imtoken钱包下载的链接|ethical hacker
imtoken钱包下载的链接|ethical hacker
What Is Ethical Hacking? | Coursera
Is Ethical Hacking? | CourseraFor IndividualsFor BusinessesFor UniversitiesFor GovernmentsExploreOnline DegreesDegreesOnline DegreeExplore Bachelor’s & Master’s degreesMasterTrack™Earn credit towards a Master’s degreeUniversity CertificatesAdvance your career with graduate-level learningFind your New CareerBrowseTop CoursesLog InJoin for FreeListITNetworks and SecurityWhat Is Ethical Hacking?What Is Ethical Hacking?Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Mar 6, 2024Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers have the permission and approval of the organization which they’re hacking into. Learn how you can build a career from testing the security of the network to fight cybercrime and enhance information security.It is predicted that cybercrime will globally cost an estimated $10.5 trillion every year in damages by 2025 [1]. They also predict that ransomware alone will cost victims $265 billion every year by 2031. The present threat of cybercrime combined with the shortage of experienced information security professionals has created a crisis for businesses, organizations, and governmental entities.However, the need to combat cybercrime also presents a unique opportunity for a career path. We’ve rounded up some key points to consider if you’re thinking of going into ethical hacking. What is ethical hacking?Ethical hacking is the practice of performing security assessments using the same techniques that hackers use, but with proper approvals and authorization from the organization you're hacking into. The goal is to use cybercriminals’ tactics, techniques, and strategies to locate potential weaknesses and reinforce an organization’s protection from data and security breaches. Ethical hacking vs. hacking: What’s the difference?Hackers, who are often referred to as black-hat hackers, are those known for illegally breaking into a victim’s networks. Their motives are to disrupt systems, destroy or steal data and sensitive information, and engage in malicious activities or mischief. Black-hat hackers usually have advanced knowledge for navigating around security protocols, breaking into computer networks, and writing the malware that infiltrates systems. Ethical hackers, commonly called white-hat hackers, use many of the same skills and knowledge as black-hat hackers but with the approval of the company that hires them. These information security professionals are hired specifically to help find and secure vulnerabilities that may be susceptible to a cyber attack. Ethical hackers will regularly engage in assessing systems and networks and reporting those findings.Here are some of the differences:Ethical hackersBlack-hat hackersIncrease security frameworkReduce security and steal dataDevelop strong security and structuresAccess accounts and data without permissionDevelop systems like ad blockers and firewalls and regularly update and maintain security systemsSteal valuable data and break into restricted data areasTypes of hackers Black-hat hackers are always the outlaws, the hackers with malicious intentions. But over time ethical hackers have shifted into a variety of roles other than white-hat hackers. Some of the roles include red teams that work in an offensive capacity, blue teams that work as a defense for security services, and purple teams that do a little of both:
Red teams may pose as a cyberattacker to assess a network or system's risk and vulnerabilities in a controlled environment. They examine potential weaknesses in security infrastructure and also physical locations and people.Blue teams are aware of the business objectives and security strategy of the organization they work for. They gather data, document the areas that need protection, conduct risk assessments, and strengthen the defenses to prevent breaches. These ethical hackers may introduce stronger password policies, limit access to the system, put monitoring tools in place, and educate other staff members so that everyone's on the same page.Purple teams bring red and blue teams together and encourage them to work together to create a strong loop of feedback and reach the goal of increasing the organization's security overall.Read more: Red Team vs. Blue Team in CybersecurityBenefits of ethical hackingNew viruses, malware, ransomware, and worms emerge all the time, underscoring the need for ethical hackers to help safeguard the networks belonging to government agencies, defense departments, and businesses. The main benefit of ethical hacking is reducing the risk of data theft. Additional benefits include:
Using an attacker’s point of view to discover weak points to fixConducting real-world assessments to protect networksSafeguarding the security of investors' and customers' data and earning their trustImplementing security measures that strengthen networks and actively prevent breachesCareer opportunities in ethical hackingAs an ethical hacker, you might work as a full-time employee or as a consultant. You could find a job in nearly any type of organization, including public, private, and government institutions. You could work in financial institutions like banks or payment processors. Other potential job areas include ecommerce marketplaces, data centers, cloud computing companies, entertainment companies, media providers, and SaaS companies. Some common job titles you'll find within the ethical hacking realm include:
Penetration testerInformation security analystSecurity analystVulnerability assessorSecurity consultantInformation security managerSecurity engineerCertified ethical hackerRead more: 4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your CareerJob outlook and salaryThe US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that jobs like information security analysts may grow by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, an average rate significantly higher than the 8 percent for all other careers [2]. As an ethical hacker, you have a variety of job opportunities available to you, from entry-level to management.Not only is there a strong demand for ethical hackers, but this career path has strong earning potential. The average annual salary for ethical hackers in the US is $108,831, according to Glassdoor [3]. However, the salary differs depending on where you live, the company you work for, your level of experience, and the certifications you hold can all impact your potential salary.Educational requirements for ethical hackingThere’s no single degree you need to become an ethical hacker, but having a strong background of experience and expertise is a must. Many ethical hackers earn a bachelor’s degree at a minimum.Hiring managers want to see that you're proficient in a variety of operating systems, firewalls, and file systems. You'll need strong coding skills and a solid foundation in computer science. Along with strong technical skills, good ethics and analytical thinking are key skills to cultivate. Common fields of study for a bachelor's degree include:
Computer scienceNetwork engineeringInformation securityShould I get a master’s degree?When you work in cybersecurity, having a master's isn't always required, but many employers prefer the added specialization. Earning your master’s degree can help give you a stronger competitive edge in the job market and allow you to deepen your knowledge and gain hands-on experience.Alternatives to getting a degreeIf you already have a degree but want to pivot to gain additional skills in ethical hacking, then attending an ethical hacking or cybersecurity bootcamp could be an alternative to getting a degree. Many bootcamps have ties to big tech organizations, giving you increased networking opportunities and chances to make lasting professional connections.Another option is to earn a certification. One of the core certifications to consider is the Certified Ethical Hacker credential issued by the EC-Council. Other popular certifications include:
CompTIA Security+ covers a broad range of knowledge about troubleshooting and problem-solving a variety of issues, including networking, mobile devices, and security.Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is offered by (ISC)² and demonstrates your proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs.Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is offered by ISACA and is designed to prove your expertise in risk management, information security governance, incident management, and program development and management.GIAC certifications are available in focus areas like cyber defense, cloud security, offensive operations, and digital forensics and incident response.Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity CertificationsNext stepsReady to develop your skills for a career in cybersecurity? The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is your gateway to exploring job titles like security analyst, SOC (security operations center) analyst, and more. Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employees hiring for entry-level cybersecurity roles and other resources that will support you in your job search. Article sources1. Forbes. “Cybercrime To Cost The World $10.5 Trillion Annually By 2025, https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damage-costs-10-trillion-by-2025/.” Accessed December 13, 2023.2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Information Security Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.” Accessed December 13, 2023.3. Glassdoor. “How much does an Ethical Hacker make?, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ethical-hacker-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm.” Accessed December 13, 2023.View all sourcesKeep readingUpdated on Mar 6, 2024Written by:CCoursera StaffEditorial TeamCoursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
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What is Ethical Hacking? | Ethical Hacker in Cyber Security
What is Ethical Hacking? | Ethical Hacker in Cyber Security
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What is Ethical Hacking
January 19, 2024
The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) credentialing and provided by EC-Council is a respected and trusted ethical hacking course 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. The C|EH exam is ANSI 17024 compliant, adding value and credibility to credential members. It is also listed as a baseline certification in the US Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570 and is a NSCS Certified Training.
Today, you can find Certified Ethical Hackers working with some of the finest and largest companies across industries like healthcare, financial, government, energy and much more!
An Ethical Hacker Answers the Following Questions:
What kind of vulnerabilities does an attacker see?
What information or system would a hacker most want access?
What can an attacker do with the information?
How many people notice the attempted hack?
What is the best way to fix the vulnerability?
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.
Importance of Ethical Hacking?
In the dawn of international conflicts, terrorist organizations funding cybercriminals to breach security systems, either to compromise national security features or to extort huge amounts by injecting malware and denying access. Resulting in the steady rise of cybercrime. Organizations face the challenge of updating hack-preventing tactics, installing several technologies to protect the system before falling victim to the hacker.New worms, malware, viruses, and ransomware are primary benefit are multiplying every day and is creating a need for ethical hacking services to safeguard the networks of businesses, government agencies or defense.
Government agencies and business organizations today are in constant need of ethical hackers to combat the growing threat to IT security. A lot of government agencies, professionals and corporations now understand that if you want to protect a system, you cannot do it by just locking your doorsJay BavisiCEO of EC-Council
Benefits of Ethical Hacking?
The primary benefit of ethical hacking is to prevent data from being stolen and misused by malicious attackers, as well as:
Discovering vulnerabilities from an attacker’s POV so that weak points can be fixed.
Implementing a secure network that prevents security breaches.
Defending national security by protecting data from terrorists.
Gaining the trust of customers and investors by ensuring the security of their products and data.
Helping protect networks with real-world assessments.
Practice ethical hacking to Ensure Safe Stay at Home
Types of Ethical 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.
Web Application Hacking
System Hacking
Web Server Hacking
Hacking Wireless Network
Social Engineering
Types of Hacking/Hackers
Hackers are of different types and are named based on their intent of the hacking system. Broadly, there are two main types in hacking/hacker – White-Hat hacker and Black-Hat hacker. The names are derived from old Spaghetti Westerns, where the good guy wears a white hat and the bad guy wears a black hat.
White Hat Hacker
Ethical hackers or white hat hackers do not intend to harm the system or organization but they do so, officially, to penetrate and locate the vulnerabilities, providing solutions to fix them and ensure safety.
Black Hat Hacker
Contrary to an ethical hacker, black hat hackers or non-ethical hackers perform hacking to fulfill their selfish intentions to collect monetary benefits.
Gray Hat Hacker
Grey hat hackers are the combination of white and black hat hackers. They hack without any malicious intention for fun. They perform the hacking without any approval from the targeted organization.
Read more About the Types of Hackers
Core Concepts of System Hacking
Download The Ethical Hacker’s Guide to Hacking Webservers
Download The Ethical Hacker’s Guide to System Hacking
Phases of Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking is a process of detecting vulnerabilities in an application, system, or organization’s infrastructure that an attacker can use to exploit an individual or organization. They use this process to prevent cyberattacks and security breaches by lawfully hacking into the systems and looking for weak points. An ethical hacker follows the steps and thought process of a malicious attacker to gain authorized access and test the organization’s strategies and network.
An attacker or an ethical hacker follows the same five-step hacking process to breach the network or system. The ethical hacking process begins with looking for various ways to hack into the system, exploiting vulnerabilities, maintaining steady access to the system, and lastly, clearing one’s tracks.
The five phases of ethical hacking are:
1. Reconnaissance
First in the ethical hacking methodology steps is reconnaissance, also known as the footprint or information gathering phase. The goal of this preparatory phase is to collect as much information as possible. Before launching an attack, the attacker collects all the necessary information about the target. The data is likely to contain passwords, essential details of employees, etc. An attacker can collect the information by using tools such as HTTPTrack to download an entire website to gather information about an individual or using search engines such as Maltego to research about an individual through various links, job profile, news, etc.Reconnaissance is an essential phase of ethical hacking. It helps identify which attacks can be launched and how likely the organization’s systems fall vulnerable to those attacks.
Footprinting collects data from areas such as:
TCP and UDP services
Vulnerabilities
Through specific IP addresses
Host of a network
In ethical hacking, footprinting is of two types:
Active: This footprinting method involves gathering information from the target directly using Nmap tools to scan the target’s network.
Passive: The second footprinting method is collecting information without directly accessing the target in any way. Attackers or ethical hackers can collect the report through social media accounts, public websites, etc.
2. Scanning
The second step in the hacking methodology is scanning, where attackers try to find different ways to gain the target’s information. The attacker looks for information such as user accounts, credentials, IP addresses, etc. This step of ethical hacking involves finding easy and quick ways to access the network and skim for information. Tools such as dialers, port scanners, network mappers, sweepers, and vulnerability scanners are used in the scanning phase to scan data and records. In ethical hacking methodology, four different types of scanning practices are used, they are as follows:
Vulnerability Scanning: This scanning practice targets the vulnerabilities and weak points of a target and tries various ways to exploit those weaknesses. It is conducted using automated tools such as Netsparker, OpenVAS, Nmap, etc.
Port Scanning: This involves using port scanners, dialers, and other data-gathering tools or software to listen to open TCP and UDP ports, running services, live systems on the target host. Penetration testers or attackers use this scanning to find open doors to access an organization’s systems.
Network Scanning: This practice is used to detect active devices on a network and find ways to exploit a network. It could be an organizational network where all employee systems are connected to a single network. Ethical hackers use network scanning to strengthen a company’s network by identifying vulnerabilities and open doors.
3. Gaining Access
The next step in hacking is where an attacker uses all means to get unauthorized access to the target’s systems, applications, or networks. An attacker can use various tools and methods to gain access and enter a system. This hacking phase attempts to get into the system and exploit the system by downloading malicious software or application, stealing sensitive information, getting unauthorized access, asking for ransom, etc. Metasploit is one of the most common tools used to gain access, and social engineering is a widely used attack to exploit a target.Ethical hackers and penetration testers can secure potential entry points, ensure all systems and applications are password-protected, and secure the network infrastructure using a firewall. They can send fake social engineering emails to the employees and identify which employee is likely to fall victim to cyberattacks.
4. Maintaining Access
Once the attacker manages to access the target’s system, they try their best to maintain that access. In this stage, the hacker continuously exploits the system, launches DDoS attacks, uses the hijacked system as a launching pad, or steals the entire database. A backdoor and Trojan are tools used to exploit a vulnerable system and steal credentials, essential records, and more. In this phase, the attacker aims to maintain their unauthorized access until they complete their malicious activities without the user finding out.Ethical hackers or penetration testers can utilize this phase by scanning the entire organization’s infrastructure to get hold of malicious activities and find their root cause to avoid the systems from being exploited.
5. Clearing Track
The last phase of ethical hacking requires hackers to clear their track as no attacker wants to get caught. This step ensures that the attackers leave no clues or evidence behind that could be traced back. It is crucial as ethical hackers need to maintain their connection in the system without getting identified by incident response or the forensics team. It includes editing, corrupting, or deleting logs or registry values. The attacker also deletes or uninstalls folders, applications, and software or ensures that the changed files are traced back to their original value.
In ethical hacking, ethical hackers can use the following ways to erase their tracks:
Using reverse HTTP Shells
Deleting cache and history to erase the digital footprint
Using ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) Tunnels
These are the five steps of the CEH hacking methodology that ethical hackers or penetration testers can use to detect and identify vulnerabilities, find potential open doors for cyberattacks and mitigate security breaches to secure the organizations. To learn more about analyzing and improving security policies, network infrastructure, you can opt for an ethical hacking certification. The Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH v12) provided by EC-Council trains an individual to understand and use hacking tools and technologies to hack into an organization legally.
Read more
At its core, the VAPT includes three certifications
CND: Certified Network Defender
The Certified Network Defender (CND) certification program focuses on creating network administrators who are trained in protecting, detecting, and responding to threats on a network. The course contains hands-on labs based on major network security tools and techniques which will provide network administrators real-world expertise on current network security technologies and operations. For more details on the CND program, visit the course page.
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CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
In its 12th version, the Certified Ethical Hacker provides comprehensive training, hands-on learning labs, practice cyber ranges for engagement, certification assessments, cyber competitions, and opportunities for continuous learning into one comprehensive program curated through our new learning framework: 1. Learn 2. Certify 3. Engage 4. Compete. For more details on the C|EH program visit the course page.
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CEH (Practical): Certified Ethical Hacker
C|EH Practical is a six-hour exam that requires you to demonstrate the application of ethical hacking techniques such as threat vector identification, network scanning, OS detection, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, web app hacking, etc. to solve a security audit challenge. This is the next step after you have attained the Certified Ethical Hacker certification. For further information on C|EH (Practical), visit the course page.
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Certified Ethical Hacker (Master)
C|EH (Master) is the world’s first performance-based ethical hacking industry readiness certification, that is verified, online, live, and proctored.C|EH Master is the next evolution for the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker credential and a logical ‘next step’ for those holding the prestigious certification. Earning the C|EH Master designation is your way of saying, “I learned it, I understood it, and I proved it.”EC-Council will award the C|EH (Master) certification to you if you clear the C|EH certification and the C|EH (Practical) credential.Become a C|EH (Master) by clearing the C|EH (Practical) exam here
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At the advanced level, the VAPT certification track includes three certifications
C|TIA: Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst
The Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) program was developed in collaboration with cybersecurity and threat intelligence experts across the globe to help organizations identify and mitigate business risks by converting unknown internal and external threats into known threats. It is a comprehensive, specialist-level program that teaches a structured approach for building effective threat intelligence. Visit the course page to learn more about the C|TIA program.
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CPENT: Certified Penetration Testing Professional
The C|PENT program is a comprehensive course that encompasses an innovative and multi-disciplinary curriculum to help Cyber Professionals polish their skills and gain proficiency in performing effective penetration tests in real-world enterprise network environments.The program covers advanced windows attacks, how to pen test IoT and OT systems, bypassing filtered networks, how to write your own exploits, single and double pivoting to gain access to hidden networks, how to conduct advanced privilege escalation as well as binary exploitation.Through performance-based cyber challenges on live Cyber Range, C|PENT Cyber Range provides a hands-on and comprehensive practice based on real-world scenarios to help you gain an edge on penetration tests. The program’s curriculum is designed to help you become a world-class Certified Penetration Tester. If you desire to pursue this program, and ready to take the most difficult cyber challenge, you can visit our Course page to learn more about the CPENT program.
