Guide on How to Clear CEH Exam

Cybercrime is a constant enemy of the digital frontier. As previously reported this year, it is becoming more common and complex, resulting in billions of dollars in losses every year.

Equipped with the same technical skills and cunning as their black-hat counterparts, they form the vanguard of our defence. Just like any hero, they require rigorous training before diving into the digital battlefield. If you are looking to go deep in this field, a certification becomes very much necessary

What does the CEH Exam Entail?

Before studying for the exam, we should know what we are up against. So having a clear understanding of the exam would be our first step before starting.

1. Ethical Hacking Fundamentals:
   This comprises being aware of the legal and regulatory aspects of ethical hacking in addition to its guiding principles and techniques.
2. Footprinting and Reconnaissance:
   Methods like search engine voyeurism, social engineering, and network scanning that are used to obtain information about a target system or network.
3. Scanning Networks:
   Techniques, such as port and vulnerability scanning, for identifying hosts, services, and weaknesses on a network.
4. Enumeration:
   Methods for compiling data about shares, users, groups, and other network resources.
5. Vulnerability Analysis:
   Finding and evaluating weaknesses in networks and systems, including frequent weaknesses and exploits.
6. System Hacking:
   Unauthorised access methods to systems, including backdoors, privilege escalation, and password cracking.
7. Malware Threats:
   Knowing the various kinds of malware and their traits, along with how to find and remove malware.
8. Sniffing:
   intercepting and examining network traffic to obtain private data, including passwords and usernames.
9. Social Engineering:
   Tricking someone into disclosing private information or taking activities that put security at risk.
10. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks:
    Methods for interfering with or stopping network services to prevent systems from operating normally.
11. Session Hijacking:
    Taking over a user's session to enter a system or application without authorization.
12. Web Server Hacking:
    Taking advantage of holes in web servers and web apps to obtain sensitive data or obtain unauthorized access.
13. WiFi Network Security:
    Preserving wireless networks and locating weaknesses in wireless implementations and protocols.
14. Cryptography:
    Being familiar with the fundamental ideas and methods of cryptography, including hashing, digital signatures, and encryption.

The CEH exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a good understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical skills. Candidates are often required to demonstrate their knowledge through hands-on exercises and simulations as well.

Before Preparation: Eligibility

To be eligible to take the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) exam, candidates typically need to meet certain prerequisites set by the EC Council. Before appearing for the exam you need to have met some criteria such as:

1. Training Requirement:
   Candidates must attend official EC-Council training through accredited training centers, EC-Council's online learning platform, or an approved academic institution. The length of the training program may vary, but completing the training is a requirement for certification.
2. Work Experience:
   While not mandatory, it's recommended that candidates have at least two years of professional experience in the information security domain. This experience can be in areas such as IT security, network administration, or related fields.
3. Background Check:
   EC-Council may conduct a background check on candidates to ensure they have no criminal background or involvement in unethical hacking activities.
4. Application Process:
   Candidates must complete the CEH exam application process, which typically involves providing personal information, educational background, and proof of completion of the required training.
5. Ethics Agreement:
   Candidates are required to agree to the EC-Council Code of Ethics, which outlines ethical guidelines and responsibilities for certified professionals.

Getting Your Start: Research

When it comes to studying for the CEH exam, you must conduct thorough research, and there's no better way to get your study started than by seeking assistance directly from the source. There are a tonne of helpful resources available on the EC-Council website, including exam breakdowns, background reading on CEH certification, and CEH FAQs. Examine them initially, and then explore further.

Get A Study Guide

First, learn the objectives of the exam as stated by the EC-Council. You will then have a clear idea of the subjects you need to study. The official CEH study guides and the EC-Council website both list the exam objectives.

• Consider enrolling in official CEH training provided by the EC-Council or accredited training centres. This training covers the key concepts and skills required for the exam and provides hands-on experience with ethical hacking tools and techniques.
• Obtain the official CEH study guide published by the EC-Council. This guide covers all the topics included in the exam and provides in-depth explanations, examples, and practice questions to help you prepare.
• Practice is essential for mastering the skills required for the CEH exam. Set up your own lab environment or use online platforms that offer virtual labs where you can practice hacking techniques in a safe and controlled environment.
• Familiarize yourself with commonly used hacking tools, documentation, and resources. This includes tools for scanning networks, exploiting vulnerabilities, conducting social engineering attacks, and analyzing malware.

