Eccentrix - Trainings catalog - Cybersecurity and cyberdefense - Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) (EC6164)

Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) (EC6164)

The EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) program introduces professionals and students to the field of cryptography.

Participants will learn the basics of symmetric and modern key cryptography, including details of algorithms such as Feistel Networks, DES, and AES. Other topics introduced include an overview of algorithms such as Blowfish, Twofish, and Skipjack; hashing algorithms, including MD5, MD6, SHA, Gost, RIPMD 256, and others; asymmetric cryptography, including in-depth descriptions of RSA, Elgamal, Elliptic Curve, and DSA; and significant concepts such as diffusion, confusion, and Kerckhoffs’s principle. Participants will also receive practical applications of the following: how to set up a VPN, encrypt a drive, and hands-on experience with steganography.

Related trainings

Exclusives

  • Certification exam participation: Voucher included – value of $350!
  • Video recording: 365 days of access to your course for viewing
  • Technical lab: Available for 180 days of online access
  • Class material: Complete and up to date with ASPEN
  • Proof of attendance: Digital certificate of completion for the official EC-Council course
  • Fast and guaranteed schedule: Maximum wait of 4 to 6 weeks after participant registrations, guaranteed date

Applicable solutions

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Private class

Reserve this training exclusively for your organization with pricing adapted to the number of participants. Our pricing for private classes varies according to the size of your group, with a guaranteed minimum threshold to maintain pedagogical quality.

  • Volume-based pricing discount according to the number of participants
  • Training delivered in an environment dedicated to your team
  • Scheduling flexibility according to your availability
  • Enhanced interaction among colleagues from the same organization
  • Same exclusive benefits as our public training sessions

How to get a proposal?

Use the request form by specifying the number of participants. We will quickly send you a complete proposal with the exact pricing, available dates, and details of all the benefits included in your private training.

Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) EC-6164 Training Plan: Detailed Modules

