EC-Council Releases CEH Hall of Fame 2025 Industry Report

The EC-Council, the organization behind the globally recognized Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, has released its CEH Hall of Fame 2025 Industry Report. This landmark publication delivers an in-depth examination of how CEH certification is shaping careers, fortifying industries, and reinforcing national cybersecurity infrastructures. The report also celebrates the achievements of the world’s leading ethical hackers, offering a rare lens into the transformative power of professional cybersecurity training.

A Data-Driven Exploration of Cybersecurity Excellence

This latest report takes a data-backed approach to understanding how CEH certification is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. It sheds light on the tangible outcomes of certification, especially in terms of professional development and preparedness against emerging digital threats. Structured around four critical pillars, Career Advancement, Industry Recognition, Hands-On Proficiency, and Skills Acquired, the report distils powerful insights into the evolving role of ethical hackers worldwide.

"This year’s Hall of Fame showcases the extraordinary calibre of cybersecurity professionals shaping the future of global digital defense," said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. "These inductees have elevated ethical hacking to a strategic discipline, where their expertise not only protects critical systems but actively drives organizational growth, resilience, and trust. Their leadership exemplifies how technical excellence, and forward-thinking are now essential to navigating the digital world with confidence."

The Selection Process Behind the CEH Hall of Fame

Induction into the CEH Hall of Fame is reserved for the most exceptional professionals in the field. To qualify, candidates first needed to score 90% or higher on the rigorous CEH certification exam. From that benchmark, 460 finalists representing 93 nations were further evaluated based on leadership skills, real-world cybersecurity contributions, active community involvement, innovation in threat mitigation, and clear professional growth. Ultimately, 100 outstanding individuals were honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame, symbolizing the pinnacle of ethical hacking achievement.

Career Transformation Through Certification

One of the report’s core revelations lies in the powerful career impact experienced by CEH professionals. Drawing directly from the experiences of Hall of Fame members and finalists, the findings reflect how the CEH program not only elevates technical expertise but also enhances professional reputation and opportunities. The stories shared in the report highlight career leaps, expanded responsibilities, and growing influence within organizational hierarchies, all catalyzed by CEH training.

Widespread Recognition of CEH’s Value

The survey data featured in the report paints a vivid picture of CEH’s influence. An overwhelming majority of participants indicated that the certification brought immediate professional recognition and peer respect. Nearly all respondents acknowledged that CEH positively altered the trajectory of their careers. The program’s practical training, particularly its virtual labs, was cited as instrumental in developing hands-on skills applicable in real-world threat environments. Furthermore, CEH was widely regarded as offering a distinct advantage over other cybersecurity certifications, thanks to its relevance and depth.

Bavisi concluded, "The CEH Hall of Fame 2025 Industry Report not only reflects the incredible achievements of these professionals but also signals the growing influence of ethical hackers in shaping the future of cybersecurity. As these leaders continue to advance their expertise, they are setting new standards for the profession and ensuring organizations are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world."

A Vision for the Future: CEH Integrated with AI

Looking beyond 2025, EC-Council is driving innovation by launching a new evolution of the CEH program - Certified Ethical Hacker Powered with AI Capabilities. This future-ready version is built on a "Learn, Certify, Engage, and Compete" framework. It introduces cutting-edge training features such as immersive labs, scenario-based simulations, and role-based pathways mapped to over 45 cybersecurity job profiles. By embedding AI into the core of ethical hacking education, the program aims to prepare professionals for the next wave of sophisticated cyber challenges.