Unlock Career Opportunities With Cybersecurity Boot Camps

In today’s world, a lot more assets, sensitive information, salaries, and more are stored and exchanged digitally. And due to this, the demand for those working in a particular field has risen exponentially. It is the field of cybersecurity. Cybercrime is a real threat, and this is where cybersecurity professionals come in as they need to combat these threats.

If this is the path you want to go down, then you’re in luck, as this is a job that is currently in very high demand. However, the path to becoming a cybersecurity professional is not exactly very easy or straightforward.

There are various ways in which you can get into the cybersecurity industry. You just need to find the courses that are right for you.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about cybersecurity boot camps. You will get a better idea of what is required of you and what opportunities it will give you. It will also help you choose the perfect cybersecurity boot camp for your needs and goals.

What Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps?

Cyber and network security involve the techniques and practices used to keep systems and devices and all programs and networks safe from external attacks. Serious security professionals should understand everything, from cloud security risks and application and network security to identity management and disaster recovery.

This is where a cybersecurity boot camp comes in handy. A cybersecurity boot camp is an online educational course. It prepares you and equips you with the necessary tools and skills you will need to plant yourself in the cybersecurity industry and land your first job.

Most of the courses include projects and hands-on activities that stimulate real day-to-day exercises on the job. Colleges offer a theoretical and long approach to study. In comparison, boot camps focus mainly on hands-on training with the problems, tools, and inner workings of a standard cybersecurity job.

A cybersecurity boot camp aims to prepare students for entry-level jobs after just a few months. Some boot camps even help their students find jobs once they have completed the course. Seeing as students leave with deep security knowledge and all of the necessary qualifications.

Reasons to Attend a Cybersecurity Boot Camp

There are so many reasons to attend a cybersecurity boot camp. If you want to become a digital defender and learn how to protect data, or if any of the following points best describe you, then enrolling in a cybersecurity boot camp will steer you in the right direction. It will also help you achieve all of your goals:

  • The current organization you are working for or involved in needs stronger cybersecurity. So they are in need of professionals who are skilled enough to ensure the availability, privacy, and fidelity of technology and information.
  • You currently work in a technical field and want to gain more skills in cybersecurity. You also want to better your understanding of proper data sharing and protection. Additionally, you want to gain real-world experience that you can apply in your job and start advancing in your career.
  • You are very interested in technology. So you are keen to gain more knowledge so that you can start your career in the world of cybersecurity and networking.
  • You understand how in-demand skilled cybersecurity professionals are. You feel inspired to help companies and internet users protect all of their sensitive information, specifically from threats and cyber-attacks.
  • You want to get more exposure to the techniques and tools used by serious security professionals, as this will help you effectively and actively protect your company from attacks and external threats.
  • You are interested in acquiring cybersecurity skills that are in demand but need a course that lets you study through a part-time virtual schedule and stick to your current commitments.
  • You are in need of a dedicated career service that can help you become more employer-competitive and show up when it comes to finding the right job.

Bootcamp Curriculum and Other Expectations

There are various boot camps available, each with its own set of expectations and standard curriculum. So it will come down to which boot camp you choose to take.

However, in most cases, you will receive training that is hands-on. Especially in systems, networking, databases, defensive and offensive cybersecurity, and web technologies.

You will learn the various techniques, methods, and top practices for properly conveying and identifying the severity of the risks and threats that face an organization’s security posture.

During a cybersecurity boot camp, you will learn from various skilled instructors. You will also get real-world experience through peer collaboration.

What’s more, you’ll have the chance to gain the confidence you need to get your foot in the industry through effective hands-on application. Every curriculum will be different, but in general, you will cover the following in a cybersecurity boot camp:

Systems:

  • Windows and Linux Hardening
  • Linux administration techniques, Windows administration techniques

Networking:

  • Wireshark
  • Packet Analysis

Cybersecurity:

  • Cryptography
  • Risk management
  • Secure network design and architecture
  • Identity and access management
  • Vulnerability assessment security operations
  • Cloud Security

Cybersecurity careers:

  • Digital forensics methods
  • Penetration testing
  • Security operations and analytics
  • Vulnerability assessments

Ethical hacking and penetration:

  • Metasploit
  • Kali Linux
  • BurpSuite
  • Hashcat
  • Web vulnerability and security

Programming and scripting:

The program aims to train people to create more cybersecurity professionals. So by the time you have finished your cybersecurity boot camp, you will be able to:

  • Configure machines on a huge virtual network, deploy them onto the cloud, and then investigate all of the cloud security risks.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments with the help of various tools such as Metasploit. This tool helps you profile different applications for vulnerabilities. You then need to make your best effort to exploit the vulnerabilities.
  • Start writing Bash scripts to automate operating systems and security tasks.
  • Identify suspicious patterns of user behaviors to identify intruders, bots, and various other malicious actors.

Bootcamp Cost

The cost of your boot camp will depend on the institution you choose to do it with, the length of the course, and what level you choose to do.

Generally, the course can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. A lot of the course providers also have financing options to make it easier for you to get the course done if money is a bit of an issue.

How Cybersecurity Bootcamps Are Structured

Cybersecurity courses and boot camps are structured accordingly by skill level, time commitment, delivery format, and the entire course schedule. And, of course, different structures work for different learners.

The structure of a boot camp can have a huge impact on your learning process and on your overall impression of your course. This is why you may want to think about how your learning style and your priorities align with the structure of your chosen boot camp.

