Ethical Hacking Career Roadmap Infographics

CEH V10 as a Certification

CEH Certification

The EC Council’s CEH, now in version 10, is an industry-standard for credentialing security professionals in the practice of ethical hacking. It focuses on the latest security threats, advanced attack vendors, and the practical, real-life application of the latest hacking techniques, methodologies, tools, techniques, and security measures. By now, most companies have already made the CEH Cert a requirement for security-related positions. 

In today’s landscape, IT security and web professionals should consider following the ethical hacking roadmap to advance in their careers. Among many others, one good reason is that CEH-certified professionals typically earn 44 percent more than their non-certified peers.

Accreditation Body

The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, or EC Council, is a member-supported organization that provides professional certification in the IT security field. Best known for its CEH certification, EC Council is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with training centers all over the world.

Eligibility Requirements and Process

There are two routes to take on the EC Council's Ethical Hacking Roadmap and CEH career path.

1. Take official EC Council courses at either an Accredited Training Center, online through the iClass platform, or at an approved academic institution. Requirements include:

1. Purchase CEH courseware found here: https://store.eccouncil.org/product/cehv10-courseware/
2. Provide a non-refundable CEH cert eligibility application fee of $100
3. Complete CEH exam eligibility application found here: https://cert.eccouncil.org/Exam-Eligibility-Form.html
4. Purchase exam voucher from https://store.eccouncil.org/

2. Pursue the CEH certification path through self-study. Requirements include:

1. Show proof of at least two years of work experience in an information security-related field
2. Provide a non-refundable CEH cert eligibility application fee of $100
3. Complete CEH exam eligibility application found here: https://cert.eccouncil.org/Exam-Eligibility-Form.html
4. Purchase exam voucher from https://store.eccouncil.org/

CEH Certification Path - More Details

• The eligibility application takes five working days to process and post. Applicants can contact the EC Council if they haven’t received any notification.
• The application is valid for 60 days.
• The EC Council will contact the applicant’s boss or department head to verify the experience.
• Applicants have three months to take the exam after purchasing the voucher.

CEH V10 Exam Format

The CEH exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. The duration of the exam is four hours, and the applicant must score a minimum of 70 percent to receive the CEH cert. Contenders can schedule the test through a web portal called Prometric Prime, where they can find an official VUE Testing Center. The CEH Exam code varies at different testing centers for both web-based and VUE testing centers.

All candidates must answer questions related to information security, various hacking tools, and techniques, and will be required to decipher exploit codes, study log files, and be able to communicate output.

Retake Policy

If a candidate fails to pass the exam in the first attempt, he/she can retake it at any time it is offered again, and with no restrictions on the number of attempts. Each time, the candidate must request an Eligibility Voucher at an Authorized Certified Prometric Testing Center (APTC), and send an email to certmanager@eccouncil.org with a scanned copy of the previous exam score. Applicants must also pay a CEH exam retake cost of $499.

Receiving the Certification

The candidate will receive the certification and a welcome kit within eight weeks of successfully passing the exam. A candidate needs to answer questions related to security, hacking tools, and techniques and will be required to decipher exploit codes, study log files, and infer output.

Certification Renewal

Candidates are required to earn 120 EC Council Continuing Education Credits (ECE) over a three-year period to maintain the certification.

CEH Instructors

The EC Council is very particular about the quality of its instructors and highly encourages security professionals who are highly experienced to become CEH participants. To become a CEH Instructor, it’s mandatory that the person is CEH certified and has solid experience in Information Security. Aspiring CEH instructors need to apply through the online Certified EC-Council Instructor (CEI) form and clear the CEH exam.

Top Benefits of CEH Certification

Professionals who specialize in penetration testing tend to pursue a CEH career path. Before CEH, no certification specifically addressed malicious hackings. The certification covers all aspects of IT security from tools of the trade to ethics. According to PayScale, the average salary of a CEH is $78,093.The benefits of pursuing CEH certification include:

• Ability to beat malicious hackers at their own game.
• Knowledge of the latest security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Enhance career opportunities.
• Hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of the trade.
• Achieve a unique and respectable title.

