CEH v8: Learn the Latest Hacking Tools and Techniques with EC-Council
Everything you need to know about Certified Ethical Hacker CEH v8
If you are interested in cybersecurity and ethical hacking, you might have heard of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. It is one of the most popular and respected credentials in the industry, recognized by employers, clients, and peers alike. But what exactly is CEH v8, and why should you consider getting it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, covering everything you need to know about CEH v8, from its definition and benefits to its challenges and preparation tips.
Everything you need to know about Certified Ethical Hacker CEH v8
What is CEH v8?
CEH v8 is the latest version of the CEH certification program, launched by EC-Council in May 2013. It stands for Certified Ethical Hacker version 8, and it is designed to validate your skills and knowledge in ethical hacking and information systems security auditing.
Ethical hacking is the practice of using hacking tools and techniques to test the security of an organization's systems, networks, and applications, with the permission of the owner. It aims to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious hackers, and provide recommendations for improvement. Information systems security auditing is the process of evaluating the effectiveness of an organization's security policies, procedures, controls, and practices, based on industry standards and best practices.
CEH v8 covers 20 domains of security, including:
Introduction to ethical hacking
Footprinting and reconnaissance
Scanning networks
Enumeration
System hacking
Trojans and backdoors
Viruses and worms
Sniffers
Social engineering
Denial-of-service
Session hijacking
Hacking web servers
Hacking web applications
SQL injection
Hacking wireless networks
Hacking mobile platforms
Evading IDS, firewalls, and honeypots
Buffer overflow
Cryptography
Penetration testing
CEH v8 teaches you how to use over 3,500 hacking tools and techniques, such as:
Nmap: A network scanner that can discover hosts, services, operating systems, vulnerabilities, and more.
Metasploit: A penetration testing framework that can exploit vulnerabilities, generate payloads, create backdoors, run post-exploitation modules, etc.
Wireshark: A network analyzer that can capture and inspect network traffic, filter packets, decode protocols, etc.
Burp Suite: A web application testing tool that can intercept requests, modify parameters, perform spidering, fuzzing, scanning, etc.
SQLmap: A SQL injection tool that can detect and exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities, dump database contents, execute commands, etc.
Aircrack-ng: A wireless hacking tool that can crack encryption keys, perform packet injection, capture handshakes, etc.
John the Ripper: A password cracking tool that can crack hashed passwords, perform dictionary attacks, brute-force attacks, etc.
Hydra: A login cracker that can perform online password guessing attacks against various protocols and services.
Netcat: A networking utility that can create TCP/UDP connections, transfer data, execute commands, etc.
OllyDbg: A debugger that can analyze and modify executable files, set breakpoints, trace instructions, etc.
Why is CEH v8 important?
CEH v8 is important because it reflects the current state of the art in ethical hacking and information systems security auditing. It is based on extensive research and feedback from the cybersecurity community, and it covers the latest security threats, attack vectors, and hacking methodologies. It also aligns with the NICE framework (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education), which defines the roles and competencies of cybersecurity professionals.
By getting CEH v8 certification, you demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to perform ethical hacking and security auditing in a professional and ethical manner. You also show that you are committed to continuous learning and improvement, as CEH v8 requires you to renew your certification every three years by earning ECE (EC-Council Continuing Education) credits.
Who can benefit from CEH v8?
CEH v8 is suitable for anyone who wants to learn ethical hacking and security auditing, or enhance their existing skills and knowledge in these areas. It is especially beneficial for:
Cybersecurity professionals who want to advance their careers or switch to a different role.
Cybersecurity students who want to gain practical experience and a competitive edge in the job market.
Cybersecurity enthusiasts who want to pursue their passion and hobby in a structured and comprehensive way.
Some of the common job roles that require or prefer CEH v8 certification are:
Ethical hacker
Penetration tester
Security analyst
Security engineer
Security auditor
Security consultant
Security manager
How to become a Certified Ethical Hacker?
Eligibility criteria
To become a Certified Ethical Hacker, you need to meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
Attend an official CEH training course from an EC-Council accredited training center or partner, or an approved academic institution. This will give you access to the e-courseware, labs, exam voucher, and other resources. You can choose from different learning options, such as live online, self-paced online, or hybrid.
If you have at least two years of work experience in information security, you can apply for the exam without attending the training course. However, you need to pay a non-refundable eligibility application fee of $100 and submit a proof of your experience through the EC-Council Exam Eligibility Form. You also need to purchase your own exam voucher.
Exam format and content
The CEH v8 exam consists of two parts: a knowledge exam and a practical exam. You need to pass both parts to earn the certification.
