A cyber security bootcamp is a program that aims to teach the basics of keeping data safe. Networks and sensitive info may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers. Cyber security bootcamps typically cover how to defend against these cyber threats. That means analyzing risk, spotting malicious behavior, and deploying solutions.
Why pursue new skills in this field? For one, according to the BLS, career paths like information security analyst are growing. Security analysts are responsible for keeping organizations’ computer networks and systems safe. This role is projected to grow by 33% between 2020 and 2030. These cyber security pros earned a median annual salary of $102,600 in 2020.
Could cyber security bootcamp help me pursue a career change?
Going to cyber security bootcamp could help you pursue a career change if you already have some tech related education and experience. Information security analysts usually earn at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer related field. They also need to have previous experience in a related role.
In other words, many security analysts don’t start out working in cybersecurity. They typically start out in another role, like network or computer systems administrator. As they go along, they may pursue knowledge and skills related to cyber security. Boot camp may be one way to learn those skills.
Can cyber security bootcamp help with certification?
Yes, some boot camps are designed to help students prepare for exams such as CompTIA Security+ or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. So, going to a boot camp might be a good step toward chasing your next big career goal!
What could I learn in a cyber security bootcamp?
In cyber security bootcamp, you could learn what goes into protecting tech from cyber threats. Expect to cover aspects like:
- Offensive security. This is about stopping cyber attacks before they happen. You could learn skills like pen testing to find out whether networks and servers are vulnerable. And you could learn how to “harden” networks and databases to ward off threats.
- Defensive security. Learn how to stop hackers in their tracks. You might learn how to spot suspicious behavior, respond to breaches, and stop attacks. And, you could even delve into digital forensics. This involves collecting evidence after a cyber crime has been detected.
- Systems security. Learn how to manage Windows or Linux systems – and keep them safe. And find out how to configure servers, audit them, and protect them from attacks.
- Network security. Dive into the basics of network security, plus options like cloud security. Also, you could learn how to use cryptology and encryption to keep data safe.
Cyber Security Bootcamps
1. University of Miami
University of Miami is home to the Division of Continuing and International Education. Here, you’ll find credit and non credit programs designed to help students jumpstart their career goals. The school features immersive cyber labs. And, it partners with HackerU to teach both offensive and defensive cyber security.
This boot camp starts with network basics. Then, it journeys into the world of cyber security. You’ll dive into your studies in simulation labs designed to introduce you to real world security challenges. For working students, convenient evening and weekend courses offer flexibility.
Length: 400 in-class hours
Course Info: Windows security, Linux security, Python for security, ethical hacking, incident response and threat hunting, and more
Career Prep / Certification: In this program, you could prepare for several professional certs. Like, LPI Linux Essentials, Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and more. Also get guidance with pursuing an internship and career path.
Location: Coral Gables or Boca Raton, FL
2. University of Pennsylvania
Based in Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania is a research school with an array of programs. That includes professional development and continuing education courses. Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies is home to several tech focused boot camps. That includes one in cyber security.
The Penn Cyber security Bootcamp covers networking, systems, web technologies, databases, and more. You’ll learn how to identify and fix threats to a company’s security. And, you’ll explore cyber security from both an offensive and defensive approach.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: Vulnerability assessment, Metasploit, cloud security, identity and access management, Bash scripting, and more
Career Prep / Certification: You could prepare to pursue professional certs like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Plus, Penn offers career services to help you pursue your goals.
Location: Online
3. Becker College
Becker College is a private college located in Massachusetts. It offers undergrad and grad programs with a career focus. Becker is home to a variety of IT Bootcamps. They are held online and feature live instruction, one on one coaching, and career guidance.
The Cyber security Bootcamp Program at Becker College is an accelerated program. It starts with the basics of hardware, operating systems, and networking. Then, proceed to penetration testing, ethical hacking, and more. You could learn what it takes to keep systems and networks safe from malicious activity.
Length: 28 weeks
Course Info: Security basics, networking basics, Python programming, ethical hacking, and more
Career Prep / Certification: Gain insights into roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, and IT Security Engineer. And, prep to pursue various certifications.
Location: Online
4. University of Oregon
University of Oregon is a public research institution founded in 1876. Its Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) programs serve students outside of a traditional college setting. So, you may take career focused courses designed to help you study new professional skills.
UO’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp is part time and may be perfect for working adults. You’ll dive into both offensive and defensive security. That includes topics like networking, systems, web technologies, and databases. Plus, career services could help you prep for your next steps.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: Security, networking, databases, and more
Career Prep / Certification: Pursue the skills you need to pursue roles in cyber security. Career services like interview prep and resume support are available.
