Ultimate Guide to Cyber Security Bootcamps

Table of Contents

• The Current Cyber Security Landscape
• Job Roles: What does a career in security look like?
• The 17 Best Cyber Security Bootcamps of 2022
• Cyber Security Bootcamps: What Are My Options?
• Cybersecurity Certification Courses

You’re probably familiar with the term “hacking,” but do you really understand the importance of cyber security? Did you know that cybersecurity jobs will grow 31% through 2029, much faster than average job growth? Cyber security is comprised of technologies and practices to protect networks, computers, software programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. The need for technical security talent is increasing and Security Bootcamps are launching to fill this void. If you’re deciding on which coding bootcamp route to take, and you’re interested in learning cyber security, there are a few things to consider (and we’ve listed where you can learn these skills!) Check out our Ultimate Guide to Cyber Security Bootcamps. 

The Current Cyber Security Landscape

Job opportunities are constantly growing for information security and cyber security professionals. In order to decrease barriers to this tech profession, we're starting to see more cybersecurity bootcamps help fill the tech talent skills gap.

Threats to our cyber networks are on the rise as cyber crime is predicted to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021. As a result of these threats, the cyber security market is expected to grow annually by 9.8%, up from $74.4 billion in spending in 2015 to an estimated $170 billion by 2020. Since 2013, the number of information security incidents and data breaches have increased by 70% and 242% respectively. Many of these attacks (62%) were targeted at small to medium-sized businesses which simply didn’t understand the consequences of not taking cyber security seriously.

In addition to understanding the need for security tech talent based on the market, you should also be aware that this demand for skills is greater than supply. Job postings for cybersecurity roles increased by 91% from 2010-2014, compared to just 28% for all IT positions. Currently, 84% of cyber security job postings call for a bachelor’s degree, 83% require at least 3 years of experience, and 35% of jobs call for industry certification such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+ certifications. While this may be the case, employers are now turning to alternative tech education methods such as bootcamps and technology trade schools to meet their hiring needs. With projections of a shortfall of 1.5 million security talent, it’s safe to say that learning security skills will ensure that you’ll always be in-demand. If you're interested in learning more about the industry as a whole, check out this directory of Info Security Conferences to meet people in the field.

Job Roles: What does a career in security look like?

According to US News & World Report, Information Security Analyst was ranked as the #8 best job in technology in 2015, making an average wage of $90,120. It’s important to keep in mind that when moving up the career ladder in security, salary ranges will rise. The average 2016 U.S. security professional salary ranges are as follows:

• Data Security Analyst ($114k-$160k) Analysts need to know every aspect of computer and network security, especially firewall administration, encryption, and network protocols. CISSP certification is definitely an asset.
• Systems Security Administrator ($106k-$150k) This role requires technical knowledge of data systems security protocol and hardware and software systems. You’ll also want to keep abreast of security trends and government regulations.
• Network Security Administrator ($103K-$147k) You will need a strong technical background with knowledge of network management protocols, networking architecture, authentication practices, and security administration.
• Network Security Engineer ($110K-$153K) This role must translate security policies and procedures into technical architectures, while having insight on how to install, monitor, and maintain network security solutions.
• Information Systems Security Manager ($130k-$182k) You’ll need a technical background along with strong communication and leadership skills. It’s expected to have five or more years of security experience with industry certifications CISSP or CompTIA Security+.
• Chief Security Officer ($140k-$223k) Once you reach the top, you will have over 10 years of security experience and in-depth knowledge of ever changing business functions. This role requires excellent judgment and planning to maintain complex security systems.

The 17 Best Cyber Security Bootcamps of 2022

In 2022, there are now more than 100 cybersecurity bootcamps around the world, and we've curated a list of the Best 17 Cyber Security Bootcamps. Put simply, these are the cyber security schools we would recommend to our own family and friends. No matter how many accolades a school has, make sure you do your research: read reviews, talk to alumni, take an intro course, and ask about job outcomes data.

Cyber Security Bootcamps: What Are My Options?

