Over the past 75 days, I’ve immersed myself in the world of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) preparation materials — crafting a comprehensive set of notes broken into structured, digestible chunks. Each module dives deep into the core concepts, tools, and techniques of ethical hacking, designed not just for memorization but for real-world application.
These notes reflect my personal learning style and are modeled after the frameworks I’ve used for other certifications like CISSP and CC. They serve as a quick yet thorough review guide, tailored for aspirants who value clarity, context, and practical relevance.
This journey has been more than just exam prep — it’s been about building a resource that others can benefit from, and reinforcing my own foundations in cybersecurity.
Here i would collated all my note works into a single writeup for the easy reference
Detailed Exam Outline
The CEH v13 exam from EC-Council is a globally recognized credential that tests candidates on practical, real-world cybersecurity skills across 20 domains, including AI-powered and cloud technologies. The exam follows the five core phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks, with a strong emphasis on scenario-based questions over rote memorization.
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CEH Notes Part 1
Module 1 – Introduction to Ethical Hacking
This module introduces the basics of ethical hacking — what it means to hack legally and responsibly.
It explains hacker types, attack phases, and how ethical hackers protect systems by thinking like attackers.
Module 2 – Footprinting and Reconnaissance
Learn how attackers gather information before launching an attack.
This module covers collecting public data, mapping targets, and identifying potential entry points safely and legally.
Module 3 – Scanning Networks
Focuses on detecting live systems, open ports, and network vulnerabilities.
You’ll understand how scanning tools map out networks — a key step before exploitation in ethical hacking.
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CEH Notes Part II
Module 4 – Enumeration
This module teaches how to dig deeper into a network after scanning.
You’ll learn how attackers extract details like usernames, shares, and services — information used to plan the next attack phase.
Module 5 – Vulnerability Analysis
Learn how to identify weaknesses in systems and applications.
This module explains how to assess and prioritize vulnerabilities so they can be fixed before attackers exploit them.
Module 6 – System Hacking
Focuses on how attackers gain access to systems and maintain control.
You’ll study password cracking, privilege escalation, and covering tracks — essential knowledge to strengthen system defenses.
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CEH Notes Part III
Module 7 – Malware Threats
This module explains how malicious software works and spreads.
You’ll learn about viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware — and how to detect, analyze, and defend against them.
Module 8 – Sniffing
Learn how attackers capture and monitor network traffic to steal sensitive data.
This module shows how sniffing tools work and how to protect networks using encryption and secure configurations.
Module 9 – Social Engineering
Focuses on how attackers manipulate people instead of systems.
You’ll explore techniques like phishing, pretexting, and impersonation — and learn how to recognize and prevent them.
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CEH Notes Part IV
Module 10 – Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
This module explains how attackers overload systems or networks to make them unavailable.
You’ll learn different DoS and DDoS techniques — and how to prevent or mitigate these attacks.
Module 11 – Session Hijacking
Learn how attackers take over active user sessions to steal information or gain control.
This module teaches how hijacking works and how to secure sessions through encryption and timeout policies.
Module 12 – Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
This module focuses on how attackers avoid detection by security systems.
You’ll explore evasion tactics and learn how to strengthen your defenses for better visibility and control.
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CEH Notes Part V
Module 13 – Hacking Web Servers
This module teaches how attackers target web servers through misconfigurations and weak settings.
You’ll learn about common server attacks and how to secure web infrastructure from exploitation.
Module 14 – Hacking Web Applications
Focuses on how web apps are attacked using flaws like SQL injection and XSS.
You’ll understand how insecure coding and poor validation lead to breaches — and how to fix them.
Module 15 – SQL Injection
This module dives deep into one of the most dangerous web attacks — SQL Injection.
You’ll learn how attackers manipulate databases and how developers can prevent it using secure coding practices.
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CEH Notes Part VI
Module 16 – Hacking Wireless Networks
This module explains how wireless networks can be attacked through weak encryption or rogue access points.
You’ll learn how Wi-Fi security works and how to protect wireless connections from intruders.
Module 17 – Hacking Mobile Platforms
Focuses on how attackers exploit mobile devices and apps.
You’ll learn about mobile OS vulnerabilities, malware, and security practices to keep smartphones secure.
Module 18 – IoT and OT Hacking
This module covers attacks on smart devices and industrial systems.
You’ll understand IoT and OT risks, from insecure devices to network exposure, and how to safeguard them effectively.
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CEH Notes Part VII
Module 19 – Cloud Computing
This module focuses on security challenges in cloud environments.
You’ll learn about cloud models, shared responsibilities, common threats like misconfigurations, and how to secure cloud data and services.
Module 20 – Cryptography
Covers the science of securing data through encryption and hashing.
You’ll understand how cryptography protects confidentiality, integrity, and authentication — forming the backbone of modern cybersecurity.
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Conclusion
CEH v13 isn’t just a certification — it’s a transformation in how you think about security.
Across 20 modules, you journey from understanding the hacker’s mindset to mastering defense at every layer — network, web, cloud, and beyond.
It blends offense with ethics, showing that true strength lies in knowledge and responsibility.
By the end, you’re not just spotting threats — you’re anticipating them.
Armed with insight, strategy, and skill, you step into the role of a guardian of the digital frontier.