The knowledge exam is a multiple-choice test that assesses your theoretical understanding of ethical hacking and security auditing. It has 125 questions and a time limit of four hours. The passing score is 70%. The exam is delivered online through the ECC Exam portal or offline at an EC-Council authorized testing center.
The practical exam is a hands-on test that evaluates your practical skills in ethical hacking and security auditing. It has 20 scenario-based questions and a time limit of six hours. The passing score is 70%. The exam is delivered online through the iLabs portal or offline at an EC-Council authorized testing center.
Training options and resources
If you decide to attend an official CEH training course, you will have access to various training options and resources, such as:
eCourseware: A digital learning material that covers all the topics of CEH v8 in detail. It includes slides, videos, notes, references, etc.
access over 3,500 hacking tools and techniques.
CyberQ: A cloud-based cyber range that simulates real-world cyberattacks and defenses. You can test your skills and knowledge in a realistic and dynamic environment.
CEH Engage: A real-world ethical hacking assignment that challenges you to hack a live organization with the permission of the owner. You can apply the five phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering your tracks.
Global CEH Challenges: Monthly online competitions that allow you to compete with other ethical hackers around the world. You can hack your way to the top of the leaderboard and earn recognition and rewards.
Exam Preparation: A set of resources that help you prepare for the CEH v8 exam, such as study guides, flashcards, cheat sheets, etc.
Ethical Hacking Video Library: A collection of videos that demonstrate various hacking tools and techniques in action.
If you decide to self-study for the CEH v8 exam, you will need to find your own training options and resources, such as books, online courses, blogs, podcasts, etc. However, you should make sure that they are updated and aligned with the CEH v8 curriculum and objectives.
What are the benefits of CEH v8 certification?
Career opportunities and salary
CEH v8 certification can open up many career opportunities and increase your salary potential in the cybersecurity field. According to various sources, such as PayScale, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc., the average salary for a Certified Ethical Hacker in the US ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 per year. However, this may vary depending on your location, experience, education, skills, industry, etc.
CEH v8 certification can also help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed by employers and recruiters who are looking for qualified and skilled ethical hackers and security auditors. It can also help you negotiate better terms and conditions for your employment or contract.
Recognition and credibility
CEH v8 certification can also boost your recognition and credibility in the cybersecurity community. It can show that you have achieved a high level of proficiency and professionalism in ethical hacking and security auditing. It can also show that you adhere to a code of ethics and follow the best practices of the industry.
CEH v8 certification is accredited by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), which means that it meets the rigorous standards of quality and excellence. It is also recognized by various organizations and agencies, such as DoD (Department of Defense), NSA (National Security Agency), CNSS (Committee on National Security Systems), etc.
Skills and knowledge
CEH v8 certification can also enhance your skills and knowledge in ethical hacking and security auditing. It can help you learn the latest hacking tools and techniques, as well as the most common security threats and vulnerabilities. It can also help you develop a hacker mindset and a security awareness that can help you protect yourself and your organization from cyberattacks.
CEH v8 certification can also help you improve your critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. These are essential skills for any cybersecurity professional who wants to succeed in this dynamic and challenging field.
What are the challenges of CEH v8 certification?
Ethical and legal issues
One of the challenges of CEH v8 certification is dealing with ethical and legal issues that may arise from ethical hacking and security auditing activities. You need to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern cybersecurity in different countries and regions. You also need to respect the privacy and confidentiality of your clients and targets. You should only perform ethical hacking and security auditing with proper authorization and consent. You should also report any findings or incidents to the appropriate authorities or parties.
You should also follow the EC-Council Code of Ethics, which outlines the principles and values that guide your conduct as a Certified Ethical Hacker. Some of these principles are:
To protect society, infrastructure, information systems from malicious attacks
To act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, legally
To advance cybersecurity knowledge through research or education
To avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise integrity
To respect intellectual property rights or ownership
To cooperate with law enforcement or other authorized entities
Keeping up with the latest trends and threats
Another challenge of CEH v8 certification is keeping up with the latest trends and threats in the cybersecurity landscape. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced and ever-changing field, where new technologies, tools, techniques, vulnerabilities, and attacks emerge every day. You need to stay updated and informed about the current and emerging security issues and challenges. You also need to constantly learn and practice new skills and knowledge to maintain your competence and relevance.
To overcome this challenge, you need to adopt a lifelong learning attitude and habit. You need to read books, blogs, articles, newsletters, reports, etc. that cover the latest developments and insights in cybersecurity. You also need to watch videos, podcasts, webinars, etc. that demonstrate or explain various hacking tools and techniques. You also need to participate in online forums, communities, groups, etc. that discuss or share cybersecurity topics and resources. You also need to attend conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. that offer networking and learning opportunities with other cybersecurity professionals.