  • What is Cryptography?
  • History
  • Mono-Alphabet Substitution
  • Caesar Cipher
  • Atbash Cipher
  • ROT 13
  • Scytale
  • Single Substitution Weaknesses
  • Multi-Alphabet Substitution
  • Cipher Disk
  • Vigenère Cipher
  • Vigenère Cipher: Example
  • Breaking the Vigenère Cipher
  • Playfair
  • The ADFGVX cipher
  • The Enigma Machine
  • CrypTool
  • Symmetric Cryptography
  • Information Theory
  • Information Theory Cryptography
  • Concepts
  • Kerckhoffs’s Principle
  • Substitution
  • Transposition
  • Substitution and Transposition
  • Binary M
  • ath
  • Binary AND
  • Binary OR
  • Binary XOR
  • Block Cipher vs. Stream Cipher
  • Symmetric Block Cipher Algorithms
  • Basic Facts of the Feistel Function
  • The Feistel Function
  • A Simple View of a Single Round
  • Unbalanced Feistel Cipher
  • DES
  • 3DES
  • DESx
  • Whitening
  • AES
  • AES General Overview
  • AES Specifics
  • Blowfish
  • Serpent
  • Twofish
  • Skipjack
  • IDEA
  • Symmetric Algorithm Methods
  • Electronic Codebook (ECB)
  • Cipher-Block Chaining (CBC)
  • Propagating Cipher-Block Chaining
  • (PCBC)
  • Cipher Feedback (CFB)
  • Output Feedback (OFB)
  • Counter (CTR)
  • Initialization Vector (IV)
  • Symmetric Stream Ciphers
  • Example of Symmetric Stream Ciphers:
  • RC4
  • Example of Symmetric Stream Ciphers:
  • FISH
  • Example of Symmetric Stream Ciphers:
  • PIKE
  • Hash
  • Hash – Salt
  • MD5
  • The MD5 Algorithm
  • MD6
  • Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA)
  • Fork 256
  • RIPEMD – 160
  • GOST
  • Tiger
  • CryptoBench
  • Asymmetric Encryption
  • Basic Number Facts
  • Prime Numbers
  • Co-Prime
  • Eulers Totient
  • Modulus Operator
  • Fibonacci Numbers
  • Birthday Problem
  • Birthday Theorem
  • Birthday Attack
  • Random Number Generators
  • Classification of Random Number Generators
  • Naor-Reingold and Mersenne Twister
  • Pseudorandom Function
  • Linear Congruential Generator
  • Lehmer Random Number Generator
  • Lagged Fibonacci Generator
  • Diffie-Hellman
  • Rivest Shamir Adleman (RSA)
  • RSA – How it Works
  • RSA Example
  • Menezes–Qu–Vanstone
  • Digital Signature Algorithm
  • Signing with DSA
  • Elliptic Curve
  • Elliptic Curve Variations
  • Elgamal
  • CrypTool
  • Digital Signatures
  • What is a Digital Certificate?
  • Digital Certificates
  • X.509
  • X.509 Certificates
  • X.509 Certificate Content
  • X.509 Certificate File Extensions
  • Certificate Authority (CA)
  • Registration Authority (RA)
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
  • Digital Certificate Terminology
  • Server-based Certificate Validation Protocol
  • Digital Certificate Management
  • Trust Models
  • Certificates and Web Servers
  • Microsoft Certificate Services
  • Windows Certificates: certmgr.msc
  • Authentication
  • Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)
  • Shiva Password Authentication Protocol (S-PAP)
  • Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol
  • (CHAP)
  • Kerberos
  • Components of Kerberos System
  • Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)
  • PGP Certificates
  • Wifi Encryption
  • Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
  • WPA – Wi-Fi Protected Access
  • WPA2
  • SSL
  • TLS
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
  • PPTP VPN
  • Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol VPN
  • Internet Protocol Security VPN
  • SSL/VPN
  • Encrypting Files
  • Backing up the EFS key
  • Restoring the EFS Key
  • Bitlocker
  • Bitlocker: Screenshot
  • Disk Encryption Software: Truecrypt
  • Steganography
  • Steganography Terms
  • Historical Steganography
  • Steganography Details
  • Other Forms of Steganography
  • Steganography Implementations
  • Demonstration
  • Steganalysis
  • Steganalysis – Raw Quick Pair
  • Steganalysis – Chi-Square Analysis
  • Steganalysis – Audio Steganalysis
  • Steganography Detection Tools
  • National Security Agency and Cryptography
  • NSA Suite A Encryption Algorithms
  • NSA Suite B Encryption Algorithms
  • National Security Agency: Type 1 Algorithms
  • National Security Agency: Type 2 Algorithms
  • National Security Agency: Type 3 Algorithms
  • National Security Agency: Type 4 Algorithms
  • Unbreakable Encryption
  • Breaking Ciphers
  • Cryptanalysis
  • Frequency Analysis
  • Kasiski
  • Cracking Modern Cryptography
  • Cracking Modern Cryptography: Chosen Plaintext
  • Attack
  • Linear Cryptanalysis
  • Differential Cryptanalysis
  • Integral Cryptanalysis
  • Cryptanalysis Resources
  • Cryptanalysis Success
  • Rainbow Tables
  • Password Cracking
  • Tools

ECES course preview

Recommended prerequisite knowledge

  • A basic understanding of cybersecurity principles.
  • Familiarity with general IT concepts and terminology.
  • Knowledge of basic networking and security is beneficial but not mandatory.

Credentials and certification

Exam features

  • Code: 212-81
  • Title: EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist
  • Duration: 2 hours  
  • Number of Questions: 50 
  • Question Format: Multiple Choice
  • Online with EC-Council Exam Center
  • Cost: $0 (included in your training)

All details >>

EC-Council Career Advancement Pathway

Eccentrix offers a structured EC-Council certification pathway to help you specialize in digital forensics and cybercrime investigations. Here’s how each certification fits into the pathway and how to plan your complete progression.