Practical Applications of CEH Skills

Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH) play a crucial role in bolstering cybersecurity defenses through their extensive skill set. Their proficiency extends to identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and infrastructure. By employing ethical hacking techniques, CEH professionals contribute to the proactive enhancement of security measures.

Penetration Testing for Robust Security Measures

Organizations leverage CEH expertise for conducting penetration testing, a vital practice to assess the strength of their security protocols. CEH professionals simulate real-world cyber threats, providing organizations with insights to fortify their defenses effectively.

Incident Response and Risk Mitigation

CEH professionals are instrumental in incident response, investigating security breaches to mitigate risks and prevent future attacks. Their ability to navigate and understand cybersecurity incidents is crucial in maintaining the integrity of digital systems.

Ensuring Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

CEH skills play a pivotal role in compliance management, ensuring that systems adhere to industry regulations and standards. This is essential for organizations to meet legal requirements and maintain a secure operational environment.

Contributing to Cybersecurity Resilience

In essence, the practical applications of CEH skills contribute significantly to enhancing cybersecurity resilience. CEH professionals safeguard organizations against evolving threats, making them indispensable assets in the ever-changing landscape of digital security.

Continuous Learning in Cybersecurity: Adapting to Evolving Threats

In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, continuous learning is paramount for professionals to stay ahead of the ever-evolving threats. Rapid advancements in technology lead to new vulnerabilities, making it imperative for cybersecurity experts to enhance their skills consistently.

Adapting to Emerging Threats

Continuous learning enables professionals to adapt swiftly to emerging threats. Cyber adversaries evolve their tactics, techniques, and procedures, challenging cybersecurity experts to understand and counter these sophisticated attacks effectively.

Exploration of Cutting-Edge Technologies

Staying informed about cutting-edge technologies and tools is essential for cybersecurity practitioners. Continuous learning allows them to explore innovative solutions, understand emerging trends, and implement proactive measures to safeguard digital assets.

Professional Development and Certification

Engaging in continuous education and obtaining relevant certifications ensures that cybersecurity professionals are well-equipped to face contemporary challenges. By attending workshops, webinars, and pursuing advanced certifications, they enhance their knowledge base and contribute significantly to the resilience of cybersecurity measures.

Conclusion

The journey through the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification unveils a transformative roadmap for individuals seeking to fortify digital landscapes against cyber threats. As the internet evolved, so did the challenges posed by malicious actors exploiting network vulnerabilities. The CEH emerges as a beacon of ethical expertise, arming professionals with the skills and knowledge to thwart cyber adversaries effectively.

The EC Council's CEH certification, now in its tenth iteration, stands as an industry standard, equipping security professionals with cutting-edge insights into the latest security threats and hacking methodologies. The accreditation, recognized globally, has become a prerequisite for security-related roles in numerous companies.

Whether pursuing the certification through accredited training centers or opting for self-study, the CEH certification path demands dedication and expertise. The exam, featuring 125 multiple-choice questions, gauges candidates on information security, hacking tools, and techniques. Successful candidates receive the CEH certification and join an elite community of ethical hackers.

For those aspiring to further deepen their expertise, the Professional Certificate Program in Cybersecurity- Red Team complements the CEH journey seamlessly. This course will help you refine your cybersecurity skills, fostering proficiency in offensive security tactics.

The continuous evolution of cyber threats underscores the importance of continuous learning in the realm of cybersecurity. Professionals must remain vigilant, adapt to emerging threats, explore innovative technologies, and contribute to the ongoing battle against cyber adversaries. The CEH certification, with its focus on hands-on experience and ethical principles, not only enhances career opportunities but also empowers individuals to safeguard digital ecosystems with proficiency. Embracing the CEH career path is not just a professional choice; it's a commitment to securing the digital future.