2024 Best Cybersecurity
Bootcamps

What Is a Cyber Security Bootcamp?

A cyber security bootcamp is a short yet intensive program that helps students develop practical and job-ready skills to begin their tech careers, often in less than a year. Bootcamps focus on the technical skills that will get the student hired.

You can attend a cyber security bootcamp online or in person and master essential skills like ethical hacking, penetration testing, malware, and vulnerability assessment, as well as prepare for certification exams like the CompTIA Security+ certification.

A cyber security bootcamp online will give you hands-on training through real-life projects. This allows you to learn the trade by solving the actual problems you will face as a tech professional. In addition, coding bootcamps have strong career support to maximize students’ chances of landing a job after graduation.

Top Reasons to Attend a Cyber Security Bootcamp

Top cyber security bootcamps have fast-paced programs so graduates can gain the skills they need to become job-ready quickly. In addition, key features of a top cyber security bootcamp include:

• Scheduling flexibility. Most coding bootcamps offer courses with a range of scheduling options, including full-time, part-time, and self-paced programs.
• Up-to-date curriculum. The best cyber security bootcamp providers frequently update their curricula and work with employers to ensure students are learning the exact skills they need to get hired.
• Payment options. Cyber security bootcamps generally offer a range of payment methods, including scholarships, deferred tuition plans, and personal loans, to keep their courses accessible to as many students as possible.
• Career services. At a bootcamp, you will receive cyber security training and job placement assistance. Top schools have vast hiring networks and provide resources including mock interviews, resume workshops, and one-on-one career coaching.

Can I Attend a Cyber Security Bootcamp Online?

Yes, you can attend a cyber security bootcamp online. One of the biggest benefits of attending a bootcamp is the flexibility they offer. Online cyber security bootcamps often include live, instructor-led courses and workshops to ensure students get the assistance they need. If scheduling flexibility is a priority, you can enroll in self-paced cyber security bootcamps and progress at your own pace.

Is a Cyber Security Bootcamp Worth It?

Yes, a cyber security bootcamp is worth it if you want to become a cyber security analyst but do not want to invest four years to get a university degree. Cyber security bootcamp programs offer short yet intensive training that provides students with the hands-on skills they need to begin their careers.

In addition to the best cyber security training, coding bootcamps often provide career services to give you an edge over the competition in the job market. Another factor to consider is the high job placement rates of these programs. For example, Flatiron School’s 2022 Jobs Report states that 90 percent of its graduates got a job in tech after completing one of its programs.

How Do I Apply for a Cyber Security Bootcamp?

You can apply for a top cyber security bootcamp by submitting an application online. Each cyber security bootcamp application process is slightly different, but we’ve outlined some of the most common steps below:

1. Go to the website of your bootcamp of choice and fill out an application online.
2. Schedule and complete a behavioral and/or technical interview where you will answer questions on your career and education goals.
3. Complete a technical assessment so the admissions office can gauge what level of cyber security skills you have.

It can be hard to get into cyber security bootcamps that have strict technical requirements or very small cohorts. You can qualify for cyber security bootcamp by completing the technical assessment or prework that is required of you. Qualifications will differ depending on the cyber security bootcamp you choose and many are designed for prospective students who are absolute beginners.

How Long Are the Best Cyber Security Bootcamps?

Most cyber security bootcamp programs last three to nine months. However, some programs may be shorter than three months while others may exceed a year. There are also self-paced options that allow you to take as long as you need.

Some cyber security bootcamps require full-time students to attend for eight hours a day, five to seven days per week. You will also have to account for any time spent doing homework that is assigned to you. Part-time cyber security bootcamp programs usually require students to commit a few hours a day in the evenings or on weekends.

Will a Cyber Security Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job?

Yes, a cyber security bootcamp will help you get a job. The best cyber security bootcamps offer career services to help students launch their careers. These services include webinars, alumni and employer panels, workshops, and resume reviews. Through these, students learn about current hiring trends and industry demands which allows them to position themselves to land high-paying jobs.

Many bootcamps boast extensive hiring networks to connect graduates with top employers. Some of these partners are among the biggest names in tech, including Google and Microsoft. Another factor worth considering is bootcamps’ high job placement rates. Attending a cyber security bootcamp with job placement services can help you connect with companies that are currently hiring.

Are There Cyber Security Bootcamps With Job Guarantees?

Yes, some cyber security schools do provide a coding bootcamp job guarantee. In most cases, this means that if you complete the program and don’t land a relevant job within a certain period of time, you will be eligible for a tuition refund. Springboard is one example of a cyber security bootcamp with a job guarantee.

What Jobs Can I Land After a Cyber Security Bootcamp?

