Mayukh Mitra highlights the importance of the CEH certification for professionals who want to kick-start their cybersecurity careers. His testimonial emphasizes the growing cyber threat in the digital landscape and the corresponding demand for skilled information security professionals. Through this interview, Mayukh shares how the CEH credential helped him land his first industry role, differentiate himself during placements, and build a foundation in practical security skills. He also reflects on the structured learning experience, the global recognition of CEH in the industry, and the certification’s broader impact, allowing him to contribute to community awareness and social good. His journey offers both aspiring and early-career professionals a real-world perspective on how certifications like CEH can shape and accelerate their entry into the cybersecurity domain.
Why did you become a Certified Ethical Hacker?
My interest in cybersecurity began during my college years. In my first year, I took a basic course that introduced me to fundamental security terminologies. That course sparked my curiosity further and made me realize that cybersecurity aligned closely with my passion.
I dedicated a few months to studying for the exam, eventually cleared it, and officially started my journey in the field of security.
After earning my CEH certification, I began working on various security-related projects, including freelancing. I was also inspired by a few individuals who were highly skilled in this domain, especially during my early days. Their passion and expertise greatly influenced me and deepened my love for cybersecurity. That’s how my journey into ethical hacking began.
Did the CEH credential benefit your career? If so, how?
Absolutely, the CEH credential played a significant role in shaping my career. After graduation, most of the placement opportunities available were for software development or support roles—very few were related to cybersecurity.
I consider myself quite fortunate because, during the placement process, I interviewed with Nomura Research Institute (NRI Fintech). Although the open position was for a Java development role, I expressed my strong interest in the security domain during the interview. I highlighted the fact that I had completed the CEH certification and shared details about the security-related projects I had worked on.
The employer, taking into consideration my passion for security and my C|EH certification, even though the initial role was meant for development, offered me a position as a Security Analyst instead.
That became my first industry experience in the cybersecurity field.
Looking back, I genuinely believe that having the CEH certification gave me an edge. It served as proof that I had a foundational understanding of cybersecurity, and it helped set me apart from others with similar qualifications. While CEH doesn’t make you an expert, it does validate your commitment and knowledge in the field, and that can open important doors early in your career.
What was your favorite part of the CEH program?
My favorite part of the CEH program was definitely the hands-on experience it offered. I really appreciate how the entire curriculum is structured; it starts from a beginner level and gradually progresses to an intermediate level, making it accessible yet comprehensive.
How recognized is CEH in your organization and the industry?
The CEH is a globally recognized entry-level certification in the cybersecurity domain.
It is widely accepted across the industry—I’d say around 80 to 90% of organizations acknowledge it as credible proof that someone has foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.
Since obtaining the CEH credential requires passing a standardized exam, it assures employers that the individual has at least a basic, structured understanding of key security concepts. That recognition is one of the strengths of the certification, and it’s encouraging to see it valued across different sectors.
Did CEH help you give back to the community in any way?
Yes, absolutely. One of the ways CEH has helped me give back is by enabling me to spread cybersecurity awareness among non-technical individuals.
In today’s world, where cybercriminals constantly come up with new tactics, it’s crucial to educate the general public about how to stay safe online.
I’ve been involved in awareness initiatives—some of them in collaboration with confidential organizations—where I’ve helped people understand the basics of cyber hygiene: what to do, what to avoid, and how to recognize common threats. Being able to use my knowledge for the benefit of society has been very fulfilling, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
Tell us about your journey as a cybersecurity professional.
My journey in cybersecurity began during the first year of my engineering studies. At that time, there was a noticeable rise in cybercrime cases, and I came across news stories about people losing large sums of money due to online fraud. These incidents really caught my attention and inspired me to do something meaningful in this field.
I was fortunate to have a few seniors in college who were already exploring the cybersecurity domain. Their guidance and encouragement influenced me greatly, and I decided to start learning more about the field. As I continued studying, I gained foundational knowledge and eventually pursued the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.
I have completed my MS in Computer Science, specializing in Autonomous Systems, from the University of Stuttgart, Germany. I am also a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certified by ISACA. Currently, I work as an Information Security Engineer at K15t GmbH in Germany. During my Master’s program, I also worked at Robert Bosch GmbH, although that role was not related to cybersecurity.
Earning the CEH helped me land my first job in the cybersecurity domain at NRI Fintech (Nomura Research Institute) as a Security Analyst.
I worked in the Security Operations Center (SOC) as an L1 Analyst and was also involved in penetration testing, making me a part of the purple team.
Later, I transitioned to EdgeVerve Systems, where I took on the role of an Application Security Engineer. Along the way, I also engaged in various freelancing projects, particularly in penetration testing, and continued expanding my knowledge in the field.
My journey is ongoing—I’m continuously learning and striving to grow as a cybersecurity professional.
Do you attribute any part of your success to EC-Council? If so, do you have a message for the team at EC-Council?
Yes, absolutely. Everyone in the cybersecurity field is familiar with the name EC-Council. I’m incredibly thankful to EC-Council, especially to the CEH program. I believe that earning the CEH certification was a major turning point in my career. It gave me the credibility and knowledge I needed to secure my first job in cybersecurity, and that opportunity helped set the foundation for everything that followed.
Conclusion
Mayukh Mitra’s journey shows how the CEH certification can be a catalyst for launching a successful cybersecurity career. His experience illustrates the certification’s real-world value—not just in providing career opportunities but also in enabling meaningful contributions to cybersecurity awareness. For aspiring professionals, his story describes how passion, structured learning, and industry-recognized credentials like CEH can build a strong foundation in the cybersecurity domain.
About the Interviewee
