Cybersecurity is a blossoming industry, and two courses people always discuss are CEH vs. PenTest.They are both important, but they are distinct in terms of their objective for security. To achieve this, understanding the difference between one career field and another is important when deciding which line to take.
Ethical Hacking is NOT Penetration Testing!
Ethical hacking and penetration testing are two different concepts, but many people tend to use both of them interchangeably. It is practiced as a continuous activity, with ethical hackers always checking and probing an organization’s system. These professionals work in the same manner as hackers because they first try to identify the loopholes before the criminals do so. Ethical hackers are often insiders, best acquainted with the organization’s workings, and their ultimate aim is to enhance security progressively.
Still, penetration testing is a specific and organized process of assessing a system’s security. A penetration tester is normally an independent person or a contractor who is hired to exercise the security of an organization. They are guided by a pre-set plan that has the main purpose of identifying weak links and then take advantage of that before presenting a report on the exercise. This process is often used for compliance or to meet the legal prescriptions within an organization.
If you’re interested in a hacking course, check out this Certified Ethical Hacking course.
So, what is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing (PenTest) entails a team or a single person evaluating a given system for insecurity. While ethical hacking is constant, penetration testing is a one-time process that involves a controlled attack to identify the weaknesses. Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, engage in a rigorous process to pinpoint vulnerabilities in a setting that has been sanctioned. The final output is therefore a report that provides an overview of the specific weaknesses found, the main threats associated with those weaknesses, and the measures that would need to be taken in order to address the issues.
Some other organizations conduct penetration testing to meet the requirements of specific regulations or just to be confident about the level of their security. This assists in averting real attacks from capitalizing on those weaknesses.
How Does This Categorization Help You?
Understanding the difference between ethical hacking and penetration testing is significant when trying to decide on the preferred career in the context of cybersecurity or the most desirable certification to attain. Suspected for those who want to create a long-term career in one specific company, ethical hacking seems to be a dream occupation. It includes constant security evaluation of an organization, updating the defense of an organization all the time, and being well acquainted with the company’s structure and problems.
Appreciating this difference not only assists in making the right career decision but also allows for framing of the right skills. Ethical hackers could find it in their best interest to acquire more general knowledge of the security environment, the risks associated with it, as well as the overall long-term vision. While penetration testers may focus on the type of expertise, flexibility, and capacity of the individual in terms of how he or she would react in relation to the mentioned scenarios during a penetration test.
Whether one decides to go for CEH vs. PenTest this categorization will be of great influence and help one develop the right skill set. If persons have inclinations towards ethical hacking, then CEH might be more appropriate as it presents detailed information about hacktivism and its countermeasures. It is easier for the PenTest+; maybe it will attract those who want to become penetration testers since it has a strong focus on practical skills.
Secure Operations & Network Defense
There must be a solid defense mechanism in cybersecurity. Such courses include the Certified Network Defender (CND), which aims at protecting networks and guarding against invasions. It is also worth emphasizing that this is the primary level of protection in any company. Network defenders help prevent future attacks when penetration testers or ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities.
Security can often be overlooked in a network environment; however, it is very important, especially following a penetration test, as a number of weaknesses may have been highlighted.
Ethical Hacking
Cyber terrorists are the offense team in the defending system. This is their objective: to seek vulnerability in systems legally before real crackers get a chance to. They utilize similar technology and methods as criminals do, but they are all within the legal parameters of the organization. Ethical hacking is different in terms of its approach, as it is mainly aimed at searching for the weaknesses and, after their discovery, eliminating them.
Security Analysis
Security analysis put all these aspects together into a neat package. Ethical hackers acquire vulnerabilities, and penetration testers corroborate them while security analysts evaluate the organization’s security plan. They dissect data, compile reports, and give recommendations for enhancing security levels.
In the role of a security analyst, being able to convey the implications of the identified technical flaws into a set of plans that are comprehensible to managers and executives is crucial.
Credentialing
Being certified means having CEH vs. PenTest means being able to prove one’s worth. CEH is centered on ethical hacking, which means that, by the end of the course, you will have the mindset of a hacker. Now, PenTest+ is more about penetration testing, which includes the planning phase, execution phase, and reporting phase.
If you have to choose between two possible certifications, you should decide what you want to focus on. If you have a bent toward ethical hacking and feel that you would like to dig into that area more deeply, then CEH is a perfect option for you. If you want your career to be more about the penetration testing process, then PenTest+ is great for you.
Conclusion
With this comparison of CEH vs. PenTest, one is in a position to make the right decision regarding his/her career in cybersecurity. Regardless if one opts for ethical hacking or penetration testing, the two are very important when it comes to fighting off cyber threats. If you wish to go further, you can enroll in a hacking course to increase your knowledge in this area.
FAQs
Is PenTest+ or CEH better?
It depends on your career goals. If you want to focus on ethical hacking and continuous security assessments, CEH is better. If you prefer penetration testing, where you assess systems periodically, PenTest+ is a better fit.
What is better than CEH certification?
If you’re looking for something beyond CEH, consider EC-Council’s Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications focus more on advanced penetration testing and security analysis.
Is CompTIA PenTest+ worth it?
Yes, CompTIA PenTest+ is worth it if you’re interested in a career in penetration testing. It covers both the technical and business aspects of pen testing, making it a comprehensive certification for entry-level to intermediate professionals.
Is CompTIA better than CEH?
Neither is strictly better; they focus on different areas. CEH is ideal for ethical hacking, while CompTIA PenTest+ is more suited for penetration testing. Your choice should depend on your career goals.