Most security bootcamps are not for complete tech newbies– so if you’ve never coded before, you should consider general full-stack coding bootcamps before setting your eyes on cyber security. We’d also recommend taking additional Information Security (InfoSec) classes as the security industry involves more than just coding. The majority of security bootcamps require one to two years of IT systems or development experience, with a general understanding of networking. Applicants must be proficient in a scripting language like Ruby, Javascript, Python, or Perl and should be familiar with common operating systems like Windows and Linux. Many in this field have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or engineering and previous networking certification. After attending a security bootcamp, students can expect to land entry-level positions like Information (IT) Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Security Sales Engineer.

We’re excited to see the growth in cyber security education via the bootcamp model. Here’s a list of the best cyber security bootcamps ready to teach you top skills needed to ward off those hackers:

Claim Academy

Length: 14 weeks full-time
Curriculum: In the Cybersecurity Analyst Immersive, students learn how to plan, implement, and upgrade security measures and controls. The bootcamp curriculum covers Python, security application, perimeter security, and cloud & Wifi security. 
Career Prep/Certification: This boootcamp prepares students for CompTIA Security+ certification. Students in the program receive one free CompTIA Security+ examination as part of their tuition.
Cost: $14,998
Location: St. Louis

Code Fellows

Length: 10 weeks full-time or 20 weeks part-time
Curriculum: The Ops 401: Cybersecurity Engineering bootcamp is an intensive, hands-on course that emphasizes practical cyber operations, including both offensive and defensive roles. The curriculum delves into critical cyber processes, like risk assessment, data encryption, network security, threat modeling, code analysis, vulnerability scanning, and incident response. Students will gain valuable ethical hacker skills in penetration testing, and complete two projects for their portfolio. After graduating from the course, bootcamp graduates will be eligible for roles as entry-level Cybersecurity Analysts or Operations Technicians.
Career Prep/Certification: The course includes a career coaching curriculum, plus job search assistance for bootcamp graduates. Bootcamp graduates are prepared for all six domains required for the CompTIA+ Security certification. 
Cost: $12,000
Location: Seattle

Craft Academy

Length: 12 weeks
Curriculum: The Craft Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp covers the basics of computer, device hardware, software, processes, networking traffic, routing protocols, hands-on operation of a computer network, analysis of network topologies, use of virtual machine, system and network admin concepts, management principles and controls, and threats, classes, attackers, tactics and security principles, protocols, components and architectures. The Bootcamp is delivered in a blended format at a Cybint Certified Center with both on-campus learning and online self-paced activities.
Location: Göteborg, Stockholm, and Remote

Cyber Retraining Academy

Length: 10 weeks, full-time
Curriculum: Cyber Retraining Academy was created by the SANS Institute, recognized as a global leader in computer and info security training, along with the UK Government to aid in the lack of security tech talent. Students will learn cyber security technology fundamentals, enterprise infrastructure, OS security, virtualization, cloud infrastructure security, compliance audit and risk, incident response, forensics, penetration testing and ethical hacking. The full program is on site.
Career Prep/Certification: There is no job guarantee, but students will end the program earning an industry-recognized GCIH certification.
Cost: There is no program cost to the student.
Location: London, England

​Evolve Security Academy

Length: Part-time, 20-weeks REMOTE (live-online) or IN-PERSON (Chicago) 
Curriculum:  Evolve Security Academy offers holistic cybersecurity education including Introduction to Cybersecurity, Networking, Security Program, OSINT & Social Engineering, Threat Landscape, Scripting for Security, SecOps Architecture, SecOps Threat Modeling, Cryptography, AppSec & Offensive Security, Threat Hunting & Incident Response, Security Apprenticeship, and Job Preparation. (A curriculum overview can be found on their website.) Students watch pre-recorded videos then spend class sessions with a live instructor and classmates digesting information, working through hands-on with labs and gaining real work experience as a Security Apprentice. Advanced Training courses are available as well.
Career Prep/Certification: Students will learn the skills and strategy to confidently navigate their job search with Evolve Security Academy’s support. Job preparation training is integrated throughout the bootcamp and available after graduation. Through career coaching, cybersecurity resume prep, mock interviews, networking strategies, alumni connections and employer partners, students land jobs that launch their cybersecurity careers. Students are encouraged to take advantage of EvolveSec Meetup (virtual and in-person) to connect with industry professionals and expand their network.
Cost: REMOTE Bootcamp tuition is $12,500 and IN-PERSON Bootcamp Tuition is $14,500. Financing is available through SkillsFund. GI Bill is accepted.
Location: Remote (live-online) or in-person (Chicago, Illinois)

