Hall of Famer
ECU’s Carraway earns international honor for ethical hacking
David Carraway, an information and cybersecurity teaching instructor in the East Carolina University Department of Technology Systems, has been named to the 2025 Certified Ethical Hacker Hall of Fame.
The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants announced the recognition in its annual industry report. Carraway was among 100 inductees.
David Carraway, left, greets a student during class last week.
“Being inducted into the CEH Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor. It’s a reflection of my dedication to protecting systems, educating others and strengthening the security posture of the organizations I work with,” Carraway said. “The CEH Hall of Fame is a global platform that showcases professionals who have transcended mere certification to become role models and leaders in the cybersecurity field. By earning a place in this elite group, I became part of a worldwide network of experts committed to ethical hacking, threat mitigation and cyber defense. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the collective efforts of the cybersecurity community.”
He expressed surprise at the selection, calling it a humbling experience.
“To be recognized like this alongside others doing important work in cybersecurity felt both rewarding and motivating,” Carraway said. “It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day challenges, so having a moment like this made me stop and reflect on the journey so far. It energized me to continue learning, teaching and showing up for my students and colleagues.”
Carraway has been teaching for nearly two years as part of ECU’s acclaimed information and cybersecurity program. The National Security Agency has designated the program as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD) since 2005.
“What sets ECU apart is its ability to balance strong academics with practical experience. Students aren’t just reading about security, they’re doing it,” Carraway said. “From hands-on labs to real-world scenarios, they graduate ready to contribute from day one. The flexibility we offer, whether you’re studying on campus or online, makes it accessible to people from all walks of life.”
Carraway should know. Not only is he an instructor in the program, he’s also a graduate.
“What stands out to me is personal connection. Faculty are involved and invested. Students don’t feel like numbers. They feel seen, supported and challenged,” he said. “We’re building more than just skills. We’re building confidence, integrity and a sense of purpose.”
As an instructor, Carraway said he enjoys seeing students prosper.
“The best part of teaching is watching students grow, especially when you see that shift from ‘I’m not sure I can do this’ to ‘I’ve got this.’ That transformation is powerful,” he said. “I also enjoy the conversations that happen outside of class — about the future of the field, tough ethical questions or where this career path might lead.”
The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants is the world’s largest cybersecurity technical certification body, according to its website. Founded in 2001, the organization has developed numerous certification programs and has trained more than 400,000 information security professionals.
The Hall of Fame stems from its annual industry report that draws on technologists who scored 80% or higher on the Certified Ethical Hacker exam, demonstrating technical proficiency and a deep understanding of ethical hacking principles and methodologies. Selection for the Hall of Fame is based on a rigorous evaluation process that assesses criteria such as leadership in ethical hacking, contributions to the cybersecurity community, innovation in threat mitigation and measurable career progression since certification, according to its website.