At present times, taking the next step in your career can be an extremely stressful decision due to the rapid evolution of technology. It's hard to keep up as a human. However, there are still close-to-reality predictions of high-demand skills for the next 10 years. One such skill is cybersecurity, which is predicted to be a fast-growing industry.

Research has revealed that the cybersecurity profession needs to grow by 3.4 million people to close the workforce gap. 70% of organizations do not have enough cybersecurity employees. Therefore, if you're considering changing careers, you should consider entering the cybersecurity industry due to its high demand.

In this article, we have listed the 5 Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps that we highly recommend to guide you in starting your career in cybersecurity. We will cover:

• What are Cybersecurity Bootcamps?
• Career Paths in Cybersecurity
• Unique features of the best Bootcamps we found online
• Their pricing plans
• Student experiences of taking their courses

What are Cybersecurity Bootcamps?

Cybersecurity bootcamps are intensive training programs designed to teach individuals the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to start a career in the cybersecurity industry. These bootcamps typically offer a fast-tracked learning experience, often lasting several weeks or months, and provide hands-on training in actual scenarios.

Participants learn cybersecurity skills with the latest cybersecurity threats, how to identify and mitigate them, and how to secure networks and systems. Many bootcamps also offer career coaching and mentorship, as well as certification programs to validate participants' skills and enhance their job prospects.

Career Paths in Cybersecurity

With the workforce needing millions of cybersecurity professionals to meet the demand of the industry, career paths for cybersecurity graduates are much clearer than those in other industries. Here are some popular careers that will open up for you with an average annual salary of $65,000-$70,000:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Cybersecurity Technician
• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Systems Engineer
• Security Analyst
• Security Specialist
• Security Manager
• Incident Analyst/Responder

5 Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps in 2024

Bootcamps are an excellent way to start a career in tech. It's great to know that there are multiple online schools that offer top-notch education on cybersecurity. We've reviewed their features, payment options, and success stories in order for you to get a clear idea of what fits you best.

Springboard Cybersecurity Bootcamp, Best Overall

After reviewing several digital schools offering Cybersecurity Bootcamps, we highly recommend Springboard's Cybersecurity Bootcamp as the Best Overall. Springboard has designed its online Bootcamps to offer personalized mentorship, practical projects, and real-world scenarios that will equip each student with the skills and knowledge needed to identify and defend against cyber attacks. With this course, you will learn about the different types of cyber threats, how to secure networks and systems, and how to effectively communicate your findings to stakeholders.

Springboard offers several benefits:

• 100% online with a mix of self-paced and community-based learning. Springboard guarantees accessibility of their Bootcamps worldwide. You can learn cybersecurity at your own pace while also learning with a global community, no matter where you are located.
• 1:1 career coaching and mentorship. From Day 1, you are supported by mentors, coaches, and student advisors. This full-blown support from experts is one of the reasons why this Bootcamp excels over others. With 1:1 coaching and mentorship, you can navigate your career path successfully.
• Build a competitive portfolio while you learn. 65% of your time goes to hands-on project work. You must complete at least one capstone project during the entire course, which helps you to be job-ready. Show off your portfolio to employers and get your dream job!
• Get CompTIA Security+ Certification. Springboard partnered with CompTIA to help students validate their security skills. You will graduate with a CompTIA Security+ Certification that will boost your credibility with prospective employers.
• Job guarantee with a +$12k average salary increase. As per Springboard's career track report, cybersecurity graduates increased their average annual salary by +$12,000. It's a massive jump for someone who's just starting a career in a different industry. Additionally, if you fail to find a job, Springboard will refund your money. No questions ask.
• Affordable price with flexible payment options. Cybersecurity is an in-demand tech skill, and other digital schools offer Bootcamps for around $15,000 to $20,000 for a 6-8 months Bootcamp experience. At Springboard, they ensure that education is affordable, with flexible payment options to support students who are not financially capable of paying upfront.

Payment Options:

• Upfront - pay $9,900 upfront before the cohort starts and save 17% or $2,000 on the tuition.
• Monthly installment - pay $1,890 per month and get a $560 discount from the total amount.
• Deferred tuition - if you cannot pay while enrolled, pay your tuition after you start a job for only $395 - $435.
• Financed tuition loan - apply for a loan and pay it off in $59 - $181 while you learn, and pay the rest after the course.