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LPT (Master): Licensed Penetration Tester (Master)
The LPT (Master) program is designed to help you join the ranks of elite pen testers through an extensive curriculum based on rigorous real-world penetration testing challenges crafted by industry experts. The program aims to test your penetration testing skills against a multi-layered network architecture with defense-in-depth controls over three intense levels, each with three challenges. The challenges are time-bound; you will need to make informed decisions while choosing your approach and exploits under intense pressure at critical stages.Suppose you score 90% on the CPENT live range exam. In that case, you will not only earn the C|PENT certification, but you will also obtain the prestigious Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master Credential.Find out what it takes to become the best in penetration testing on LPT (Master) course details page.
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Cybersecurity Incidents Are Exploding.So are Cyber Jobs !
Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) - Build Your Career with the Most in-Demand Ethical Hacking Certification Program in the World
The World’s No. 1 Ethical Hacking Certification
A Structured Professional Course for Aspiring Cyber Professionals
Work Anywhere With C|EH- It’s Globally Recognized
Comprehensive Program to Master the 5 Phases of Ethical Hacking
Hands-on Learning With CyberQTM Labs
Flexible Learning Options : Live, Online, or Hybrid
Become a Certified Ethical Hacker
Become a Certified Ethical Hacker
The Encyclopedia of Ethical Hacking
How C|EH v12 Empowers You:
Unique Learn, Certify, Engage and Compete Methodology for Aspiring Cyber Professionals
Learn Ethical Hacking in a Structured Setting Across 20 Domains
Learn Commercial-Grade Hacking Tools and Techniques
Compete With Hackers Around the World as Part of the C|EH Elite Program
Build Skills With over 220 Challenge-Based, Hands-on Labs with CyberQ™ Labs
Engage: “Hack” a Real Organization With C|EH Elite to Get Experience
Gain Experience With over 500 Unique Attack Techniques
Attain the Most Recognized Credential in the Cybersecurity Industry :C|EH
Become a Certified Ethical Hacker
Become a Certified Ethical Hacker
A Revolutionary Way to Learn Ethical Hacking
Our exclusive Learn | Practice | Certify | Compete framework covers not only a comprehensive training program to prepare you for the C|EH certification exam, but also the industry’s most robust, in-depth, hands-on lab experience of any cybersecurity program available. C|EH v12 will teach you the latest commercial-grade hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies used by hackers and information security professionals to lawfully hack an organizations.
Gain Skills
5 Days of Training
20 Modules
Over 220 hands-on-labs with competition flags
Over 3,500 Hacking Tools
Learn how to hack multiple operating systems
(Windows 11, Windows Servers, Linux, Ubuntu, Android)
Gain Experience
ANAB (ANSI) ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited
C|EH Knowledge Exam
125 Multiple-Choice Questions
4 Hours
C|EH Practical Exam
6 Hours Practical Exam
20 Scenario Based Questions
Prove Your Skills And Abilities
Gain Recognition
Conduct A Real-World Ethical Hacking Assignment
Apply The 5 Phases
Reconnaissance
Scanning
Gaining Access
Maintaining Access
Covering Your Tracks
Gain Respect
New Challenges Every Month
4 Hour Competition
Compete With Your Peers All Over The World
Hack Your Way to the Top of the Leaderboard
Gain Recognition
Challenges
Get Certified
Get Certified
Select Your C|EH Course Kit
While all C|EH course kits have complete access to eCourseware and include an exam voucher, a few additional features and learning materials can be added to build deeper expertise and gain practical experience. This means that there is a C|EH package to suit everyone’s learning requirements.
Learn, CertifyEngage & Compete
eCourseware
Exam Voucher*
Next Version eCourseware
6 Months of Official Labs
C|EH Engage
Global C|EH Challenges
Exam Preparation
C|EH Practical Exam
Ethical Hacking Video Library10
Exam Retakes**Unlimited#
Inquire Now
Inquire Now
Learn, Certify & Engage
eCourseware
Exam Voucher*
Next Version eCourseware
6 Months of Official Labs
C|EH Engage
Global C|EH Challenges
Exam Preparation
C|EH Practical Exam
Ethical Hacking Video Library5
Exam Retakes**3
Inquire Now
Inquire Now
Learn & Certify
eCourseware
Exam Voucher*
Next Version eCourseware
6 Months of Official Labs
C|EH Engage
Global C|EH Challenges
Exam Preparation
C|EH Practical Exam
Ethical Hacking Video Library2
Exam Retakes**1
Inquire Now
Inquire Now
*Exam Vouchers: New to C|EH, EC-Council now includes a free retake voucher for EVERY courseware package: 1 exam retake for standard C|EH courseware, 3 retakes for C|EH Pro, and unlimited retakes for C|EH Elite. Candidates may activate this benefit through the EC-Council student portal (ASPEN).**Exam Retakes: This benefit provides candidates with the respective exam voucher on the ECC EXAM portal but excludes proctor administration fees which will apply for each attempt of the examination. Applicable to C|EH Exam only. Please contact your training provider for details. #Maximum 4 exam retakes allowed per year as per exam policy.
C|EH Program Information
What's New in C|EH
Course Outline
Who is it for?
Brochure
What's New in C|EH
Learn
Certify
Engage
Compete
Learn
What You Will Learn
C|EH is divided into 20 modules and delivered through a carefully curated training plan that typically spans across 5 days. As you progress through your training, each module offers extensive hands-on lab components that allow you to practice the techniques and procedures taught in the program in real-time on live machines.
Ethical Hacking Labs
With over 220 hands-on labs, conducted in our cyber range environment, you will have the opportunity to practice every learning objective in the course on live machines and vulnerable targets. Pre-loaded with over 3,500 hacking tools and a variety of operating systems, you will gain unprecedented exposure to and hands-on experience with the most common security tools, latest vulnerabilities, and widely used operating systems on the market. Our range is web accessible, allowing you to study and practice from anywhere with a connection.
Certify
How You Will Get Certified
Prove Your Skills and Abilities With Online, Practical Examinations
C|EH Certification
Certified Ethical Hacker Certification
The C|EH exam is a 4-hour exam with 125 multiple-choice questions. This knowledge-based exam will test your skills in Information Security Threats and Attack Vectors, Attack Detection, Attack Prevention, Procedures, Methodologies and more!
C|EH Practical Certification
C|EH Practical is a 6-hour, rigorous exam that requires you to demonstrate the skills and abilities of ethical hacking techniques such as:
Port scanning tools (e.g., Nmap, Hping)
Vulnerability detection
Attacks on a system (e.g., DoS, DDoS, session hijacking, webserver and web application attacks, SQL injection, wireless threats)
SQL injection methodology and evasion techniques
Web application security tools (e.g., Acunetix WVS)
SQL injection detection tools (e.g., IBM Security AppScan)
Communication protocols
This is the next step to becoming a C|EH Master after you have achieved your C|EH certification. Within C|EH Practical, you have a limited amount of time to complete 20 challenges that test your skills and proficiency in a performance-based cyber range. This exam is NOT a simulation and incorporates a live corporate network of VMs and applications with solutions to uncover vulnerabilities.
C|EH Master
Upon Completing the C|EH (Master) program, which consists of C|EH and C|EH (Practical), the C|EH (Master) designation is awarded. C|EH Masters have shown proficiency at a master level in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of ethical hacking with a total 6 hours of testing to prove their competency. Top top 10 performers in both C|EH and C|EH Practical exams are showcased on the C|EH Master Global Ethical Hacking Leaderboard.
The C|EH Exam at a Glance
Exam Details
C|EH MCQ(Exam)
C|EH (Practical)
Number of Questions/ Practical Challenges
125
20
Test Duration
4 Hours
6 Hours
Test Format
Multiple Choice Questions
iLabs Cyber Range
Test Delivery
ECC EXAM, VUE
–
Availability
–
Aspen – iLabs
Exam Prefix
312-50(ECC EXAM), 312-50(VUE)
–
Passing Score
Please refer to https://cert.eccouncil.org/faq.htm
70%
Engage
How You Will Engage
The C|EH v12 program helps you develop real-world experience in ethical hacking through the hands-on C|EH practice environment. C|EH Engage equips you with the skills to prove that you have what it takes to be a great ethical hacker.
Your security assessment objectives will be presented as a series of flags (questions you must answer in the Cyber Range by performing ethical hacking activities on the target organization).
New to C|EH v12, students will embark on their first emulated ethical hacking engagement. This 4-phase engagement requires students to think critically and test the knowledge and skills gained by capturing a series of flags in each phase, demonstrating the live application of skills and abilities in a consequence-free environment through EC-Council’s new Cyber Range.
As you complete your training and hands-on labs, C|EH Engage lets you apply everything you have learned in a mock ethical hacking engagement. This 4-part security engagement gives you a real ethical hacking engagement experience from start to finish against an emulated organization. Using our capture-the-flag-style range, you will complete your engagement by answering “flag” questions as you progress.
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
Vulnerability Assessment
Gaining Access
Perimeter and Web App Exploitation
Mobile, IoT, OT Exploitation
Foot Printing & Reconnaissance
Scanning
Enumeration
Vulnerability Analysis
System Hacking
Malware Threats
Sniffing
Social Engineering
Denial-of-Service
Session Hijacking
Evading IDS
Firewalls
Honeypots
Hacking
Web Servers
Hacking Web Applications
SQL Injection
Hacking Wireless Networks
Hacking Mobile Platforms
IoT Hacking
OT Hacking
Cloud Computing
Cryptography
Compete
Where You Will Compete
The C|EH Global Challenges occur every month, providing capture-the-flag style competitions that expose students to various new technologies and platforms, from web applications, OT, IoT, SCADA, and ICS systems to cloud and hybrid environments. Our Compete structure lets ethical hackers fight their way to the top of the leaderboard each month in these 4-hour curated CTFs. Objective-based flags are designed around the ethical hacking process, keeping skills current, testing critical thinking abilities, and covering the latest vulnerabilities and exploits as they are discovered. Hosted 100% online in EC-Council’s Cyber Range, candidates race the clock in scenario-based engagements against fully developed network and application environments with real operating systems, real networks, tools, and vulnerabilities to practice, engage, compete, build, and hone their cyber skills against various new target organizations.
New Challenges Every Month
Month
Skill Challenge
September 2023
Supply Chain Cyber Attacks
October 2023
Ransomware Incident Response
November 2023
Corporate Espionage Investigation
December 2023
MITRE Framework Credential Exploitations
January 2024
Investigating Operational Technology Exploitations
February 2024
Web App Audit for OWASP Exploitation
March 2024
Cloud Config Exploitation
April 2024
Application Reverse Engineering and Exploitation
May 2024
IOT Infrastructure Exploitation
June 2024
Wi-Fi Network Exploitation
July 2024
DDOS Exploitation
August 2024
Mobile Devices Attack/Hacking
September 2024
Off-The-Shelf CMS Exploitation
Course Outline
C|EH Course Syllabus/Outline
20 Modules that help you master the foundations of Ethical Hacking and prepare to challenge the C|EH certification exam.
Module 01: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Cover the fundamentals of key issues in the information security world, including the basics of ethical hacking, information security controls, relevant laws, and standard procedures.
Key topics covered:
Elements of Information Security, Cyber Kill Chain Methodology, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Hacker Classes, Ethical Hacking, Information Assurance (IA), Risk Management, Incident Management, PCI DSS, HIPPA, SOX, GDPR
Module 02: Foot printing and Reconnaissance
Learn how to use the latest techniques and tools to perform foot printing and reconnaissance, a critical pre-attack phase of the ethical hacking process.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 30 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform footprinting on the target network using search engines, web services, and social networking sites
Perform website, email, whois, DNS, and network footprinting on the target network
Key topics covered:
Footprinting, Advanced Google Hacking Techniques, Deep and Dark Web Footprinting, Competitive Intelligence Gathering, Website Footprinting, Website Mirroring, Email Footprinting, Whois Lookup, DNS Footprinting, Traceroute Analysis, Footprinting Tools
Module 03: Scanning Networks
Cover the fundamentals of key issues in the information security world, including the basics of ethical hacking, information security controls, relevant laws, and standard procedures.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 10 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform host, port, service, and OS discovery on the target network
Perform scanning on the target network beyond IDS and Firewall
Key topics covered:
Network Scanning, Host Discovery Techniques, Port Scanning Techniques, Service Version Discovery, OS Discovery, Banner Grabbing, OS Fingerprinting, Packet Fragmentation, Source Routing, IP Address Spoofing, Scanning Tools
Module 04: Enumeration
Learn various enumeration techniques, such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and Network File Sharing (NFS) exploits, and associated countermeasures
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 20 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform NetBIOS, SNMP, LDAP, NFS, DNS, SMTP, RPC, SMB, and FTP Enumeration
Key topics covered:
Enumeration, NetBIOS Enumeration, SNMP Enumeration, LDAP Enumeration, NTP Enumeration, NFS Enumeration, SMTP Enumeration, DNS Cache Snooping, DNSSEC Zone Walking, IPsec Enumeration, VoIP Enumeration, RPC Enumeration, Unix/Linux User Enumeration, Enumeration Tools
Module 05: Vulnerability Analysis
Learn how to identify security loopholes in a target organization’s network, communication infrastructure, and end systems
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 5 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform Vulnerability Research using Vulnerability Scoring Systems and Databases
Perform Vulnerability Assessment using Various Vulnerability Assessment Tools
Key topics covered:
Vulnerability, Vulnerability Research, Vulnerability Assessment, Vulnerability-Management Life Cycle, Vulnerability Classification, Vulnerability-Management Life Cycle, Vulnerability Assessment Tools, Vulnerability Assessment Reports
Module 06: System Hacking
Learn about the various system hacking methodologies—including steganography, steganalysis attacks, and covering tracks—used to discover system and network vulnerabilities.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 25 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform an Active Online Attack to Crack the System’s Password
Perform Buffer Overflow Attack to Gain Access to a Remote System
Escalate Privileges using Privilege Escalation Tools
Escalate Privileges in Linux Machine
Hide Data using Steganography
Clear Windows and Linux Machine Logs using Various Utilities
Hiding Artifacts in Windows and Linux Machines
Key topics covered:
Password Cracking, Password Attacks, Wire Sniffing, Password-Cracking Tools, Vulnerability Exploitation, Buffer Overflow, Privilege Escalation, Privilege Escalation Tools, Keylogger, Spyware, Anti-Keyloggers, Anti-Spyware, Rootkits, Anti-Rootkits, Steganography, Steganography Tools, Steganalysis, Steganography Detection Tools, Maintaining Persistence, Post Exploitation, Clearing Logs, Covering Tracks, Track-Covering Tools
Module 07: Malware Threats
Get an introduction to the different types of malware, such as Trojans, viruses, and worms, as well as system auditing for malware attacks, malware analysis, and countermeasures.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 20 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Gain Control over a Victim Machine using Trojan
Infect the Target System using a Virus
Perform Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis
Key topics covered:
Malware, Components of Malware, APT, Trojan, Types of Trojans, Exploit Kits, Virus, Virus Lifecycle, Types of Viruses, Ransomware, Computer Worms, Fileless Malware, Malware Analysis, Static Malware Analysis, Dynamic Malware Analysis, Virus Detection Methods, Trojan Analysis, Virus Analysis, Fileless Malware Analysis, Anti-Trojan Software, Antivirus Software, Fileless Malware Detection Tools
Module 08: Sniffing
Learn about packet-sniffing techniques and how to use them to discover network vulnerabilities, as well as countermeasures to defend against sniffing attacks
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 10 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform MAC Flooding, ARP Poisoning, MITM and DHCP Starvation Attack
Spoof a MAC Address of Linux Machine
Perform Network Sniffing using Various Sniffing Tools
Detect ARP Poisoning in a Switch-Based Network
Key topics covered:
Network Sniffing, Wiretapping, MAC Flooding, DHCP Starvation Attack, ARP Spoofing Attack, ARP Poisoning, ARP Poisoning Tools, MAC Spoofing, STP Attack, DNS Poisoning, DNS Poisoning Tools, Sniffing Tools, Sniffer Detection Techniques, Promiscuous Detection Tools
Module 09: Social Engineering
Learn social engineering concepts and techniques, including how to identify theft attempts, audit human-level vulnerabilities, and suggest social engineering countermeasures.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 4 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform Social Engineering using Various Techniques
Spoof a MAC Address of Linux Machine
Detect a Phishing Attack
Audit Organization’s Security for Phishing Attacks
Key topics covered:
Social Engineering, Types of Social Engineering, Phishing, Phishing Tools, Insider Threats/Insider Attacks, Identity Theft
Module 10: Denial-of-Service
Learn about different Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS) attack techniques, as well as the tools used to audit a target and devise DoS and DDoS countermeasures and protections.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 5 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform a DoS and DDoS attack on a Target Host
Detect and Protect Against DoS and DDoS Attacks
Key topics covered:
DoS Attack, DDoS Attack, Botnets, DoS/DDoS Attack Techniques, DoS/DDoS Attack Tools, DoS/DDoS Attack Detection Techniques, DoS/DDoS Protection Tools
Module 11: Session Hijacking
Understand the various session hijacking techniques used to discover network-level session management, authentication, authorization, and cryptographic weaknesses and associated countermeasures.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 4 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform Session Hijacking using various Tools
Detect Session Hijacking
Key topics covered:
Session Hijacking, Types of Session Hijacking, Spoofing, Application-Level Session Hijacking, Man-in-the-Browser Attack, Client-side Attacks, Session Replay Attacks, Session Fixation Attack, CRIME Attack, Network Level Session Hijacking, TCP/IP Hijacking, Session Hijacking Tools, Session Hijacking Detection Methods, Session Hijacking Prevention Tools
Module 12: Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
Get introduced to firewall, intrusion detection system, and honeypot evasion techniques; the tools used to audit a network perimeter for weaknesses; and countermeasures.Hands-on Lab Exercises:Over 7 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:Bypass Windows FirewallBypass Firewall Rules using TunnelingBypass AntivirusKey topics covered:Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), Firewall, Types of Firewalls, Honeypot, Intrusion Detection Tools, Intrusion Prevention Tools, IDS Evasion Techniques, Firewall Evasion Techniques, Evading NAC and Endpoint Security, IDS/Firewall Evading Tools, Honeypot Detection Tools
Module 13: Hacking Web Servers
Learn about web server attacks, including a comprehensive attack methodology used to audit vulnerabilities in web server infrastructures and countermeasures.Hands-on Lab Exercises:Over 8 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:Perform Web Server Reconnaissance using Various ToolsEnumerate Web Server InformationCrack FTP Credentials using a Dictionary AttackKey topics covered:Web Server Operations, Web Server Attacks, DNS Server Hijacking, Website Defacement, Web Cache Poisoning Attack, Web Server Attack Methodology, Web Server Attack Tools, Web Server Security Tools, Patch Management, Patch Management Tools
Module 14: Hacking Web Applications
Learn about web application attacks, including a comprehensive web application hacking methodology used to audit
vulnerabilities in web applications and countermeasures.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 15 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform Web Application Reconnaissance using Various Tools
Perform Web Spidering
Perform Web Application Vulnerability Scanning
Perform a Brute-force Attack
Perform Cross-site Request Forgery (CSRF) Attack
Identify XSS Vulnerabilities in Web Applications
Detect Web Application Vulnerabilities using Various Web Application Security Tools
Key topics covered:
Web Application Architecture, Web Application Threats, OWASP Top 10 Application Security Risks
– 2021, Web Application Hacking Methodology, Web API, Webhooks, and Web Shell, Web API Hacking Methodology, Web
Application Security
Module 15: SQL Injection
Learn about SQL injection attack techniques, injection detection tools, and countermeasures to detect and defend against SQL injection attempts.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 4 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform an SQL Injection Attack Against MSSQL to Extract Databases
Detect SQL Injection Vulnerabilities using Various SQL Injection Detection Tools
Key topics covered:
SQL Injection, Types of SQL injection, Blind SQL Injection, SQL Injection Methodology, SQL Injection Tools, Signature Evasion Techniques, SQL Injection Detection Tools
Module 16: Hacking Wireless Networks
Learn about wireless encryption, wireless hacking methodologies and tools, and Wi-Fi security tools.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 3 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Footprint a Wireless Network
Perform Wireless Traffic Analysis
Crack a WEP, WPA, and WPA2 Networks
Create a Rogue Access Point to Capture Data Packets
Key topics covered:
Wireless Terminology, Wireless Networks, Wireless Encryption, Wireless Threats, Wireless Hacking Methodology, Wi-Fi Encryption Cracking, WEP/WPA/WPA2 Cracking Tools, Bluetooth Hacking, Bluetooth Threats, Wi-Fi Security Auditing Tools, Bluetooth Security Tools
Module 17: Hacking Mobile Platforms
Learn about mobile platform attack vectors, Android vulnerability exploits, and mobile security guidelines and tools.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 5 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Hack an Android Device by Creating Binary Payloads
Exploit the Android Platform through ADB
Hack an Android Device by Creating APK File
Secure Android Devices using Various Android Security Tools
Key topics covered:
Mobile Platform Attack Vectors, OWASP Top 10 Mobile Risks, App Sandboxing, SMS Phishing Attack (SMiShing), Android Rooting, Hacking Android Devices, Android Security Tools, Jailbreaking iOS, Hacking iOS Devices, iOS Device Security Tools, Mobile Device Management (MDM), OWASP Top 10 Mobile Controls, Mobile Security Tools
Module 18: IoT and OT Hacking
Learn about packet-sniffing techniques and how to use them to discover network vulnerabilities, as well as countermeasures to defend against sniffing attacks
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 2 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Gather Information using Online Footprinting Tools
Capture and Analyze IoT Device Traffic
Key topics covered:
IoT Architecture, IoT Communication Models, OWASP Top 10 IoT Threats, IoT Vulnerabilities, IoT Hacking Methodology, IoT Hacking Tools, IoT Security Tools, IT/OT Convergence (IIOT), ICS/SCADA, OT Vulnerabilities, OT Attacks, OT Hacking Methodology, OT Hacking Tools, OT Security Tools
Module 19: Cloud Computing
Learn different cloud computing concepts, such as container technologies and server less computing, various cloud-based threats and attacks, and cloud security techniques and tools.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 5 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Perform S3 Bucket Enumeration using Various S3 Bucket Enumeration Tools
Exploit Open S3 Buckets
Escalate IAM User Privileges by Exploiting Misconfigured User Policy
Key topics covered:
Cloud Computing, Types of Cloud Computing Services, Cloud Deployment Models, Fog and Edge Computing, Cloud Service Providers, Container, Docker, Kubernetes, Serverless Computing, OWASP Top 10 Cloud Security Risks, Container and Kubernetes Vulnerabilities, Cloud Attacks, Cloud Hacking, Cloud Network Security, Cloud Security Controls, Cloud Security Tools
Module 20: Cryptography
In the final module, learn about cryptography and ciphers, public-key infrastructure, cryptography attacks, and cryptanalysis tools.
Hands-on Lab Exercises:
Over 10 hands-on exercises with real-life simulated targets to build skills on how to:
Calculate MD5 Hashes
Perform File and Text Message Encryption
Create and Use Self-signed Certificates
Perform Email and Disk Encryption
Perform Cryptanalysis using Various Cryptanalysis Tools
Key topics covered:
Cryptography, Encryption Algorithms, MD5 and MD6 Hash Calculators, Cryptography Tools, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Email Encryption, Disk Encryption, Cryptanalysis, Cryptography Attacks, Key Stretching
Who is it for?
Cybersecurity Job Roles Mapped to C|EHMid-Level Information Security AuditorCybersecurity AuditorSecurity AdministratorIT Security AdministratorCyber Defense AnalystVulnerability Assessment AnalystWarning AnalystInformation Security Analyst 1Security Analyst L1Infosec Security AdministratorCybersecurity Analyst Level 1, Level 2, & Level 3Network Security EngineerSOC Security AnalystSecurity AnalystNetwork EngineerSenior Security ConsultantInformation Security ManagerSenior SOC AnalystSolution ArchitectCybersecurity Consultant
Brochure
Making an informed decision is difficult, and that’s where the EC-Council’s C|EH brochure comes to your rescue. The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) credential is the most trusted ethical hacking certification that employers worldwide value. And for good reasons.
The comprehensive curriculum covers the fundamentals of ethical hacking, footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, vulnerability threats, social engineering, SQL injection, and much more.
When you successfully achieve the C|EH certification, you will be equipped with every skill you need to uncover vulnerabilities and secure the systems, networks, applications, databases, and critical data from malicious hackers.
This is only an overview of C|EH and what you will learn.
For complete information, download the brochure now.
Download Brochure
Is This C|EH Course For Me?
We have helped over 250,000 people answer this question over the past 20 years and we are excited to help you with this big decision! Choosing the right credential can seem like a difficult task, here are some things you should consider:
C|EH v12 Program
C|EH Certification Questions
C|EH v12 Training
C|EH v12 Accreditation
C|EH v12 Program
Is C|EH v12 for Beginners
C|EH is a great place to start your career in Cyber Security, but you are required to have some requisite knowledge before getting into C|EH. It’s recommended you have a minimum of 2 Years IT Security experience before attempting the C|EH. If you don’t have the experience and you are just getting started on this path, we recommend taking our Free Cyber Security Essentials Series, find more here.Here you can learn the foundations required to pursue mid-level certifications like C|ND, C|EH, or C|HFI.
What does a C|EH do?
Certified Ethical Hackers are hired by organization’s either on contract or as full-time employees to help improve the organizations security posture. C|EH is a required baseline certification for many different job roles, but the function of ethical hacking itself involves a methodical practice of identifying, evaluating, testing, and reporting on vulnerabilities in an organization. Ethical Hacking is a broad practice that covers many different technologies, but by systematically applying the methodologies taught in the C|EH program, ethical hackers can evaluate nearly any application or infrastructure they are tasked with, identify potential vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations on how those vulnerabilities can be remediated. In the case of military organizations, ethical hackers are highly trained in offensive and defensive activities and possess the critical skill sets and tactics to evaluate target systems and defend their own organization’s assets in real time.
Is C|EH worth pursuing?
While this is very much a personal decision for most, holding a C|EH certification communicates to your potential or current employer that you possess the baseline knowledge and skills to be an effective and productive member of the security team. The field of cybersecurity is rapidly growing with projected Job opportunity growth of 33%, according to U.S. Department of Labor, globally there is an insufficient supply of qualified people creating amazing opportunities for Certified Ethical Hackers in nearly every industry. To read more about the impact of C|EH on many of our Hall of Fame Ethical Hackers, read our Hall of Fame report here
Is C|EH a good certification?
We know not all certifications are created equal, and deciding to get certified is an investment for you in both time and money. For over 20 years, EC-Council has worked to build the best Ethical Hacking Certification on the market, the Certified Ethical Hacker. As a certification body, we ensure the topics covered in our examinations as well as the training that prepares you directly relates to the job roles and skills employers need. Our ANSI 17024 accredited examination goes through rigorous job task analysis, careful curation of exam domains, extensive work to build world-class training and hands-on components to provide candidates with an intensive hands-on experience throughout the program. C|EH is recognized by various governments around the world including the United States Department of Defense, GCHQ in the UK, and various others. EC-Council employs full-time content teams that work all year long on program design and maintenance ensuring each C|EH student receives the most up to date, relevant information as they pursue the certification. Currently on Version 12, C|EH version releases are paced every 12-18 months, depending on major trends in the market, new tools, vulnerabilities, operating systems, and much more.
How much money does a certified ethical hacker make?
Considering the global need and lack of qualified talent in the workforce, cybersecurity professionals are paid exceptionally well in most cases. As of August 2022, a simple search in Salary.com for United States based positions show that Certified Ethical Hackers make an average of $103,866 per year, with the 90th percentile earning above $130,000. Experience, education levels, and other certifications provide even more value in most cases, but it is common to see starting salaries for Ethical Hackers that stretch well into six figures. We recommend searching your local job boards, viewing local salary information, and talking to potential employers to assess your own value in the market. C|EH has been ranked in the top 5 highest paid cybersecurity certifications for the last 10 years and continues to grow worldwide.
Is C|EH a popular cybersecurity certification?
Currently in its 12th version, C|EH is a very well-known certification in the cybersecurity space. A simple search for global job ads on LinkedIn (as of August 2022) shows over 32,000 available jobs requesting candidates with a C|EH Certification representing over 72% market share in job ads placed by employers combined across Career Builder, LinkedIn, Dice, Indeed, Monster, and Naukri, while being compared to other certifications like SANS GPEN, OSCP, and Pentest+.
Is C|EH in demand?
Like the question above, is C|EH a popular certification, C|EH is the most in demand cybersecurity certification globally representing the majority share of job ads requesting certified candidates. C|EH is also recognized as a baseline certification by the United States Department of Defense for its cyber workforce. C|EH is also the backend content for over 1,200 colleges and universities across the globe running computer Science and cybersecurity degree programs. C|EH is the #1 choice and most sought-after course for any candidate and organization looking for an ethical hacking course. However, the C|EH goes beyond ethical hacking; it is the fundamental course for any cybersecurity career and can be applied to numerous job roles. The skills you’ll gain from C|EH apply to 20+ job roles across 25+ industries.
Why Should I consider getting the C|EH?
Knowledge, skills, opportunity, respect, proof… These are all words that circle the C|EH for many of our certified members. The knowledge and Skills attained through the program are second to none covering the widest possible set of domains in cybersecurity, while the Certification itself shows employers you are qualified for the job and serious about proving it. Holding Industry recognized, ANSI accredited Certifications proves to your current or prospective employer that a third party (EC-Council) has evaluated your knowledge and skills and conferred a certification to you based on your accomplishments in the program. C|EH opens many doors as the practice of Ethical Hacking serves as the backbone to a variety of specialized roles in cybersecurity. With very reasonably priced training and certification, available globally, C|EH is a small, short-term investment of your time and money with the potential of a lifetime of high-value returns.
After I get certified, does EC-Council help with job placement?
While EC-Council is not a staffing agency or recruiter, we are tied with many employers seeking Certified Ethical Hackers. Our on-staff advisors are always available to work with you one-on-one to provide recommendations and guidance on how to find the best opportunity that matches your ambition. EC-Council employs nearly 1,000 full-time employees across the world, all dedicated to providing you with the best experience in training, certification, and skill development. Our committed advisors are only a phone call away and happy to talk to you about your career ambitions and help guide you in any way we can. We suggest filling out the form on this page to get connected with an advisor and we will be happy to reach out, or give us a call any time. We are here to help.
How much does the Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) Cost?
Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) pricing, varies depending on a few factors. First and foremost, you should choose whether you want self-paced online, live online, or in-person training. To see the C|EH certification price & exam cost, please click here. Alternatively, we welcome you to click here and speak with one of our career advisors and find the C|EH costing and/or funding options that are available for you. We are excited you are considering a change and our team is happy to help find the best C|EH price fit for you, your budget, and your schedule.
Which certification is best for hacking?
The C|EH program helps you understand hackers by getting you into their mindset. After all, to be a hacker, you need to think like a hacker. There are both unethical and ethical hackers: unethical hackers engage in illegal or unlawful activities, while ethical hackers use their hacking knowledge to protect organizations and their assets. The official C|EH course is the world’s #1 ethical hacking certification. If you want to become one of the world’s best ethical hackers, the C|EH is recommended by experienced professionals, organizations in both the private and public sector, industry leaders and experts, and hiring managers.
Which is the World’s #1 Ethical Hacking Course?
The Certified Ethical Hacker Certification (C|EH) is the world’s #1 ethical hacking certification. In the recent 2023 C|EH Hall of Fame Survey Report, which collected responses from thousands of cybersecurity professionals, we discovered many key findings about the C|EH’s real-life impact and how the program has benefitted its many graduates
Here are a few of our findings:
Over 50% of the professionals received promotions after completing the C|EH program.
97% of the professionals stated that they skills they acquired during the C|EH program helped safeguard their organizations.
95% of the respondents chose the C|EH for career growth.
93% of the professionals stated that C|EH skills improved their organizational security.
97% of the professionals found that C|EH labs accurately mimic real-world cyber threats.
Do click here to read more findings: https://www.eccouncil.org/ceh-hall-of-fame-2023/
C|EH Certification Questions
Is C|EH hard to pass?
The C|EH Exam is an ANSI 17024 exam which means it goes through extensive external validation to ensure the examination itself is fair for the knowledge and experience level of our certification challengers. With the recommendation of 2 years’ experience in IT Security or 0fficial training, candidates attempting the exam need to possess strong knowledge in computing systems, networks, and a variety of other IT topics. The examination itself uses Cut-Scores to determine pass/fail results and cut scores are carefully set by psychometricians who regularly evaluate test question performance and average pass/fail results throughout the life of the program. Reviews from our certification members with limited experience or background have rated our exam as difficult, while more seasoned IT and IT security professionals rate the exam as moderately challenging even after official training. You may review the exam domains and the exam blueprint here to learn more
How do I get certified?
Anyone wishing to take the C|EH Examination must first be deemed eligible to take the exam. We offer two paths to eligibility:
1. Attend official training through our online learning provided by iClass, through an Authorized Training Center (ATC) located in 140+ countries around the world, or at a college or university that is also an official EC-Council Academia Partner. All candidates attending official training at an official EC-Council partner if deemed eligible to attend the training will have direct access to the examination which can be proctored at the training center, online using EC-Council’s remote proctoring service, or at over 4,500 VUE testing centers across the world.
2. Eligibility Application – If you possess the experience and don’t feel training is necessary in the domains of the exam, you may wish to skip the training and go straight to challenging the exam. If you do not attend official training, you will need to apply for exam eligibility here. After the application is processed and approved, EC-Council will work directly with you to determine the best delivery method for the exam, and you may then challenge the 4-hour certification exam as scheduled.
What are the pass rates for C|EH?
While EC-Council doesn’t publish pass rates for the exam, typical pass rates globally range from 60%-80%. We offer a variety of test preparation materials and official training to help you ensure you are ready to challenge the exam when the time comes.
Can I skip training and just get certified?
Yes, candidates who wish to bypass the official training and jump straight to the exam may apply for eligibility. If eligibility is granted, you may directly challenge the examination. See “How do I get certified?” in the FAQ above for the eligibility guidelines and application process.
I watched some videos on YouTube about C|EH. Does that prepare me to take the exam?
While we recognize there are some great resources on YouTube, many informative and entertaining topics are available there, EC-Council does not publish its official training on YouTube, nor do our authorized partners. There are many self-published videos that claim to prepare you for the C|EH Exam, and while they may provide valuable information, these are not a substitute for Official C|EH Training and will not be accepted as a method of study when it comes to applying for exam eligibility.
How do I know if I am ready to take the C|EH exam?
The most common path students take to prepare for C|EH is official training. The certified EC-Council instructors utilize official EC-Council training materials carefully designed to take you through the various domains covered on the certification exam. Accompanying the training materials, C|EH also includes over 50% hands-on activities in a live Cyber Range where you will practice and apply the knowledge and skills learned in the course against live virtual systems in the controlled environment. Students also receive official exam Prep test banks where you can practice with mock exam questions broken up by domain to assess your level of readiness for the certification. We strongly recommend utilizing these resources to prepare, however if you choose the direct eligibility route, review the domains covered in the exam and the exam blueprint, based on your own knowledge and experience levels, you can self-assess your competency in each area and decide if you are ready to attempt the exam. Students in official C|EH training from V12 on receive free retakes based on the package they enroll into, and retake exams are available for others if required for a fee.
