The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification has long been a cornerstone in the world of ethical hacking, providing professionals with the skills necessary to identify vulnerabilities and defend against cyberattacks. As cybersecurity continues to evolve, so too does the CEH certification. With the release of CEH v13 and the upcoming CEH v14, it’s essential to understand the differences, improvements, and new topics that these versions bring to the table.

In this article, we’ll compare CEH v13 with CEH v14, highlighting the major changes and improvements to help you decide which version will better equip you for the challenges ahead in the world of ethical hacking.

1. The Evolution of Ethical Hacking Tools

CEH v13:

• CEH v13 was a leap forward in introducing AI-powered tools and machine learning techniques to enhance penetration testing and security auditing.
• The focus was primarily on automated tools for reconnaissance and exploitation, aiming to replicate real-world cyberattacks.

CEH v14:

• CEH v14 takes the AI integration to the next level by incorporating AI-driven threat detection and evasion techniques, allowing ethical hackers to combat increasingly sophisticated attacks.
• Ethical hackers will be trained to deal with adversarial AI in both attack and defense settings, preparing for the next era of cybersecurity challenges.

2. Cloud Security: A More Comprehensive Approach

CEH v13:

• CEH v13 introduced foundational concepts of cloud security for platforms like AWS and Azure, covering common vulnerabilities and attack vectors.

CEH v14:

• CEH v14 expands its scope to include Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and hybrid cloud environments.
• This version dives deeper into securing multi-cloud infrastructures and mitigating advanced attacks on cloud-based systems, making it essential for cybersecurity professionals working in cloud environments.

3. A New Focus on IoT and Connected Devices

CEH v13:

• IoT security was included but remained a secondary topic in CEH v13, with a focus on vulnerabilities in connected devices.

CEH v14:

• With the growing integration of smart devices in daily life, CEH v14 dedicates a larger portion of its curriculum to IoT security.
• Professionals will learn how to protect vulnerable connected devices in both consumer and enterprise networks, as these are prime targets for attackers.

4. Cybersecurity in the Age of Quantum Computing

CEH v13:

• CEH v13 did not provide much detail on quantum computing, as the technology was still in its nascent stages.

CEH v14:

• As quantum computing becomes more of a real-world threat, CEH v14 introduces foundational knowledge on quantum cryptography and explores how quantum computing could potentially break current encryption methods.
• This section will prepare professionals to understand and adapt to quantum-resistant algorithms, ensuring they are ahead of the curve in securing sensitive data.

5. Zero Trust Security Architecture

CEH v13:

• While Zero Trust was mentioned in CEH v13, the course didn’t dive deeply into testing and securing Zero Trust environments.

CEH v14:

• CEH v14 places a heavy emphasis on Zero Trust security models, which are rapidly becoming the standard for securing enterprise environments.
• The certification will cover penetration testing in Zero Trust systems, teaching ethical hackers how to identify flaws and improve the security of this cutting-edge architecture.

6. Supply Chain Security: A Growing Concern

CEH v13:

• CEH v13 didn’t focus heavily on supply chain security, despite the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting third-party vendors.

CEH v14:

• CEH v14 introduces a new section on supply chain security, addressing how vulnerabilities in third-party vendors can be exploited.
• Learn how to assess the security of software dependencies and protect against supply chain attacks, a growing threat to organizations worldwide.

7. Enhanced Hands-On Experience

CEH v13:

• The hands-on labs in CEH v13 provided valuable experience in penetration testing and real-world attack simulations, but they were somewhat limited in scope.

CEH v14:

• CEH v14 brings a more dynamic, hands-on experience, including more Red vs. Blue team simulations and updated real-time attack scenarios. These labs cover cloud security, AI-based attacks, quantum cryptography, and Zero Trust environments, ensuring you’re prepared for the latest threats.

Conclusion: Which Version Is Right for You?

The choice between CEH v13 and CEH v14 depends on your career goals and the skills you need to excel in cybersecurity.

• CEH v13 is ideal if you are looking for a solid foundation in ethical hacking, covering the basics of cloud security and AI-driven attacks.
• CEH v14 is perfect for those who want to stay ahead of the curve and dive into emerging technologies like quantum computing, Zero Trust, and IoT security.

Both versions provide valuable insights and skills, but CEH v14 is more future-oriented, incorporating the latest advancements in cybersecurity. If you’re aiming to stay ahead in the evolving field of ethical hacking, CEH v14 is the way to go.

Whether you’re planning to take CEH v13 or are preparing for CEH v14, the right training is essential. SecureValley offers expert-led training that covers both versions, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the next phase in your cybersecurity career. Get started today!