Top 5 Cyber Security Bootcamps help you secure a cybersecurity job
Looking to become a cyber security expert? Check out these top Cybersecurity Bootcamps to supercharge your security career in 2023.
The demand for cyber security experts is high at the moment. There are more job openings than there are people with the right cybersecurity, ethical hacking (penetration testing), and technical skills. This is great news if you want to be a cybersecurity analyst. But before you can get a job, you need to get the right training. Online cybersecurity bootcamps are designed to prepare students for a career in defensive and offensive cybersecurity.
The good news is that there’s now a more affordable and faster way to become a professional through cybersecurity bootcamps. So, this article is going to introduce you to some of the best cybersecurity bootcamps that will give your career a powerful start.
What Is a Cyber Security Bootcamp?
A cybersecurity bootcamp is a compact yet intense program that equips students with practical skills to start their tech careers, often in under a year. These bootcamps focus on the specific technical abilities that employers are looking for.
You have the option to enroll in a cyber security bootcamp online or attend it in person. During the program, you’ll gain expertise in essential areas such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, handling malware, and assessing vulnerabilities. Additionally, you’ll prepare for certification exams like the CompTIA Security+ certification.
When you choose an online cyber security bootcamp, you’ll receive hands-on training by working on real-world projects. This approach allows you to grasp the craft by tackling the very challenges you’ll encounter as a tech professional. Moreover, these bootcamps often offer robust career support to enhance your prospects of securing a job post-graduation.
Why should you attend a Cyber Security Bootcamp?
The leading cyber security bootcamps offer intensive programs to swiftly equip graduates with the necessary skills for rapid job readiness. Additionally, key attributes of top-tier cyber security bootcamps encompass:
- Flexible Scheduling: Many coding bootcamps present courses with diverse scheduling alternatives, spanning full-time, part-time, and self-paced options.
- Current Curriculum: Premier cyber security bootcamp providers frequently refine their curricula, collaborating with employers to ensure students acquire precisely the skills required for successful employment.
- Payment Choices: Cyber security bootcamps commonly extend a variety of payment methods, including scholarships, deferred tuition plans, and personal loans, aiming to make their courses accessible to a broad spectrum of students.
- Career Support: Within a bootcamp, you’ll undergo cyber security training along with job placement aid. Elite institutions boast extensive employment networks and furnish resources like simulated interviews, resume workshops, and personalized career guidance.
5 Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps to Kickstart Your Career
1. The Coding Dojo Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The Coding Dojo Cybersecurity Bootcamp equips you with practical skills to recognize, evaluate, and manage information security risks. The program spans 24 weeks and includes a pre-course phase to get you ready before diving into the immersive curriculum. Along with CompTIA Security certifications, Coding Dojo provides a CySA+ certification as well.
The cost of the program is relatively high at $16,995, and there’s a $99 deposit requirement. However, Coding Dojo offers multiple financial options to ease the burden. These options range from payment plans to scholarships. Scholarships can go up to $1,000 and $1,500 for students with annual earnings below $40,000.
To join the program, you need to apply and select a suitable start date. An admissions advisor will conduct an interview, and you’ll receive a decision within two business days. Once accepted, you can secure your spot with a deposit and begin your learning journey.
2. CyberCamp Academy Bootcamp
CyberCamp’s cybersecurity bootcamp offers you a wide range of skills and tools to become a recognized security professional. The seven-month part-time program gives you access to top-notch live training, online labs, and a CompTIA Security+ certification.
The cost of the bootcamp is $15,000. However, CyberCamp provides you with the option to start with $0 tuition until you secure a job that pays you more than the minimum income of $40,000 per year. After that, you can pay in 10% installments until you’ve covered the tuition.
The curriculum at CyberCamp includes a project where you’ll create a real-world security program. This hands-on experience helps you refine your skills and develop the expertise that employers highly value.
3. Springboard’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp
This fully online bootcamp introduces you to the essential skills and practices of a cybersecurity analyst. In just six months, you’ll gain proficiency in using important cybersecurity tools like Kali, Wireshark, and Metasploit, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on businesses and reshape your career path.
What’s more, Springboard offers an affordable cybersecurity program, providing a variety of payment choices. While you have the option to save 17% on the total tuition of $11,900 by paying upfront, you also have alternatives such as paying in installments, securing loans, or deferring your tuition.
