CEH vs CompTIA Security+ [A Logical Approach]

When it comes to careers in information technology (IT), there are a few different paths you can choose from. One of the most popular options is to become a cybersecurity professional. And within the field of cybersecurity, two of the most popular certification exams are the CEH vs Security+ exams.

These are two of the most popular options available, but which one is the right choice for you? In this article, we will break down the key similarities and differences between these two certifications so that you can make an informed decision. We'll start by discussing what each certification covers and then move on to discuss their respective benefits. After reading this post, you should have a better understanding of which certification is right for you.

Know more about top benefits of CEH Certification. 

What is CEH?

CEH, or the Certified Ethical Hacker, is a certification program that is designed to teach individuals how to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in order to protect systems and networks. The CEH certification is internationally recognized and is considered one of the most respected certifications in the industry. To become a CEH, candidates should complete a certified Ethical Hacking training course and pass an exam. The training course covers a wide range of topics, including network security, networking, cryptography, and ethical hacking methodology. Upon successfully completing the course and exam, candidates are awarded the CEH credential.

The CEH credential is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain active status. To renew the credential, candidates must either retake the CEH exam or complete continuing education credits. In the battle of CEH vs security+, Candidates who hold the CEH credential are highly sought after by employers as they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard systems and networks from malicious attacks. 

Get to know more about the difference between CEH vs pentest+.

What is Security+?

Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's knowledge of cybersecurity. A Security+ certified individual has the skills and knowledge to implement and manage security in an organization. The certification covers topics such as risk management, network security, and cryptography. It is one of the most popular certifications in the IT industry and is a prerequisite for many jobs in cybersecurity. The certification is administered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers the five domains of the Security+ certification. These domains are network security, compliance, and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application and data security, and access control and identity management. As for CEH vs security+ exam format, the security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. There is no experience required for the Security+ exam, but candidates are recommended to have at least two years of experience working in IT before taking the test.

This certification demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge to implement and manage security in an organization. With the ever-growing need for qualified cybersecurity professionals, Security+ is a great way to get started in this exciting field.

Comparison of CompTIA Security+ and CEH

Before we get into the depth of each certification, let's take a look at the basics. Here's a quick overview of what you can expect from CompTIA Security+ vs CEH.

CompTIA Security+	CEH
Covers basic cybersecurity knowledge	More specialized, covers ethical hacking and penetration testing
Vendor-neutral certification	In-demand skills in the industry
Ideal for entry-level or those wanting to brush up on their knowledge.	Can lead to a career as an ethical hacker or penetration tester.

As you can see, CEH is a more specialized certification, while CompTIA Security+ covers basic cybersecurity knowledge. If you're just getting started in the field, or if you want a vendor-neutral cert, then CompTIA Security+ is a great choice. However, if you have some experience under your belt and you're looking for a more specialized cert, then CEH is the way to go.

Examination Factor Comparison

CompTIA Security+ and CEH are two of the most popular options in the field of information security. But which one is right for you? Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two exams to help you make an informed decision.

Factor	CompTIA Security+	CEH
Cost	Around $699	Around $950
Difficulty	750/900	70%
Topics	6 Domains	5 Modules
Job Hunting	Vendor-neutral certification, which makes it easier to find a job in IT security.	More specialized certification, which makes it easier to find a job in ethical hacking or penetration testing
Exam Format	1.5 hours, 100 questions	4 hours, 125 questions

Recommended Experience

The CEH vs Security+ requires different experience. The CompTIA Security+ is geared towards entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity professionals. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including network security, risk management, and incident response. To be eligible for the Security+, candidates must have at least two years of experience in IT or security.

The CEH, on the other hand, is geared towards experienced ethical hackers. The exam covers topics like footprinting and reconnaissance, social engineering, and denial of service attacks. Candidates must have at least five years of experience in IT or security to be eligible for the CEH.

Area of focus

Aspiring ethical hackers or IT security professionals might be wondering what the difference is between CompTIA Security+ and CEH certifications. Both are entry-level qualifications that will make you more attractive to employers, but they each have a different focus.

CompTIA Security+ covers a broad range of topics including network security, compliance, and operational security. CEH, on the other hand, is more specific to ethical hacking, covering topics such as footprints and reconnaissance, scanning networks, enumeration, social engineering, and SQL injection.

If you're just a beginner deciding on CompTIA security+ vs certified ethical hacker for your career, then Security+ is a good option as it gives you a broad overview of the IT security landscape. However, if you're looking to specialize in ethical hacking, then enrolling in the best cyber security training courses is a better choice. Whichever route you decide to go down, both qualifications will give your career a boost.

Job Roles

CompTIA Security+ is a certification that denotes a basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts and skills. Individuals with this certification typically work in entry-level or junior-level positions in cybersecurity. The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) designation, on the other hand, requires a more advanced level of knowledge and experience. CEH-certified individuals typically work as senior-level or lead security analysts.