Recommended EC-Council Digital Forensics & Cybercrime Investigations Pathway

  • 🔍 Level 1 – FoundationsYou are here
    Certified Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) – Encryption fundamentals, key concepts, and introductory investigation techniques
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Level 2 – Digital Investigations – Next recommended step
    Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) – Forensic analysis, digital evidence collection, post-incident investigation

Duration and Salary Progression by Level

Level Certification Duration Average Salary (CAD)

1

Certified Encryption Specialist

3 days

$60,000 – $75,000

2

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator

5 days

$75,000 – $95,000

  • Total pathway duration: 6–12 months
  • Potential salary increase: +20% to +35% from Level 1 to Level 2

Skills Development by Level

Skill Area ECES CHFI

Encryption Concepts

Proficient

Advanced

Forensic Analysis

Introduction

Proficient

Evidence Collection

Basic

Advanced

Post-Incident Investigation

Basic

Advanced

Forensic Tool Usage

Basic

Proficient

Level 1 – Foundations with ECES (Your Current Step)

Why this is your logical starting point:

The Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) certification lays the essential foundation for understanding encryption, data security, and basic digital investigation concepts. It’s ideal for anyone looking to move into forensic, incident analysis, or cyber-investigation roles.

Roles accessible after ECES:

  • Security Technician
  • Forensic Analyst Assistant
  • IT Support Technician
  • Junior Digital Investigation Analyst

Average salary in Canada: $60,000 – $75,000 CAD

Typical timeline: 2–4 months of training

Level 2 – Digital Investigations with CHFI (Next Recommended Step)

If you’ve completed ECES, CHFI is the logical next step to master forensic analysis, digital evidence collection, and post-incident investigation in diverse environments.

Other Available EC-Council Pathways

Benefits of the Complete Pathway

Structured Progression

Each certification builds on the previous, creating a solid technical foundation for digital forensics and investigation.

Global Recognition

Certifications recognized by industry employers worldwide.

Increased Versatility

Prepares you for diverse roles in forensics, investigation, post-incident analysis, and cybersecurity.

Rapid Career Advancement

Move quickly from technician to advanced analyst in digital forensics and cybercrime investigations.

Ready to Advance?

Eccentrix Corner Articles: Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) EC-6164 Resources

Explore our technical articles on Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) EC-6164 published on Eccentrix Corner. These resources dive deeper into key encryption concepts, share best practices in data security, and provide practical guides to maximize your learning and certification success. Our experts share real-world insights to help you master advanced cryptographic techniques and protect sensitive information.

ECES Certification Training

The ECES Certification training provides cybersecurity professionals and IT specialists with a strong foundation in cryptography and encryption technologies. This course covers essential concepts, algorithms, and practical applications of encryption, enabling participants to secure digital assets and protect sensitive information effectively.

Through hands-on labs and practical scenarios, participants will gain the expertise needed to work with encryption tools and methods, preparing them to achieve the ECES certification, a globally recognized credential in cryptography.

Why Choose the ECES Training?

With the rise of cyber threats and increasing demand for secure communication, knowledge of encryption technologies has become essential. The ECES training equips participants to understand, implement, and manage encryption techniques to safeguard data.

Earning the ECES certification demonstrates your expertise in cryptography, enhancing your ability to secure organizational systems against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Key Skills Developed in the Training

  1. Comprehensive understanding of encryption algorithms
    Learn symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods, including DES, AES, RSA, and ECC.

  2. Data protection techniques
    Understand hashing methods, digital signatures, and secure key management practices.

  3. Practical application of cryptography
    Gain hands-on experience with encryption tools, secure communication protocols, and data protection strategies.

  4. Secure communication methods
    Learn how to encrypt emails, files, and networks to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.

  5. Compliance with security standards
    Understand how encryption aligns with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

  6. Prepare for the ECES certification exam
    Acquire the knowledge required to pass the ECES exam and validate your cryptography skills.

