The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by the EC-Council, is one of the most recognized and respected credentials in the cybersecurity field. It validates an individual’s ability to think and act like a malicious hacker while emphasizing ethical conduct in uncovering and fixing computer system and network vulnerabilities.

Domains Covered

CEH focuses on 20 core domains in ethical hacking:

1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
   • Understanding hacking concepts, legal frameworks, and ethical responsibilities.
2. Footprinting and Reconnaissance
   • Techniques for gathering information about the target system or network.
3. Scanning Networks
   • Tools and techniques to identify live hosts, open ports, and services.
4. Enumeration
   • Extracting details such as usernames, machine names, and services.
5. Vulnerability Analysis
   • Using tools like Nessus to identify system vulnerabilities.
6. System Hacking
   • Techniques for gaining access to systems, escalating privileges, and covering tracks.
7. Malware Threats
   • Types of malware and techniques for deploying, detecting, and mitigating them.
8. Sniffing
   • Capturing and analyzing network traffic using tools like Wireshark.
9. Social Engineering
   • Exploiting human behavior to gain unauthorized access.
10. Denial-of-Service (DoS)
    • Techniques for disrupting services and countering attacks.
11. Session Hijacking
    • Intercepting or taking over active sessions.
12. Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
    • Techniques to bypass security defenses.
13. Hacking Web Servers
    • Exploiting vulnerabilities in web server configurations.
14. Hacking Web Applications
    • Techniques like SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF attacks.
15. SQL Injection
    • Exploiting database vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
16. Hacking Wireless Networks
    • Tools and techniques for attacking Wi-Fi networks.
17. Hacking Mobile Platforms
    • Vulnerabilities in mobile devices and applications.
18. IoT Hacking
    • Exploiting Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
19. Cloud Computing
    • Security issues and attack strategies in cloud environments.
20. Cryptography
    • Understanding encryption, hashing, and cryptographic attacks.

CEH Study Guide 2024-2025: CEH Study Guide 2024-2025

Exam Details

Theory Exam

Practical Exam

In addition to the theoretical exam, candidates can opt for the CEH Practical:

• Format: Hands-on challenges in a simulated environment.
• Duration: 6 hours.
• Passing Criteria: Solve at least 70% of the challenges.
• Cost: $550.

Prerequisites

1. Training Requirement:
   • Candidates must attend official training or have at least two years of work experience in information security.
2. Eligibility Application:
   • For self-study candidates, an eligibility form must be submitted to EC-Council.

Training Options

1. Official Training:
   • Available online, in person, or through authorized training centers.
2. Self-Paced Learning:
   • CEH iLabs provides access to a virtualized lab environment for hands-on practice.
3. Study Materials:
   • CEH v12 (latest version) courseware and official study guides.
4. Additional Resources:
   • Practice exams, books like “CEH v12 Certified Ethical Hacker Study Guide,” and online platforms like Cybrary.

CEH v12 Certified Ethical Hacker Study Guide with 750 Practice Test Questions (Sybex Study Guide)

Skills Acquired

• Reconnaissance: Proficient in gathering intelligence about networks and systems.
• Penetration Testing: Ability to exploit vulnerabilities ethically.
• Network Security: Securing systems against cyber threats.
• Incident Management: Detecting, responding to, and mitigating attacks.

Who Should Pursue CEH?

1. IT Professionals:
   • Network Administrators, Security Analysts, and System Administrators.
2. Security Specialists:
   • Penetration Testers, Threat Analysts, and Cybersecurity Engineers.
3. Career Starters:
   • Individuals looking to enter the ethical hacking domain.

Career Benefits

1. Increased Demand:
   • Ethical hackers are essential to combating rising cybersecurity threats.
2. Competitive Salary:
   • CEH-certified professionals earn an average salary of $80,000 – $130,000 annually.
3. Job Opportunities:
   • Roles include Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, and Cybersecurity Consultant.
4. Global Recognition:
   • CEH is acknowledged by organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Challenges

1. Cost:
   • Certification and training expenses can be high.
2. Preparation Intensity:
   • It covers many topics requiring significant time and effort to master.
3. Renewal:
   • CEH certification must be renewed every three years by earning EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits.

Comparison with Other Certifications

Take Away

The Certified Ethical Hacker certification is an excellent starting point for individuals aspiring to ethical hacking or cybersecurity careers. Its balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills prepares candidates to effectively identify vulnerabilities and secure systems. While it faces competition from hands-on certifications like OSCP, CEH remains a globally recognized credential for IT and security professionals.