The EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) is a global organization that provides information security and cybersecurity training, certification, and services, most notably creating the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification program. Pulse 2.0 interviewed EC-Council President Jay Bavisi to gain a deeper understanding of the organization.
Jay Bavisi’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Bavisi said:
“EC-Council was founded with a vision to bridge the critical cybersecurity skills gap, particularly after 9/11, when it became clear that the security landscape was shifting rapidly to the digital realm. While the world was focused on defending physical borders, the digital domain was exposed. This realization led to the creation of EC-Council, with the aim of empowering professionals with the skills necessary to safeguard digital infrastructures. As the industry grew, EC-Council led the way in training and certifying cybersecurity professionals, expanding our reach globally through digital platforms. Our commitment to innovation continues to drive us forward, ensuring our training adapts to emerging technologies, including the integration of AI into our certification programs.”
Formation Of The Organization
How did the idea for the company come together? Bavisi shared:
“The idea for EC-Council was born in the aftermath of 9/11 when the digital ecosystem’s vulnerability became starkly evident. It was evident that as nations worked to secure their physical borders, their digital borders were unprotected and ripe for exploitation. The original mission of EC-Council was to bridge the skills gap by creating a global community of ethical hackers—individuals who could anticipate and mitigate cyber threats before they strike. EC-Council’s core responsibility has always been to develop and deliver world-class certifications that provide professionals with real-world, practical skills. As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, we continue to adapt our curriculum to stay ahead of the curve, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring that our professionals are always equipped to tackle new challenges in the cyber world.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Bavisi reflected:
“One of the most exciting moments has been the launch of our AI-powered certifications, such as CEH AI and CPENT AI. These certifications have redefined how we approach cybersecurity training. AI is transforming the way we learn, as it adapts to individual learning patterns and creates personalized, dynamic training environments. To witness the shift from traditional methods to AI-driven learning has been an incredible milestone. The feedback from our community—seeing professionals develop the ability to combat AI-driven attacks—has been profoundly rewarding. It’s a reminder of how EC-Council continues to evolve with the times, ensuring our professionals are prepared for the future of cybersecurity.”
Core Services
What are the organization’s core services? Bavisi explained:
“EC-Council’s core products are designed to address the full spectrum of cybersecurity challenges. Our flagship certification, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), remains the gold standard for ethical hacking worldwide. Along with CEH, we offer a range of specialized certifications, such as Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPENT), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and more. What sets us apart is our integration of AI into training programs like CEH AI and CPENT AI, where learners engage in real-time simulations powered by artificial intelligence, experiencing the latest cyber threats firsthand. Our HackerVerse platform, an immersive breach simulation environment, provides live, AI-driven attack scenarios where professionals can practice and refine their skills in real-world conditions.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Bavisi acknowledged:
“The biggest challenge in recent years has been the accelerating pace at which cyber threats evolve, especially with the rise of AI. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging AI for automated attacks, making them more sophisticated and harder to detect. At EC-Council, we’ve overcome this challenge by integrating AI into our training solutions. Through programs like CEH AI, we ensure our professionals are prepared to understand and combat AI-driven threats. This evolution in our training programs reflects our commitment to continuously staying ahead of the curve. Additionally, HackerVerse plays a critical role in helping our learners practice real-time responses to AI-powered cyberattacks, providing an immersive, hands-on environment that mirrors current and future threats.”
Evolution Of The Organization’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Bavisi noted:
“EC-Council has always embraced technological innovation. We have never been limited to traditional classroom-based training. From the start, we’ve leveraged digital platforms to reach a global audience, ensuring that our training programs are accessible to cybersecurity professionals worldwide. As the industry has evolved, so have we. The integration of AI into our training has been a transformative development. We’ve developed AI-powered certifications, such as CEH AI and CPENT AI, which allow learners to interact with AI-driven adversaries in simulated environments. These platforms are continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements in cybersecurity and AI. HackerVerse, our immersive learning platform, uses AI to create realistic breach simulations, allowing learners to practice responding to evolving cyber threats in real time.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Bavisi cited:
“Among the most transformative milestones at EC-Council has been the launch of AI-powered certifications, particularly CEH AI and CPENT AI. These certifications integrate artificial intelligence into the learning experience, providing cybersecurity professionals with the tools to understand and respond to AI-driven cyber threats. HackerVerse, our AI-powered breach simulation platform, represents another key milestone. It offers professionals a unique opportunity to engage in live, real-time cybersecurity simulations, preparing them for the complexities of modern cyberattacks. Additionally, the launch of our $100 million innovation fund has been a pivotal moment, allowing us to invest in cutting-edge technologies and support the development of AI-based cybersecurity solutions.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Bavisi about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“We’ve seen many success stories from organizations and individuals who have completed our certification programs. One standout example is a government agency that used EC-Council’s CEH AI certification to upskill their cybersecurity team. The agency was able to significantly improve its ability to detect and defend against AI-driven cyberattacks. Another success story comes from a large multinational corporation that leveraged CPENT AI to train its security team. After completing the program, the company reported a substantial reduction in vulnerabilities and a strengthened security posture, demonstrating the value of AI-powered cybersecurity education in real-world applications.”