What score do I need to pass the exam?
The C|EH exam is a 4-hour, scenario-based examination with multiple choice questions. Each question is carefully weighted to the domain and objective and carries its own cut score. The C|EH exam itself has multiple exam forms that rotate along with rotating questions in each exam form. Because the questions and forms rotate, each exam has a cumulative cut score that is calculated as the aggregate of all question cut scores. This rotation creates multiple variations of passing scores based on the exam form you receive; typical passing cut scores range from 65% to 80% providing the most equitable and fair approach to exam performance per ANSI 17024 testing standards. Cut Scores and your achieved score will be shown on your exam transcript available immediately after completing the examination.
What if I don’t pass on my first attempt?
EC-Council’s official exam retake policy is available here
Do I have to maintain my certification?
Yes, all legitimate professional certifications have a recertification and maintenance process. The requirements are published under our EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) Policy available here
I’m currently studying C|EH at a university; how do I request my certification exam?
Depending on which program you are in, your options may vary, but we are here to help! If you are studying through EC-Council University, simply login to your myeccu account and connect with your counselor. If you are studying at an EC-Council Academia Partner, speak with your professor and ask if the university has included certification in the student resources, if not, you can write to [email protected] and connect directly with our student services team.
What are the DCWF (DoD 8140) job roles that recognize C|EH Certification?
31 DCWF Job Roles that Recognize EC-Council Certifications.
(DCWF Job roles that Recognize C|EH are highlighted)
Role
Basic
Intermediate
Advanced
(211) Forensic Analyst
C|HFI
(212) Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst
C|HFI
(221) Cyber Crime Investigator
C|HFI
(411) Technical Support Specialist
C|ND
(422) Data Analyst
C|CISO
(441) Network Operations Specialist
C|ND
C|EH
(451) System Administrator
C|ND
(461) Systems Security Analyst
C|ND
(511) Cyber Defense Analyst
C|EH
(521) Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist
C|ND
C|EH
(541) Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
C|EH
(611) Authorizing Official/Designating Representative
C|CISO
(612) Security Control Assessor
C|CISO
(631) Information Systems Security Developer
C|ND
(632) Systems Developer
C|ND
(641) Systems Requirements Planner
C|ND
(651) Enterprise Architect
C|ND
(661) R&D Specialist
C|EH
(671) System Testing & Evaluation Specialist
C|ND
C|EH
(722) Information Systems Security Manager
C|CISO
(751) Cyber Workforce Developer and Manager
C|CISO
(752) Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
C|CISO
(801) Program Manager
C|CISO
(802) IT Project Manager
C|CISO
(803) Product Support Manager
C|CISO
(804) IT Investment/Portfolio Manager
C|CISO
(805) IT Program Auditor
C|CISO
(901) Executive Cyber Leadership
C|CISO
How to learn ethical hacking?
Ethical hacking is crucial to cybersecurity and offers extensive growth opportunities. If you want to learn ethical hacking on your own, it may seem easy, but it requires a lot of experience and knowledge. You need to stay up-to-date with the latest hacking trends and resources in order to combat the escalating cyber threats. In addition to technical skills, they should also be familiar with basic hacking tools, penetration testing, and other aspects of ethical hacking. The ethical hacking phases require extensive training and practical experience in areas such as attack vectors and penetration testing, SQL injection attacks, denial of service attacks, firewall attacks, password cracking and enumeration, and cloud computing. There are many online resources available for learning ethical hacking, but it can be difficult to choose the right one. Therefore, it is important to have a structured learning method from a reliable source. An accredited course like the EC-Council’s C|EH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a gold standard in ethical hacking and is recognized worldwide. If you are passionate about this field and like to think outside the box, then you build a successful career in this field.
C|EH v12 Training
How long does it take to become a C|EH ?
The total time it takes to become a C|EH can vary by student, but the typical answer is 5 days. C|EH official training is structured as 5-day Bootcamp style training with testing typically delivered at the end of the 5th day as a 4-hour exam. Students who follow an on-demand or self-paced course through iClass or decide to defer their testing date may take longer to achieve certification.
What does C|EH Cover?
The C|EH program and C|EH exam cover a variety of topics that center around the Tactics and Procedures required to be a tactical cybersecurity professional. Focusing on the entire kill-chain process, C|EH covers a variety of topics from foot printing and reconnaissance, to scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering your tracks. This 5-phase ethical hacking process applies to a variety of scenarios including traditional on-premises networks, cloud, hybrid, IoT systems, and stretches across a variety of topologies and application environments. Students will learn a variety of tools and techniques across this evaluation process as well as how hackers will utilize the same TTPs to hack into organizations.
Are there any prerequisites for C|EH?
There are no specific prerequisites for the C|EH program, however we strongly recommend candidates possess a minimum of 2 years’ experience in IT security before joining a C|EH training program. C|EH training is about testing systems and using them for purposes not originally intended, candidates should understand the basic functions of those IT systems before attempting to hack them. (Example: C|EH will teach the process of host evaluation leading to enumeration, in this process trainees will scan downrange targets using common scanning techniques such as Nmap which will respond with a list of ports, enumerating those ports and the services running on them can be used to expose common vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems. The C|EH program will not teach you what a port is, that is essential knowledge you must have to be successful in the class.) If you do not possess the foundational skills in IT and Networking, we recommend starting with our free cybersecurity Essentials Series found here:
I see C|EH as part of a track. How does that work?
While the C|EH program and certification stand on their own are not required to be taken in the sequence of a track, we have many students that are focused on a specific specialization such as digital forensics, threat intelligence, penetration testing, or executive leadership. To support those specializations, EC-Council has published a series of certification tracks that focus on stacking the competencies required to excel in those specializations. To view the available tracks and see what types of careers they lead into, Download our Cyber Career Track guide.
What do I get as a student in C|EH?
Students attending official training for C|EH, either through our online division iClass, or in person at an authorize training center will receive the most comprehensive ethical hacking program on the market. The training resources stretch well beyond what you may be used to in a typical bootcamp style course as C|EH not only supports you in the training program but also supports you after training and well into your career as a C|EH. Our new framework in C|EH, Learn, Certify, Engage, Compete provides you with all the courseware, documentation, cheat sheets, and hands-on labs hosted in our Cyber Range to complete the 5 days of training. Students also receive exam vouchers to attempt the certification exam and free retakes in the event you aren’t successful on your first attempt. To help prepare you for the exam, you will also receive exam prep where you can practice in a mock exam environment. Supporting you post certification; we have designed our Engage practice range with a mock organization where you will take place (on your own time and at your own pace) in a complete ethical hacking engagement. Starting with your initial scanning and recon exercise, you will foot print the target network, identify vulnerabilities and follow the entire process learned in C|EH as you assess the target organization, leading all the way up to full exploitation of the targets where you will hack into web servers, IoT devices, as well as IT and OT systems. After you complete your first engagement against the target organization, you will move onto Compete, where you can take part in monthly Global Hacking Competitions available exclusively to Certified Ethical Hackers. With new competition scenarios each month, you will be able to test your skills in malware analysis and ransomware, SCADA, and ICS environments as you hack your way into a Power Grid System or potentially take over a water treatment facility, Hack into Web Applications as we focus on web server vulnerabilities, and much more. To further support your continuous learning and skill development, Students of the Official C|EH training program also receive our curated Ethical Hacking Video Libraries through CodeRed where you will have access to focused titles, 2 to 4 hour courses delivered online in topics like Python for Pen testers, Opensource intelligence, Wireshark for Ethical Hackers, Ethical Hacking with Nmap, Windows Penetration Testing Essentials, Next Gen Firewalls, Applied Secure Smart City, Burp Suite: Web App Pen Testing, and more. The C|EH training program was designed to support you as you learn the ethical hacking practice, provide you with hands-on labs and challenges, expose you to your first ethical hacking engagement, hone your skills through competition, and support your continuous learning with specially curated titles directly related to the ethical hacking space.
Is C|EH a hands-on program?
Yes! Every concept taught in C|EH is backed up by hands on labs hosted in our Cyber Range. The training itself is divided roughly 50/50 into lecture & discussion (50%) and hands-on labs (50%). Additional hands-on practice is available in our labs with objective based CTF style flags to challenge your critical thinking and applied knowledge, then reinforced with our practice range, followed by 12 months of live competitions all executed in our Cyber Range 100% hands-on and applied. We believe strongly you can’t really learn to hack by reading a book, you must practice, if you are considering C|EH, roll your sleeves up and get ready for an intensive hands-on program where you will practice and hone your trade craft as an ethical hacker!
What will I learn in C|EH?
Like the question above “What does C|EH Cover” Security professionals attending this program will learn the professional practice of ethical hacking. You will get hands-on with the Cyber Kill chain, you will learn how to evaluate target systems for vulnerabilities, misconfiguration and weaknesses, you’ll learn how to find the weakest link in an organization through concepts like social engineering, most of all, you will learn how hackers operate, what tactics they use, and how to apply those tactics in a professional setting to identify weaknesses in your organization and apply remediation strategies before your organization becomes the next victim of a cyberattack or breach.
Where can I find training?
Training is available globally through EC-Council iClass (https://iclass.eccouncil.org) as well as through the world’s largest network of Authorized Training Centers. EC-Council has over 900 Authorized training centers covering 145 countries. If you are seeking credit bearing programs at a college or university, EC-Council University offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in cybersecurity that incorporate C|EH into the curriculum, and we also have a network of over 1,200 colleges and universities that teach C|EH as a part of their degree programs using our official Academia Courseware and Labs. Look for the Authorized Training Center Logo, or the Official Academia Partner Logo when selecting your training location.
Can I take C|EH online?
Yes! C|EH is available Online in both Instructor Led self-paced learning and live Instructor led. Visit Here for more information.
What is the difference between live training and on-demand, self-paced training from EC-Council iClass?
iClass, EC-Council’s official eLearning division provides two primary forms of training, Masterclass and iLearn.
Masterclass provides student with a Live Online, Instructor led class schedule with set times where our award-winning instructors will guide you through the C|EH training module by module incorporating hands on lab time, breakout sessions for discussions and a live presentation of all course materials.
iLearn is EC-Councils On-Demand training option. We have hand selected the best instructors, flown them to our Albuquerque based studio and produced professional pre-recorded video lectures and lab walkthroughs that can be accessed through your iClass student account any time, 24x7x365.
Is self-paced training the same as self-study?
No, while most students elect to attend official training receiving the professional guidance of a certified instructor, others prefer to simply study on their own without official training. Materials are available for purchase on the EC-Council Store if you wish to simply study on your own, this is what we label as self-study. Any student electing the self-study route will need to apply for exam eligibility as they did not attend official training.
How do I verify my C|EH materials?
Getting certified is about validating your knowledge, C|EH is trusted by employers across the globe as a baseline cyber security certification. Certified Ethical Hackers hold a variety of job titles and roles because the ethical hacking process is fundamental to many cyber security operations. While some organizations have Ethical Hackers in their job role framework, it often takes on other forms with specialization such as Network Defender, Penetration Tester, Secure Coder, Cloud Security Engineer, Security Architect, Auditor, and even opens doors into leadership roles.
What is an ATC?
Authorized Training Centers are typically computer training centers, consulting groups, and education companies who have partnered with EC-Council to offer official training leading to the C|EH Certification. ATCs must apply with EC-Council where we individually evaluate each potential partner and their business practice. Once approved, ATC’s must maintain certified instructors (CEIs) also vetted by EC-Council for certification and teaching experience, then the ATC is provided access to heavily discounted Training Materials, Cyber Ranges, Practice Ranges, and Competition passes for their students. ATCs compete each year across the globe to be recognized in our Circle of Excellence award ceremonies where the top trainers, and top training centers receive awards and recognition for their accomplishments in affecting the cybersecurity workforce. Organizations who carry the ATC logo with EC-Council run official training programs to standards that are upheld and monitored closely ensuring you have a great experience when you enroll in a C|EH training program. If your training center is not an ATC and claims to train you in C|EH, beware, we see very high failure rates on exams, frustrated students, outdated content, and a general lack of professionalism with organizations who do not go through the proper channels to run official, authorized programs. Often, students must fight for refunds from these types of centers and end up attending training either through our own iClass division, or at one of our ATCs where they will get the C|EH training and certification experience, they were originally seeking.
Are C|EH instructors good? What is a CEI?
To ensure instructors understand the subject matter they teach and provide a great experience to our Certification candidates, EC-Council implemented a Certified EC-Council Instructor (CEI) program. Many CEIs are industry practitioners who also teach, but the CEI program is a way of ensuring the instructors carry an active C|EH credential and have sufficient experience teaching/instructing. To see the CEI requirements these instructors must meet, feel free to review our CEI application process Click here
If I take official training, do I still need to apply for the exam?
No. Attending Official training is one of the two ways to become eligible to take the C|EH exam. If you have completed Official Training through EC-Council or through one of our Authorized Training centers, you will not need to apply for exam eligibility, you will not need to pay the $100 Application Fee, and you will not have to wait for reference checks to be approved. Authorized Training Centers have the contracted right to deliver exams to you directly after completing your official training. If the training center you have gone to advises you in any other way, please give us a call and we will help to sort out the confusion, or validate your training was at an Authorized Training Center.
I’m ready! Can I get started with C|EH today?
Yes, the fastest way to get started with C|EH is through our iClass program. Visit Here and get started right away.
How much does the training cost?
C|EH Training is available all over the world in a variety of different formats, from online self-paced, online live, in person bootcamps at ATCs and incorporated into education programs at colleges and universities. The program cost by region and by format can vary. C|EH Training is normally very affordable and with broad availability, you as the potential student have many options you can evaluate. We are more than happy to help guide you through this process, feel free to contact us to validate a price, validate the status of an ATC, or receive pricing for online training programs. The fastest way to reach a team local to you is to fill out the form on this page and we will reach out to you shortly thereafter.
Are there funding options available?
Funding options are tied to the organization providing the training as well as funding options for the region you are in. EC-Council and many of its partners have a variety of options for funding your training including payment plans, discount plans, even military and tuition assistance programs with your employers
Can I get a C|EH through EC-Council University?
Yes! If you enroll as a student in ECCU and are pursuing your bachelors or master’s degree, many of the courses align to industry certifications throughout the program. CIS 404 Hacker Techniques, Tools, and Incident Handling maps to the Certified Ethical Hacker exam. Students who complete this course through ECU will be eligible to attempt the C|EH Exam. For more information, visit Here
What is the difference between education and training when it comes to C|EH?
Delivery formats in education, specifically academic education and training can vary greatly. While the content students go through is the same, the delivery formats vary greatly. If you are pursuing a degree at ECCU or one of our Academia partners, you will likely be enrolled into a course that is delivered over a semester, often lasting between 8 and 12 weeks following a traditional academic format. Students will go through lectures with lab time, participate in threaded discussions, complete mid-term and final assessments and receive college credit for the course, then independently pursue certification by taking the examination. This is a great option if you are looking for a more engaged experience with your school where they can focus on the academic elements of the program and often more rigorous progression assessments. Training, on the other hand, is often run in a condensed bootcamp. C|EH is an intensive 5-day program delivered in person or online where the instructor will take you through intensive lectures followed by hands-on practice of the concepts taught. This five-day format is referred to by many as the “firehose” training approach. You will be exposed to the entire domain set of the C|EH program over 5 days with 2.5 days mixed throughout the course of hands-on practice, demonstration, and challenges. Frequently, our ATCs will host examination at the end of the 5-day program late in the afternoon resulting in 5 days of training, 4 hours of certification all in one week. You then have access after the course for 2 years to courseware and 6 months for the hands-on labs. With C|EH v12, you also have post course access to the Engage Practice Range, the Global C|EH Competitions, and the CodeRed learning libraries for continuous education.
C|EH v12 Accreditation
Is C|EH Accredited?
Accreditations measure the capability of the certification body from various aspects including program design, management, content, delivery, policy, discipline, financial viability, relevance of training, demand, and more. C|EH is accredited by ANAB, the ANSI National Accreditation Board under ANSI ISO/IEC 17024 and is also accredited by the American Council on Education (ACE) under ACE ID ECCL-0002 as credit bearing and transferrable for three elective credits.
Does the U.S. military recognize C|EH?
C|EH is recognized by the United States Army Ignited program as eligible for military benefit reimbursement. C|EH is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an approved credential for reimbursement utilizing post 9/11 GI Bill funds, and it is also recognized across the various military forces in their enlisted and officer ranks meeting the requirements of over 320 distinct job roles with military funding and reimbursement eligibility unique to each branch of military.
Does the Department of Defense recognize C|EH?
Yes, C|EH is approved by the US DoD under Directive 8140 as meeting the baseline requirements for 4 out of the 5 Cyber Security Service Provider Roles (CSSP) roles, CSSP Analyst, CSSP Infrastructure Support, CSSP Incident Responder, and CSSP Auditor as mentioned in the 8140 Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program. Available here
What other Government bodies recognize C|EH?
(UK’s intelligence, security, and cyber agency) Approves EC-Council Training as meeting CYBOK requirements.
Can I get college credit taking C|EH?
If you are taking the program at ECU, or in a college or University that is an Official Academia Partner, your course will be credit bearing. In the vent you are attending bootcamp training for C|EH, computer training centers typically do not offer college credits, however, with the ACE Accreditation from the American Council on Education, C|EH is already ACE Accredited with a recommended college credit equivalent to 3 elective credits at a bachelor’s level. Many schools will accept the ACE Accreditation and consider awarding those credits to you upon enrollment. ECU will also evaluate your transcript and upon application to the University, award the three credits for your achieved certification.
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Discover Why C|EH Certification Trusted By Organization Across The World!