So, what's the difference between Security+ vs CEH job roles? Well, the primary difference is in the depth of knowledge and expertise required. CompTIA Security+ covers a broad range of topics but doesn't require detailed knowledge in any one area.

CEH, on the other hand, focuses on a specific subset of hacking techniques and tools. Individuals with this certification need to have a deep understanding of how these tools are used in order to be effective at their job.

Why Choose CEH?

If you're looking for a career in cybersecurity, then the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential may be a good fit for you. Here's a look at some of the reasons why CEH is a popular choice among security professionals:

1. Process monitoring:

One of the key advantages of CEH is that it teaches you how to monitor processes and look for signs of potential attacks. This is a critical skill in today's cybersecurity landscape, as attackers are always looking for new ways to exploit systems.

CEH also provides you with reporting tools that can be used to track down malicious activity. These tools can be invaluable in an organization's battle against cybercrime. It covers a wide range of topics, from network security to application security making it a good choice for those who want to get a well-rounded education in cybersecurity.

2. System hacking process

Perhaps the most unique aspect of CEH is that it teaches you how to hack systems – but in a legal and ethical way. When deciding on CEH vs Security+, Remember that a Certified Ethical Hacker is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems.

The CEH exam covers key topics related to system hacking, including footprinting, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, viruses and worms, Trojans, backdoors, denial of service attacks, social engineering, and session hijacking, web application attacks, SQL injection, buffer overflows, etc.

Certified ethical hackers use their skills to protect organizations from data breaches by identifying vulnerabilities in networks and systems and then recommending measures to mitigate those risks. They use the same techniques as criminal hackers but do so ethically and within the bounds of the law.

3. Security and risk management

Data security is more important than ever. Businesses of all sizes must take steps to protect their information from hackers and other cyber threats. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program is designed to help organizations identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

CEH certification provides an in-depth understanding of how to find, exploit, and prevent vulnerabilities in computer systems. The program covers a wide range of topics, including network security, risk management, and ethical hacking principles.

CEH certification is widely recognized in the industry and is often a prerequisite for employment in cybersecurity roles. Earning CEH certification can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to data security. 

4. Asset security

In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to have a strong understanding of asset security. That's where certified ethical hackers come in. In regard to CEH vs Security+, CEH certification holders possess the skills and knowledge necessary to identify vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and take steps to mitigate those risks.

By choosing to pursue CEH certification, you can show employers that you're serious about protecting their assets and ensuring the security of their data. In addition, CEH certification can help you stand out from the crowd in a competitive job market. Pursuing CEH certification is a smart choice for anyone looking to launch or further their career in asset security. 

5. Security engineering

With CEH, you get Security engineering which helps you identify the risks and implement the controls to mitigate those risks. CEH provides a comprehensive framework for security professionals to follow in order to identify, assess and mitigate risks.

The certification also provides a recognized credential that can help to advance a career in security engineering. For these reasons, CEH is an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. 

Why Choose Security+?

When it comes to cybersecurity, there is no such thing as being too prepared. That's why the CompTIA Security+ certification is such a valuable asset. It is globally recognized and endorsed by leading IT security vendors such as Microsoft, Intel, and Cisco. Here are three good reasons to pursue this important credential. 

1. Network security

Network security is an important concern for any organization that relies on computers to store and process critical data. The goal of network security is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Choosing a Security+ certification can help you demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a secure network.

If comparing CompTIA security+ vs CEH for their area of proficiency, security+ is a globally recognized certification that indicates proficiency in network security. Earning your Security+ certification can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, many employers require their employees to have Security+ certification as a condition of employment. 

2. Threats and vulnerabilities

While all of the domains covered by the Security+ exam are important, threats and vulnerabilities is perhaps the most critical. In today's increasingly connected world, it is essential for businesses to have a thorough understanding of the various threats that they may face.

By having a certified professional on staff who is familiar with the latest threats and vulnerabilities, businesses can be better prepared to defend themselves against attacks. In addition, certified professionals can help businesses to implement best practices for mitigating risks. Choosing Security+ as your certification of choice can help you build the skills necessary to keep businesses safe. 

3. Access control and security management

Any organization that deals with confidential information or valuable assets needs to have strong security measures in place. Access control systems help to ensure that only authorized personnel are able to enter a building or specific area, and they can also be used to track and manage employee movements.

Security management systems help to coordinate and streamline security procedures, making it easier to respond to incidents and prevent unauthorized access. Choosing a Security+ certified provider helps to ensure that your organization's access control and security management systems meet the highest standards of quality and performance. 

Conclusion

Both CEH vs Security+ are highly respected in the industry, and either would be a great choice for someone looking to start or further their career in cybersecurity. However, if you’re looking for an entry-level certification that will give you a strong foundation in basic security concepts, then CompTIA Security+ may be the better option. On the other hand, if your goal is to become a Certified Ethical Hacker and gain more hands-on experience with hacking techniques, then KnowledgeHut Ethical Hacking training will help you grow.