure to check the current pricing on their website.
- Take the CEH Exam: The CEH exam is typically a multiple-choice test that assesses your knowledge of ethical hacking concepts and techniques. The number of questions and the passing score may vary, so check the EC-Council website for the most up-to-date information.
- Achieve a Passing Score: To earn the CEH certification, you must achieve a passing score of 70% on the exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a waiting period. However, additional exam fees may apply for each attempt.
- Obtain Your CEH Certification: Once you pass the CEH exam, you will receive the official Certified Ethical Hacker certification from EC-Council. This certification is recognized globally and can enhance your credibility as a professional ethical hacker.
It’s important to note that the certification landscape and requirements may change over time, so always refer to the official EC-Council website or authorized training centers for the most current information on becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker.