“Hacking” did not start out as a bad word, but it’s evolved into one, thanks to hackers of the malicious kind. Despite how oxymoronic the term “ethical hacker” may seem, the Certified Ethical Hacker credential is no joke. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a computer certification that indicates proficiency in network security, especially in thwarting malicious hacking attacks through pre-emptive countermeasures. Malicious hacking is a felony in the U.S. and most other countries, but catching criminals requires the same technical skills that hackers possess.
Types of Hacking
It is no big secret that any system, process, website, device, etc., can be hacked. In order to understand how the hack might happen and what the damage could be, ethical hackers must know how to think like malicious hackers and know the tools and techniques they are likely to use.
Ethical hackers learn and perform hacking in a professional manner, based on the direction of the client, and later, present a maturity scorecard highlighting their overall risk and vulnerabilities and suggestions to improve. An Ethical Hacker Answers the Following Questions:
What is CEH then?
The CEH credential is a vendor-neutral certification for information technology professionals who wish to specialize in stopping and identifying malicious hackers by using the same knowledge and tools the criminals use.
Even before the credential was introduced, private firms and government agencies were hiring reformed malicious hackers because they believed that was the best method for securing their networks. The CEH credential takes this a step further by requiring those who earn it to agree in writing to abide by the law and honor a code of ethics.
The credential is sponsored by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), a member-supported professional organization. Its goal, according to its website, is to establish and maintain standards and credentials for ethical hacking as a profession and to educate IT professionals and the public on the role and value of such specialists.
In addition to CEH certification, the EC-Council offers several other certifications relevant for network security jobs, as well as those for secure programming, e-business, and computer forensics jobs. Certification proficiency levels range from entry-level to consultant (independent contractor).
How to Become a CEH
Students who have a minimum of two years of security-related job experience can apply for approval to take the EC-Council exam. Those without two years of experience will be required to attend training at an accredited training center, through an approved online program, or at an approved academic institution. These requirements prepare applicants for the exam and help screen out malicious hackers and hobbyists.
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credentialing and training program provided by EC-Council is a respected and trusted ethical hacking program in the industry. Since the inception of Certified Ethical Hacker in 2003, the credential has become one of the best options for industries and companies across the world.
