Best Roadmap for Ethical Hacking (Infographics)

A Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), commonly called a "White Hat Hacker," is a trained security professional who identifies and repairs computer and network security vulnerabilities by employing the same techniques and tools used by malicious hackers, but with authorization and for defensive purposes.

Since the beginning of the internet, hackers have utilized sophisticated tools to exploit weaknesses in system defenses. However, security experts following the ethical hacking roadmap are the defenders working to patch IT systems before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential from the EC-Council is highly regarded and widely sought after in the cybersecurity industry. The term "ethical hacking" was first coined in 1995 by John Patrick, a vice president at IBM.

CEH Certification Overview

The CEH certification from the EC-Council is widely recognized as a leading credential in ethical hacking. It covers the latest hacking methods, tools, strategies, and security measures, including emerging security risks and advanced attack techniques. Most organizations now require CEH certification for security-related positions.

IT security professionals who earn the CEH credential typically earn 44% more than their non-certified counterparts, making it a valuable investment for career advancement.

Eligibility Requirements

The EC-Council offers two pathways to CEH certification:

Path 1: Training Route

• Complete an official EC-Council course at an Accredited Training Center

• Pay a $100 non-refundable application fee

• Purchase course materials and exam voucher online

Path 2: Experience Route

• Demonstrate at least 2 years of information security experience

• Pay a $100 application fee for eligibility

• Submit experience verification through supervisor contact

CEH Exam Details

Key Benefits of CEH Certification

• Industry Recognition Globally accepted credential for ethical hacking professionals

• Higher Earning Potential Average salary of $78,093 per year according to PayScale

• Career Advancement Opens doors to penetration testing, security analysis, and consulting roles

• Practical Skills Hands-on experience with real-world security tools and techniques

• Defensive Expertise Learn to counter malicious hacking tactics effectively

Certification Maintenance

To maintain CEH certification, professionals must earn 120 EC-Council Continuing Education Credits (ECE) over a three-year period. This ensures knowledge stays current with evolving security threats and technologies.

Conclusion

The CEH certification provides a comprehensive roadmap for entering the ethical hacking field, offering both training and experience-based pathways. With strong industry recognition and significant earning potential, CEH serves as an excellent foundation for cybersecurity professionals seeking to specialize in penetration testing and defensive security practices.