#cehtraining

To start your ethical hacker training today, you don't need a fancy degree—you need a structured approach and a "builder" mindset. In 2026, the field has shifted toward AI-augmented security and cloud-native environments, making these skills just as vital as traditional network sniffing.

Here is your immediate roadmap to go from zero to your first "pwned" machine.

1. The "Prerequisite" Phase (Weeks 1–4)

Before you can break a system, you must understand how it’s built. Most beginners fail because they skip this step.

Networking Foundations: Understand the OSI Model, TCP/IP, DNS, and Subnetting. You can't hack what you can't find.

Linux Command Line: Kali Linux is the industry standard. Start by learning how to navigate the file system and manage permissions using the terminal.

Virtualization: Download VirtualBox or VMware Player. This allows you to run "victim" machines (like Metasploitable) in a safe, isolated environment.

2. Build Your "Battle Station"

You don’t need an expensive laptop. You need a sandbox.

OS: Install Kali Linux or Parrot Security OS as a Virtual Machine (VM).

Tools to Explore: * Nmap: For network scanning.

Wireshark: For packet analysis.

Burp Suite (Community Edition): The gold standard for web application hacking.

Metasploit: A powerful framework for executing exploits.

3. Hands-on Training (Start Today)

Theoretical knowledge is boring. Start "playing" on these legal platforms:

TryHackMe (Best for Beginners): Follow their "Complete Beginner" or "Pre-Security" paths. It’s gamified and provides guided instructions.

Hack The Box (Intermediate): Once you feel confident, move here to test your skills against unguided machines.

OverTheWire (Bandit): A fun, terminal-based game that teaches you Linux commands through a series of puzzles.

4. 2026 Industry Certifications

If you want to get hired, these are the current "heavy hitters" for your resume:

| Certification | Best For | Level |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| eJPTv2 | Your very first practical cert | Beginner |

| CompTIA PenTest+ | Understanding the business of pentesting | Intermediate |

| OSCP | The "Gold Standard" for hands-on skill | Advanced |

| CEH (v13) | Corporate recognition and HR filters | Intermediate |

5. Master the "AI Pivot"

In 2026, ethical hacking isn't just manual labor. You must learn to:

Prompt Engineering for Security: Use AI to write custom Python exploits or explain complex code.

Defending against AI: Understand how attackers use Deepfakes and AI-driven phishing to bypass traditional security.

Breaking into ethical hacking in 2026 requires a blend of foundational IT knowledge, hands-on lab experience, and strategic certifications that pass both HR filters and technical interviews.

Here is the step-by-step roadmap to getting certified.

Phase 1: Build the Foundation

Before touching a hacking tool, you must understand how the systems you are attacking actually work.

Networking: Master TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and Subnetting.

Operating Systems: Become proficient in Linux (command line is your best friend) and Windows Administration.

Basic Security: Understand the "CIA Triad" (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability).

Recommended Cert: CompTIA Security+. It’s the baseline for the industry and a requirement for many government/contractor roles.

Phase 2: Choose Your Entry-Level "Hacker" Cert

There are two main paths depending on whether you want a broad overview or deep technical skills.

Certification

Focus

Exam Type

Best For

eJPTv2 (eLearnSecurity)

Practical

100% Hands-on

Absolute beginners who want to build real skill.

CEH v13 (EC-Council)

Theory/Tools

MCQ (Multiple Choice)

Passing HR filters and learning industry terminology.

Phase 3: The "Hands-On" Grind

To be an ethical hacker, you must "Try Harder." 2026 standards prioritize candidates who can show, not just tell.

Set up a Home Lab: Use VirtualBox or VMware to run Kali Linux and vulnerable machines (like Metasploitable).

Platform Practice: Spend time on TryHackMe (guided learning) and Hack The Box (challenging labs).

Capture The Flag (CTF): Join competitions to learn how to think outside the box under pressure.

Phase 4: Achieve "Gold Standard" Status

Once you have the basics down, you need a certification that proves you can perform a full penetration test.

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): This is the industry benchmark. The exam is a grueling 24-hour practical test where you must compromise multiple machines and write a professional report.

PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester): A rising favorite that mimics a real-life engagement, including a "client" debrief.

Step-by-Step Execution Checklist:

Month 1-2: Study for and pass CompTIA Security+.

Month 3-5: Complete the eJPT course and labs to learn the "Hacking Methodology."

Month 6-9: Dedicated OSCP preparation (PEN-200). Aim for at least 50-100 boxes retired on Hack The Box.

🛡️ Protect the Digital World with Cybersecurity Skills!

Get job-ready with the industry-demanded Cybersecurity Course at Excellence Technology, Chandigarh. Learn to safeguard networks, data, and systems from cyber threats through real-time training and expert guidance.

🔐 Course Highlights:

💻 Cybersecurity Fundamentals – Understand threats, vulnerabilities, and risk 🧠 Ethical Hacking – Tools, techniques & penetration testing 🧱 Network Security – Firewalls, IDS/IPS & VPN configurations 🛠️ System Hacking – Windows/Linux system vulnerabilities 🌐 Web Application Security – SQL Injection, XSS, and more 📊 Security Operations – Monitoring, logging & incident handling 🧪 Hands-on Projects – Real-time simulated cyber attacks 🎓 Certified Trainers – Learn from cybersecurity professionals 🔐 CEH & Other Certifications – Globally recognized credentials 🚀 Placement Support – Resume building & interview preparation

Dive into the world of ethical hacking with our CEH training. Learn to identify vulnerabilities and protect systems. Flexible learning options and expert instructors.