What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hackers are authorised to use hacking techniques to detect and fix security vulnerabilities in an organisation’s infrastructure. By using the same techniques that criminals use with malicious intent to exploit an organisations systems and networks, ethical hackers can help prevent infiltration from attackers and improve an organisation’s overall cybersecurity. In the industry, this is also known as 'Red Teaming'.
Becoming a CEH
Typically, you gain CEH status by undertaking a relevant training course. Many people complete formal education in computer science or cybersecurity before embarking on a CEH certification course. A sound understanding of programming languages is also essential.
Alternatively, our BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics course offers you the chance to obtain the certification through learning materials that are directly embedded into final year module, ‘Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking’. You’ll study things like information gathering, network scanning, port scanning, web application exploitation, and password attacks.
The course is also available as a four year ‘sandwich’ course where you could apply to spend a year on placement, working in industry. Placements are great opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience, and you can put your ethical hacking skills into practice in a real-world setting. Previous students have completed placements in the law enforcement sector as forensic investigators, and in the finance sector as information security analysts.
By gaining certification directly through your degree, you’ll save time and money as you won’t need to pay for and study a separate qualification.
Career opportunities with CEH status
Gaining your CEH certification brings many advantages to your career. Having CEH status clearly demonstrates your cybersecurity expertise to employers and will enable you to secure top jobs with higher salaries. As cyber threats continue to grow, working in cybersecurity roles as a CEH means increased job stability and continuous opportunities to develop your skills.
Beyond job security and a good salary, becoming a CEH is an intellectually stimulating and rewarding career path where you’ll continuously face new challenges while safeguarding digital assets responsibly and ethically.
Find out more
To learn more about becoming a CEH and getting into cybersecurity, check out our BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics course page or contact programme leader, David Grey.
Published: 23 July 2024