Balancing offensive and defensive skills
A third challenge of CEH v8 certification is balancing offensive and defensive skills in ethical hacking and security auditing. Offensive skills are the skills that enable you to attack or exploit a system, network, or application. Defensive skills are the skills that enable you to protect or secure a system, network, or application. Both skills are important and complementary for a successful ethical hacker and security auditor.
To overcome this challenge, you need to master both offensive and defensive skills in ethical hacking and security auditing. You need to learn how to use hacking tools and techniques not only to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses, but also to fix them and prevent them from being exploited. You also need to learn how to use security tools and techniques not only to defend against attacks, but also to detect them and respond to them. You also need to learn how to balance the trade-offs between security and usability, performance, functionality, etc.
How to prepare for the CEH v8 exam?
Study tips and best practices
To prepare for the CEH v8 exam, you need to follow some study tips and best practices, such as:
Plan your study schedule ahead of time. Allocate enough time for each domain of CEH v8, as well as for revision and practice.
Use multiple sources of information. Don't rely on one book or course alone. Use different materials that cover the same topics from different perspectives or levels of detail.
Focus on understanding rather than memorizing. Don't just memorize facts or terms without understanding their meaning or context. Try to explain the concepts or processes in your own words or examples.
Apply what you learn. Don't just read or watch passively. Try to use the hacking tools and techniques that you learn on your own lab environment or on online platforms that allow ethical hacking practice.
Review what you learn regularly. Don't just study once and forget about it. Review the topics that you have learned periodically to reinforce your memory and retention.
Seek feedback and guidance. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek help from your instructors, peers, mentors, or experts in the field. They can provide you with valuable insights, tips, advice, or resources.
Practice tests and labs
To prepare for the CEH v8 exam, you also need to take practice tests and labs that simulate the real exam conditions and scenarios. Practice tests and labs can help you:
Gauge your level of preparedness and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Familiarize yourself with the exam format, content, difficulty, and time limit.
Test your knowledge and skills in a realistic and dynamic environment.
Improve your speed, accuracy, confidence, and stamina.
Learn from your mistakes and improve your performance.
Some of the sources of practice tests and labs for CEH v8 are:
ECC Exam portal: The official online portal where you can take the CEH v8 knowledge exam. It also offers a free trial test that gives you 50 questions in 2 hours.
iLabs portal: The official online portal where you can take the CEH v8 practical exam. It also offers access to over 220 hands-on labs with real-world scenarios and challenges.
and defenses. You can test your skills and knowledge in a realistic and dynamic environment.
CEH Engage: The official online platform where you can conduct a real-world ethical hacking assignment that challenges you to hack a live organization with the permission of the owner.
Global CEH Challenges: The official online platform where you can participate in monthly online competitions that allow you to compete with other ethical hackers around the world.
Exam Preparation: The official set of resources that help you prepare for the CEH v8 exam, such as study guides, flashcards, cheat sheets, etc.
Ethical Hacking Video Library: The official collection of videos that demonstrate various hacking tools and techniques in action.
Other online platforms or books that offer practice tests and labs for CEH v8, such as Udemy, Skillset, Boson, etc.
Exam day tips and tricks
To prepare for the CEH v8 exam, you also need to follow some exam day tips and tricks, such as:
Check your system and internet connection before the exam. Make sure that they meet the technical requirements and that they work properly.
Have your identification and exam voucher ready. You will need to provide them to the proctor or the testing center before taking the exam.
Read the instructions and questions carefully. Make sure that you understand what is being asked and what is expected from you.
Manage your time wisely. Allocate enough time for each question and don't spend too much time on one question. You can skip or mark questions that you are unsure of and come back to them later.
Use elimination and educated guessing strategies. If you don't know the answer to a question, try to eliminate the wrong or unlikely options and choose the best or most likely option.
Check your answers before submitting. Review your answers and make sure that they are correct and complete. Don't change your answers unless you are sure that they are wrong.
Stay calm and confident. Don't panic or stress out during the exam. Trust your preparation and skills and do your best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CEH v8 is a comprehensive ethical hacking and information systems security auditing certification program that covers the latest security threats, attack vectors, and hacking methodologies. It is suitable for anyone who wants to learn ethical hacking and security auditing, or enhance their existing skills and knowledge in these areas. It can also open up many career opportunities and increase your salary potential in the cybersecurity field.
To become a Certified Ethical Hacker, you need to meet one of the eligibility criteria, either by attending an official CEH training course or by having at least two years of work experience in information security. You also need to pass both the knowledge exam and the practical exam, which test your theoretical understanding and practical skills in ethical hacking and security auditing.
To prepare for the CEH v8 exam, you need to follow some study tips and best practices, such as planning your study schedule, using multiple sources of information, focusing on understanding