Hands-On Training with Expert Guidance

Delivered by experienced cybersecurity instructors, the ECES training incorporates real-world scenarios and labs to provide practical experience. Participants will explore encryption challenges and solutions, gaining skills they can apply immediately in professional settings.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for:

  • IT and cybersecurity professionals focusing on data protection and secure communications
  • Network administrators and engineers aiming to enhance encryption knowledge
  • Security consultants working on cryptography solutions for organizations
  • Individuals preparing for the Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) certification

Secure Your Future in Cybersecurity with ECES

The Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) (EC6164) training equips you with the knowledge and skills to implement advanced encryption techniques and secure critical data. Enroll today to earn a globally recognized certification and enhance your career in cryptography and cybersecurity.

Exam Success Strategies for ECES

Achieving the EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES) certification requires more than technical knowledge—strategic preparation, effective time management, and optimal mental performance are equally essential. By understanding the exam structure, mastering cryptographic algorithms, and practicing with realistic scenarios, you will develop the confidence and expertise needed to excel in the ECES certification.

ECES Exam Statistics & Success Rates

  • Average Pass Rate: 72-77% on first attempt
  • Most Common Score Range: 74-82% for passing candidates
  • Average Study Time: 4-6 weeks for experienced cybersecurity professionals
  • Retake Rate: 18-23% of candidates require a second attempt
  • Top Failure Areas: Asymmetric cryptography and number theory (34%), cryptanalysis techniques (27%), practical applications of encryption (24%)

Study Method Comparison

Study Approach Duration Pass rate Best For

Hands-on Practice Only

6-8 weeks

45-55%

Experienced cryptography professionals

Documentation + Practice

8-10 weeks

72-77%

Methodical learners

Training + Labs + Practice

4-6 weeks

85-92%

Comprehensive preparation

Practice Tests Only

2-3 weeks

35-45%

Not recommended

Strategic Study Approach

  • Create a 4-6 week study schedule – Don’t rush this certification; cryptography requires deep understanding of mathematical concepts and algorithm implementations
  • Follow the 70-20-10 rule – 70% hands-on practice with encryption tools and cryptographic implementations, 20% reading documentation and course materials, 10% practice exams
  • Focus on scenario-based learning – ECES emphasizes real-world encryption applications rather than memorizing formulas
  • Study in 90-minute blocks with 15-minute breaks to maximize retention and avoid burnout
  • Practice implementing encryption algorithms repeatedly – understand how symmetric and asymmetric encryption work in practice
  • Master cryptographic concepts and principles – understand diffusion, confusion, Kerckhoffs’s principle, and key management
  • Understand practical applications – know how to set up VPNs, encrypt drives, and implement steganography

Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Don’t confuse basic encryption concepts with advanced cryptographic implementations – ECES requires in-depth knowledge of algorithm design and cryptanalysis
  • Symmetric cryptography and hashing are heavily tested – understand DES, AES, Blowfish, Twofish, Skipjack, and hashing algorithms (MD5, MD6, SHA, GOST, RIPEMD)
  • Asymmetric cryptography requires mathematical depth – know RSA, ElGamal, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and DSA in detail
  • Number theory is fundamental – understand prime numbers, modular arithmetic, discrete logarithms, and their role in cryptography
  • Cryptanalysis techniques are critical – know how to identify weaknesses in encryption implementations and understand attack vectors
  • Practical applications differ from theory – understand how to implement VPNs, full-disk encryption, and secure communication protocols 
  • Steganography is a distinct discipline – know how to hide information within other data and detect hidden messages
  • Key management is often overlooked – understand key generation, distribution, storage, and lifecycle management

Topic Weight Distribution

Exam Domain Weight Focus Areas Priority

Introduction and History of Cryptography

8-10%

Cryptographic evolution, classical ciphers, historical context

Medium

Symmetric Cryptography & Hashes

25-30%

DES, AES, Blowfish, Twofish, Skipjack, MD5, SHA, RIPEMD, hashing concepts

Critical

Number Theory and Asymmetric Cryptography

30-35%

Prime numbers, modular arithmetic, RSA, ElGamal, ECC, DSA, public key infrastructure