Flatiron School

Length: Full-time 15 weeks (Cybersecurity Engineering); Full-time 12 weeks (Cybersecurity Analytics)
Curriculum: Flatiron School offers a Cybersecurity Engineering bootcamp and a Cybersecurity Analytics bootcamp. The Cybersecurity Engineering bootcamp is designed for students with a technical background, while the Cybersecurity Analytics bootcamp is for people with strong critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. The Cybersecurity Engineering bootcamp curriculum covers network security, system security, Python, threat intelligence, cyrptography, and more. Cybersecurity Engineering students are prepared for jobs as security engineer, pen tester, security analyst, and security consultant. The Cybersecurity Analytics bootcamp curriculum covers network and system administration, hunt skills, threat intelligence, SIEM administration, and more. Cybersecurity Analytics students are prepared for jobs as SOC analyst, security consultant, threat intel analyst, and compliance analyst.
Career Prep/Certification: Students receive individual career coaching and access to Flatiron School's vast employer network.
Cost: Cybersecurity Engineering tuition is $20,000. Cybersecurity Analytics tuition is $17,000. Tuition plans are available.
Location: New York City, Washington, DC, Online

Fullstack Academy

Length: Full-time 17 weeks or part-time 26 weeks
Curriculum: Fullstack Academy's cyber bootcamp combines technical skills training, insight into current cyber trends, and hands-on application in simulated cyber attacks. The bootcamp covers encryption, networking, system architecture, cryptography, risk detection, and more. 
Career Prep/Certification: Students receive resume help, networking guidance, and an in-house job fair for students.
Cost: Full-time bootcamp tuition is $17,910. Part-time bootcamp tuition is $15,980. Scholarships are available. 
Location: New York City

Ironhack

Length: 12 Weeks
Curriculum: The Ironhack Cybersecurity Bootcamp covers the basics of computer, device hardware, software, processes, networking traffic, routing protocols, hands-on operation of a computer network, analysis of network topologies, use of virtual machine, system and network admin concepts, management principles and controls, and threats, classes, attackers, tactics and security principles, protocols, components and architectures. The Bootcamp is delivered in a blended format at a Cybint Certified Center with both on-campus learning and online self-paced activities.
Locations: Amsterdam, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, France, and Brazil (courses are taught in English, Spanish, and Portuguese) 

Level Effect

Length: 13 weeks
Curriculum: Level Effect's Cyber Defense Analyst bootcamp curriculum covers cybersecurity, networking, and networking communications. Bootcamp students will learn about the services and protocols of Windows enterprise networks, including how to manage, configure, and harden roles and policies against network attack. Students will learn advanced Linux OS, Windows OS, security operations, and SIEM. Bootcamp students are taught how to utilize the intelligence analysis process used by the U.S. Intelligence community. Students learn adversary tactics, threat hunting, network and computer forensics, memory, malware analysis, and cloud security. In the bootcamp’s final week, students will take on the role of a Cyber Defense Analyst for a professional capstone project.  
Career Prep/Certification: Bootcamp students will have the opportunity to earn a Cyber Defense Certified Professional (CDCP) certificate.
Cost: $8,000
Location: Online

Louisiana State University Cyber Bootcamp

Length: Full-time 12 weeks or part-time 26 weeks
Curriculum: Cyber bootcamp students will learn offensive and defensive cybersecurity skills, including security essentials, security analyst training, and be prepared for Flight certifications. Classes are held live online with hands-on guidance from instructors. Louisiana State University Cyber Bootcamp is powered by FullStack Academy.
Career Prep/Certification: Students receive career guidance, including resume assistance and physical and technical interview prep. 
Cost: Full-time bootcamp tuition is $17,910. Part-time bootcamp tuition is $15,980. Scholarships are available. 
Location: Online

