What caught your attention about the CEH program?
For years, I kept encountering the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program on résumés, in job descriptions, and in industry discussions. Two years ago, I finally decided to pursue it as part of another learning initiative, and it turned out to be an excellent experience. The course material is comprehensive and comparable in quality to programs from CompTIA or even SANS.
How did CEH benefit your career?
CEH strengthened my understanding of cybersecurity issues, along with the tactics, techniques, and procedures used in real-world environments.
How recognized is CEH in your organization and the industry?
CEH is highly recognized across the industry. In fact, the U.S. Department of Defense has designated it as one of its core workforce certifications. When the federal government validates a certification at that level, it’s clear that the credential holds significant value.
How has CEH impacted you and helped you give back to the community?
I wear multiple hats: IT Director and Information Security Officer for a Virginia state agency, adjunct college professor, and a contributor to my state’s cybersecurity program through the Defense Force and National Guard.
CEH enhanced my awareness of evolving threats in my daily work, enriched my teaching for college students, and supported my volunteer role where I assess cybersecurity readiness for cities, counties, and towns across the state.
What was your favorite part of the CEH program? Why?
My favorite part was the hands-on labs. Being able to practice techniques, explore vulnerabilities, and test real-world responses is the most effective way to learn. The labs are engaging, practical, and genuinely enjoyable.
Tell us about your journey as a cybersecurity professional.
I’ve worked in IT since the late 1990s and earned numerous certifications throughout my career. These credentials helped me advance into executive-level roles as an IT Director for organizations and state agencies.
Cybersecurity has always been central to my responsibilities, long before it became mainstream. In the early 2000s, resources were limited, and Hacking Exposed was one of my primary learning tools.
Today, I continue to use my experience to teach, mentor, and volunteer, helping strengthen cybersecurity in my community.
Do you attribute any part of your success to EC-Council? If so, what is your message to the team?
Yes, absolutely. I greatly appreciate the EC-Council certifications. During my one-year subscription with EC-Council, I completed various courses that significantly expanded my knowledge at an affordable price, often lower than other certification providers. My message:
Please continue offering these programs to support the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and leaders.
Conclusion
CEH has proven instrumental in advancing cybersecurity capabilities, elevating professional credibility, and expanding opportunities to educate and support others. From government recognition to hands-on learning, CEH delivers both depth and practicality. This demonstrates CEH as a powerful investment for professionals seeking growth, impact, and long-term success in cybersecurity.
About the Interviewee
Nick Kuriger
IT Director, Virginia State Bar
Nicholas Kuriger is a cybersecurity and IT executive with over 25 years of experience leading security operations, risk management, and cloud-first initiatives. Currently directing IT and security at the Virginia State Bar, he specializes in Zero Trust, compliance frameworks, and cost-effective cybersecurity strategies, backed by extensive certifications and academic contributions.
