CEH vs. CHFI Certification: What is Best for You?

If you're considering a career in cybersecurity, you may have come across the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certifications. Both certifications are popular choices for professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity, but they differ in focus and scope.

This blog will explore the CEH and CHFI certifications in more detail and help determine which is best for you.

What is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification?

The CEH certification is a widely recognized qualification demonstrating an individual's expertise in ethical hacking and penetration testing. Ethical hackers use their skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to help organizations protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

CEH certification validates a candidate's expertise to implement ethical hacking techniques by analyzing network infrastructure to find security faults that can lead to system hacking by malicious hackers. All these activities are carried out with the owner's permission, and these ethical hackers are also referred to as white-hat hackers. You can earn this credential if you work as a security officer, security professional, auditor, site administrator, or in any field related to network infrastructure. It will help you to land a high-paying job as an ethical hacker or security analyst. EC-Council conducts two exams for this certification, and you can apply for anyone or both depending on the kind of qualification you want to gain. Most of the jobs require only knowledge-based CEH certification.

To earn the CEH certification, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of a wide range of topics, including:

• Networking concepts and protocols
• Operating systems
• Security threats and vulnerabilities
• Ethical hacking techniques and methodologies
• Countermeasures and security controls

The CEH certification is ideal for penetration testing and ethical hacking professionals. It is a valuable credential for cybersecurity professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in identifying and mitigating computer systems and network vulnerabilities.

CEH Exam Details

Number of Questions: 125 Test Duration: 4 Hours Test Format: Multiple Choice Passing Score: 60% to 85%

Course Outline

• Module 01: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
• Module 02: Footprinting and Reconnaissance
• Module 03: Scanning Networks
• Module 04: Enumeration
• Module 05: Vulnerability Analysis
• Module 06: System Hacking
• Module 07: Malware Threats
• Module 08: Sniffing
• Module 09: Social Engineering
• Module 10: Denial-of-Service
• Module 11: Session Hijacking
• Module 12: Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
• Module 13: Hacking Web Servers
• Module 14: Hacking Web Applications
• Module 15: SQL Injection
• Module 16: Hacking Wireless Networks
• Module 17: Hacking Mobile Platforms
• Module 18: IoT and OT Hacking
• Module 19: Cloud Computing
• Module 20: Cryptography

Common Job Roles for CEH

• Mid-Level Information Security Auditor
• Cybersecurity Auditor
• Security Administrator
• IT Security Administrator
• Cyber Defense Analyst
• Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
• Warning Analyst
• Information Security Analyst 1
• Security Analyst L1
• Infosec Security Administrator
• Cybersecurity Analyst level 1, level 2, & level 3
• Network Security Engineer
• SOC Security Analyst
• Security Analyst
• Network Engineer
• Senior Security Consultant
• Information Security Manager
• Senior SOC Analyst
• Solution Architect
• Cybersecurity Consultant

What is the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification?

The CHFI certification is another popular choice for professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity. This certification focuses on computer forensics, which involves identifying, preserving, and analyzing electronic evidence. EC-Council CHFI certification validates candidates' ability to detect cyber-attacks, conduct audits to prevent similar attacks in the future, and extract evidence to support the preparation of cybercrime investigation reports. It equips you with the knowledge of computer forensics to report cyber hacking attacks in a court of law.

If you work as a law enforcement personnel, defense personnel, banking or insurance professional, e-business security professional, legal professional, or IT manager involved with information system security, earning this credential can prove highly beneficial. The program is updated per current work requirements and covers several major forensic investigation technologies. This online exam tests your skills in the following domains: forensics, regulation policies and ethics, digital evidence, procedures and methodology, digital forensics, and tools, systems, and programs.

To earn the CHFI certification, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of a range of topics, including:

• Digital evidence principles and concepts
• Computer forensic tools and techniques
• Network forensics
• Mobile device forensics
• Forensics of Windows, Linux, and Mac OS

The CHFI certification is ideal for professionals who want to specialize in computer forensics and the analysis of electronic evidence. It is a valuable credential for cybersecurity professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in this area.

CHFI Exam Details

Number of Questions: 150 Test Duration: 4 hours Test Format: Multiple Choice Passing Score: 60% to 85%

Course Outline

• Module 01: Computer Forensics in Today's World
• Module 02: Computer Forensics Investigation Process
• Module 03: Understanding Hard Disks and File Systems
• Module 04: Data Acquisition and Duplication
• Module 05: Defeating Anti-Forensics Techniques
• Module 06: Windows Forensics
• Module 07: Linux and Mac Forensics
• Module 08: Network Forensics
• Module 09: Investigating Web Attacks
• Module 10: Dark Web Forensics
• Module 11: Database Forensics
• Module 12: Cloud Forensics
• Module 13: Investigating Email Crimes
• Module 14: Malware Forensics
• Module 15: Mobile Forensics
• Module 16: IoT Forensics

Who should take the CHFI certification exam?

The CHFI program is designed for all IT professionals with information system security, computer forensics, and incident response.

• Police and other law enforcement personnel
• Defense and Security personnel
• e-Business Security professionals
• Legal professionals
• Banking, Insurance, and other professionals
• Government agencies
• IT managers
• Digital Forensics Service Providers

CEH vs. CHFI: Which certification is best for you?

When deciding between the CEH and CHFI certifications, the best choice will depend on your career goals and interests. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

If you're interested in penetration testing and ethical hacking, the CEH certification may be the best fit. This certification covers a wide range of topics related to ethical hacking. It will give you the skills and knowledge to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

If you're interested in computer forensics and the analysis of electronic evidence, the CHFI certification may be a better fit. This certification covers various topics related to computer forensics, including using tools and techniques to identify, preserve, and analyze digital evidence.

Consider both if you need help determining which certification is best for you. The CEH and CHFI certifications are highly respected in the cybersecurity field, and earning either can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.