To be blunt, the CEH theory exam is underwhelming—just a collection of random multiple-choice questions. Some are so absurd you’ll wonder why they’re even there. (Like, what protocol does your smart LED light use? Seriously?) The practical exam? A bit better but honestly way too simple. If you’re somewhat familiar with pentesting, you’ll clear it without breaking a sweat.
eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester): A Better Learning Experience
This certification is solid for building real skills. If you’ve done a few beginner TryHackMe rooms, you’ll likely find eJPT manageable. The course, designed by Alex from Hackersploit, offers hands-on labs and covers important topics like Metasploit—arguably one of the best Metasploit courses I’ve ever seen.
The exam? It’s like a Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge:
– 4 Windows and 3 Linux machines (your setup might vary)
– You’ll search for flags, identify open ports, perform privilege escalation, etc.
The most challenging part for me was pivoting—my connection wasn’t working, so I had to write a batch script to grab the flag. But that’s what makes it fun!
Key Highlights:
- 48-hour, open-internet, non-proctored exam
- You can search online, use tools, and even ask ChatGPT (how cool is that?)
- It’s an amazing learning experience and a great way to validate your ability to conduct a simple pentest.
Worth Your Time?
Let’s face it—CEH is expensive and unlikely to land you a job on its own (especially in India). You might get an internship or work as a trainer, but that’s about it. eJPT, while not widely recognized, offers better value in terms of learning and skill development.
If I had to do it again:
eJPT > TCM Certs & HTB Certs > OSCP
Invest in certifications that matter. CEH cost me $500 back in 2021—money that would have been better spent on practical, respected certs like PNPT or HTB.
With eJPT you also get ICCA voucher. Includes a cloud certification covering basic concepts with lab tasks If you’re getting it bundled, why not take advantage?
If you want validation that you can perform a simple pentest, go for eJPT. Skip CEH unless you absolutely need it for a job requirement. And most importantly—never stop learning and practicing.
Practice Verified Codes and Commands:
1. Nmap Scan:
nmap -sV -sC -oA scan_results 192.168.1.1
This command performs a version detection scan and runs default scripts against the target IP.
2. Metasploit:
msfconsole use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue set RHOSTS 192.168.1.2 exploit
This command sets up and runs the EternalBlue exploit against a target machine.
3. Privilege Escalation on Linux:
sudo -l find / -perm -u=s -o -perm -g=s 2>/dev/null
These commands check for sudo privileges and SUID/SGID files that can be exploited for privilege escalation.
4. Batch Script for Pivoting:
[batch]
@echo off
for /f “tokens=2 delims=:” %%a in (‘ipconfig ^| findstr “IPv4″‘) do set ip=%%a
echo Your IP address is %ip%
[/batch]
This batch script retrieves the IP address of the machine, useful for pivoting in a network.
What Undercode Say:
The journey into cybersecurity is paved with continuous learning and hands-on practice. Certifications like CEH and eJPT serve as milestones, but the real value lies in the skills you acquire and the challenges you overcome. CEH, while recognized, often falls short in practical depth, making it less valuable for those seeking hands-on expertise. On the other hand, eJPT offers a more immersive experience, emphasizing real-world scenarios and practical skills.
To truly excel in cybersecurity, one must go beyond certifications. Engage in platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and OverTheWire to hone your skills. Familiarize yourself with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark. Understand the intricacies of Linux and Windows systems, as they form the backbone of most networks.
For Linux, mastering commands like grep, awk, sed, and `netstat` is crucial. On Windows, PowerShell scripting and understanding the registry can be game-changers. Always stay updated with the latest vulnerabilities and patches, as the landscape is ever-evolving.
Remember, the goal is not just to pass exams but to build a robust skill set that can withstand real-world challenges. Whether you choose CEH, eJPT, or any other certification, ensure it aligns with your career goals and provides practical knowledge. Never stop learning, and always strive to push the boundaries of your expertise.
Useful URLs:
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