For more than 15 years, EC-Council’s Cybersecurity programs have empowered cybersecurity professionals around the world to exercise their training and expertise to combat cyberattacks. The Hall of Fame celebrates those individuals who have excelled, achieved, and fostered a spirit of leadership among their colleagues and peers within the cyber community.
1 in Every 2
Professionals Received Promotions After C|EH
97%
of Professionals Found C|EH Labs to Accurately Mimic Real-world Cyber Threats.
97%
of Professionals Stated That Skills Acquired in C|EH Helped Safeguard Their Organizations.
97%
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Why People Love C|EH
Ryan R. May Information Security Manger Rex CrouseChief Information Officer Erdal OzkayaChief Cyber Security Strategist
Iskren-yankonChief Expert Information Security OfficerBefore I started the C|EH Training, I had some knowledge about KaliLinux, BackTrack, Wireshark and other tools, but the C|EH gave me a more advanced training on these tools and more, like Armitage, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Namp, Zenmap, Nessus, and many more
Seth HenrySystem EngineerThe training material for C|EH was perfect! It had an abundance of knowledge and I was delighted to learn multiple practices to find and exploit vulnerabilities within a system
Christopher KollingSecurity Associative PrincipalDay 5 of certified ethical hacker training. Enlightened! What an awesome learning experience! Thanks, Accenture
Accreditations, Recognitions and Endorsements
EC-Council was formed in 2001 after very disheartening research following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Founder and CEO of the EC-Council Group, Jay Bavisi, after watching the attacks unfold, raised the question, what if a similar attack were to be carried out on the cyber battlefield? Read More…
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How to become an ethical hacker: A blueprint
Written by Steven Bowcut – Last updated: March 7, 2024
In this guide
Role of ethical hacker
Skills needed
Certifications and education
How to get experience
Typical assignments
The recap
This guide is all about how to become an ethical hacker. It includes detailed information on the role an ethical hacker plays, some of the skills and experience necessary to become an ethical hacker, and strategies for landing a job as an ethical hacker.
Historically, defensive and offensive cybersecurity pursuits have been described using the monikers of whitehat hackers and blackhat hackers respectively. These nicknames were used to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys.
While both of these terms are still commonly used, at least one of them may not be adequately descriptive of the various roles found in today’s modern cybersecurity ecosystem.
Although a blackhat hacker is still just the bad guy, the good guys are now better described using expressions such as red team, blue team, purple team, ethical hacker, and penetration tester.
More specifically, red teams provide offensive security services and blue teams provide defensive services. Purple, being the combination of red and blue, identifies those teams that provide some of each flavor of security service.
We Found These Schools With Ethical Hacker CoursesSponsored Listings
The term ethical hacker includes all security professionals that provide offensive services, whether red team, pentester, or freelance offensive consultant. Security analysts or engineers are also job titles that may include offensive elements. Often these offensive security services will be rolled up under a threat and vulnerability management group within a company.
While there are some subtle technical differences, say between the services provided by an independent offensive cybersecurity consultant and an in-house pentester, for this guide, these various names for ethical hackers are used interchangeably.
An ethical hacker’s primary purpose is to view security from the adversary’s perspective in an effort to find vulnerabilities that bad actors could exploit. This provides defensive teams the opportunity to mitigate by devising a patch before a real attack can occur.
This objective is served by executing simulated cyberattacks in a controlled environment. While much of the value that an ethical hacker provides is related to testing security controls and devices for perimeter penetration vulnerabilities, they also look more broadly for weaknesses that can be exploited deep within a network or application such as data exfiltration vulnerabilities.
Related resources
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification bootcampBecome a pen tester: The essential guidePen Testing Certification guideCertified Ethical Hacker: CEH certification guideOSCP Certification
Role of an ethical hacker
Ethical hackers can be independent freelance consultants, employed by a firm that specializes in simulated offensive cybersecurity services, or they can be an in-house employee protecting a company’s website or apps.
Knowledge of current attack methods and tools is a requirement across these employment options, however, the in-house ethical hacker may be required to have an intimate knowledge of only a single software or digital asset type.
While relatively new to the security industry, one advantage that an in-house red team may provide is that the team will necessarily have a more intimate understanding of how their own systems and applications are constructed than would an independent consultant.
This insider knowledge provides the red team an advantage, as long as they can avoid becoming myopic in their view. It would take real attackers years to replicate this advantage. In-house teams are largely thought to be less expensive than the continuous use of a consulting firm as well.
Conversely, a benefit that an external ethical hacker may provide is a fresh set of eyes to identify vulnerabilities that may be overlooked by the internal team. Even organizations that employ an internal red team may occasionally contract an external ethical hacker to provide this fresh look at their defenses.
For any external offensive security service provider, it is especially important to obtain written permission from the client before beginning any offensive activities.
This permission should detail the systems, networks, applications, and websites that will be included in the simulated attack. Do not increase the scope of the service without additional written permission to do so.
In keeping with the industry’s use of colors to delineate between various cybersecurity roles and functions, there are white-box, black-box, and gray-box ethical hacker engagements.
A white-box engagement is when the security professional is given as much information about the target system and application as possible. This allows the simulated attack to go wide and deep very quickly looking for vulnerabilities that it would take a really bad actor a very long time to uncover.
Conversely, a black-box engagement is when no insider information is given to the ethical hacker. This more closely reflects the circumstances of a real attack and can provide valuable insight into what a real attack vector may look like.
As the name implies, a gray-box engagement then denotes the simulation of an attack where the attacker has already penetrated the perimeter and may have spent some time inside the system or application.
Many firms enlist the help of all three engagement types in conjunction with both in-house and external ethical hackers. This variation of applied knowledge can provide the best view of what protections must be deployed but is also much more expensive to undertake.
Possessing ethical hacker skills and knowledge is helpful for many other security roles. These skills are vital to network security analysts and network engineers. Purple teams need people with offensive skills. Application security developers benefit from an understanding of offensive methods and tools.
Security researchers, commonly known as bug hunters, depend highly on their knowledge of offensive tactics. Many successful bug hunters display an understanding that reaches deeper than the application layer to the network layer and other areas that can be exploited.
The skills required to become an ethical hacker
While there are plenty of anecdotal stories of blackhat hackers being converted to white in a bygone era, the most important requirement for becoming a successful ethical hacker today is having high ethical standards, as is found in the name.
Ethics are what separate the good guys from the bad guys. There are plenty of blackhat hackers who have adequate technical skills to be ethical hackers, but they lack the discipline of character to do the right thing regardless of the perceived benefits of doing otherwise.
A history of cybercrime poses an unacceptable risk for a member of a cybersecurity team. For a large organization with an astute legal team, this type of risk would represent a nonstarter.
A word to the wise then is, when looking for work as an ethical hacker, a resume that includes any work that even smells of unauthorized work or unethical behavior is a fast way to be disqualified.
While people can certainly change over time, most employers accept that developing a set of ethical life-guiding standards is much more involved than just desiring a career change.
Second to having the “ethical” part of this colloquial nickname covered is the need to have the “hacker” part covered as well. A candidate for an ethical hacker job must be able to demonstrate advanced cybersecurity technical skills. The ability to recommend mitigation and remediation strategies is a part of the desired experience.
To become an ethical hacker a candidate must understand networks, both wired and wireless. They must be proficient with operating systems, especially Windows and Linux. They need to understand firewalls and file systems. They must know how file permissions work and be familiar with servers, workstations, and computer science generally.
Strong coding skills are essential and direct, manual, and hands-on attack methods must be clearly understood and demonstrated. In short, an ethical hacker should have defended so many assets over their career that imitating and then thinking a few steps ahead of the adversary comes almost as second nature.
Above and beyond good ethics and strong technical skills is a special mix of creative and analytical thinking. Ethical hackers need to be able to think like the adversary.
They must understand what motivates the bad actors and be able to estimate how much time and effort the blackhat may be willing to apply toward any specific target. To do this, the pentester must understand the value of the data and systems they protect.
Ethical hacker certifications and education
The two certifications that are specific to ethical hacking are Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
EC-Council describes their CEH certification in these terms: “A Certified Ethical Hacker is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of a target system(s).
Learn more about CEH and OSCP certifications
The CEH credential certifies individuals in the specific network security discipline of Ethical Hacking from a vendor-neutral perspective.”
Any number of other cybersecurity professional certifications offered by the EC-Council will lend themselves toward becoming more hireable as an ethical hacker.
Offensive Security describes its OSCP certification, saying “The OSCP examination consists of a virtual network containing targets of varying configurations and operating systems. At the start of the exam, the student receives the exam and connectivity instructions for an isolated exam network that they have no prior knowledge or exposure to.
The successful examinee will demonstrate their ability to research the network (information gathering), identify any vulnerabilities, and successfully execute attacks. This often includes modifying exploit code with the goal of compromising the systems and gaining administrative access.
The candidate is expected to submit a comprehensive penetration test report, containing in-depth notes and screenshots detailing their findings. Points are awarded for each compromised host, based on their difficulty and level of access obtained.”
A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field is a good place to start your career. Computer science or network engineering education provides a recommended foundation for work in the security field. When considering a bachelor’s program in the field of cybersecurity give priority to programs with a strong interdisciplinary focus.
Learn more about Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity
Good programs will emphasize computer engineering, computer science, and business management skills. Look for programs that include courses in technical writing and legal issues surrounding technology and ethics. The best cybersecurity professionals are well-rounded individuals who can see their field through a wide-angle lens.
Even with a degree and a professional certification or two, self-study is needed to keep up with current attack methods and offensive strategies. A home lab can be very useful. YouTube videos, internet groups and forums, and social media posts and exchanges are all methods used by successful ethical hackers to keep their edge over blackhat hackers.
How to get experience as an ethical hacker
Experience with vulnerability testing tools, such as Metasploit, Invicti, formerly Netsparker, and OpenVAS, is very helpful for ethical hackers. These tools and there are many more of them, are designed to save time when searching for known vulnerabilities.
These or similar tools may provide a useful framework for vulnerability scanning and management but should represent only the starting point for an experienced ethical hacker.
Manual simulated attacks must be directed toward the target as well. Knowledge and experience related to how these attacks are performed are essential.
The path to finding work as an ethical hacker will almost invariably pass through many years as a member of a security team providing defensive security services. Assignment to an elite offensive team is most commonly a progression through the ranks of the department.
Often beginning with work as a security specialist, security administrator, or security software developer, additional experience and education will qualify a candidate for a place on one of the security specialty teams or work as a freelance consultant.
Helpful experience extends beyond past IT security work. Social engineering and physical penetration tests are also applicable skills. Many attacks begin with intel gathered using an extended social engineering campaign. Knowledge of social engineering strategies and tactics can be very helpful in understanding the entire threat landscape.
Physical breaches to a server room or data center sometimes precede a digital attack. Understanding what physical assets are vulnerable will help an ethical hacker identify the types and methods likely to be used in a real event.
Cybercriminals must become evermore innovative as security professionals deny them the use of their previous methods and tactics. Physical attacks, including the use of drones to sniff out unprotected networks, are becoming more frequently employed to gather intel and initiate cyberattacks.
An ethical hacker must anticipate and simulate the use of traditional and non-traditional attack vectors to provide the most comprehensive threat analysis possible.
Typical ethical hacking assignments
Typical work assignments for an ethical hacker include threat modeling, security assessments, vulnerability threat assessments (VTA), and report writing.
Assuredly the responsibilities of this role will vary from company to company but these staples will nearly always be included in the job description.
Threat modeling
Threat modeling is a process used to optimize network security by identifying vulnerabilities and then determining countermeasures to prevent an attack or mitigate the effects of an attack against the system.
In the context of threat modeling, a threat is a potential or actual adverse event that may be malicious (such as a denial-of-service attack) or incidental (such as the failure of computer hardware), and that can compromise the assets of the enterprise.
An ethical hacker would contribute to this process by providing a comprehensive view of the possible malicious attacks and their resultant consequences for the organization.
The objective of effective threat modeling is to conclude where the greatest focus should be to keep a system secure. This can change as new circumstances develop and become known, applications are added, removed, or improved, and user demands unfold.
Threat modeling is an iterative process that consists of defining assets, recognizing what each application does with respect to these assets, creating a security profile for each application, identifying potential threats, prioritizing potential threats, and documenting adverse events and the actions taken in each case.
The ethical hacker’s role is imperative in that it allows the threat modeling to remain theoretical rather than post-mortem after an actual attack.
Security assessment
An ethical hacker, whether a pentester or a red team leader, will often be assigned the task of providing a security assessment. Simply put, an information security assessment is a risk-based measurement of the security posture of a system or enterprise.
Security assessments are periodic exercises that test an organization’s security preparedness. They include checks for vulnerabilities related to the IT systems and business processes, as well as recommending steps to lower the risk of future attacks.
Security assessments are also useful for determining how well security-related policies are adhered to. They help to shore up policies designed to prevent social engineering and can identify the need for additional or enhanced security training.
Culminating in a report that identifies weaknesses and makes recommendations, the security assessment is an invaluable risk management tool.
Vulnerability threat assessment
A vulnerability threat assessment is a process used to identify, quantify, and rank the vulnerabilities relevant to a system along with the threats that could possibly exploit those vulnerabilities. While closely related to a security assessment, the VTA is conducted to identify and correlate specific threats and vulnerabilities.
The basic security assessment, described above, is used to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the security posture of the enterprise independent of any specific threat. The VTA is a more threat-based assessment.
Examples of systems for which vulnerability threat assessments should be performed include but are not limited to, information technology systems, energy supply systems, water supply systems, transportation systems, and communication systems.
Such assessments may be conducted on behalf of a range of different organizations, from small businesses to large regional or national infrastructure entities. Each of these system types and/or enterprises will require someone in an ethical hacker role to perform the VTA.
Report writing
A crucial element for carrying out the assignments of an ethical hacker is the ability to write clear and concise professional reports. Gathering data, identifying vulnerabilities, and correlating threats are of little value if the appropriate information can not be articulated to risk management leaders.
Reports submitted from the red team are often the impetus for significant security resource expenditures. Risk management professionals need to have total confidence in the findings of ethical hackers in their organization.
In some cases, an ethical hacker will be an outside consultant retained by a firm to provide the information needed to justify security expenditures for upper management or the board of directors. In the world of security consulting, the report is the primary deliverable and is of the utmost importance.
When considering possible professional certifications and educational opportunities to elevate a career to include ethical hacking, do not underestimate the importance of business writing expertise.
The ability to produce a well-written report will boost an individual’s career over an otherwise equally qualified peer.
Ethical hacking in review
Being a member of an in-house red team or working as a freelance whitehat hacker are exciting vocations. As far as operations-level positions go, they are highly sought-after positions that can engender a level of respect and provide a degree of prestige within the cybersecurity community.
Ethical hacker jobs are necessary for the effective protection of networks, systems, and applications. This expertise is required throughout national infrastructure entities and to secure critical or sensitive data across all industries.
For many, the term ethical hacker is an oxymoron. It indicates two opposing notions. One is that of high ethical standards and the other is that of “hacking” which is usually associated with nefarious activity.
An offensive security professional may be a better description, but ethical hacker is often used to describe this genre of security professionals because let’s face it, ethical hacker is more mysterious sounding.
Regardless of whether or not the word hacker is used in the job description, these jobs are not for the morally questionable and certainly not for anyone who has a history of being a bad actor.
Ethical hackers are necessarily privy to sensitive information, the divulging of which could be catastrophic for the enterprise.
A security clearance is often required for government employees and government contractors. Obtaining a security clearance will include a background investigation and an examination of financial and social media data.
With the relatively rare exception of the independent freelance offensive cybersecurity consultant, ethical hackers normally work as part of a team. If on a red team, the other team members will be like-skilled ethical hackers or pen-testers and the team will be part of the overall security department.
In a smaller organization, the ethical hacker may be the only person with an offensive role, but will invariably be a part of a larger security team. The ability to work well with other team members and to communicate effectively is critical to success.
An ethical hacker is not the stereotypical hoodie-wearing young person working out of his parent’s basement – who decided to trade their black hat in for a white one. She is more often an educated, experienced, skilled, and articulate professional who is dedicated to making the world a safer place to live and work.
While history may provide examples of self-taught gritty individualists pulling themselves up by their digital bootstraps to the pinnacle of cybersecurity ops, an education with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, combined with one or more specialized professional certifications, is the standard for ethical hackers.
Years of mettle-proving experience in software development and/or more traditional defensive security roles is not at all unusual for successful ethical hackers.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ethical hacker? An ethical hacker, also known as a “white hat” hacker, is a professional who uses the same techniques as malicious hackers to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems. However, unlike malicious hackers, they do so with permission and work to improve security. What is the difference between a black hat, white hat, and grey hat hacker? Black Hat are hackers with malicious intent, often for personal or financial gain. White Hat (Ethical Hackers) are professionals who hack with permission to identify vulnerabilities and improve security. Grey Hat hackers are individuals who might operate without explicit permission but usually with good intentions, such as exposing security flaws for the public good. Their actions are in a moral grey area. How can I become an ethical hacker? Gain a strong foundational understanding of IT and networking, learn programming languages like Python, C++, or Java, master operating systems (especially Linux), take specialized courses in ethical hacking or cybersecurity, earn certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and gain practical experience through internships or entry-level jobs. What skills are essential for an ethical hacker? An ethical hacker should have expertise in networking, operating systems, and programming, and a keen understanding of cybersecurity principles. They should also be analytical, detail-oriented, and possess strong problem-solving skills. Why is ethical hacking important? Ethical hacking helps organizations identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in their systems, allowing them to fortify their defenses before malicious hackers can exploit them. It plays a crucial role in ensuring data security and system integrity.
Sources
Cybersecurity certifications | Sourced from EC-Council in October 2023.
OSCP certification | Sourced from Offensive Security in October 2023.