Details About The Innovation Fund
When asking Bavisi about the innovation fund, he revealed:
“We are incredibly proud of our $100 million innovation fund. This fund is dedicated to advancing AI and cybersecurity education, as well as supporting the development of innovative cybersecurity technologies. The fund allows EC-Council to back startups and research initiatives that align with our mission to create a more resilient and secure digital world. This commitment to innovation will help us continue providing the latest and most effective training solutions, ensuring our professionals are always ready to combat emerging threats.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Bavisi assessed:
“The total addressable market for cybersecurity is vast, with the global cybersecurity workforce in dire need of skilled professionals. Cybercrime is expected to exceed $10 trillion annually by 2025, highlighting the urgent demand for cybersecurity professionals across all industries. EC-Council is focused on training professionals in key sectors such as government, defense, finance, and healthcare, where cybersecurity is critical to both national security and business operations. Our goal is to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap globally, providing accessible training solutions that empower individuals in emerging markets and underserved regions to contribute to a safer digital world.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Bavisi affirmed:
“What truly sets EC-Council apart is that we don’t just offer certifications; we have built a complete cybersecurity ecosystem that unites people, process, and technology, supported by a fully accredited online university. On the people side, our globally recognized credentials, including CEH, CPENT, and CCISO, are trusted worldwide, while EC-Council Learning, the world’s largest continuous learning platform with hands-on labs and capture-the-flag challenges, ensures professionals keep their skills sharp and relevant. On the process side, EC-Council Global Services works with governments, defense agencies, and enterprises to deliver consulting, assessments, and frameworks that strengthen organizational resilience and compliance. On the technology side, our Aware platform and AI-driven penetration testing solutions give organizations powerful tools to detect, defend, and respond to threats.”
“Finally, through EC-Council University, a fully accredited academic institution, professionals can pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees that combine deep technical knowledge with leadership and research, preparing them for senior roles in the cybersecurity field. Together, these pillars ensure EC-Council does not just certify professionals; we continuously advance the skills, standards, and knowledge needed to stay ahead in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.”
Future Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Bavisi emphasized:
“Looking ahead, EC-Council’s focus remains on advancing AI-powered cybersecurity training to ensure professionals are ready for the future of digital threats. We plan to expand our offerings in AI-driven certifications, particularly those that address new attack methodologies and defense strategies. Our $100 million innovation fund will continue to support cutting-edge technologies, including those that focus on AI and machine learning in cybersecurity. Additionally, EC-Council is committed to making cybersecurity education accessible to underserved regions, providing scholarships and creating opportunities for professionals in emerging markets to develop the skills needed to protect the digital landscape.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Bavisi concluded:
“One key area we are deeply focused on is our commitment to driving innovation in cybersecurity. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must our approach to educating and preparing cybersecurity professionals. This is why EC-Council is investing heavily in innovative businesses and tools through our $100 million innovation fund. The fund is specifically designed to foster the development of next-generation cybersecurity solutions, particularly those driven by AI, machine learning, and automation. We are actively supporting the creation of AI-powered tools, cybersecurity startups, and research initiatives that align with our mission to build a more resilient digital world.”
“Our investment strategy isn’t limited to just the creation of new technologies; it also extends to innovative learning platforms. Through Hackerverse, we’re setting the standard for immersive, real-time breach simulation training. By continuously updating the platform with AI-driven scenarios, we ensure that professionals are equipped to handle the evolving threat landscape.”
“Additionally, we are exploring new ways to make cybersecurity education more accessible, particularly in underserved regions. We believe that by investing in education, especially with the integration of AI-powered training, we can close the global cybersecurity skills gap and provide more opportunities for individuals to enter the field.”
“At EC-Council, we recognize that innovation is essential not just for staying competitive but for creating long-term cyber resilience across industries. Our investments reflect our commitment to not only advancing cybersecurity training but also contributing to the future of cybersecurity technologies that will shape the way the world defends its digital infrastructures.”