Role of CEH in Mastering Open-Sourced Ethical Hacking: Interview with Mark Clarke
Open-source tools and threat intelligence data are increasingly dominant in modern ethical hacking practices. It is essential for professionals to master these resources responsibly, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to strengthen security testing and vulnerability assessment capabilities. To understand the impact of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification in building real-world skills, EC-Council interviewed Mark Clarke, a cybersecurity expert and certified ethical hacker. The interview explores Mark’s professional journey, highlighting how CEH deepened his understanding of emerging threats and enhanced his credibility with clients. It also reflects on the certification’s role in community contribution, professional growth, and imparting practical, tool-driven skills.
Tell us about your journey as a cybersecurity professional.
I began my career in IT as a software developer and later moved into the open-source ecosystem, working on infrastructure and architecting solutions for customers. As cybersecurity became a growing concern, my broad understanding of IT architecture naturally led me into the security domain.
Cybersecurity appealed to me because it is intellectually stimulating and requires a deep understanding of IT systems. As threats increased globally, clients increasingly sought cybersecurity guidance, assessments, and services, which further strengthened my focus in this field. Like many professionals, I was drawn to the constant challenges and the need for continuous learning, which make cybersecurity such a compelling career path.
What got your attention about the CEH program?
When I began exploring cybersecurity certifications, CEH immediately stood out as one of the most widely recognized credentials in the field.
The course outline was comprehensive, and I appreciated its strong technical orientation rather than a managerial or administrative focus.
Customer recognition of the CEH brand and EC-Council’s reputation also influenced my decision. For someone strongly interested in the technical side of cybersecurity, CEH was the ideal fit.
How did CEH benefit your career?
As a consultant in IT and cybersecurity, the CEH certification has been extremely valuable in establishing credibility with clients. It helps demonstrate technical expertise and provides assurance to organizations evaluating potential service providers.
Beyond recognition, the program broadened my skill set. Without structured learning, professionals often gain expertise only in areas they encounter during their career. CEH exposed me to domains I had not deeply explored, such as network security, databases, social engineering, advanced phishing techniques, and incident auditing.
The two major benefits for me were the certification’s strong industry reputation and the significant enhancement of my technical knowledge.
How is CEH recognized in your organization and in the industry?
CEH is one of the most respected cybersecurity certifications in South Africa, particularly within the financial services sector.
Within my organization, it is considered a premier certification for our technical teams and is highly valued when assessing cybersecurity capability. It is both well-recognized and well-regarded across the industry.
Did CEH help you achieve higher pay, promotions, or desired job opportunities?
Yes, it did. CEH strengthens your professional profile, especially when clients request CVs or credentials during vendor evaluations. Having CEH next to your name reassures clients that your skills have been validated and that you are capable of delivering the services they require. This level of trust and recognition is invaluable in securing opportunities and advancing professionally.
How has the CEH certification impacted you?
The CEH certification had a significant impact on me, particularly from a technical and skills-development perspective. I pursued it for two key reasons: industry recognition and career advancement, but the real value came from what I learned throughout the program.
The course provided new skills, deeper insights, updated tools, and fresh ways of approaching cybersecurity challenges. Its comprehensive and regularly updated curriculum has been invaluable. Even without the marketplace recognition, the knowledge gained alone made the certification worthwhile.
Did CEH help you give back to the community in any way?
Absolutely. My career has always been deeply rooted in the open-source community, where giving back is essential.
CEH helped me connect with other cybersecurity professionals, facilitating knowledge-sharing, discussions on emerging threats, and collaborative skill development.
It has enabled me to support open-source projects by identifying vulnerabilities, assisting with security-related bug reports, and helping developers build more secure software. CEH strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully to the community and help others grow in the cybersecurity field.
What was your favorite part of the CEH program? Please explain why.
The CEH program offers value across many modules, making it difficult to choose just one favorite. I particularly enjoyed the networking module, which deepened my understanding of the TCP/IP stack and how attackers exploit it for reconnaissance or unauthorized access.
I also appreciated the sections on application security, SQL injection, and database protection. The detailed case studies added practical context.
Social engineering was another standout module, not because I practice it myself, but because it increased my awareness of manipulation tactics we encounter daily, even outside cybersecurity. Overall, each module offered insights that either expanded my knowledge or reinforced existing understanding.
Do you attribute any part of your success to EC-Council? If so, do you have a message for the team?
Yes. EC-Council has played a valuable role in helping me present stronger credentials and demonstrate credibility to clients. The CEH certification has expanded my capabilities, enabling me to offer a broader range of cybersecurity services, from application security testing to network, OS-level, and general penetration testing.
My message to the EC-Council team is this: Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly—cloud, mobile, AI/ML, and new paradigms continue to reshape the landscape.
Continue keeping the CEH curriculum practical, tool-focused, and aligned to real-world techniques, especially in emerging domains.
Also, maintaining strong emphasis on open-source tools is important. Many practitioners, including myself, rely heavily on Linux-based and freely available open-source security tools, which should remain central in the learning experience.
Conclusion
The CEH is a transformative certification that helps broaden skills and technical capabilities, elevates professional standing, and enables meaningful contributions to aspirants. Its practical, evolving curriculum continues to empower cybersecurity practitioners to navigate modern threats with confidence, reinforcing CEH as a valuable and respected credential in the global security landscape.
About the Interviewee
Mark Clarke is an IT and cybersecurity consultant with deep expertise in building solutions using open-source technologies. He focuses on automating processes, optimizing workflows, and enhancing organizational value. Actively engaged in the open-source community, Mark contributes by identifying vulnerabilities, reporting security issues, and promoting secure software development practices.
