CEH vs CISSP: Which is Perfect for You?

Want to establish a career in IT (Information Technology) security? But need to know which certification suits you. Initially, you can start with at least one of the certifications which will meet your industry or job requirements. How far you want to go to achieve your dream career depends on the current qualification, status, and commitment of your employment. These factors will influence the certifications you need to choose.

Cybersecurity specialists are in high demand. And more than half of the under-30 employees have been moving towards the IT sector in recent years. As per data collected from EC Council, after obtaining a CEH certification, 97% rated that the topics are related to real-world threats, 63% reported promotions or a direct salary rise, and 95% outlined the enhancement in organisational security.

ISC2 the administering body of CISSP certification, reported that 2021 was a record-breaking year with 35,611 exams delivered (25% of growth from 2020). In this blog, we will discuss the two certifications, CEH vs CISSP, in detail.

Table of Contents

1) What is CEH Certification?

2) What is CISSP Certification?

3) Advantages of CEH vs CISSP

4) Advantages of CISSP

5) Prerequisites of CEH vs CISSP

6)  Average Salary for CEH vs CISSP

7) CEH vs CISSP Difficulty Level in Exam

8) Conclusion

What is CEH Certification?

The CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is a professional designation for someone qualified to carry out cybersecurity testing for companies. The CEH certification is issued by EC-Council, validating the professional's knowledge and assessment capabilities by looking for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in computer systems.

An Ethical Hacker, as the term implies, is a computer security expert hired by a corporation and permitted to access the company's computer systems to look for security issues. Generally, the Hacker follows the attackers' possible steps and thought processes to attain authorised access, identifying the flaws and suggesting countermeasures to the loopholes in the organisation's network. If you're preparing for Ethical Hacker Interview Questions, understanding this process is essential, as it demonstrates how ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities and protect systems.

These experts are skilled and take corrective and preventive steps after identifying the faults to safeguard the system from similar attacks by hackers with evil intentions.

The need for Ethical Hackers is greater due to the rise in cybercrime and cyberattacks. Professionals with a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) designation can employ cybercrime methods (hackers). The CEH training is loaded with 4000+ hacking tools and a variety of operating systems.

Following is a list of CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) related jobs.

1) Information Security Analyst

2) Software Engineer

3) Cyber Security Analyst

4) Security Engineer

5) IT (Information Technology) Manager

6) Security Analyst

7) Senior Software Engineer

8) IT (Information Technology) Director

9) Cyber Security Engineer

10) Penetration Tester

What is CISSP Certification?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a cybersecurity credential developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)².

It is a widely accepted, vendor-neutral standard that certifies an IT security professional's technical expertise and hands-on security programme management experience.

ISC2 a global non-profit organisation that administers the CISSP exam and provides the certification with over 168,000 members and associates. It holds a collective worth of CISSP certifications that extends far beyond the numerical count.The CISSP certification has been one of the most sought-after security credentials in the market since its debut in 1994.

2021 was a record-breaking year with 35,611 exams delivered, up 25% from 2020. Growth in exams delivered is a strong indicator of health for the organisation and demand for the credentials our members have earned. In particular, the increase in individuals preparing for certifications, such as those using CISSP Practice Exam Question materials, reflects a growing recognition of the value these qualifications bring to professionals and organisations alike.

Most IT Security employers prefer candidates with CISSP certification because it creates a benchmark of excellence for Information Security professionals worldwide. Professionals aiming to stay updated with evolving cybersecurity trends should recognise the significance of CISSP Renewal for continued expertise.

Here is a list of a few jobs for which the CISSP may be the perfect fit.

1) Chief Information Security Officer

2) Information Security Manager

3) Cyber Security Manager

4) Security Manager

5) Information Security Officer

5) Information Security Specialist

7) Cyber Security Analyst

8) Network/Security Architect

Advantages of CEH vs CISSP

Below is the list of advantages of CEH vs CISSP discussed for a fair understanding and comparison.

Advantages of CEH

1) You embrace a Hackers Talent

You can better comprehend a black-hat hacker's mindset by earning the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. You will also learn about hacking vectors, ethical hacking tactics, and how to fortify the security system.