What’s even better, upon completing this program, you’ll receive both a bootcamp completion certificate and a CompTIA Security+ certification, significantly enhancing your prospects for employment. With your newly acquired skills and Springboard’s six-month job assurance, you’ll have the opportunity to join fellow alumni in prestigious companies like Meta, Amazon, and Cisco.
4. Arizona State University Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The ASU Cybersecurity Bootcamp provides you with the technical skills needed to protect the digital world. This 24-week virtual program offers a personalized learning experience that immerses you in a hands-on curriculum, accelerating your understanding of cybersecurity through practical exercises.
Additionally, enrolling in the program requires a financial commitment of $14,495. You have the option to pay the full amount upfront or in installments over 24 months, interest-free. Luckily, if you register and pay in full before the deadline, you’ll receive a $500 discount. What’s more, ASU alumni can also benefit from a $500 scholarship.
By joining ASU’s cybersecurity bootcamp, you’ll gain access to a network of 250+ potential employers and enjoy complimentary access to valuable professional resources throughout your cybersecurity career.
5. Caltech Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The California Institute of Technology, in collaboration with Simplilearn, presents this bootcamp. This six-month online course, guided by industry experts and enriched with self-paced modules, is designed to help you develop proficiency in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses network systems, system administration, ethical hacking, and asset management.
Notably, prior professional experience is not a prerequisite for program eligibility. However, a basic grasp of mathematics and programming concepts is necessary. Additionally, candidates should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old.
Caltech offers a variety of hands-on projects that delve into sought-after skills such as data privacy, digital forensics, business continuity, and data management. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn a bootcamp certificate, which can be utilized to apply for a wide range of cybersecurity positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps Worth It?
If you’re ready to dedicate yourself to the program and stay motivated while searching for a job, cybersecurity bootcamps can open the door to a fresh career. These well-crafted curriculums offer students precisely the skills required for entry-level positions and, in many instances, they even offer job assistance or guarantees.
Is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Enough To Get a Job?
In the past, cybersecurity job listings usually asked for college degrees and work experience, but things have changed. Right now, there’s a big shortage of people in the cybersecurity field. Because of this, many good companies are open to hiring graduates from cybersecurity bootcamps. In fact, a bunch of schools work together with these companies to help their students get connected to job opportunities. So, the answer is yes – cybersecurity bootcamps are sufficient to get a job.
Can I Attend a Cyber Security Bootcamp Online?
Absolutely. Attending a cyber security bootcamp online is entirely feasible. One major advantage of these bootcamps is the flexibility they provide. Many online cyber security bootcamps offer live courses and workshops led by instructors, ensuring students receive the necessary guidance. If having a flexible schedule is important to you, you can opt for self-paced cyber security bootcamps, allowing you to advance at your preferred speed.
How Do I Apply for a Cyber Security Bootcamp?
You can enroll in a leading cybersecurity bootcamp by applying through their online application. While the application process may vary slightly for each cybersecurity bootcamp, here are the typical steps:
- Visit the official website of your preferred bootcamp and complete their online application form.
- Arrange and participate in a behavioral and/or technical interview. During this interview, you’ll discuss your career aspirations and educational objectives.
- Finish a technical evaluation, which helps the admissions team assess your proficiency in cybersecurity skills and knowledge.
Is Cyber Security a Good Career in 2023?
Absolutely, a career in cybersecurity is worth pursuing. Cybersecurity experts earn competitive salaries, even when just starting out. To give you an idea, an entry-level security analyst makes around $60,765 on average, according to Glassdoor. The field also offers promising career prospects, ensuring numerous chances for career advancement. In fact, cybersecurity stands out as one of the coding jobs most sought after by programmers due to its high demand.
What Jobs Can I Land After a Cyber Security Bootcamp?
Many cybersecurity bootcamps aim to train students for beginner-level jobs in cybersecurity, like becoming a security analyst. Often, the best cybersecurity bootcamps teach the skills required for getting industry certifications like the CompTIA Security+. These certifications can help you access more advanced roles in the field. After completing a cybersecurity bootcamp, you could pursue various careers such as:
- Security analyst
- Penetration tester
- Security consultant
- Systems administrator
- Cryptographer
- Security Architect