Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps Guide
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It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it,
said Stephane Nappo, the global head of information security and one of the most well-known cybersecurity professionals.
Like Nappo said, as our digital infrastructures evolve, cybersecurity specialists must keep growing networks and structures secure. A 2021 Cymulate survey indicated that about 50% of IT companies surveyed did not feel adequately prepared for a ransomware attack.
Cybersecurity specialists are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that information security analyst jobs will grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031, much higher than the average growth rate of 5% for all careers.
If you're considering a cybersecurity career, you may be wondering how to begin. Many tech professionals launched their careers through a coding bootcamp.
Bootcamps are designed to fill in-demand roles in areas like cybersecurity. Through highly specialized training and condensed curricula, bootcamps provide learners with a streamlined path to cybersecurity careers. Curricula, program lengths, and focus areas can vary significantly.
This guide highlights some of the best cybersecurity bootcamps so that you can find a program best suited to your career goals and learning preferences.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to a series of practices and systems that protect digital infrastructures from security breaches. Cyber attacks may compromise the security of sensitive data like credit card information, financial records, or social security numbers.
Cybersecurity professionals build and maintain security architectures, such as data encryption products and firewalls. They also monitor potential vulnerabilities, plan recovery procedures, and investigate attacks. Security threats are diverse, and a variety of infrastructures need protection.
Cybersecurity can be categorized into various specializations, including application security, cloud security, network security, and information security.
Many cybersecurity professionals use specialized products like Nessus, Wireshark, Nikto, and Ncat to protect network systems. Other programming languages cybersecurity workers should know include Python, JavaScript, C, and C++. Cybersecurity can be hard to learn, but bootcamps can equip you with the foundational understanding to launch your career.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps You Should Consider
Top Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Arizona State University
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $14,495
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
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Career Services -
Evening & Weekend Options
Arizona State University offers one of the best cybersecurity bootcamps that you can complete part time in 24 weeks.
The program includes six modules covering security fundamentals, systems administration, and networks and network security. The other modules teach defensive security, offensive security, and test prep. You'll also complete final projects. Learners spend nine hours per week in live courses, which are held online three days a week in the evenings. And you can access personal tutoring and learning assistance on demand via chat or text.
ASU's partnership with CompTIA provides you with a voucher and free prep tools for the certification test.
Visit Arizona State University Bootcamp . External linkCoding Dojo
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $16,995
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
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Career Services
With start dates every month, you can begin Coding Dojo's cybersecurity bootcamp anytime. Throughout the 24-week, part-time bootcamp, you'll take quizzes that benchmark your learning progress.
The three-track bootcamp covers hardware and software, network configurations and data security, and intrusion detection. In the final weeks, you'll learn to install and configure systems, protect networks, and perform risk analysis and vulnerability assessments. You can expect to spend four hours per week in lectures and extra time doing hands-on learning in group and individual labs.
You'll also get career service help from the first day and lifetime access to community support.
Visit Coding Dojo Bootcamp . External linkDeep Dive Coding
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $199
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Self-Paced
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Career Services
Deep Dive Coding offers a certified secure computer user training program. This foundational, self-paced program is suitable for people with or without prior cybersecurity experience. The curriculum equips you with the practical knowledge to protect your networks from common security threats like phishing and identity theft.
This course includes a six-month iLabs subscription and is designed to prepare you for Expert Computer Concept Course Exams.
Visit Deep Dive Coding Bootcamp . External linkDigitalCrafts
- Locations: Atlanta, Remote
- Program Cost: $9,500
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
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Career Services -
Evening & Weekend Options
DigitalCrafts has one of the best cybersecurity bootcamps with part-time and full-time options that take 17-26 weeks to finish. Each student begins with an introductory course designed for their learning level.
Over six modules, you'll train in hardware and operating systems, networking foundations, and programming literacy. You'll also study offensive security operations and defensive security. The final module prepares you for CompTIA security plus certification. Online learners can also access study space at WeWork locations across the United States.
The student services team provides job services and career lectures to get you hired after graduation.
Visit DigitalCrafts Bootcamp . External linkEvolve Security Academy
- Locations: Remote, Chicago, Dallas, District of Columbia, San Francisco
- Program Cost: $13,950
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
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Career Services -
Evening & Weekend Options
You do not need any tech experience to attend Evolve Security Academy's part-time cybersecurity bootcamp. This program offers a culminating hands-on experience through an apprenticeship at a nonprofit.