Location: Online
5. The George Washington University
Program: GW Cybersecurity Boot Camp
The George Washington University is a school in the Washington, D.C. area. It offers traditional academic programs, but that’s not all. GW’s College of Professional Studies reaches out to working professionals seeking to build new skills. Here, you’ll find a range of tech focused boot camps.
The GW Cyber security BootCamp gets you started with the basics. Like, networking and systems. Then, dive deeper into cyber and information security topics. For instance, you could learn how to spot vulnerabilities (and fix them, of course). Or, use digital forensics to gather evidence of cyber crimes.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: Tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nessus. Plus, the skills you need to pursue a cybersecurity career path.
Career Prep / Certification: Get ready to pursue professional certs. Like, CompTIA Security+ certification and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Plus, you could benefit from career coaching, resume help, and more.
Location: Online
6. Evolve Security Academy
Evolve Security Academy offers cyber security bootcamps. It is not a college or university. Students may learn in person in Chicago, or, they could pursue their studies online.
Evolve Cyber security Bootcamp offers a detailed overview of the security field. That includes everything from social engineering to scripting for security. In lab simulations, try your hand at pro tools such as, CarbonBlack, Splunk, Burp Suite, Nessus, Mandiant Redline, and Metasploit. You could even have the chance to do live security assessments for non profit companies.
Length: 16 weeks
Course Info: 12 modules, including Security Operations Architecture, Cryptography and more.
Career Prep / Certification: A voucher to take the CompTIA Security+ certification is included. Plus, complete a career prep module and take advantage of networking.
Location: Chicago or online
7. Columbia University Cyber Security Bootcamp
Columbia University is a teaching and research school based in New York. It offers traditional academic programs. But its school of Engineering offers career focused boot camps in various areas of computer science. These include coding bootcamps, data science programs, and more. Plus, of course, the Cyber security Boot Camp.
This Cybersecurity Boot Camp covers key skills for the cybersecurity industry. Like, networking and systems security, web technologies, and how to use tools like Metasploit. The part time program is offered fully online. Career services could help you get ready to pursue a cybersecurity job.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: Risk Analysis and Risk Mitigation, Business Continuity Planning, Disaster Recovery, Ethical Hacking and Penetration, and more
Career Prep / Certification: You could prepare to earn certs like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Plus, the program offers career services.
Location: Online
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech is a tech focused school in Atlanta. Along with traditional degree programs, Georgia Tech offers professional education. That includes nondegree boot camps to help future cybersecurity pros learn new skills.
This cyber security boot camp teaches the technical skills needed to keep companies safe from cyber threats like, malware and hacking. You could complete cybersecurity projects and try your hand at tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, and Burp Suite. The program is aimed at both beginners and those with information technology experience.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: IT networking, modern information security, and tools used in cybersecurity positions
Career Prep / Certification: You could prepare to pursue professional certs. Such as, Security+, Network+, and CISSP. And, you’ll earn a Georgia Tech Cyber and Network Security certificate.
Location: Online
9. University of Denver
University of Denver is a private school in Colorado, founded in 1864. Its Center for Professional Development offers learning opportunities for working adults. That includes part time and full time tech focused boot camps.
This boot camp starts with the basics of computing, networking, and programming. The basics would include topics like Command Line, Python, and other skill areas. From there, you’ll move into other areas. These cover how to handle cyber security threats from both offensive and defensive stances. You’ll study network security, vulnerability assessments, threat modeling, and more.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: Computing, Networking, and Programming; Networks and Network Security; Offensive Security; Defensive Security
Career Prep / Certification: You could prepare to pursue professional certs. Like, Security+ and CEH. And, you’ll hone the skills needed to pursue career goals in the cybersecurity industry.
Location: Online
10. The University of Utah Cyber Security Bootcamp
The University of Utah is a public research school serving students from around the world. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, the school offers undergrad through PhD programs. The school is also home to continuing education programs. That includes the cyber security Boot Camp.
In this boot camp, you could learn to identify and fix cyber security risks in many contexts, and learn how to spot bots and malicious intruders. And you may even learn to think like hackers by breaking into mock user accounts. Lastly, you may learn how to stop vulnerable spots, handle malware, and more.
Length: 24 weeks
Course Info: Network theory; network, system, and web penetration testing; risk management; and more
Career Prep / Certification: You could prep to pursue professional certs like Security+, Network+, and CISSP. Plus, develop a portfolio and get career support.
Location: Online
