The Truth About Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Its Controversies
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a widely recognized cybersecurity certification that many professionals aspire to obtain. However, the reality behind this certification is far from what the marketing materials might lead you to believe. In this article, we will delve into the controversies surrounding CEH certification and the issues with the issuing entity, EC-Council.
Myth vs. Reality: The CEH Certification
MYTH: The CEH certification is a comprehensive and valuable resource for cyber professionals, encompassing a deep understanding of ethical hacking methodologies and practical skills in using advanced hacking tools.
REALITY: The CEH certification, while marketed with such grandiose claims, often falls far short of these expectations. Many critics argue that the course offered by EC-Council is heavily lacking in substance, focusing more on superficial information and tools rather than the complex understanding required for ethical hacking.
Controversies and Deception
The EC-Council has been accused of deceiving potential candidates about the rigorous nature of the certification process and the qualifications of the trainers. According to some reports, the certification materials are generic and do not provide the in-depth knowledge required to become a genuine ethical hacker.
For instance, unqualified individuals or those with minimal experience can easily gain certification through a superficial course. This raises serious questions about the value and validity of the CEH certification in the eyes of employers and the broader cybersecurity community.
EC-Council's Management and Staff Issues
Another controversial aspect of EC-Council's operations is the management and staff pages on their website. During certain periods, these pages were removed, which led to the suspicion that the entity was trying to hide certain questionable practices from the public.
Additionally, the EC-Council has faced scrutiny for maintaining a bug bounty program that does not reward reported vulnerabilities with the necessary transparency or recognition. The program, which provides credits towards certificates for bug reports, falls short of establishing a true culture of responsible disclosure. This lack of transparency and recognition further erodes the credibility of the organization.
Problems with the Certification Process
The certification process itself has not escaped criticism. In 2019, EC-Council faced a major data breach that exposed the vulnerability of their certification system. For a period of 8 months, the exploit kit, which delivered malicious EXE files to visitors, compromised the security of the iClass classes and the certificate portion. Unfortunately, during this time, no one identified the malicious behavior, despite the incentivization through a bug bounty program. While the bug bounty program was intended to reward those who reported issues, it did not lead to the expected outcomes, as the reports did not result in any public recognition or disclosure.
Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Reliability
The CEH certification, while still valuable for entry-level positions in cybersecurity, may not be the gold standard or the in-depth and rigorous training that advanced professionals require. For those seeking to truly master ethical hacking, additional certifications and practical experience might be more beneficial. Organizations and candidates alike should approach the CEH certification with a critical eye, recognizing its limitations and the inherent controversies surrounding it.
Transparency and reliability are crucial for any certification program, and until these issues are addressed, the CEH certification may not meet the needs of those seeking in-depth cybersecurity training.