There are several pathways you may take if you want to work in information technology (IT). One of the most common career paths is that of a cybersecurity specialist. In the subject of cybersecurity, the CEH vs Security+ tests are two of the most prominent certification examinations.
These are two of the most popular alternatives, but which is the best fit for you? IT Exams will discuss the important differences between these two certificates so that you can make an educated selection. We will begin by explaining what each certification covers before moving on to their different perks.
What is CEH Certification?
CEH, or Certified Ethical Hacker, is a higher-level certification granted by the EC-Council than CompTIA Security+. The CEH certification is acquired when you demonstrate the ability to study the security of IT systems in order to find faults and vulnerabilities in target systems while utilizing the same information and tools as a malevolent attacker but lawfully and legitimately. It focuses on newly discovered malware assaults, hacking tools, and attack pathways.
The credential validates a professional’s ethical hacking knowledge and skills. Companies engage CEH personnel to break into network and computer systems in order to find and fix security flaws.
CEH is a leader in making ethical hacking a worldwide standard. It covers the five steps of ethical hacking that ethical hackers nowadays require: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and clearing tracks. Because it exhibits sophisticated ethical hacking and penetration expert abilities, the CEH certification is highly valued. CEH can assist you in obtaining higher-paying jobs.
What is Security+ Certification?
CompTIA Security+ is frequently regarded as an entry-level certification. CompTIA, which delivers industry-leading vendor-neutral certifications, offers it. If you’re new to cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ certification is a terrific place to start. It is regarded as one of the best beginner-level certificates since it delivers the fundamental cybersecurity knowledge required to conduct IT security duties.
The CompTIA Security+ certification provides the fundamental knowledge required for any cybersecurity career and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced cybersecurity professions. The credential includes risk management and mitigation abilities, understanding, market trends, how to respond to and handle hazards, as well as a variety of audits and penetration testing skills.
The CompTIA Security+ exam focuses on a theoretical understanding of several aspects of cybersecurity, such as security system setup, production, implementation, and stability. With performance-based questions, it emphasizes the hands-on practical abilities used by cybersecurity experts.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is the first step toward becoming an information security expert capable of assisting organizations in combating and mitigating cybercrime. It provides individuals with the abilities necessary to acquire one of the several cybersecurity professions accessible. If you are an entry-level professional looking to hone your abilities before entering the realm of cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is the certification for you. Yet, adding additional abilities and job experience to your resume will result in higher-paying chances.
CEH vs Security+ Examination
Prerequisites
The CEH vs Security+ exams demands various levels of experience. The CEH is designed for seasoned ethical hackers. Footprinting and reconnaissance, social engineering, and denial of service assaults are all covered in the test. To meet the CEH certification requirements, candidates must have at least five years of experience in IT or security.
The CompTIA Security+ certification, on the other hand, is aimed at entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity workers. The test includes subjects such as network security, risk management, and incident response. There is no experience necessary for the Security+ exam, although applicants are advised to have at least two years of experience working in IT before taking the examination.
Exam Structure
To get EC-CEH Council’s certification, candidates must pass an exam available at Pearson VUE (in-person or remotely proctored) or EC-Council test centers. The test consists entirely of multiple-choice questions. The CEH test consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. The questions are presented in a random sequence, and the exam is rated on a scale of 0-1000 points. The CEH exam has a passing score range of 60-85%. The exam is computer-based, and you may save and return to questions you want to review later. Here are the contents covered in the CEH exam:
- Reconnaissance Techniques (21%)
- System Hacking Phases and Attack Techniques (17%)
- Web Application Hacking (16%)
- Network and Perimeter Hacking (14%)
- Mobile Platform, IoT, and OT Hacking (8%)
- Information Security and Ethical Hacking Overview (6%)
- Wireless Network Hacking (6%)
- Cloud Computing (6%)
Individuals must pass an exam covering the five domains of the Security+ certification to become certified. These are the domains:
- Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (24%)
- Architecture and Design (21%)
- Implementation (25%)
- Operations and Incident (16%)
- Governance, Risks, and Compliance (14%)
The Security+ exam format differs from the CEH exam in that it contains 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. To pass the exam, you must obtain a score of 750/900.
Exam Fee
You must purchase an exam voucher in order to take the certification exam. A voucher is a one-of-a-kind ticket that you may purchase from the CompTIA Store and use to take your exam at a Pearson VUE testing location. If you only require a voucher, the cost per exam is $370. If you do not pass an exam, you must purchase another voucher to retake it.
In terms of CEH, the current normal pricing for the test voucher is a whopping $1,199 if you take the CEH through Pearson Vue. You may also take it online through EC-Council (the organization that issues the CEH) for $950.
Remember that this excludes any training, courses, or study materials. If you do not complete the course, there is a $100 non-refundable application fee. Of course, EC-Council provides a CEH training program, and the charge is present $850, as previously stated, although this figure is subject to change. It does not take long for the cost of earning the CEH to skyrocket. We uncovered some price possibilities, but we also learned that there are many more depending on whether you purchased the training or everything in a package, where you live, and whether your company was purchasing for a larger group.