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How to become an ethical hacker: A step-by-step guide
How to become an ethical hacker: A step-by-step guide
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Hacker
16 min read
How to become an ethical hacker: A step-by-step guide
Our Head of Security, Ben Rollin, calls on more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity to break down the practical steps to a career in ethical hacking.
mrb3n,
Oct 24
2023
Table of Contents
What is ethical hacking?
What does an ethical hacker do?
The traits of an effective ethical hacker
Strong technical skills
Persistent and methodical
Creative, out-of-the-box thinking
Passion for problem-solving
Becoming an ethical hacker: 5 key steps
Step 1: Develop your foundational skills for ethical hacking
Step 2: Choose your learning path
Join the largest hacking community
Step 3: Prove your practical skills
Step 4: Curate your online presence
Attending hacking events and activities
Creating content
Step 5: Start applying for jobs
Building your career base with IT jobs
Frequently Asked Questions about ethical hacking
Can I become an ethical hacker without a degree?
How much do ethical hackers earn?
How long will the journey take to get into a full-time role?
After graduating with a dual bachelor's in Business Administration and Spanish, I worked for a small (less than 20 employees) language translation company. When the designated IT manager was let go, I agreed to pick up his responsibilities and started studying IT, devouring every resource I could get my hands on at the time.
So I basically became a one-man hybrid helpdesk/sysadmin team.
This helped me progress deeper into the world of cybersecurity and into other roles. I eventually performed and led technical security audits and ethical hacking (or penetration testing) at PwC before moving on to a smaller firm.
My journey into cybersecurity isn’t unique. Plenty of people have become ethical hackers later on in their lives without educational or career backgrounds in cybersecurity.
Jeremy Chisamore was hit by layoffs and events outside his control and still carved out a career in cybersecurity, going from struggling poker player to Senior Penetration Tester at Oracle.
Chuck Woolson, a former United States Marine changed careers in his 50s and became a Red Team Operator with little prior experience.
Josiah Beverton started off studying physics, but his passion for cybersecurity led him to become a professional Penetration Tester with experience in blue and red team roles.
In this article, you’ll learn what it really means to be an ethical hacker.
I’ll share my advice on how to get the right training, where to start, and how to know if ethical hacking is a suitable fit for you as a career.
What is ethical hacking?
A textbook definition of “hacking” is the act of finding exploitable weaknesses in computer systems, digital devices, or networks in order to gain unauthorized access to the data they hold.
(If only it were this simple!)
The aim of ethical hackers is to find these weaknesses so that they can be fixed or protected before they are exploited by others.
When ethical hackers are employed by an organization to test computer systems and networks, they are often referred to as “penetration testers.” Organizations use the term when referring to the job description of professional hackers in the corporate world.
White hat hackers is another term used to distinguish between ethical hackers and black hat hackers who work on the other side (the wrong side) of the law.
Grey hat hacker is a term for someone who may be acting for the right reasons but using unethical approaches.
Their intentions may be pure (i.e., bug hunting on a company’s website) but if they are operating outside the bounds of a formal bug bounty program or contract for penetration testing they are still breaking the law.
Professional hackers operate under a code of ethics that distinguishes them from non-professional or malicious hackers. The professional cybersecurity organization, (ISC)2, for example, has a code of ethics that has four pillars:
Protect society, the common good, necessary public trust and confidence, and the infrastructure.
Act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally.
Provide diligent and competent service to principals.
Advance and protect the profession.
All members of (ISC)2 are required to uphold these pillars. These principles are also implied within the discussion of ethical and legal considerations that are covered in the HTB Academy’s module “Penetration Testing Process.”
It covers the approach a penetration tester should take in dealing with a client to stay within the bounds of legal and ethical practice.
Each time you engage in ethical hacking it will be a unique experience that requires out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, and persistence in the face of evolving and unforeseen challenges.
There will be new technologies to understand, that have been configured in unique ways, in a technical landscape that you have to map out.
Become a certified ethical hacker
Master complex concepts with free guided cybersecurity courses on the HTB Academy. (Student discounts are available.)
Prove that you have job-ready cybersecurity skills by taking the CPTS penetration testing certification (you’ll have example reports and pentests to share in interview assignments).
Show your investment in your skills development and earn CPE credits by solving Machines, Challenges, Endgames, and real-world cybersecurity labs.
What does an ethical hacker do?
An ethical hacker’s (or pentester’s) goal is to help uncover and recommend fixes for hidden flaws in digital or physical networks before they are explicitly or accidentally exploited. Companies will ask ethical hackers to do this on specific systems, networks, or infrastructure that will be in scope for testing.
They will then use ethical hacking tools to probe for security vulnerabilities, document processes, and activities, and write penetration testing reports for senior colleagues and the client.
Specific examples of an ethical hacker’s daily activities include:
Conducting network/web application vulnerability assessments.
Scanning networks with a tool like Nmap.
Conducting an analysis of network structure and protocols with a tool like Wireshark.
Processing and reviewing large amounts of data or scouring file shares to look for passwords (I’ve spent entire days looking through file shares for login details).
Enumerating and attacking Active Directory environments and web applications.
Communicating with clients and assisting senior managers and account holders with security debriefs and answering client questions; this could include sales calls or project kick-offs.
Documenting findings into a formal report that contains high-level detail for non-technical readers and technical details so those tasked with remediating any findings can reproduce the issue.
Not all of a penetration tester’s time is spent “hacking.” At least 25% of it will be spent writing documentation, liaising with customers, and reporting activities and findings back to internal and external stakeholders.
This is why technical offensive security skills alone are not enough to become an ethical hacker.
You should also have (or consider building) good professional communication and soft skills. This means writing professional emails, being punctual, communicating with non-technical stakeholders, and delivering projects on time.
(A scan of the open ports on a network. Executed on a live practice target via our Academy's in-browser tool, Pwnbox. Click here to try it yourself.)
The traits of an effective ethical hacker
Not everyone is suited to the role of being an ethical hacker. Some of the principal characteristics essential for the role are:
Strong technical skills
There is no single correct path to learn hacking or become an ethical hacker. It is certainly not the case that you need a computer science or cybersecurity university degree to be successful.
Any technical job, certification, or self-study program brings useful knowledge and skills. And once you’re on the job, you can study to fill in specific knowledge gaps.
Will a qualification help get your foot in the door? Sure. But after that, your experience in cybersecurity roles and your ability to network will help you carve out a career path.
Another useful early career booster is a certification of some sort, which we will cover in more detail below.
Prioritize learning methodology, processes, and mindset. Always remember, tools serve art and not the other way around. (Oh, and drink plenty of water!)
Pedro Correia, Redteamer and cybersecurity instructor, Code For All
Persistent and methodical
Being able to stick with a problem until it is resolved and approaching problems in a methodical way is essential in ethical hacking.
Not only for being able to keep at a problem until it is solved but also for performing routine tasks that, to be frank, may be boring and repetitive.
Creative, out-of-the-box thinking
To think out-of-the-box, you first have to know and be able to define what “the box” is.
This goes back to the need for a technical foundation and an understanding of how a range of people involved in the system think and act.
If you understand the assumptions that a developer makes when implementing a protocol or piece of code, you can think out of the box to discover new pathways to attack.
Likewise, if you know how a potential attacker thinks, you can see how they could combine a chain of exploits to get a foothold on a machine, move laterally in a network, and remain undetected.
Real-world penetration testing requires an element of raw human intuition. If human intuition wasn’t needed, then paid software would have solved security by now. This shows that you can’t rely on programmatic or tool-oriented thinking because creativity, adaptability, and out-of-the-box thinking are critical.
IppSec
Passion for problem-solving
This is where you ask yourself whether you genuinely enjoy problem-solving.
If you have all of the previously mentioned attributes, technical knowledge, persistence, and out-of-the-box creativity, do you enjoy applying them to solve arcane problems that might be just one piece of a 1000-piece puzzle?
Becoming an ethical hacker: 5 key steps
Step 1: Develop your foundational skills for ethical hacking
Beginners should start with the fundamental cybersecurity skills needed for hacking: Networking, Linux, Windows, and scripting.
Regardless of how advanced or basic your exploits become, you’ll always call upon the knowledge and skills related to these core domains.
Mastering these fundamentals will also accelerate your ability to learn more advanced hacking concepts, techniques, and tools.
Get a strong foundation on all major topics of cyber. The broader your knowledge base is, the better you understand complex topics. Learn the basics on guided platforms and try to figure out how you learn best.
Samuel Viegas, Penetration Tester, PwC
1. Networking
Most things in hacking or cybersecurity revolve around a network. This is why a firm grasp of networking and network security fundamentals is foundational for beginner hackers who are learning the ropes.
Understanding how networks are structured and how devices communicate means you can identify, protect, exploit, and of course, remediate weaknesses in networks.
With this knowledge, you’ll know what services are running on a server, what ports and protocols they’re using, and how the traffic behaves.
Recommended read: Learn cybersecurity for free.
2. Linux
An operating system (OS) is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with a computer. That means that an OS manages the communication between software and hardware.
Learning Linux operating systems is an essential and inevitable step in cybersecurity because Linux covers about two-thirds of the world's servers, including macOS, which is also based on Linux. Linux-based operating systems run on servers, mainframes, desktops, embedded systems such as routers, televisions, video game consoles, and more.
3. Windows
You'll need to understand how to navigate the Windows file system and command line; Windows is still heavily used across corporate environments of all sizes.
During penetration testing engagements, you will often need to gain access to a Windows host. Additionally, many servers run on Windows, and most companies deploy Windows workstations to their employees due to the ease of use for individuals and centralized administration that can be leveraged using Active Directory.
Recommended read: How to become a cybersecurity analyst.
4. Bash scripting
Bash is a command-line interface language used to make instructions and requests to operating systems like Linux. As a hacker, learning how to create bash scripts will help you harness the full power of the Linux OS by automating tasks and enabling you to work with tools.
5. A scripting language (like Python)
Python is a powerful entry-level programming language to learn for cybersecurity because it’s versatile, relatively easy to learn, and plays a key part in compromising systems and networks. You’ll use it to:
Automate tasks
Write custom scripts
Scrape data from the web
Analyse packets and data
Identify and develop malware
Step 2: Choose your learning path
After building a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical cybersecurity skills, pursue a certification, degree, or self-directed training program that proves your competence in cybersecurity.
Technically, a certification isn’t a strict requirement to becoming an ethical hacker.
But when you start reaching out to recruiters and applying to junior roles, it will tip the odds in your favor by proving your competence and getting your resume past automated screening systems that look for certain requirements, such as a specific certification.
Join the largest hacking community
Ask questions, find a study buddy, get inspired, and level up your hacking career.
Join the community
Prioritize skills development when deciding which cybersecurity certification to take.
You should also consider:
Whether or not the certification prepares you for real-world engagements and penetration tests.
The price of the certification, how long you’ll have access to training content, and renewal costs.
How well-recognized the certification provider’s brand is amongst recruiters and security professionals.
Call me biased, but I’d recommend Hack The Box’s CPTS certification because it:
1. Focuses on turning you into a complete job-ready penetration tester. To pass the exam, you’ll receive a letter of engagement (just like you would from a real client) and will have to submit a penetration testing report based on your assessment of real-world Active Directory networks hosted on HTB’s infrastructure. This will be reviewed by an examiner (who will also offer personalized feedback on your performance).
2. Emphasizes both practical skills and fundamental knowledge. Combined with the penetration testing job path on the HTB Academy, you’ll have exploited more than 250 realistic targets and attacked 9 various corporate-level networks (ranging from a shipping freight company to a robotics tech company).
This is in stark contrast to other certifications that are CTF-style (somewhat unrealistic) in nature and are primarily based on repeating established common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs), and as a result, fail to cultivate the persistence and creativity required for real-world hacking.
3. Offers great value for money. For less than $500/year, you get lifetime access to content that’s continually updated based on the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape (MITRE ATT&CK and NIST aligned), and a certification that prepares you for the real world of pentesting to set you apart from other candidates.
The ultimate pentesting certification
Accelerate your cybersecurity career with the HTB CPTS: The cost-effective, hands-on penetration testing certification that’s valued by employers, prepares you for real-world environments, and gets you job-ready.
Preview the Certification
Step 3: Prove your practical skills
When I started getting into ethical hacking, there were no affordable hosted lab environments. The main free resources available required you to download a vulnerable machine and hack it, like the Vulnhub platform.
While these were useful to get started, they did not simulate a corporate network. So it was difficult to get experience in a realistic environment (unless you could build a small Active Directory network yourself to experiment with.)
So if you don’t have access already, use hacking labs to simulate practice in real-world corporate environments. Acquiring lab experience is effective for learning and for interviews because it elevates your confidence in your practical skills.
Recommended read: 30 cybersecurity interview questions and answers.
You’ll have the ability to speak authoritatively about things you’ve actually done.
If you had done a certification, you may have gained access to labs to practice the skills required for the exam. Continuing to practice using machines on Hack The Box and other sites is a great way to learn new skills or upskill existing ones.
Watching walkthroughs of machines on YouTube by Ippsec or reading 0xdf’s write-ups is also a great way of learning. Try to constantly read, watch, and complete hacking challenges to refine your craft.
Step 4: Curate your online presence
What does your public profile say about you?
Googling candidates was a common practice when I used to hire professional ethical hackers.
This is general advice when looking for employment, but recruiters commonly look at your online presence when hiring. LinkedIn, GitHub, YouTube, Stack Overflow, and Hack The Box all provide a means of promoting your credentials, achievements, and general standing in the cybersecurity community.
Active steps you can take to stand out include:
Attending hacking events and activities
Play capture the flag events (CTFs) and use hacking labs to show that you’re committed to continuously upskilling and are up to speed on the latest and greatest in cybersecurity. Do you need to play every single CTF or HTB machine?
Of course not. But do enough to show your passion and investment in continuous upskilling.
Note: If you’re new to the world of cybersecurity, try HTB seasons. HTB Seasons follows a seasonal scoring model that allows new players to receive recognition, rank, and prizes for showing up-to-date hacking skills and setting new personal records. It’s also a great way to make friends!
You'll make incredible friends in the cybersecurity world. Dive in with confidence! Pursue it wholeheartedly and fall in love with your passion every day.
Jordon M, Network Security, Boeing
Creating content
Create content about the lessons you’ve learned or projects you’ve completed and post them on Medium or your own blog. This could be video content, write-ups, blogs, tutorials, etc.
Step 5: Start applying for jobs
You can find cybersecurity jobs on general sites like LinkedIn or Indeed. But if you’re looking for an extra edge, Hack The Box’s cybersecurity job board is tailor-made to meet the needs of:
Recruiters who are searching for candidates with practical skills.
Cybersecurity professionals who are looking for jobs.
Once you reach the Pro Hacker rank, Hack The Box can share your public profile with recruiters. This will connect you to jobs and recruiters who value your practical experience.
It’s a great way to accelerate your job search and “show” your skills before you “tell” recruiters about them.
Note: If you’re an HTB member, just enable the “Available for Hire” option under the Careers section. Although not mandatory, I’d recommend enabling it because you’ll receive up-to-date opportunities from some of the best companies worldwide.
Recommended resource: Cybersecurity job interview prep: A guide to hacking interviews
Building your career base with IT jobs
Whilst ethical hacking is an exciting and fulfilling career, there are many other related jobs in cybersecurity that have overlapping knowledge and skill sets.
For beginners, it can be difficult to break into pentesting directly (but it’s not impossible). That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend getting as much general IT experience as possible (often with entry-level cybersecurity jobs) before shifting into a highly technical infosec role like ethical hacking.
Frequently Asked Questions about ethical hacking
Can I become an ethical hacker without a degree?
Yes, it is possible, although many people working in the area of cybersecurity have a degree of some sort.
In the 2022 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 87% of those responding to the survey said they had at least a bachelor’s degree, and most of these were in a computer science-related subject.
How much do ethical hackers earn?
This depends on what country you are in. In the USA, the average base salary is $119,295. There are sites that will give you an idea of salaries in your country.
How long will the journey take to get into a full-time role?
If you do not count getting a degree which can take between 3 to 4 years for an undergraduate one only, then you should allow 6-12 months to obtain a certification. This would also assume that you were getting practical experience beyond just the certification during that time—i.e., completing labs and machines on HTB, for example.
Stop procrasting. Start your career in cybersecurity.
Author bio: Ben Rollin (mrb3n), Head of Information Security, Hack The Box
Ben Rollin has over 13 years of information security consulting experience focusing on technical IT Audits, risk assessments, web application security assessments, and network penetration testing against large enterprise environments.
He has a strong interest in Active Directory security and focuses time on research in this area as well as remaining current with the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Ben has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, as well as several industry certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn.
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What is an Ethical Hacker? And How to Become One - CrowdStrike
What is an Ethical Hacker? And How to Become One - CrowdStrike
Cybersecurity 101 › Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hacker
JJ Cranford -
July 7, 2023
What is an ethical hacker?
An ethical hacker, also known as a ‘white hat hacker’, is employed to legally break into computers and networks to test an organization’s overall security. Ethical hackers possess all the skills of a cyber criminal but use their knowledge to improve organizations rather than exploit and damage them.
By employing an ethical hacker, organizations get an insight into their own security vulnerabilities – thus safeguarding them from future cyber attacks.
Ethical hacking vs penetration testing
Although ethical hacking is sometimes used interchangeably with penetration testing, there are some important differences.
Ethical hackers may get involved in tactics beyond penetration testing. For example, they might choose to test defenses against social engineering techniques by encouraging employees to reveal sensitive business data or log-in credentials.
On the other hand, penetration testing is focused solely on assessing one or a few network vulnerabilities that organizations may have.
How much does an ethical hacker earn?
According to Salary.com the average salary for an ethical hacker is $105,973 as of June 26th 2023. The salaries vary between $95,137 and $119,413 depending on experience, certification level and additional skills.
