In cybersecurity, organizations encounter an ever-growing threat of incidents that can compromise their digital assets. The EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH) certification emerges as a vital credential, equipping professionals with the skills to identify, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively.
Eligibility Criteria for the ECIH Certification
To sit for the ECIH Exam, candidates can attend official ECIH training through EC-Council’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) or participate in live online training via iWeek. Alternatively, candidates with a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in the domain can opt to take the exam directly, accompanied by a USD100 Eligibility Application Fee.
Target Audience
The ECIH certification caters to a diverse audience, including incident handlers, risk assessment administrators, penetration testers, cyber forensic investigators, vulnerability assessment auditors, system administrators, system engineers, firewall administrators, network managers, IT managers, IT professionals, and anyone with an interest in incident handling and response.
ECIH Certification Exam Details
- Exam Name: EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
- Exam Code: 212-89
- Exam Price: $250 (USD)
- Duration: 180 mins
- Number of Questions: 100
- Passing Score: 70%
ECIH Certification Exam Syllabus Topics
The exam covers a broad spectrum of incident handling and response, including topics such as
- Introduction to Incident Handling and Response
- Incident Handling and Response Process
- First Response
- Handling and Responding to Malware Incidents
- Handling and Responding to Email Security Incidents
- Managing and Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents
- Handling and reacting to Web Application Security Incidents
- Handling and reacting to Cloud Security Incidents
- Handling and Responding to Insider Threats
- Handling and Responding to Endpoint Security Incidents
Recertification Policy
The ECIH certificate remains active for three years, during which certified individuals must accumulate 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits. These credits can be acquired by participating in conferences, writing research papers, preparing for training classes, reading relevant materials, or taking exams for newer certifications. The recertification process ensures that professionals stay abreast of industry developments and reaffirm their commitment to ongoing professional growth.
Benefits of ECIH Certification
1. Develops Incident Handling and Response Skills
- Practical Knowledge: The certification equips individuals with practical skills in identifying, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
- Hands-on Experience: Through the training and examination process, candidates gain hands-on experience dealing with various incidents.
- Real-world Scenarios: The curriculum is designed to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing candidates to develop effective incident response strategies.
2. Validates Expertise in Dealing with Cybersecurity Incidents
- Industry-Recognized: ECIH is recognized in the cybersecurity industry as a certification that signifies expertise in incident handling and response.
- Vendor-Neutral: The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning the skills acquired are applicable across different technologies and platforms.
- Global Recognition: EC-Council certifications are globally recognized, adding credibility to the individual’s cybersecurity expertise.
3. Enhances Career Opportunities for Various Roles in Cybersecurity
- Diverse Job Roles: ECIH opens doors to various job roles, including incident handler, risk assessment administrator, penetration tester, cyber forensic investigator, vulnerability assessment auditor, system administrator, and more.
- Industry Demand: The increasing frequency and complexity of cybersecurity incidents make certified incident handlers valuable assets to organizations.
- Career Advancement: Holding the ECIH certification may lead to promotions and advancements in cybersecurity.
4. Demonstrates Commitment to Ongoing Professional Development
- Continuous Learning: The need for cybersecurity professionals to stay updated with the current threats and technologies is crucial. ECIH certification holders demonstrate their commitment to constant learning.
- Recertification Requirement: The recertification process ensures that certified individuals stay current with industry developments, reinforcing their dedication to professional growth.
- Competitive Edge: Employers value professionals who invest in ongoing education, giving certified individuals a competitive edge in the job market.
Guide to Prepare for the EC-Council ECIH Certification Exam
Choosing suitable study materials is crucial for success when preparing for the EC-Council Certified Incident Handler exam. Here are some specialized resources to enhance your preparation and increase your opportunities to pass the exam.
1. EC Council’s Official Site
The official website offers access to reliable materials, particularly syllabi. While the official site is a good starting point, consider exploring additional educational websites that provide higher-quality materials.
2. Developing Your Strategy
Craft a personalized study approach. Self-study is paramount for improving grades and achieving excellence. Break down the syllabus into practical and theoretical sections, making it easier to comprehend. Regular practice and attendance are essential. Create a comprehensive list of critical points for repeated review.
3. Books
Books are invaluable resources readily available for preparation. Choose a book aligned with the curriculum or follow recommendations from reputable sources like the Open Group. Ensure your book selection complements your study plan.
4. EC Council’s Official Training
Explore the official EC-Council Certified Incident Handler training available on the official website. Additionally, consider online study options such as virtual classrooms, instructor-led courses, and websites offering preparation sets with practice papers. Enroll in engaging instructor-led courses to bolster your preparation.
5. Practice with Sample Tests
You can use sample questions and test series to identify gaps in your preparation. These resources enhance confidence, familiarize you with the exam format, and mitigate exam-day nervousness. Engage in multiple practice tests to instill excellence and effectively manage challenging exam sections.
Conclusion
The EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH) certification is valuable for cybersecurity professionals. It develops practical skills, validates expertise, and opens doors to diverse job roles. The certification, recognized globally, requires ongoing professional development through recertification. Candidates can prepare using official resources, books, and training. ECIH certification provides a competitive edge, leading to career advancements. It is a strategic investment for those seeking incident handling and response expertise.