NGT Academy

Length: Part-time 24 weeks
Curriculum: The NGT Academy Zero To Engineer™ training framework covers IT architecture and networks using tools such as Cisco IOS Command Line, Cisco Packet Tracer, terminal emulators, packet sniffer, TFTP and FTP server/client, syslog servers and more. During the Cyber Security Advanced Training portion of the program, students will learn how to identify and analyze threats, about the fundamentals of cryptography, network security, secure protocols, and more. NGT Academy students work on multiple labs, and students learn how to build networks that simulate full-scale, real-world networks. Within the cybersecurity training, students participate in 25 virtualized labs to identify and analyze threats to a system. Students explore tools such as Wireshark, metasploit, nmap, VPS, CVSS, CVE, IPSec, and more. 
Career Prep/Certification: Graduates of the NGT Academy cybersecurity bootcamp become NGT Academy Cyber Security Associate (NCSA) certified. Graduates of the network engineering bootcamp receive certification as a Full Stack Network Associate (FSNA), a Full Stack Networking Professional (FSNP), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certified professional.
Cost: Tuition is $12,500. Income share agreements are available as well as discounts for military veterans. 
Location: Online, Austin, San Jose

Open Cloud Academy

Length: 9 weeks, full-time
Curriculum: As a Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved, and Rackspace inspired Education Center, Open Cloud Academy students will learn Linux SysAdmin and Network Operations utilizing CompTIA Network, -RHCSA I & II, Apache, MySQL, Cloud Basics, and more. The full program is onsite.
Career Prep/Certification: There is no job guarantee yet, students will be able to successfully complete the Network+ or Network Fundamentals Exam.
Cost: Tuition is $3,500.
Location: San Antonio, Texas

Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp

Length: Part-time 24 weeks
Curriculum: Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp offers hands-on training in networking, systems, web technologies, databases, and defensive and offensive cybersecurity. The Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp is offered in collaboration with edX.
Career Prep/Certification: Students have access to portfolio reviews, resume and social media profile support, high-impact career events, workshops, mock interviews, and 1:1 career coaching. At the end of the program, learners receive a Certificate of Completion, showcasing their accomplishments to future employers, and skills applicable to certifications in cybersecurity.
Cost: Tution is $13,495.
Location: Online

SecureSet Academy

Length: 20 weeks, full-time
Curriculum: SecureSet Academy courses include extensive hands-on instruction in state-of-the-art labs, guided product training, and essential certifications (CISSP and Security+). SecureSet℠ Academy’s accredited CORE programs are comprised of Network Security 1 & 2, System Security 1 & 2, Applied Crypto, Detection & Logs, Policy & Regs, Strategy & Analysis, and Security Culture. The full program is onsite.
Career Prep/Certification: There is no job guarantee yet, there is extensive job-placement mentoring and networking.
Cost: Tuition is $19,950.
Location: Denver, Colorado

Springboard

TurnToTech

Length: 10 to 16-weeks, full-time or 30 to 36 weeks, part-time
Curriculum: TurnToTech students can choose 3 different tracks in basic cyber security with Python, penetration testing, and risk management powered by HackerUSA. There is a 40-hour, pre-training selection process for cyber security programs that is integral to ensuring that students are both technically capable and a professional fit. 
Career Prep/Certification: Students will be equipped to take international cyber security examinations. 
Cost: Tuition is $999.
Location: New York, NY

University of Miami Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Length: Part-time 24-32 weeks
Curriculum:  The Cyber Security Ethical Hacking Bootcamp covers advanced infrastructure attacks, cross-platform elevation of privileges, Python programming for security, web application penetration testing, hacking fundamentals and exam prep. The second course is the Cyber Security Professional Bootcamp which covers operating system security (Windows and Linux), network security, cyber infrastructure and technology, offensive security, incident response and threat hunting, introduction to Python for security, and game theory strategy in cybersecurity. Both bootcamps meet on weekends and evenings and focus on hands-on, practical exercises. The University of Miami Cybersecurity Bootcamp is powered by HackerUSA.
Career Prep/Certification: The Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp prepares students for certification exams in the field of cybersecurity: CompTIA Network+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, LPI Linux Essentials, Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, (ISC)² SSCP. Students are given career assistance, including resume and LinkedIn help, interview prep, and internship placement assistance. 
Location: Miami

Cybersecurity Certification Courses

These online certificate courses are perfect for those who already have a foothold in the cybersecurity and IT world and are looking to upskill!

• Applied Technology Academy
• BrainStation Cybersecurity Course
• Coursera Cybersecurity Courses
• EC-Council
• edX Cybersecurity Courses
• Udemy Cybersecurity Courses

Related Reading:

• Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
• How to Calculate Your Coding Bootcamp ROI
• 2016 Growth of the Bootcamp Model (Cybersecurity)