How to become an ethical hacker?
While there are certainly redemption stories of black hat hackers being converted to white hat hackers, this isn’t always the case. Any individual that possesses the right knowledge and skillsets can become an ethical hacker, especially if they aim to uphold high ethical standards.
CrowdStrike commissioned a review of 900+ job adverts on Indeed to identify what employers are looking for when it comes to ethical hacking roles. Below you can see the most in-demand skills, certifications and education levels for employment as an ethical hacker:
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree or higher can help a candidate stand out and demonstrate key qualities an employer is looking for, including discipline, critical thinking, good time management and determination. And according to our analysis 73% of the ethical hacking job adverts analyzed required a degree from applicants.
It’s well documented that one of the most popular ways to pursue a career in ethical hacking is to gain a computer science degree. But our analysis shows just 25.9% of adverts that mention a degree also mention a computer science degree. It is still the most popular degree subject when listed though.
The significant number of adverts that don’t specify a degree subject indicates employers are perhaps more interested in your knowledge set and past experience than educational attainment. If you can demonstrate you have the right computer skill knowledge as a prerequisite, a computer science qualification isn’t essential.
The following knowledge is the most touted by employers, so ensure you understand the advanced principles in each:
Cloud knowledge is the most commonly cited by employers. Cloud computing is transforming business operation in the modern age. And as more and more businesses shift to a cloud-based model, it becomes a bigger target for increasingly sophisticated attacks. All ethical hackers, therefore, should have advanced knowledge on cloud security.
Other vital things to learn about are malware, compliance regulations/security standards (especially PCI security standards) and programming systems (such as Linux, Python and Perl).
Tools such as Metaspoilt and Wireshark are important and will help you stand out from the crowd, although they are slightly less cited in job adverts generally.
More basic knowledge around things such as HTML and JavaScript aren’t as well cited, but it’s likely employers will assume you have that skillset.
There are certain certifications you can take to ensure you showcase your breadth of knowledge about hacking and evolving techniques. The most frequently mentioned certifications can be found below:
Perhaps unsurprisingly, becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is the most beneficial professional certification you can have – it’s mentioned in 77.2% of job adverts. But taking a course to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) will also help you stand out – mentioned in 62.6% of job adverts.
Finally, there are also some soft skills you’ll need to consider to make sure you’re suited towards a career in ethical hacking:
Research skills are the most important soft skill. Threat actors are constantly evolving their techniques and targets to evade detection, monetize on attacks and cause the widest disruption possible. Therefore, ethical hackers will need to be as equally up to date to protect their clients or organizations.
Collaboration is also key; ethical hackers won’t be in it alone and they’ll likely be working with internal security professionals or colleagues to consult on how to improve systems and/or networks.
Soft skills can be just as important as your security and computer knowledge. Employers will likely be asking about your personal life here to get an idea if you are well suited to the role. So, make sure you can bring up some relevant real-life examples to demonstrate your soft skills.
Where are the most opportunities?
Ethical hackers can be freelancers, work for an agency, or employed within an internal organization. Our analysis stretched beyond looking at a sample of ethical hacking job adverts to identify how many opportunities there were in the biggest U.S. cities.
Washington, D.C. has the most roles with 23.6% of all advertised opportunities in the U.S. Next was Baltimore with 5.5% of all advertised opportunities.
It’s important to note though that many ethical hackers will be employed remotely, meaning your location might not be too relevant. This also means it’s a career that could give you a lot of freedom to live anywhere in the world. 13.7% of all advertised U.S. opportunities are offering remote work.
GET TO KNOW THE AUTHOR
JJ Cranford is a Senior Manager of Product Marketing at CrowdStrike primarily responsible for Incident Response and Advisory Services. JJ previously held roles at Cybereason, OpenText and Guidance Software where he drove go-to market strategy for XDR, EDR and DFIR product suites. JJ provides insight into market trends, industry challenges, and solutions in the areas of incident response, endpoint security, risk management, and ransomware defense.
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What is an ethical hacker and what does the work entail?
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Definition
ethical hacker
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By
Garry Kranz
Linda Rosencrance
Michael Cobb
What is an ethical hacker?
An ethical hacker, also referred to as a white hat hacker, is an information security (infosec) expert who penetrates a computer system, network, application or other computing resource on behalf of its owners -- and with their authorization. Organizations call on ethical hackers to uncover potential security vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit.
The purpose of ethical hacking is to evaluate the security of and identify vulnerabilities in target systems, networks or system infrastructure. The process entails finding and then attempting to exploit vulnerabilities to determine whether unauthorized access or other malicious activities are possible.
Origins of ethical hacking
Former IBM executive John Patrick is often credited with creating the ethical hacking term in the 1990s, although the concept and its applied practice occurred much earlier.
The term hacking first started to appear in the 1960s in connection with activities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and referred to applying creative engineering techniques to "hack" machinery and make it operate more efficiently. At the time, hacking was considered to be a compliment for those with exceptional skills in computer programming.
Malicious hacking became more frequent in later decades, in parallel with the commercialization of consumer-oriented computer technologies. Hackers realized computer programming languages could be used to manipulate telecommunications systems and complete long-distance calls for free, a practice dubbed phreaking.
The 1983 film War Games, in which a student inadvertently cracks into a war-game supercomputer run by the U.S. military, helped to highlight the vulnerabilities of large computing systems. In the 2000s, compliance regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that govern the storage and security of digitized medical and business data have elevated the role of ethical hackers within the realm of cybersecurity.
The commercialization of hacking skills, known as hacking as a service (HaaS), has made cybersecurity more complex. On the positive side, cybersecurity firms and information technology (IT) security vendors have started to offer optional ethical HaaS via contract to corporate clients. However, an underground market is flourishing on the dark web, including online marketplaces for aspiring hackers, often in the pursuit of illegal activities.
The coronavirus pandemic created new avenues of pursuit for cybercriminals. In "The Hidden Costs of Cybercrime," published in July 2020 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and security software company McAfee, monetary losses from cybercrime in 2020 are estimated to top $945 billion. In addition, the report estimated that organizations will spend $145 billion on cybersecurity services and technologies.
Rising cybersecurity threats keep the ethical hacker busy.
What is ethical hacking?
An ethical hacker needs deep technical expertise in infosec to recognize potential attack vectors that threaten business and operational data. People employed as ethical hackers typically demonstrate applied knowledge gained through recognized industry certifications or university computer science degree programs and through practical experience working with security systems.
Ethical hackers generally find security exposures in insecure system configurations, known and unknown hardware or software vulnerabilities, and operational weaknesses in process or technical countermeasures. Potential security threats of malicious hacking include distributed denial-of-service attacks in which multiple computer systems are compromised and redirected to attack a specific target, which can include any resource on the computing network.
An ethical hacker is given wide latitude by an organization to legitimately and repeatedly attempt to breach its computing infrastructure. This involves exploiting known attack vectors to test the resiliency of an organization's infosec posture.
Ethical hackers use many of the same methods and techniques to test IT security measures, as do their unethical counterparts, or black hat hackers. However, rather than taking advantage of vulnerabilities for personal gain, ethical hackers document threat intelligence to help organizations remediate network security through stronger infosec policies, procedures and technologies.
Any organization that has a network connected to the internet or that provides an online service should consider subjecting its operating environment to penetration testing (pen testing) conducted by ethical hackers.
What do ethical hackers do?
Ethical hackers can help organizations in a number of ways, including the following:
Finding vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers help companies determine which of their IT security measures are effective, which need updating and which contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited. When ethical hackers finish evaluating an organization's systems, they report back to company leaders about those vulnerable areas, which may include a lack of sufficient password encryption, insecure applications or exposed systems running unpatched software. Organizations can use the data from these tests to make informed decisions about where and how to improve their security posture to prevent cyber attacks.
Demonstrating methods used by cybercriminals. These demonstrations show executives the hacking techniques that malicious actors could use to attack their systems and wreak havoc on their businesses. Companies that have in-depth knowledge of the methods the attackers use to break into their systems are better able to prevent those incursions.
Helping to prepare for a cyber attack. Cyber attacks can cripple or destroy a business -- especially a smaller business -- but most companies are still unprepared for cyber attacks. Ethical hackers understand how threat actors operate, and they know how these bad actors will use new information and techniques to attack systems. Security professionals who work with ethical hackers are better able to prepare for future attacks because they can better react to the constantly changing nature of online threats.
Ethical hacking vs. penetration testing
Pen testing and ethical hacking are often used as interchangeable terms, but there is some nuance that distinguishes the two roles. Many organizations will use both ethical hackers and pen testers to bolster IT security.
Ethical hackers routinely test IT systems looking for flaws and to stay abreast of ransomware or emerging computer viruses. Their work often entails pen tests as part of an overall IT security assessment.
Pen testers seeks to accomplish many of the same goals, but their work is often conducted on a defined schedule. Pen testing is also more narrowly focused on specific aspects of a network, rather than on ongoing overall security.
For example, the person performing the pen testing may have limited access only to the systems that are subject to testing and only for the duration of the testing.
Testing is essential to the role of the ethical hacker.
Ethical hacking techniques
Ethical hackers generally use the same hacking skills that malicious actors use to attack enterprises. They use a form of reverse-engineering to imagine scenarios that could compromise business and operational data. The varied techniques and tools are part of an overall vulnerability assessment the ethical hacker performs on a client's behalf.
Some of these hacking techniques include the following:
scanning ports to find vulnerabilities with port scanning tools, such as Nmap, Nessus,Wireshark and others, looking at a company's systems, identifying open ports, studying the vulnerabilities of each port and recommending remedial action;
scrutinizing patch installation processes to be sure that the updated software doesn't introduce new vulnerabilities that can be exploited;
performing network traffic analysis and sniffing by using appropriate tools;
attempting to evade intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, honeypots and firewalls; and
testing methods to detect Structured Query Language injection to ensure malicious hackers can't introduce security exploits that expose sensitive information contained in SQL-based relational databases.
Ethical hackers also rely on social engineering techniques to manipulate end users and obtain information about an organization's computing environment. Like black hat hackers, ethical hackers rummage through postings on social media or GitHub, engage employees in phishing attacks through email or texting, or roam through premises with a clipboard to exploit vulnerabilities in physical security. However, there are social engineering techniques that ethical hackers should not use, such as making physical threats to employees or other types of attempts to extort access or information.
How to become an ethical hacker
There are no standard education criteria for an ethical hacker, so an organization can set its own requirements for that position. Those interested in pursuing a career as an ethical hacker should consider a bachelor's or master's degree in infosec, computer science or even mathematics as a strong foundation.
Individuals not planning to attend college can consider pursing an infosec career in the military. Many organizations consider a military background a plus for infosec hiring, and some organizations are required to hire individuals with security clearances.
Other technical subjects -- including programming, scripting, networking and hardware engineering -- can help those pursuing a career as ethical hackers by offering a fundamental understanding of the underlying technologies that form the systems they will be working on. Other pertinent technical skills include system administration and software development.
Certified ethical hackers
There are a number of ethical hacking certifications and related IT security certifications that help ethical hackers demonstrate their subject matter expertise. Industry certifications include the following:
Three programs by CompTIA. Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) and PenTest+. CySA+ teaches students to apply behavioral analytics to improve network security. The CASP+ certification "validates advanced-level competency" in risk management and issues related to enterprise security operations and architecture. The PenTest+ certification is geared to IT professionals engaged in pen testing and assessing vulnerabilities.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).This is a vendor-neutral certification from the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), one of the leading certification bodies. This security certification, which validates how much an individual knows about network security, is best suited for a pen tester role. The certification covers more than 270 attacks technologies. Prerequisites for this certification include attending official training offered by EC-Council or its affiliates and having at least two years of infosec-related experience. The CEH Master certification encompasses two dozen hacking competitions and other challenges, with a focus on security for cloud computing and application containers.
Certified Information Systems Auditor(CISA). This certification is offered by ISACA, a nonprofit, independent association that advocates for professionals involved in infosec, assurance, risk management and governance. The exam certifies the knowledge and skills of security professionals. To qualify for this certification, candidates must have five years of professional work experience related to information systems auditing, control or security.
Certified Information Security Manager(CISM). CISM is an advanced certification offered by ISACA that provides validation for individuals who have demonstrated the in-depth knowledge and experience required to develop and manage an enterprise infosec program. The certification is aimed at infosec managers, aspiring managers or IT consultants who support infosec program management. As with the CISA certification, five years of related work experience is a prerequisite.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC). This certification created and administered by the Global Information Assurance Certification organization is geared toward security professionals who want to demonstrate they are qualified for IT systems hands-on roles with respect to security tasks. Candidates are required to demonstrate they understand infosec beyond simple terminology and concepts.
Microsoft Technology Associate Security Fundamentals. Microsoft offered this exam as a starting point for the more comprehensive Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. As of June 2021, however, Microsoft said those exams will be discontinued in favor of its new role-based exams.
Careers for ethical hackers
In addition to industry certifications, many U.S. universities and colleges offer curricula for learning the basics of becoming an ethical hacker. As a job description, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lumps ethical hacking into the broader category of infosec analyst.
According to BLS statistics, 131,000 people work in infosec analysis. The annual median salary is $103,590, or $49.80 per hour. BLS predicted 41,000 new infosec analyst jobs will be created by 2029, a growth rate of 31% that is much faster than the overall U.S. average.
Different types of hackers
Hacking is not always clear-cut. A gray hat hacker may expose a security exploit and publicize the findings but may not alert the system owner to take action. Gray hat hackers can provide valuable assessments of security vulnerabilities, although some also may trade this information for personal gain.
Green hat hackers are generally aspiring hackers who lack the technical acumen but display aptitude and interest in learning how to successfully hack computer machinery. Green hat hackers may include people involved in hacktivism and cyber espionage.
Blue hat hackers comprise two different types of hackers. The first type is a person skilled enough with malware to compromise computer systems, usually as a form of retaliation for perceived or real slights. Learning the trade is not a priority for this type of individual. The second type refers to someone asked to participate in Microsoft's invitation-only BlueHat security conference. Microsoft used ethical hackers to execute beta testing on unreleased products, looking for deficiencies in infosec in early software versions.
Red hat hackers are ethical hackers who specialize in cracking Linux-based systems. But, rather than turning black hats over to authorities, red hats execute a form of reverse-hacking measures to cripple the compute resources of a black hat.
TechTarget is responding to readers' concerns as well as profound cultural changes. In some cases, we are defaulting to industry standards that may be seen as linguistically biased in instances where we have not found a replacement term. However, we are actively seeking out and giving preference to terms that properly convey meaning and intent without the potential to perpetuate negative stereotypes.
This was last updated in May 2021
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What Is Ethical Hacking?
What Is Ethical Hacking?
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What Is Ethical Hacking?
10/05/2021
By Codecademy Team
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When the term “hacker” was created, it described the engineers who developed code for mainframe computers. Now, it means a skilled programmer who attempts to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks by taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the system. Hackers write scripts to penetrate systems, crack passwords, and steal data.
Even though hacking has become a term that most often describes malicious and unethical activities, it doesn’t have to be. A hacker can still use these skills for good.
Ahead, we’ll take a look at ethical hacking and show you how you can start your journey to becoming an Ethical Hacker. And if you want more details, check out our free Introduction to Ethical Hacking course. You’ll learn more about the differences between ethical and unethical hacking, the tools and strategies Ethical Hackers use to find and address security vulnerabilities, and how to decide if the field is right for you.
What do Ethical Hackers do?
Ethical hacking is also known as white hat hacking or penetration testing. It can be an exciting career because Ethical Hackers spend their workday learning how computer systems work, discovering their vulnerabilities, and breaking into them with no fear of being arrested.
Unlike malicious hackers, who are typically motivated by financial gain, Ethical Hackers aim to help companies (and society as a whole) keep their data safe. Companies hire Ethical Hackers to find the vulnerabilities in their systems and update the flawed software so no one else can use the same technique to break in again.
As an Ethical Hacker, you’ll either be able to break into a system and then fix it or try to break into a system and not be able to. Either result is a win for the Ethical Hacker and the company because the company’s network is secure in the end.
Find vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities are flaws or bugs in software that can be taken advantage of to gain unauthorized access to a network or computer system. Common vulnerabilities include:
Outdated software
Misconfigured systems
A lack of data encryption
Some vulnerabilities are easy to test for because the bugs have already been documented. In these cases, all the Penetration Tester has to do is scan the system to see if the bug exists on the system and update the software with a patch to remove the flaw.
Other vulnerabilities may still be unknown, and the Penetration Tester will use scripts and other tools to push the system to the limit and see if any bugs shake loose.
Demonstrate methods used by hackers
Ethical Hackers can also take on the role of a teacher. Many companies know little about cybersecurity threats and how their actions can either prevent a threat or help the hacker steal data.
Ethical Hackers hold classes on cybersecurity and warn team members of new threats as they’re discovered. Education is especially effective against phishing and other social engineering-type cyber attacks that require the target of the attack to take action to make it possible.
When people are aware of a potential threat, there’s a greater chance it can be stopped before it infects a system.
Help prevent cyber attacks
Ethical Hackers also work with other security team members to create a more secure infrastructure.
Ethical Hackers know what kind of threats are out there and can help the team choose the tools and security policies that can prevent threats they may not even know about yet. They can also help set up systems for backup and recovery, which can be used in a worst-case scenario.
What are the key principles of ethical hacking?
The line between black hat (or malicious) hacking and white hat (or ethical) hacking can seem blurry. After all, there’s also gray hat hacking, which sits between the two.
As an Ethical Hacker, here are some principles you should follow:
Obey the law: Hacking is only ethical if you have permission to perform a security assessment of the system you’re hacking.
Know the scope of the project: Stay within the boundaries of the agreement you have with the company. Know exactly what you’re supposed to test and only test those systems.
