Recommended CEH reading

[cyberpirate]

I am currently studying for my CEH examination to help me get my foot into the door of Network Security. Does anyone have any valid recommendations on what I can use as good source material?

[Goatboy]

What other certs do you have? Previous work experience? Etc. etc.

[cyberpirate]

I have no work experience, I'm just starting out. No certifications or anything. Basically, I'm a NooB.

[Goatboy]

In that case, you may want to take the A+ and some of the other CompTIA certs first. They are much more credible and are generally seen as "the basics" for other certs.

I've also heard that many employers see the CEH as a joke. I forget the exact reasoning, but it was something about the difficulty and span of the test. Apparently it's too easy and doesn't cover enough. Don't quote me on that though.

[cyberpirate]

Thanks man! Because I keep getting told what to study first and they recommended the CEH first. That's the reason why I joined this site. I know I can get more info from real hackers or people who just know the style and such.

Thank you very much. I'm going to start on the A+ right away! I need to get into this and should have years ago. Better late than never, I guess ^_^.

-- Wed Feb 10, 2010 4:59 pm --

All right, guess I have to make amends and change my question.

What books should I read on CompTIA A+ and Security?

[msbachman]

I've also heard that many employers see the CEH as a joke. I forget the exact reasoning, but it was something about the difficulty and span of the test. Apparently it's too easy and doesn't cover enough. Don't quote me on that though.

I second this opinion. It covers outdated material for one, and their business practices make me very suspicious. I don't even believe it's a legitimate organization...who are the people that approve this test? What are their credentials, and what have they hacked?

Check out this blog that does more justice than my writing skill allows:

http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/securitymon ... ation-9639

Also, I've never seen a job that requires a CEH. I'm sure they're out there (maybe), but I've never seen one.

And if you decide to take it, go online and see if you can download some of their course material somewhere so you can get a feel for whether it's even worth it.

[Vulpine]

I second what Goatboy says above. Working on your CompTIA Certs is a great place to start. Most people start with the A+, then Network+, and finish with the Security+. Personally, in studying for the A+ and Net+, I've had pretty good luck with Mike Meyers' "All-In-One" books. I may be incorrect in this regard, but I've heard that the CISSP is pretty much the "gold medal" of security certifications. It couldn't hurt to read up on it and see if that's the direction that you want to shoot for long-term.