Laburity

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification

Origin

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification was created by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) in 2003. EC-Council developed this certification in response to the growing need for standardized training in ethical hacking and penetration testing. The organization recognized that cybersecurity professionals needed formal credentials that would demonstrate their ability to think like malicious hackers in order to better defend systems and networks. The CEH was designed to establish a baseline of knowledge for security practitioners who assess system vulnerabilities using the same techniques employed by attackers.

Industry Value

The CEH certification is valued in the cybersecurity industry because it validates practical knowledge of security threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures. Many organizations, including government agencies and private corporations, recognize CEH as a benchmark for hiring security analysts, penetration testers, and security consultants. The certification covers 20 domains of information security, providing holders with a comprehensive understanding of attack vectors and defensive strategies. For professionals, earning the CEH demonstrates commitment to the field and can lead to career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential in an industry facing significant talent shortages.

eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) Certification

The eJPT certification was created by eLearnSecurity, an Italian cybersecurity training company founded in 2004 that later became part of INE Security after an acquisition in 2020. The certification was developed to provide an entry-level, practical certification for individuals beginning their careers in penetration testing and ethical hacking. eLearnSecurity designed the eJPT as an affordable and accessible alternative to more expensive certifications, focusing on hands-on skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The certification emerged during the 2010s as the cybersecurity industry recognized the need for practical, skills-based assessments that could better prepare junior professionals for real-world penetration testing scenarios.

The eJPT is valued in the penetration testing industry as a legitimate entry-level credential that demonstrates fundamental practical competencies in network security, vulnerability assessment, and basic exploitation techniques. Unlike some certifications that rely heavily on multiple-choice exams, the eJPT requires candidates to complete a practical exam involving actual penetration testing tasks in a simulated network environment, which employers appreciate as evidence of hands-on capability. Many penetration testing companies and cybersecurity teams recognize the eJPT as a meaningful indicator that a candidate has moved beyond pure theory and possesses baseline technical skills needed for junior roles. The certification has gained particular traction among career changers and recent graduates as an affordable stepping stone before pursuing more advanced credentials like the OSCP or CEH.

Origin of the OSCP

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification was created by Offensive Security, a company founded by Mati Aharoni and other security professionals in 2007. The certification was developed to address the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical penetration testing skills in the cybersecurity industry. Offensive Security designed the OSCP to be a hands-on, performance-based certification that requires candidates to demonstrate actual hacking skills in a controlled lab environment rather than simply answering multiple-choice questions.

Industry Value and Importance

The OSCP is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it proves that holders possess real-world penetration testing abilities. Unlike traditional certifications, the OSCP's 24-hour practical exam requires candidates to successfully compromise multiple machines in a simulated network environment and document their findings professionally. This hands-on approach has made it a gold standard for entry to intermediate-level penetration testers, and it's frequently requested or required by employers hiring for offensive security roles. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have earned it significant respect among security professionals and hiring managers.

ISO 27001: Information Security Management Certification

Origin

ISO 27001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and was first published in 2005. It evolved from the British Standard BS 7799-2, which was created in the late 1990s. The standard was developed in response to the growing need for organizations to systematically manage and protect sensitive information in an increasingly digital business environment. ISO 27001 has since been revised, with major updates released in 2013 and 2022 to address evolving cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Industry Value and Importance

ISO 27001 is globally recognized as the leading standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and is valued for providing a systematic, risk-based approach to protecting sensitive data. Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification demonstrate to clients, partners, and regulators that they have implemented comprehensive security controls and are committed to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. The certification is particularly important for organizations handling sensitive data, as it helps meet regulatory compliance requirements, reduces security incidents, builds customer trust, and often provides a competitive advantage in procurement processes where information security assurance is required.