Study live and online in the evenings and on Saturdays to complete this bootcamp in 20 weeks, with cohorts of about 8-10 students. The lessons emphasize networking, social engineering, and scripting for security. You'll also learn about security operations architecture and cryptography.
Graduates get a CompTIA security plus voucher and receive job search preparation throughout the bootcamp.
Visit Evolve Security Academy Bootcamp . External linkFlatiron School
- Locations: Denver, New York, Remote
- Program Cost: $16,900
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
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Career Services
Flatiron School's cybersecurity bootcamp lets you train for a new career part time on your schedule or full time. Full-time students take 15 weeks to graduate, and part-time learners graduate in 40 weeks.
The bootcamp prepares you for the CompTIA security plus certification. Courses cover network security, system security, Python, threat intelligence, and applied cryptography. All of these topics prepare you to complete a capstone project.
You'll also get paired with a career coach to prepare your resume and practice for interviewing.
Visit Flatiron School Bootcamp . External linkFullstack Academy
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $17,881
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
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Career Services -
Evening & Weekend Options
Fullstack Academy's cybersecurity bootcamp trains you for a career in cybersecurity analytics in 12-26 weeks.
Online courses include labs and group exercises to train you in computing and networking concepts, security essentials, and penetration testing methodology. The program culminates with a final project for your portfolio.
In addition, the career success team connects you with recruiters and helps you build your resume and LinkedIn profile. To apply, submit an online application and complete the logic-based assessment.
Visit Fullstack Academy Bootcamp . External linkPer Scholas
- Locations: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, New York, Newark, North Carolina, Remote
- Program Cost: Free
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
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Career Services
Per Scholas offers one of the best cybersecurity bootcamps that costs nothing, thanks to funding from foundations, corporations, and individual donors. The full-time coding bootcamp takes 15 weeks to complete.
The curriculum includes hands-on labs to learn Python, Linux, and network administration. Instructors will also teach you behavioral analytics and security monitoring, network security, and reconnaissance techniques. You'll learn about secure software development as well.
Graduates have the skills to take the CompTIA security plus certification exam. You can also benefit from guest speakers and employer partners, which provide interview preparation and resume help.
Visit Per Scholas Bootcamp . External linkSpringboard
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $9,900
- Learning Formats: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
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Career Services -
Job Guarantee -
Money-Back Guarantee
Springboard's part-time cybersecurity bootcamp prepares you for a career in six months. Eligible students can receive a job guarantee, meaning if they do not get a job within a set time after graduating, Springboard will refund their tuition.
Springboard's bootcamp includes 50 labs and a capstone. The program covers cybersecurity fundamentals, project management, and host-based security. You'll study network security and application security as well.
Mentors, career coaches, and a student advisor provide job preparation support. And practice exams prepare you to take the CompTIA security plus certification exam. This beginner-friendly bootcamp requires passing an evaluation to get admitted. You must also be at least 18 years old to enroll.
Visit Springboard Bootcamp . External linkThe Tech Academy
- Locations: Portland, Remote
- Program Cost: $3,800-$13,300
- Learning Formats: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
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Career Services -
CIRR Member
The Tech Academy offers instructor-supported and self-paced cybersecurity bootcamps with part-time and full-time options that take 20 or 38 weeks.
The program explores computer and server hardware, networks and installation, and network security and VPNs. You'll also learn about security websites and protecting databases, along with user data protection.
It takes 800 hours to complete the bootcamp, which focuses on teaching Java and Swift. According to data reported to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, 73.2% of graduates from its 2018 Portland self-paced bootcamp were employed within 184 days of completing the bootcamp, and these professionals reported a median salary of $62,000.
Visit the Tech Academy Bootcamp . External linkOur Methodology
The Bootcamp Team at BestColleges has collected data for over 150 bootcamps to help you find the best bootcamp.
At BestColleges, we believe the best bootcamp is the one that fits your schedule, your learning needs, and your career aspirations. That's why we often present our recommendations in alphabetical order — because the real best bootcamp is the bootcamp that's best for you.