Exam Retake Policy
A candidate must not take a certain CEH certification test more than five times in a 12-month (1-year) period. Also, applicants may repeat the test after a 14-day waiting period from the date of their last attempt. If a candidate fails the exam on their second try, they must wait 60 days before attempting the exam again. Candidates must wait 120 days after their third try before taking the test again.
If you fail your first exam, you may retake it immediately. It should be emphasized, however, that you will have to pay the $370 cost again. If you fail the test a second time, you must wait 14 days before attempting it again.
Candidates should be aware that exam retakes are subject to extra costs, and it is strongly advised that they properly prepare and study for the exam before sitting for it. Applicants can utilize prior test results to discover areas of weakness and focus on areas that need to be improved. Candidates can also look for extra resources, such as CEH study materials, CEH practice exams, or training courses, to help them prepare for their second try.
CEH vs Security+ Renewal
The CEH certificate is valid for three years. In other words, you need to make a CEH renewal every three years to be current. You must either retake the CEH test or earn 120 continuing education credits to renew the certificate (CEUs). You also charge an annual membership fee regardless of how many certificates you have with them. The current annual membership fee is $80. Individuals with the CEH certificate are highly sought after by businesses because they possess the skills and knowledge required to protect systems and networks from harmful assaults.
Security+ certification, like CEH, may be renewed every three years by earning CEUs, obtaining other certifications, or completing a recertification test. You must finish 50 CEUs to automatically renew Security+. CEUs can be obtained in a variety of methods, and many industry-standard courses are already pre-approved. If you want to renew your Security+ certification with CEUs, you must pay a $50 fee each year for three years, for a total of $150. If you have more than one CompTIA certification, the top level’s renewal automatically renews the levels below it. If you have CompTIA CSA+ or CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) certifications, renewing one of these will automatically renew Security+.
CEH vs Security+ Career Prospects
The CompTIA Security+ certification demonstrates a fundamental mastery of cybersecurity ideas and abilities. People holding this qualification often work in entry-level or junior-level cybersecurity professions. The CEH certification, on the other hand, necessitates a higher degree of knowledge and expertise. Those with a CEH often work as senior-level or lead security analysts. So, what is the distinction between CEH and Security+ job roles?
The main distinction is the level of knowledge and experience required. CEH concentrates on a subset of hacking methods and tools. To be effective at their employment, individuals with this qualification must have a thorough grasp of how these technologies are employed.
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- IT Auditor
- Security Engineer
- Security Consultant
- Network Security Specialist
CompTIA Security+ covers a wide range of topics but does not necessitate in-depth expertise in any one area.
- Security Analyst
- Network Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Security Administrator
- Junior IT Auditor
- Security Consultant
- Security Engineer
CEH vs Security+ The Ultimate Comparison
The answers to a few fundamental questions are crucial in selecting the correct certification.
- First, choose the sort of certification you require. Are you looking for an entry-level certification or are you an experienced cybersecurity expert?
- Second, carefully examine your present talents, education, and certifications. Many certifications, particularly the more advanced credentials, require you to have specific abilities or experience before taking the certification test.
- Lastly, how much time and money are you willing to commit to training, experience, continuing education, and continuous maintenance? Lower-level credentials frequently include fewer requirements and tests that are less expensive than those for higher-level certifications.
You cannot go wrong with either of these credentials. Both of these certificates will assist you in your career as a cybersecurity professional. If you are completely new to the field of cybersecurity, consider getting the CompTIA Security+ certification. If you have past industry expertise, CEH certification is a fantastic choice. CEH focuses on increasing professional understanding of certain IT subjects such as penetration testing and ethical hacking. You can also choose both. When choosing between the two, it all comes down to where you want to go in your career. Make an informed decision!
Read more > > CEH vs Pentest+: Which Certification Should You Choose?
CEH vs Security+ Advantages
If you have not decided which certification is better for you, take a look at CEH vs Security+ benefits for more comprehension.
Why Choose CEH?
Process monitoring
One of the primary benefits of CEH is that it teaches you how to monitor processes and seek indicators of prospective threats. This is an important ability to have in today’s cybersecurity scene since attackers are constantly seeking new methods to exploit systems.
CEH also provides reporting capabilities to help you trace harmful behavior. These technologies can be quite useful in an organization’s fight against cybercrime. It covers a wide range of subjects, from network security to application security, making it an excellent alternative for anyone seeking a comprehensive education in cybersecurity.
System hacking process
The most unusual part of CEH is that it teaches you how to hack systems legally and ethically. Note that a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a competent individual who understands and knows how to hunt for flaws and vulnerabilities in target systems.
The CEH exam covers major system hacking subjects such as footprinting, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, viruses and worms, Trojans, backdoors, denial of service attacks, social engineering, session hijacking, web application assaults, SQL injection, buffer overflows, and so on.