Skill levels

Boot camps generally offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. However, not every BootCamp will have a skill-level designation. It is always best to see what courses they have available to ensure that they suit your goals.

Some boot camp providers might require you to do a skills test in the process of applying to see which program is for you.

Beginner

Beginner courses are for students with very little work experience in IT and formal education. For some courses, a high school diploma is their only requirement. These courses generally include operating and networking systems.

Intermediate

Students who qualify for this course are expected to have a decent understanding of the IT fundamentals. The prerequisites for this course generally include familiarity with programming and networking. As well as a network certification and at least two years of experience in an IT job.

At this level, students should have a fair amount of knowledge of networking concepts, computer science, and the Linux command line.

Advanced

The more advanced courses tackle certain skill sets. Specifically in application security testing, penetration testing, and ethical hacking and penetration. The more advanced courses can be very challenging, but the skills you gain from them are vital for most cybersecurity positions.

Advanced courses will train you in advanced hacking techniques, and they generally require you to have a CompTIA Sec+ certification. As well as two years of experience in IT security and a good understanding of all operating systems.

Time commitment

Most boot camps are about 12-36 weeks long and will either be part or full-time. Programmatic coursework and classroom attendance are not your only time commitments.

You may also be required to network with other professionals at events, work on independent projects, and travel to campus. It all depends on the specific demands of your chosen program.

Delivery format

Boot camps can be on-campus, online, or hybrid classes. In most cases, you will find an on-campus and online version of your specific course. Some programs are self-paced, while others are on a strict schedule.

Course schedule

The website of your chosen boot camp should give you some details on the structure of your course and give you a breakdown of your schedule. Full-time programs generally want students to be on campus, and part-time programs usually take place over weekends or at night.

Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Boot Camp

With so many boot camps available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. These helpful tips can make your decision process easier and help you compare the different courses to choose the perfect one.

Course content

Course content is crucial. However, it is also the hardest thing to judge when choosing between courses. This is because it is merely a list of tools, fundamental skills, projects, and areas that you have not even learned about yet. It is better to stay away from the tech talk and rather focus on the structure and the general flow of the course.

Look out for things such as if the course starts with a foundation or introduction course and if it covers vulnerability assessment security operations, and defensive and offensive cybersecurity. Check to see if the course includes final projects and test prep. You want to make sure that the boot camp includes all of the fundamentals.

Career paths and objectives

All of the courses have different objectives and aims. So it is crucial that you match all of these with your own objectives and aims when deciding on a course.

Some courses are prep courses that work on producing graduates that will be fully prepared for certification exams. Others are more of a career track and want to prepare you so that you can be job ready.

Ratings and reviews

Ratings and reviews can tell you a lot, so be sure to read all of them when deciding on a boot camp. People will always give their honest opinions, so see how others feel about the course before making any final decisions.

You can find ratings and reviews on various sites. Reddit is a common and obvious one, but you should also look at Course Report, Careerkarma, and Switchup. Having a good understanding of others’ personal experiences can help you reach a decision.

Cost

In general, boot camps cost anything between $10,000 to $15,000. Always double-check the reviews, especially if you see courses going for double or half of this price. You want to be sure that you are purchasing a good quality and accredited boot camp.

Regular updates

Long-running course providers tend to have tons of reviews and good ratings. But it is important that their courses’ content is updated on a regular basis. A course that has not been updated will simply put you at a disadvantage.

The world of cybersecurity is constantly changing, and courses need to change with it if they want to stay relevant and up-to-date.

Flexible learning options and the schedule

You need to be sure that the course is right for you in every way. It is always best to see the course schedule and ensure it works with your lifestyle.

Some courses require that you be there 9 am to 5 pm for classes, which may not align with your current lifestyle and availability. You can also find part-time programs with more flexible times, dates, and learning options.

Practical projects

Most boot camps focus on a hands-on application, prioritizing fundamental skills and real-world experience gained through various cybersecurity projects. This approach is amazing. It introduces and prepares students for the realities and practicalities of the career paths they are going to enter. This means that students can start their job hunt straight after graduating.

The experience and quality of the instructors

The course instructors do not need a Ph.D. or master’s degree. But you do want to make sure that they are qualified cybersecurity professionals with a fair amount of experience.

You want to learn from the best. So, ensure that the teachers can give you up-to-date and practical advice about the industry and the job. They should also have theoretical and academic knowledge.

A great boot camp should have knowledgeable industry professionals running it.

The certification

Due to the market demand, cybersecurity certifications are recognized globally. They are also a great way to get the attention of hiring companies. Boot camps that prepare students for certifications or offer certifications will give their students and graduates an advantage.

FAQ

Do companies hire cybersecurity boot camp graduates?

Yes, they do. Most companies see cybersecurity boot camp graduates as perfect candidates who are sufficiently trained for the job.

How difficult is a cybersecurity boot camp?

A cybersecurity boot camp is not necessarily easy, but you get out what you put in. If you focus and work hard, you will see great results and walk away with deep security knowledge and skills.

Final Thoughts

A cybersecurity boot camp may be just what you need if you have an interest in the IT field. The boot camp will train you and fully prepare you for any role you’d like.

Just be sure to choose a boot camp that suits your goals and needs!

Sources:

https://bootcamp.sas.upenn.edu/cybersecurity/

https://bootcamp.cps.gwu.edu/cybersecurity/

https://www.springboard.com/blog/cybersecurity/best-cybersecurity-bootcamps/