Best Ethical Hacking Certification In 2021: Top Pro Courses

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Hacking isn't necessarily about just having an in-depth knowledge of code: It's about enjoying a challenge and problem-solving. 

While understanding the bare bones of computing and networking before working your way up are critical components of having a successful career in cybersecurity, the work opportunities vary based on your interests and the path you wish to pursue. 

One path you can pursue is that of ethical hacking: Learning how to think like an attacker in order to find and remediate vulnerabilities before threat actors are able to exploit gaps in enterprise systems for illicit financial gain, cyberespionage, or to cause damage. 

One aspect of these courses is that they focus more on offense rather than defense, and topics covered often include penetration testings, malware analysis, exploit creation, and a study of today's modern hacking tools. 

Below, ZDNet has compiled a list of recommended courses to explore in the ethical hacking field.

EC-Council CEH

Globally recognized

The first recommendation, and perhaps the most well-known option today, is the EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualification. 

CEHv11 teaches students about today's modern hacking techniques, exploits, emerging cybersecurity trends and attack vectors, and how to use commercial-grade tools to effectively break into systems. 

Modules also include cyberattack case studies, malware analysis, and hands-on hacking challenges. 

Learners can also pick up a bolt-on of 24 hacking challenges over 18 attack vectors such as bash exploits, server-side request forgery (SSRF), file tampering, and blind SQL.

This certification would suit a range of roles including security analysts, pen testers, network engineers, and consultants. 

$1,199 at EC-Council

Offensive Security Pen 200 (OSCP)

Think offense, not defense

Offensive Security's Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PEN-200) is the organization's foundation course in using the Kali Linux OS for ethical hacking. 

The vendor's focus is hands-on learning rather than just lectures and academic study, and encourages both critical thinking and problem solving with the"Try Harder" slogan. 

You will need a solid grounding in network principles and an understanding of Windows, Linux, and Bash/Python will help. 

If you're serious about pursuing a career in ethical hacking but are looking for somewhere to start, the OSCP will give you a qualification well-received in the cybersecurity industry. 

$999 at Offensive Security

SANS SEC560: Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking

Reconnaissance and infiltration

The SANS Institute also offers courses that are likely to be of interest to anyone pursuing a career in ethical hacking. 

One such course is SEC560, a journey into how to perform reconnaissance as an attacker and exploit target systems to obtain initial access. SANS teaches learners about typical and less well-known methods to infiltrate systems through hands-on exercises and lab sessions. 

The course is affiliated to SANS partner GIAC's Penetration Tester (GPEN) and ends with a Capture The Flag exercise to test your new skills.

$7,270 at SANS

SANS SEC542: Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking

Exploiting web apps for the enterprise

Another option to consider from the SANS Institute is SEC542, which focuses on the ethical hacking and testing of enterprise web applications.

SEC542 focuses on teaching participants how to spot vulnerabilities in web explications, how to exploit them, and what tools and techniques attackers may use to compromise these types of software. 

The course includes hands-on exercises and instructor guidance based on a four-step process in web application penetration testing. 

$7,270 at SANS

CREST certifications

Defined exam paths to certified status

CREST is a course provider also of note as an organization that offers professional development qualifications in information security. 

CREST's certifications, accredited globally, are organized into three levels: practitioner, registered, and certified. You can take exams in subjects including cybersecurity analysis, penetration testing, web applications, threat intelligence, and incident response to reach the certified level. Prices vary. 

View Now at CREST