Report all vulnerabilities: Report any vulnerabilities you find and suggest ways to fix them.
Respect any sensitive data: A Penetration Tester will often test systems that hold sensitive data and will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
What kind of jobs can an Ethical Hacker get?
Companies of all sizes and industries are concerned about their network security. As long as security breaches still happen and companies still have sensitive data, Ethical Hackers will be in demand, so the job market looks good for them well into the future.
Some larger enterprises have Ethical Hackers on staff who run security tests and penetration tests all day long. In other companies, ethical hacking may only be part of the job while you spend most of your time configuring networks and setting up new systems.
An Ethical Hacker can have many titles. Here are a few of them:
Penetration Tester
Security Analyst
Ethical Hacker
Certified Ethical Hacker
Security Consultant
Security Engineer
Security Architect
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Manager
How to become an Ethical Hacker
Most Ethical Hackers, Penetration Testers, and white hat hackers get into ethical hacking because they’re curious about how the internet and information security works. One thing an ethical hacker needs to know is cybersecurity.
Our Introduction to Cybersecurity course will teach you how to identify and protect yourself against common cybersecurity threats. Once you know what type of threats there are, you can use similar techniques to test the security of computer systems and networks. For ethical hacking, you’ll also want to be familiar with networks (wired and wireless) and operating systems (especially Windows and Linux.)
Once you’ve got the basics of cybersecurity down, check out our free Introduction to Ethical Hacking course to learn more about the tools and techniques you’ll use on the job. Then, look for opportunities to start building your experience.
Since an Ethical Hacker also deals with software vulnerabilities and may need to write scripts to help with the job, you’ll also need to learn a few programming languages. Our Learn Python 3 course will teach you a great language for writing penetration scripts and other tools to help you hack.
Other courses you might consider are Learn the Command Line and Learn Bash Scripting since many ethical hacking tools are run from the command line. Familiarity with vulnerability testing tools like Metasploit and OpenVAS is a plus. There are also certifications for ethical hacking, like CEH and OSCP.
But the most important requirement is still curiosity, so stay curious and good luck with your ethical hacking!
Cybersecurity Courses & Tutorials | Codecademy
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field that addresses the security risks of our increasingly connected digital world. Learn cybersecurity, and you will learn how users, companies, and even governments protect themselves and recover from, cyber threats and attacks. Start defending yourself, or your or…
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How to Become an Ethical Hacker? A Career Guide | Coursera
to Become an Ethical Hacker? A Career Guide | CourseraFor IndividualsFor BusinessesFor UniversitiesFor GovernmentsExploreOnline DegreesDegreesOnline DegreeExplore Bachelor’s & Master’s degreesMasterTrack™Earn credit towards a Master’s degreeUniversity CertificatesAdvance your career with graduate-level learningFind your New CareerBrowseTop CoursesLog InJoin for FreeListITNetworks and SecurityHow to Become an Ethical Hacker? A Career GuideHow to Become an Ethical Hacker? A Career GuideWritten by Coursera Staff • Updated on Mar 8, 2024Ethical hackers use their cybersecurity skills to counter cybercriminals and prevent cyberattacks. Learn more about what it takes to qualify for this role and if it’s a career path for you. To become an ethical hacker, you’ll need a combination of relevant education and experience. There are various ways to achieve that, but many employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. However, other alternatives exist, including military training and bootcamps.
In this technology-driven world, understanding cybersecurity is helpful in preventing costly cyberattacks on individuals, businesses, and governments. In this article, learn what it takes to become an ethical hacker, different job opportunities, and more.
Read more: Ethical Hacker Salary: What You'll Make and Why
What does an ethical hacker do?The primary goal for ethical hackers is to find, correct, and test an organization’s systems for any security issues. To be successful in this role, you’re expected to follow specific guidelines to hack legally; this includes receiving approval from the organization to imitate real-world cyberattacks. Some typical tasks and responsibilities for an ethical hacker include:
Executing system assessment to determine how someone may hack an organization’s system Using penetration-testing methods to showcase how hackers may launch a cyberattackReporting any security breaches that are discovered Ensuring that discoveries are confidential between the client or companyExamining an organization’s technology infrastructure, like its operating system and networks, for any weakness
Necessary skills for ethical hackers
To be an ethical hacker, you’ll need high ethical standards. This is what separates ethical hackers from people who illegally hack into systems. In this role, you'll be using many of the same skills as a criminal hacker and have access to sensitive data. Your character and ethics are essential. Other skills include a mix of technical and workplace skills, such as:
Strong knowledge of basic hardware and database managementCritical thinking and problem-solving skillsA good understanding of the phases of ethical hackingResearch skills to help you stay abreast of the latest threatsPerforming network traffic analysisScanning ports for vulnerabilitiesAnalyzing patch installation processesTrying to evade intrusion prevention and detection systemsProgramming skills, including essential languages like JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and PythonSocial engineering skills, which help you better understand how some attacks are started
Read more: What Is Ethical Hacking?
Salary and job outlook
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an ethical hacker in the US is $134,403 annually [1]. This figure includes an average base salary of $109,264 and $25,139 in additional pay. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses. Keep in mind that factors that influence your earning potential include geographic location, years of experience, the industry you work in, and the types of certifications you have.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that ethical hacking-related jobs, such as information security analysts, are in high demand. The field will grow by 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, a rate that's significantly faster than the average growth rate of 8 percent [2]. The growth rate represents about 16,800 new job openings annually over the decade.
Job opportunities for ethical hackers
In this ever-evolving digital world, you’ll quickly see that there’s opportunity for cybersecurity professionals in almost every industry.
As an ethical hacker, you might work in a private, public, or government organization as an employee or in a consulting role. You might find it as a standalone position, or it may be one facet of what you’ll do as part of another cybersecurity-related role. Some common roles may include:
Penetration tester: As a penetration tester, you’ll perform simulated cyberattacks on an organization’s network and computer systems to identify weak areas before cybercriminals can exploit them.
Information security analyst: In this role, you'll use ethical hacking to pinpoint weaknesses and vulnerabilities. You’ll also work in a broader capacity by performing compliance control testing, developing training programs, and implementing security practices.
Security engineer: As a security engineer, you'll not only perform ethical hacking but also plan and execute upgrades to the network, test new security features, and respond to security incidents.
4 steps to become an ethical hacker
Relevant education and experience help build a rewarding career while inspiring trust among potential employers. Although there’s no single path to become an ethical hacker, these are four steps to launch your career.
1. Develop a strong foundation and consider a degree.
Due to the sensitive nature of this position, you need to have a strong background in information technology. Many employers look for ethical hackers who hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related IT field. Typically a degree’s coursework is a good opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field, particularly if you find a program that includes lab time working with hacking tools as part of the curriculum. You are Currently on slide 1Read more: 4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career
Common courses
As an ethical hacker, your main objective is to look at the network or system’s security. You'll need sharp hacking skills and a thorough understanding of networks, firewalls, coding, operating systems, and more. Common areas of focus that can help you build those skills include:
Hacking and patching Programming languagesComputer engineeringPenetration testingTechnical writing and legal issues in technologyEthicsCyber incident responseBusiness managementInformation securityFundamentals of security analysis
Read more: Cybersecurity Terms: A to Z GlossaryWhat are the alternatives to getting a degree?Online learning platform Springboard notes that college degrees may sometimes struggle to keep up with the skills demand for cybersecurity professionals. A cybersecurity bootcamp certification may qualify you for entry-level work experience.
2. Gain relevant experience.
As you begin your job search, you may find that junior-level ethical hacking roles require years of experience. You can gain experience in related entry-level positions like IT technician, systems administrator, or junior penetration tester. Another way to gain experience on your resume would be to develop your own projects, enter competitions, and volunteer.
Once you have relevant experience, apply to ethical hacking roles you’re qualified for. As an ethical hacker, you'll be expected to test systems, networks, and programs for vulnerabilities and update and maintain security programs.
3. Stay updated on information security trends.Ethical hacking and cybersecurity are fast-paced, rapidly-evolving industries. Criminal hacking evolves just as quickly, which is why it's essential to stay on top of the latest and emerging threats. Once you’re working in the field, you’ll have to continue staying abreast of hackers’ techniques, cybersecurity threats, and other relevant issues.
Read more: 10 Common Types of Cyberattacks and How to Prevent Them
4. Obtain certification.
According to Indeed, certifications will help place you among the most sought-after tech professionals in the job market. It may also lead to new opportunities for high-ranking and paying jobs in private IT sectors and the government. Here are some certifications to consider:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is offered by the EC-Council and helps learners gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity techniques. You’ll need to renew it every three years and complete a minimum of 120 hours of continuing education.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is offered by OffSec and introduces penetration testing and white-hate hacking techniques and tools. You’ll gain knowledge about the latest hacking tools from industry professionals. This program is recommended for information security professionals.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is offered by ISC2 and is ideal for experienced cybersecurity professionals. Gaining this certification validates your cybersecurity skills to potential employers. This certification covers topics like asset security, security management, network security, and more. You’ll need five or more years of relevant work experience to qualify for this exam.
Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications What are the benefits of getting certified?
Obtaining a certification helps prove to potential employers that you've got the skills to think like criminal hackers and defend networks and systems against different cyberattacks. It may boost your resume, increase your earning potential, and give you professional recognition.
Read more: 4 Ethical Hacking Certifications to Boost Your Career
Private sector vs. government jobs
In both realms, you'll be working to prevent malicious hackers from accessing systems and networks, disrupting them, or stealing data and sensitive information. If you're working in the private sector, you'll have an active role in inspiring trust to a company’s stakeholders and customers by protecting company assets, like their data and other sensitive information.
If you're working for the government, your work may include protecting citizens' sensitive information and defending national security by safeguarding data and information.
Get startedTake the next step toward a career in cybersecurity by enrolling in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. This certificate is your gateway to exploring job titles like security analyst SOC (security operations center) analyst, and more. Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employees hiring for entry-level cybersecurity roles and other resources that will support you in your job search.
Article sources1. Glassdoor. “How much does an Ethical Hacker make?, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ethical-hacker-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm#:~:text=%24134K&text=The%20estimated%20total%20pay%20for,salaries%20collected%20from%20our%20users..” Accessed March 7, 2024.2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Information Security Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.” Accessed March 7, 2024.View all sourcesKeep readingUpdated on Mar 8, 2024Written by:CCoursera StaffEditorial TeamCoursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
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Introduction To Ethical Hacking | Codecademy
oduction To Ethical Hacking | CodecademySkip to ContentMini Arrow Down IconLoading menu barLoading menu barCourseIntroduction To Ethical HackingIn this course, you will learn what it means to be an Ethical Hacker, and practice tools and techniques used to hack ethically.4.44.43 out of 5 stars495 ratingsStart19,694 learners enrolledLevel IconSkill levelBeginnerClock IconTime to completeInfo Circle IconAverage based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary1 hourCertificate IconCertificate of completionIncluded with paid plansChecklist IconPrerequisitesNoneAbout this courseHacking is a neat skill to have. However, such a skill requires great responsibility. Learn about the responsibility an ethical hacker have in this introductory course to Ethical Hacking. In this course, you will get a peek into what it means to be an Ethical Hacker, practice hacking ethically, and learn the tools and techniques to be an efficient hacker.
Syllabus5 lessons • 1 projects • 4 quizzesExpand all sections1Let's Be EthicalLearners will learn about ethical hacking and practice the hacking process as an ethical hacker.
Arrow Chevron Down Icon2Getting Started With Ethical HackingGet started with ethical hacking by learning what it takes to become an ethical hacker.
Arrow Chevron Down Icon3Evading & ComputingLearners will learn about evading techniques and the future of computing.
Arrow Chevron Down Icon4Unethical HackingBecome familiar with unethical hacking thru a variety of cyber attacks.
Arrow Chevron Down Icon5Introduction To Ethical Hacking Next StepsYou’ve completed your Introduction to Ethical Hacking journey. Now, it’s time to explore what’s you next journey.
Arrow Chevron Down IconStartThe platformHands-on learningAI-Assisted LearningGet coding help quickly and when you need it to speed up your learning journey. Our AI features help you understand errors and solution code faster and get personalized feedback.Mobile IDEContinue your coursework when and where you work best. With our mobile-friendly IDE, you can code right in your browser from any device.Portfolio Project AssistanceGet unstuck while building projects with AI-generated hints and quick access to our community resources.Integrated Reference DocsWith integrated Docs, you can get an explanation of a particular term or concept without having to leave the learning environment.Jupyter NotebookWork with tools professional Data Scientists use daily now that Jupyter Notebook is built right into select data science courses.Explore featuresProjects in this courseProjectDecrypt Secret MessagesPractice decrypting intercepted data using the command line to thwart Evil Corp.Diagonal A DenseMeet the creator of the courseMini Arrow Right IconMeet the full teamChecker DenseJonathan CheryCurriculum Developer at Codecademy, specializing in cybersecurityJonathan Chery is a Curriculum Developer in the Cybersecurity domain at Codecademy. He has a Bachelor's in Computer Science from York College, City University of New York, and a Master's degree in Computer Science from Northeastern University.Mini Arrow Right IconMeet the full team Introduction To Ethical Hacking course ratings and reviews4.44.43 out of 5 stars495 ratings5 stars62%4 stars26%3 stars7%2 stars2%1 star2%Checker DenseThe progress I have made since starting to use codecademy is immense! I can study for short periods or long periods at my own convenience - mostly late in the evenings.ChrisCodecademy Learner
@ USAChecker DenseI felt like I learned months in a week. I love how Codecademy uses learning by practice and gives great challenges to help the learner to understand a new concept and subject.RodrigoCodecademy Learner
@ UKChecker DenseBrilliant learning experience. Very interactive. Literally a game changer if you're learning on your own.John-AndrewCodecademy Learner
@ USAOur learners work atGoogle LogoMeta LogoApple LogoEA LogoAmazon LogoIBM LogoMicrosoft LogoReddit LogoSpotify LogoUber LogoYouTube LogoInstagram LogoFrequently asked questions about Ethical HackingWhat is ethical hacking?Arrow Chevron Down IconEthical hacking (AKA penetration testing) involves trying to break into an organization’s networks and systems to evaluate its cyber defenses. Unlike the malicious hacking you hear about in the news, ethical hacking is entirely legal and plays a big role in cybersecurity.
What do Ethical Hackers do?Arrow Chevron Down IconWhat industries use ethical hacking?Arrow Chevron Down IconWhat else should I study if I am learning ethical hacking?Arrow Chevron Down IconAre Ethical Hackers in demand?Arrow Chevron Down IconJoin over 50 million learners and start Introduction To Ethical Hacking today!StartLooking for something else?Related resourcesArticleRed Team ToolsLet's explore offensive tools used by red teams.ArticleData and Personal Privacy & the Ethical and Social Implications of Computing SystemsLearn about how programs have both a positive and negative impact on personal privacy as well as social and ethical implications.
ArticleThe Evolution of CybersecurityIn this article, you'll explore the evolution of hacking and cybersecurity.Related courses and pathsFree courseIntroduction to CybersecurityLearn about the fast-growing field of cybersecurity and how to protect your data and information from digital attacks.Checker DenseLevel IconBeginner Friendly3 hoursSkill pathFundamentals of CybersecurityLearn the Cybersecurity fundamentals that will lay a foundation for securing your technology and personal life from dangerous cyber threats.Checker DenseIncludes 5 CoursesChecker DenseCertificate IconWith CertificateChecker DenseLevel IconBeginner Friendly3 hoursFree courseIntro to JavaGet started with Java by learning about the basics of a Java program and variables!Checker DenseLevel IconBeginner Friendly6 hoursBrowse more topicsCybersecurityMini Arrow Right Icon161,225 learners enrolledCode FoundationsMini Arrow Right Icon13,276,128 learners enrolledFor BusinessMini Arrow Right Icon9,789,959 learners enrolledComputer ScienceMini Arrow Right Icon7,503,471 learners enrolledWeb DevelopmentMini Arrow Right Icon6,919,575 learners enrolledData ScienceMini Arrow Right Icon5,832,410 learners enrolledPythonMini Arrow Right Icon4,569,880 learners enrolledCloud ComputingMini Arrow Right Icon4,135,635 learners enrolledData AnalyticsMini Arrow Right Icon3,940,073 learners enrolledView full catalogChecker DenseUnlock additional features with a paid planProjects IconPractice ProjectsGuided projects that help you solidify the skills and concepts you're learning.Quiz IconAssessmentsAuto-graded quizzes and immediate feedback help you reinforce your skills as you learn.Certificate IconCertificate of CompletionEarn a document to prove you've completed a course or path that you can share with your network.See pricing and plansCompanyAboutCareersAffiliatesTwitter IconFacebook IconInstagram IconYoutube IconResourcesArticlesBlogCheatsheetsCode challengesDocsProjectsVideosWorkspacesSupportHelp CenterResourcesArticlesBlogCheatsheetsCode challengesDocsProjectsVideosWorkspacesSupportHelp CenterPlansFor individualsFor studentsFor teamsDiscountsCommunityChaptersCode CrewDiscordEventsForumsLearner StoriesCodecademy from SkillsoftCodecademy from SkillsoftSubjectsAICloud ComputingCode FoundationsComputer ScienceCybersecurityData AnalyticsData ScienceData VisualizationDeveloper ToolsDevOpsGame DevelopmentITMachine LearningMathMobile DevelopmentWeb DesignWeb DevelopmentLanguagesBashCC++C#GoHTML & CSSJavaJavaScriptKotlinPHPPythonRRubySQLSwiftCareer buildingCareer pathsCareer centerInterview prepProfessional certificationCompare to bootcamps—Full CatalogBeta ContentRoadmapMobileMobilePrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDo Not Sell My Personal InformationTermsMade with ❤️in NYC © 2024 Codecad