But no matter which guide you choose, make sure you don’t ignore this step!

Join a Forum

Forums provide a platform for connecting with people who share similar interests and goals. By joining a forum focused on CEH or cybersecurity, you can interact with other individuals who are preparing for the exam, share resources, and learn from each other's experiences. That's not just it, many forums have dedicated sections where members share study materials, practice exams, and other resources to aid in exam preparation. By joining a forum, you gain access to a wealth of valuable resources that can supplement your study efforts and enhance your understanding of CEH concepts.

Some of the Forum's:

• TechExams CEH Forum:
  TechExams has a dedicated forum section for CEH discussions where you can ask questions, share resources, and connect with other CEH aspirants and professionals. You can visit the forum here: TechExams CEH Forum

• Reddit - r/CEH:
  The CEH subreddit on Reddit is another active community where you can find discussions, study tips, and resources related to the CEH exam. You can join the community here: CEH

Create a Study Checklist

Feel free to customize this checklist based on your study preferences and priorities.

Section I: Background (5 questions)

1. Understand the principles and methodologies of ethical hacking.
2. Familiarize yourself with legal and regulatory considerations.
3. Study the basics of networking and computer systems.
4. Review fundamental concepts of cybersecurity.
5. Learn about different types of attacks and vulnerabilities.

Section II: Analysis/Assessment (16 questions)

1. Study techniques for footprinting and reconnaissance.
2. Learn methods for scanning networks and identifying hosts and services.
3. Understand the enumeration process and its importance in reconnaissance.
4. Review vulnerability analysis techniques, including vulnerability scanning and assessment.
5. Practice identifying and exploiting common vulnerabilities in systems and networks.

Section III: Security (31 questions)

1. Understand the importance of security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
2. Learn about access control mechanisms and techniques.
3. Study encryption algorithms and cryptographic techniques.
4. Review security best practices for securing networks, systems, and applications.
5. Familiarize yourself with incident response procedures and protocols.

Section IV: Tools, Systems, and Programs (40 questions)

1. Familiarize yourself with commonly used hacking tools and programs.
2. Practice using tools for reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, and exploitation.
3. Learn about network and vulnerability scanning tools such as Nmap and Nessus.
4. Study password-cracking tools and techniques.
5. Understand how to use forensics tools for analyzing and investigating security incidents.

Section V: Procedures and Methodology (25 questions)

1. Learn about the CEH methodology for ethical hacking.
2. Understand the steps involved in conducting a security assessment or penetration test.
3. Review methodologies for identifying, exploiting, and remediating vulnerabilities.
4. Study social engineering techniques and how to mitigate social engineering attacks.
5. Practice creating and executing test plans and reports.

Section VI: Regulation and Policy (5 questions)

1. Understand relevant laws, regulations, and compliance standards related to cybersecurity.
2. Familiarize yourself with industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements.
3. Study the legal and ethical implications of ethical hacking activities.
4. Review privacy laws and regulations regarding the handling of sensitive information.
5. Learn about the role of regulatory bodies and government agencies in cybersecurity governance.

Section VII: Ethics (3 questions)

1. Understand the ethical responsibilities of ethical hackers.
2. Familiarize yourself with the EC-Council Code of Ethics.
3. Study ethical decision-making frameworks and principles.
4. Review case studies and scenarios involving ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity.
5. Practice applying ethical principles to real-world ethical hacking scenarios.

Practice Makes Perfect

Try taking a practice exam or two if you want to prevent unpleasant surprises on the CEH exam. The EC-Council website has several of them, and they are easily found online. Keep in mind that you should not attempt this specific step until you have completed extensive research and preparedness work, covering any knowledge gaps. Regular practice allows you to refine and strengthen your skills in ethical hacking techniques, tool usage, and problem-solving. The more you practice, the more proficient you become in identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting them, and securing systems. Ethical hacking requires critical thinking and adaptability to solve complex problems and navigate changing environments. Regular practice hones these skills, allowing you to approach challenges with creativity and flexibility.

For exams like the CEH, hands-on practice is crucial for success. Regular practice with practice exams, labs, and simulated environments prepares you for the exam format and helps you perform better on exam day. Overall, regular practice is essential for mastering ethical hacking skills, staying sharp, and achieving excellence in the field of cybersecurity