Most cyber security bootcamps prepare students for entry-level roles in cyber security, such as security analyst. In many cases, top cyber security bootcamps incorporate the skills needed for industry certifications, such as the CompTIA Security+, which can open doors to more advanced positions. A few careers available to cyber security bootcamp graduates include:

• Security analyst
• Penetration tester
• Security consultant
• Systems administrator
• Cryptographer
• Security architect

How Much Does a Cyber Security Bootcamp Cost?

A cyber security bootcamp costs between $12,000 and $20,000. The most affordable cyber security bootcamp programs, such as the Cyber Security Career Path offered by Springboard, cost as little as $1,890 per month. Fortunately, bootcamp providers are known for offering a range of financing options to help the student cover tuition. Common bootcamp financing options are loans, installment plans, and deferred tuition plans.

If you are concerned about the cost of your cyber security bootcamp, keep in mind that many schools offer bootcamp scholarships and discounts to students with financial need. Many of these opportunities are specifically designed to help students from underrepresented communities in tech.

Can I Work and Go to a Cyber Security Bootcamp?

Yes, you can work and go to a cyber security bootcamp. Some cyber security bootcamps offer self-paced programs that allow students to choose their own schedule. There are also part-time cyber security bootcamps online for working professionals. Students enrolled in these programs learn in the evening and on the weekends, outside of normal working hours.

How Can I Pay for a Cyber Security Bootcamp?

Common ways to pay for cyber security bootcamps are income share agreements and bootcamp deferred tuition plans. In addition, many bootcamps give students the option to pay via monthly installments or by taking out a loan with one of their lending partners.

Another popular option is the income share agreement (ISA). With an ISA, a student can attend the cyber security program for free and only start paying once they graduate and land a cyber security job. There are also several bootcamp scholarship options for students from underrepresented backgrounds. In some cases, you can cover your cyber security bootcamp cost with GI Bill benefits.

Can Anyone Learn Cyber Security?

Yes, anyone can learn cyber security. While it may be easier for those who are making a career transition from another field within the tech industry, even those with no coding experience can learn cyber security. Top cyber security bootcamps are designed for those who are committed to a career in cyber security, regardless of previous experience.

Is Cyber Security a Good Career?

Yes, cyber security is a good career. Cyber security professionals command high salaries, even at an entry level. For example, Glassdoor reports that the average salary of an entry-level security analyst is $60,765. This field also has a very impressive career outlook, which means you should have plenty of opportunities to progress in your career. In fact, cyber security is one of the most in-demand coding jobs for programmers.

Skills Covered in a Cyber Security Bootcamp

Cyber security bootcamps focus on in-demand skills and technologies that students will need to get hired. Some of the topics that are commonly covered by the best cyber security bootcamps include:

• Vulnerability testing
• Cryptography
• Data security
• Cloud, network, and device security
• Computer forensics

Are There Cyber Security Bootcamps for Beginners?

Yes, there are numerous cyber security bootcamps for beginners. In fact, most coding bootcamps are designed with newcomers in mind. Some schools provide prep courses and materials to help students review basic concepts to ensure everyone is prepared to succeed once the course begins.

Can I Attend a Free Cyber Security Bootcamp?

Yes, you can attend a free cyber security bootcamp, although these programs are rare. Some cyber security schools, such as Flatiron School and Fullstack Academy, offer free short courses and introductory classes. These can be a great way to learn cyber security for free and decide whether enrolling in a full program is the best option for your goals.

How Do Cyber Security Bootcamps Compare to Cyber Security MOOCs?

Cyber security bootcamps are more intensive and in-depth than cyber security courses from massive open online course (MOOC) platforms. Cyber security MOOCs can be a great, affordable way to learn foundational skills in cyber security or upskill in one specific area. But if you want to learn cyber security and receive career services and mentorship, a cyber security bootcamp is the best option.

Both cyber security online bootcamps and MOOCs are accessible education options for those who want to learn cyber security. The top cyber security bootcamps provide support and a more well-rounded approach to cyber knowledge. They also teach soft skills, not just focusing on the hands-on application of risk assessment, but providing training in networking and job interviewing.

Learn Cyber Security: Is a Cyber Security Bootcamp Right for You?

If you want to begin a career in cyber security and are willing to undergo an intense training program to make it happen, attending one of the best bootcamps for cyber security is the right choice for you. Because most bootcamp programs last between three to nine months, cyber security bootcamps are ideal for people who want to join the workforce quickly.

The best cyber security bootcamps also make sense financially. Although not cheap, these programs will cost you drastically less than pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a university. In addition, bootcamps are known for having flexible financing options, including loans, installment plans, income share agreements, and scholarships. Check out cyber security bootcamp reviews from current and past students to learn more about these programs and make your decision.