At this time, our recommendation round-ups feature only immersive bootcamps designed to prepare students for job placement upon graduation.
To be included on our lists, bootcamps must meet the following criteria:
- Must offer at least one bootcamp in the United States.
- Must offer at least one bootcamp that is a minimum of 4 weeks long.
- Must require at least 15 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is part time.
- Must encourage at least 10 hours of work per week if the bootcamp is self-paced.
Pricing disclosure: The prices listed were collected from product websites in 2022. However, given the dynamic, fast-paced nature of the tech space, prices are subject to change throughout the year. To get the most up-to-date information about pricing, contact providers directly.
Methodology for Recommending Cheap Bootcamps:
- The bootcamp must meet all of the general criteria listed above.
- The bootcamp must cost less than $8,000 if it is offered full time, and less than $5,000 if it is offered part time. These numbers were chosen based on data collected by BestColleges in 2020 that determined the average cost of a coding bootcamp is $13,580.
Other Notable Cybersecurity Bootcamps
There are many bootcamp options available for learners interested in cybersecurity careers. See other cybersecurity bootcamps below.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps You Should Consider
Cybersecurity Careers
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers use electrical engineering, computer science, math, and security policy elements to create secure systems and networks. They may assess an organization's security infrastructures, conduct penetration testing, and identify potential security threats. They may also design data recovery plans and offer security solutions.
Average Annual Salary (Payscale, March 2023)
$100,130
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts work closely with IT teams to develop appropriate security policies and architectures. They may recommend products or best practices based on an organization's needs and must keep up to date on the latest cybersecurity products. Security analysts use specialized software, like data encryption programs and firewalls, to protect networks.
Median Annual Salary (BLS, May 2021)
$102,600
Digital Forensic Examiner
Digital forensic examiners identify and recover information in criminal investigations. This may include restoring deleted or compromised data, tracking user activity, and performing highly detailed analyses of digital devices. These cybersecurity professionals should have an advanced understanding of ethical hacking and data restoration. They frequently document their findings and testify in court proceedings.
Average Annual Salary (Payscale, April 2023)
$68,530
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Can I learn cybersecurity online?
Yes. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals have more opportunities to complete virtual or hybrid training programs with an increase in the popularity of remote learning. Virtual learning platforms offer diverse and effective instruction methods, including live lectures, video tutorials, forums, digital libraries, and virtual small study groups.
Online options can also be practical if you have work or family demands. Or, if you're seeking more flexibility, you can sometimes choose from self-paced or asynchronous options. You can also expand your learning options beyond what is locally offered and choose programs that are best suited to your goals.
How much do cybersecurity bootcamps cost?
Tuition for cybersecurity bootcamps usually costs less than a traditional postsecondary education, which is one reason it's an attractive option. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition in 2020-2021 cost $21,300.
The average student at a cybersecurity bootcamp pays less than the average college student. Coding bootcamps, according to data collected by BestColleges in 2020, cost between $10,000-$15,000.
Are there free cybersecurity bootcamps?
Yes. Cybersecurity bootcamps like Per Scholas offer tuition-free training. You'll pay no tuition to train, but you need to cover your own costs for childcare and living expenses. That said, Per Scholas offers a Childcare Navigator to help parents enrolled in a cybersecurity bootcamp access childcare resources.
How long are cybersecurity bootcamps?
How long it takes you to complete a cybersecurity bootcamp mostly depends on your availability. People balancing work and family obligations tend to need a part-time format, which takes longer to complete. Full-time cybersecurity bootcamps can take from 13-17 weeks to complete, while part-time programs require you to spend about 20-38 weeks studying.
Are cybersecurity bootcamps worth it?
Many people find bootcamps worth it. Since bootcamps typically take just a few weeks or months to complete, they can be excellent alternatives to longer and more expensive postsecondary degrees.
Bootcamps can offer a quick path to high-paying and in-demand career options. Cybersecurity can be an especially lucrative area. Cybersecurity engineers earn an average of over $100,000 per year as of April 2023, while information security analysts earn a median salary of $102,600 per year as of May 2021.
However, in some cases, employers still prefer college graduates and may not see bootcamp training as adequate. Bootcamps also provide narrow, highly specialized curricula, which can be limiting to learners who want a broader scope of knowledge.
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