Critical

Applications of Cryptography

20-25%

VPN setup, full-disk encryption, secure communication, steganography, PKI implementation

Critical

Cryptanalysis

12-15%

Attack vectors, weakness identification, cryptographic vulnerabilities, security analysis

High

Exam Day Time Management

  • Allocate approximately 1.5 minutes per question on average – this gives you buffer time for complex mathematical and scenario-based questions
  • Read scenario questions completely before attempting to answer – don’t miss critical details about encryption context or implementation requirements
  • Flag uncertain questions and return to them – don’t get stuck on difficult mathematical problems and waste valuable time
  • Reserve 10-15 minutes at the end to review flagged questions and double-check your answers
  • Manage mathematical questions strategically – prioritize questions related to your strongest cryptographic domains first

Managing Exam Stress & Performance

  • Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before – avoid last-minute cramming that reduces cognitive performance
  • Log in to the exam site 5-10 minutes early – settle in and complete check-in procedures calmly
  • Use deep breathing techniques if you feel overwhelmed during the exam – mental clarity is key for complex questions
  • Trust your preparation – your first instinct is usually correct on scenario-based cryptography questions
  • Remember that the passing score is 70% – you don’t need perfection, just solid competence in encryption and cryptography

Technical Preparation Tips

  • Practice implementing all major encryption algorithms – understand how DES, AES, RSA, and ECC work in practice, not just theory
  • Master hashing algorithms – know the differences between MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-3, and when to use each
  • Understand asymmetric cryptography deeply – know how public key cryptography works, including key generation and exchange
  • Practice number theory concepts – understand modular arithmetic, prime factorization, and discrete logarithms
  • Master cryptanalysis techniques – know how to identify vulnerabilities in encryption implementations and understand common attacks
  • Practice with encryption tools – understand how to configure VPNs, implement full-disk encryption, and use steganography tools
  • Understand key management – know how to generate, distribute, store, rotate, and revoke cryptographic keys securely

Final Week Preparation

  • Take 2-3 full practice exams to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence
  • Review the official ECES exam objectives from EC-Council one final time
  • Focus on your weakest areas – asymmetric cryptography, number theory, and cryptanalysis are the most common failure areas
  • Avoid learning new concepts – focus on reinforcing what you already know
  • Prepare your exam day logistics – required identification, computer setup

Mental Preparation Strategies

  • Visualize success scenarios – imagine yourself confidently answering questions and solving cryptographic challenges
  • Recall your hands-on experience – you’ve likely solved many of these problems in lab environments before
  • Stay positive when facing difficult questions – all candidates encounter challenging scenarios
  • Remember that cryptography is a practical skill – your lab experience is your greatest asset
  • Approach the exam as a validation of your expertise, not a test of memorized formulas

How to Schedule Your ECES Exam

  • Testing is done online with EC-Council Exam Center, the authorized testing partner for ECES
  • Scheduling Process: Create an account, search for “ECES” or “212-81”, select your date
  • Exam Cost: Included in your Eccentrix training – exam voucher provided for this certification
  • Scheduling Timeline: Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for better time slot availability
  • Rescheduling Policy: Free rescheduling up to 24 hours before your exam appointment
  • Required ID: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) matching your registration name exactly

Success Mindset: Approach ECES as a validation of your cryptography expertise and your ability to implement secure encryption solutions effectively, not as a test of memorized formulas. Your hands-on experience with encryption algorithms, cryptographic tools, and practical implementations is your greatest asset.

Frequently asked questions - EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist training (FAQ)

Basic knowledge of IT and cybersecurity principles is recommended.

The course includes encryption algorithms, hashing techniques, secure key management, and cryptographic protocols.

Yes, participants will engage in hands-on labs to apply encryption techniques in realistic scenarios.

Participants will learn to use encryption software, tools for secure communication, and cryptographic frameworks.

The certification validates your expertise in encryption and cryptography, increasing your opportunities in cybersecurity roles.

Yes, the course content is fully aligned with the objectives of the ECES certification exam.

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