Certified ethical hackers utilize their talents to prevent businesses from data breaches by finding vulnerabilities in networks and systems and offering countermeasures. They employ the same tactics as criminal hackers but do it in an ethical and legal manner.
Security and risk management
Data security is more crucial now than ever before. Companies of all sizes must take precautions to safeguard their data from hackers and other cyber dangers. The Certified Ethical Hacker program is intended to assist businesses in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats.
CEH certification demonstrates a thorough grasp of how to detect, exploit, and prevent vulnerabilities in computer systems. Network security, risk management, and ethical hacking principles are among the subjects covered in the curriculum.
CEH certification is generally accepted in the business and is frequently required for employment in cybersecurity positions. Getting your CEH certification might help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your dedication to data security.
Asset security
It is more crucial than ever in today’s digital world to have a solid grasp of asset security. This is where ethical hackers come in. In terms of CEH vs Security+, CEH certification holders have the skills and knowledge required to discover vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and mitigate such risks.
By pursuing CEH certification, you may demonstrate to employers that you are serious about safeguarding their assets and guaranteeing the security of their data. Furthermore, CEH certification might help you stand out in a competitive employment market. Obtaining CEH certification is a wise decision for anybody wishing to start or advance their career in asset security.
Security engineering
You receive security engineering with CEH, which helps you identify risks and create controls to reduce those risks. CEH provides a complete methodology for security professionals to use in identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats.
The certification also gives a recognized certificate that can aid in the advancement of the security engineering profession. For these reasons, CEH is an ideal alternative for people who want to work in this industry.
Why Choose Security+?
Network security
Any firm that depends on computers to store and process vital data should be concerned about network security. The purpose of network security is to safeguard data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Getting a Security+ certification will help you demonstrate your dedication to keeping your network safe.
While comparing CompTIA security+ vs CEH for their area of expertise, security+ is a globally recognized certification that signifies network security competency. While looking for jobs, earning your Security+ certification might help you stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, many organizations need Security+ certification as a prerequisite for employment.
Threats and vulnerabilities
While all of the Security+ exam domains are significant, threats and vulnerabilities are likely the most critical. Businesses must have a solid awareness of the numerous hazards that they may face in today’s increasingly linked environment.
Businesses can better defend themselves against attacks if they have a certified professional on staff who is up to date on the newest threats and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, qualified personnel may assist firms in implementing best practices for risk mitigation. Selecting Security+ as your certification of choice might assist you in developing the skills required to keep organizations secure.
Access control and security management
Any company that deals with sensitive information or precious assets must have stringent security procedures. Access control systems may be used to track and manage employee movements as well as ensure that only authorized people can enter a building or specified area.
Security management systems aid in the coordination and streamlining of security operations, making incident response and illegal access simpler. Using a Security+ certified vendor ensures that your organization’s access control and security management solutions satisfy the highest quality and performance criteria.
FAQs
Can I take both CEH and Security+ exams?
You can take both the CEH and the Security+ tests. Therefore, before obtaining several certificates, examine your job ambitions and skills.
Is CEH better than Security+?
It is determined by a variety of things, including your prior experience, ambitions, and preferences. CEH, on the other hand, covers a broader range of ethical hacking themes than Security+. Moreover, CEH is accepted by the US Department of Defense (DoD), whereas Security+ is not.
As a result, if you want to work in the government or defense industry, CEH may be a better fit. Thus, the easiest method to choose between CEH and Security+ certification is to explore both alternatives and choose which one best fits your needs and interests.
Is CEH a professional course?
The EC-Council focuses on cybersecurity certification and training and offers CEH as a professional-level course. CEH is intended to empower ethical hackers with the knowledge and abilities necessary to defend enterprises against cyberattacks. Candidates must pass an exam covering a variety of areas, including network security, web application security, and penetration testing, in order to become certified.
Is the CEH entry-level?
No, the CEH is not a beginner’s certification. Before taking the CEH test, the EC-Council recommended that applicants have at least two years of experience working in IT security. Candidates should also have a fundamental grasp of networking, hacking tactics, and tools.
If you are new to ethical hacking, the EC-Council does provide an entry-level course called Certified Ethical Hacker Bootcamp (CEHv9) that covers the same themes as the CEH test but in more depth.
Should I take security+ before CySA+?
There is no need that you to take these certificates in any particular order; however, Security+ will offer you a fundamental grasp of cybersecurity ideas, while CySA+ will expand on that foundation and teach you how to apply those concepts to real-world circumstances. As a result, if you are new to the subject of cybersecurity, it may be beneficial, to begin with Security+ before progressing to CySA+.
Conclusion
CEH vs Security+ are both well regarded in the field, and either would be an excellent choice for someone wishing to begin or further their career in cybersecurity. If you’re seeking an entry-level certification that will provide you with a solid foundation in basic security principles, CompTIA Security+ may be a better choice.
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