What is the CEH certification? Is it Worth it?

The battle between cybersecurity experts and malicious hackers has intensified in an era dominated by technology. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent, the demand for skilled professionals safeguarding digital assets has skyrocketed. This demand has led to the rise of various certifications in the field of cybersecurity, which are comparable with some of the best cyber security degree programs, with the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification being one of the most prominent. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the CEH certification, explore its benefits, and drawbacks, and evaluate whether it’s truly worth the investment of time, effort, and resources.

What is the CEH Certification?

The EC-Council (also known as the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) offers the following justification for its well respected and widely used Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.

Rather than assessing the security of a system for evil purposes, a Certified Ethical Hacker does it for good reasons, using the same expertise and tools as a bad hacker. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a vendor-neutral certificate for professionals in the field of network security.

Both the CEH (Practical) and the CEH (ANSI) are available through the EC-Council. These are the key distinctions:

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved a 4-hour, 125-question multiple-choice test for CEH certification.

Security Clearance (Practical): Examinees have 6 hours to “demonstrate the application of Ethical hacking training Kolkata techniques such as threat vector identification, network scanning, OS detection, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, web app hacking, etc. to solve a security audit challenge.” According to the EC-Council, “This is the next step to become a CEH Master after you have achieved your CEH certification.”

“CEH Masters” are those who have proven themselves to have “mastery” levels of knowledge, skills, and talents in the Ethical hacking institute Kolkata, as defined by the EC-Council.

Certified Network Defender, Certified Cloud Security Engineer, and many more are just some of the credentials you may get from the EC Council.

What are the things to consider for CEH Certification?

Industry Recognition and Demand

One of the primary factors to consider when evaluating the worth of certification is its recognition and demand within the industry. The CEH certification in Kolkata is widely recognized by employers, government agencies, and Cyber Security Company in Kolkata professionals. It is often listed as a prerequisite or a preferred qualification in job postings for roles such as ethical hackers, penetration testers, and security analysts.

Skill Enhancement

The CEH certification program covers a wide range of topics, including network scanning, system hacking, malware threats, cryptography, and more. Undertaking this certification provides individuals with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in ethical hacking techniques. This enhances their technical skills and helps them develop a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts.

Practical Experience

One of the unique aspects of the CEH certification is its focus on practical, hands-on training. Participants engage in real-world scenarios that simulate cyberattacks and learn how to counteract them. This experience can be immensely valuable, as it allows individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled environment.

Networking Opportunities

Attaining the CEH certification opens doors to a community of online and offline cybersecurity professionals. EC-Council’s membership and online forums provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends in cybersecurity.

Employer Preference

Many employers value certifications because they validate a candidate’s expertise and commitment to the field. Some organizations have specific cybersecurity frameworks or compliance requirements that demand a certain level of expertise, making the CEH certification a desirable qualification.

Career Advancement

The CEH certification can significantly impact career advancement opportunities. Professionals who hold this certification may be eligible for higher-paying positions and increased responsibilities within their organizations. Furthermore, the skills acquired through CEH training in Kolkata can pave the way for specialization in areas such as penetration testing, security auditing, and vulnerability assessment.

Training Investment

Before pursuing the CEH certification, it’s essential to consider the time and financial investment required. The certification process typically involves attending a CEH course, self-study, and passing the certification exam. While the cost of the course and exam may vary, it’s crucial to assess whether the investment aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

Evolving Field of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging regularly. The CEH certification program is updated periodically to reflect the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. As a result, CEH-certified professionals are equipped with knowledge that remains relevant in a dynamic threat landscape.

Ethical Responsibility

Ethical hacking, as the name implies, emphasizes the responsible use of hacking techniques to identify and address vulnerabilities. CEH-certified professionals adhere to a code of ethics that promotes legal and ethical conduct. By pursuing this certification, individuals contribute to the overall security of digital systems and protect them from malicious actors.

Benefits of CEH

A CEH license helps penetration testers get their dream jobs by proving that their skills meet industry standards. Here are a few examples of why you need CEH certification.

• It makes you perfect for the job

When planning a job in cybersecurity, a Certified Ethical Hacker certification proves that you know how to do penetration testing and that your skills are up to industry standards. As an ethical hacker, the results you come up with or the holes you find are locked away in a secret shell. When this happens, it’s hard to show your skills and qualifications for a job.