2) Maximises Earnings

Having this credential could provide you access to higher-paying employment across the world. An expert who has received CEH certification annually earns an average salary between £32K and £72K in the UK.

In future, information security specialists will be among the most in-demand careers in the IT/IS security sector.

3) Trains You to Combat Risks and Dangers related to Information Technology

There is a vast possibility of risks accompanying a new product when modern technologies emerge. And cybercriminals track these flaws instantly and plan their attacks carefully.

And to keep up with these evildoers, you need to think one step ahead and act cautiously to prevent fraud. The training provided in CEH certification has adapted to keep up with the latest trends and measures.

4) Multiple Career Options

With the knowledge of network security fundamentals, you can apply for CEH certification. Obtaining the certification can provide you with a whole new range of options in your career.

While you already work in the IT security sector, acquiring a CEH certification is bound to advance your career.

Join Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Training Course To Enhance Your Career Now!

Advantages of CISSP

1) Increased Earnings

Obtaining a certification proves your dedication, code of ethics and skills to tackle cybersecurity issues. The recruiters admire and regard this CISSP certification, thus yielding better income.

2) Grow as a Frontline Cybersecurity Professional

The CISSP certification proves to the industry and peers that you are an expert with the skills and standards trained to manage and secure an organisation's cybersecurity.

The following CISSP concentrations permit you to progress in your career further.

CISSP-ISSMP for Management

CISSP-ISSEP for Engineers

CISSP-ISSAP for Architects

3) Gaining Professional Objectives

As there is a huge workforce gap, the demand for CISSP professionals outnumbers the supply. This creates wider job opportunities across industries and strengthens your credibility, helping you qualify for senior roles like Security Manager, Consultant, and Chief Information Security Officer.

4) Opportunity to Join the World's Biggest Club of Cybersecurity Experts

Once you pass the CISSP exam and obtain the Certification, you become a member of the world's most renowned non-profit cybersecurity organisation, the ISC2. You can discuss the emerging cybersecurity trends on virtual platforms and, as part of the CISSP Benefits, upskill yourself with all the related knowledge.

Prerequisites of CEH vs CISSP

The prerequisite for both CEH and CISSP is mentioned in the table below.

Upgrade yourself with Chief Information Security Officer Training now!

Average Salary for CEH vs CISSP

The annual average salary for CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), according to PayScale, is $109K in the US and £49,000 in the UK. In comparison, professionals holding CISM vs CISSP certifications often command varying salary ranges based on their expertise and geographical location.

Take the first step toward your Security+ certification with the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Objectives PDF. Download it today and start your prep!

CEH Salary Analysis

The following table compares the average salary for CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) related jobs region-wise and job-wise.

CISSP Salary Analysis

Globally, the estimated median salary for CISSPs (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) ranges from £74,000 in the UK and $133k in the US. The average median salary of CISSP ranges from one country to the other.

Here are a few CISSP-related job roles and their estimated annual salary according to Glassdoor:

CEH vs CISSP: Difficulty Level in Exam

Since IT security is one of the most in-demand jobs in the software industry, people are flocking in and are eager to start working in related positions. Considering this, CISSP vs Security+ becomes a key comparison when deciding what qualifications will help you get a job in this sector.

CEH tests whether you can perform attacks and identify vulnerabilities, while CISSP tests whether you can design and manage an organisation’s entire security programme. Therefore, the difficulty level is entirely based on the professionals. For professionals aiming to Become a Chief Information Security Officer, CISSP provides a more rigorous and strategic foundation. Even though you can accomplish the CISSP training in a short duration, you must have at least five years of work experience before applying for the exam.

Conclusion

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is rapidly expanding in the IT/IS industry, giving rise to multiple job opportunities creating growth potential and good salaries. Browsing through this CEH vs CISSP blog before choosing a certification can give you great insight into the requisite details of CEH or CISSP.

Finally, consider your background before you choose a certification that fits your goals and expertise based on where you want to advance your IT skills.

Take the next step in your cybersecurity career with CISSP Training – Register today!