You should be careful about what you tell a hiring boss because you might not want to break a legal deal with your previous company. A CEH license helps you set a bar for how good you are as an ethical hacker and shows that you are a real candidate for a variety of cybersecurity jobs.

• Get the salary you were hoping for

Certified workers are easy to hire in a field because they need the least amount of training. Organizations in the cybersecurity field prefer applicants who know a lot about the field. This means that a trained ethical hacker has a lot of job possibilities and can make a good salary.

The typical pay for a professional with a CEH certification is $89,469. With experience, other relevant certifications, and skills, you can make more than $128,000.

• Meets the needs of the DOD

If you want to work for the Department of Defence (DoD), getting the CEH license will help you get there. Before they can handle private information and network security, the DoD makes sure that all of its Information Assurance Officers are qualified.

• Diagrams of how the business world works

The CEH test curriculum maps to industry models like NICE/NIST, which are put out by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

It helps you move up in your government job because CEH fits nicely into the Specialty Areas of the NICE 2.0 framework: Protect and Defend (PR), Analyse (AN), and Securely Provider (SP).

• Makes your job more secure

Since cybercrime is rising at a very fast rate, the need for qualified workers in cybersecurity is always changing.

Small companies spend an average of $690,000 to get back on track after being hacked, and medium-sized businesses spend more than $1 million.

An industry-recognized license will show that you are a skilled IT security worker, which is in high demand and will help you get a job.

CEH Certification’s Pros and Cons

Step forward in a person’s job as a security guard. CEH license is right for a person if they can handle their task. One learns everything there is to know about computer security and how to use tools and methods.

Helps people understand risks and weaknesses better. Cybercriminals hit in many different ways and take advantage of possible flaws. But if you study for the CEH test, you can learn more about risks and security and improve your knowledge of them.

Boost the income of a person. When a person has a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, his salary at a company goes up. It also helps to make jobs safer.

With a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, a person is a master of cyber-security. This makes the worker very useful in any organization that cares about security. So, an organization needs workers in this field very much:

• Keep computers safe and keep files and other information safe.
• Stop hackers from doing damage and other bad things.
• Control testing of networks
• Make and give security education

What experience is required to sit for the CEH?

The Certified Ethical Hacker credential from the EC-Council can be attained in two ways: with training and then taking the test, or without training and then taking the exam.  Training that meets EC-Council standards may be taken either directly from EC-Council or through one of their certified suppliers for roughly $850. By taking this course, not only will you be prepared to take the certification exam by the very people who designed it, but you also won’t have to apply for the exam or pay the $100 application fee (both of which are included in the price of the course).

You must submit an application and pay the $100 fee if you want to skip the formal training and go straight to the exam.  Those who want to skip the training and go straight to the exam will need to have worked in the InfoSec field for at least two years.

The training is mandatory if you don’t already have expertise in the industry, so keep that in mind.  Those who have worked in the industry for at least two years without formal training are the only ones who can opt-out.

How much does the CEH cost?

Exam vouchers for the Certified Ethical Hacker certification examination, which are taken at a Pearson Vue testing center, now cost $1,199.  For an additional $950, candidates can take the test remotely through EC-Council. You’ll need to pay these fees in addition to the $100 application fee if you want to go through the training option I outlined above.  Prices are subject to change at any time, and some certification providers provide discounts to the armed forces, students, and other organizations, as well as seasonal discounts, so it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best deal.  

Value of CEH Certification

In the realm of cybersecurity, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification holds significant value. Its recognition within the industry, skill-enhancing curriculum, practical experience, and career advancement opportunities make it a compelling choice for individuals seeking a career in ethical hacking and penetration testing. However, the decision to pursue the CEH certification should be based on careful consideration of factors such as industry demand, financial investment, and alignment with career goals. As technology continues to advance, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains constant, making the CEH certification a potentially worthwhile endeavor for those passionate about safeguarding the digital world.

Whether you’re located in Kolkata or anywhere else, the benefits of CEH certification can extend to various locations. As cyber threats know no boundaries, the skills gained through CEH training can be applied globally. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity or looking to advance your existing cybersecurity career, the CEH certification is certainly an option to explore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether the CEH certification is worth it depends on your career aspirations, dedication to the field, and willingness to continuously learn and adapt. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the demand for skilled ethical hackers and penetration testers is likely to persist, making the CEH certification a valuable asset in the arsenal of any cybersecurity professional.

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