What students are saying?

“Springboard was fantastic! Springboard strategically put together a diverse curriculum that exposes students to the many different facets of cyber security. The curriculum contains videos, labs, and projects and students are paired with a mentor which they meet with once per week. The mentors, career coaches, and administrative and support staff are all amazing and pleasant to deal with. Students meet with career coaches periodically throughout the program and also have access to them for 6 months after graduation.” - Nahin Khan. Information Security Specialist. Graduated 2023

Ironhack, Most Flexible Schedule

Ironhack's Cybersecurity Bootcamp is an immersive online program that lasts for 12 to 24 weeks, designed to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed to become cybersecurity professionals. The course offers hands-on training in defensive and offensive cybersecurity techniques, threat analysis, and incident response, culminating in a final project to showcase your skills to potential employers.

• Flexible Schedule: You can choose to attend the program full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule and needs. 
• Real-World Experience: The course emphasizes hands-on training through simulated scenarios, allowing you to apply what you learn to real-world situations.
• Career Services: Ironhack provides career services, including career coaching and job placement support, to help students prepare for and secure job opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
• Pre-course work: this bootcamp offers pre-course work to prepare you for the intensive Bootcamp ahead. You can learn the cybersecurity fundamentals on your own, and then learn the advanced modules in a live classroom with a cohort, coaches, and instructors.

Payment Options:

The total tuition fee for the full-time and part-time bootcamp is €8,500.00.

• Upfront Payment: Pay the full tuition upfront and receive a 10% discount.
• Installment Plan: Pay the tuition in 3 equal installments for the full-time format, or 6 installments for the part-time format.
• Financing Options with Employers: Ironhack partners with two financing companies to support employers in financing the professional development of their employees.

What students are saying?

“I honestly don't think I could have been here without the bootcamp. It definitely provided the necessary tools, knowledge, technology, and self-confidence. Thanks to the bootcamp, I managed to get into the cyber market, make my career change, and ultimately work in an awesome company that I greatly cherish.” - Ioana Oprea, From Aerospace to Cyber Defense with Ironhack Remote

FullStack Academy, Best for Beginners

FullStack Academy is named one of the longest-running providers in the nation. One unique aspect of its online bootcamp is its focus on collaboration and teamwork. Throughout the program, students work in teams to complete real-world projects, taking part in career simulations alongside their cybersecurity training. This cybersecurity education is best for beginners as FullStack doesn't require any prior experience to enroll in the course.

• Real-world projects with industry partners: Students will work on real-world projects through career simulations and collaborate with industry partners to gain practical skills and experience.
• Expert instructors and personalized career support: FullStack Academy employs expert instructors to provide personalized support, mentorship, and career guidance throughout the program.
• Powerful Alumni Network: Learn and build connections from a supportive alumni network that can help you open doors to your dream job.

Payment Options:

The total tuition fee for the Online Cybersecurity Bootcamp is $17,980.

FullStack Academy offers upfront payment, personal loans from available lenders, and veteran benefits to support your study. If you are not financially capable, you may also apply for a scholarship that is available for women, military vets, and other communities.

What Students Are Saying?

"The material is covered in the most thorough manner, and the instructors provide thought-provoking and challenging labs. Choosing Fullstack Academy is one of the best things I've ever done for myself." - Sean Heholt, Security Operations Center Cybersecurity Engineer, Guidepoint Security.

Flatiron School, Best Curriculum

Flatiron School's Cybersecurity Engineering Bootcamp is a 15-week full-time immersive program designed to provide students with actual training in cybersecurity. The course covers topics such as network security, ethical hacking, cryptography, and threat intelligence. Students will have access to career services—180 days of 1:1 career coaching for graduates to get a job after the Bootcamp. The course is available in-person or online, and students will receive a Flatiron School Cybersecurity Engineering Certificate upon completion.

• Industry-Driven Curriculum: The curriculum is designed with input from industry professionals to ensure students learn the most in-demand skills and technologies required for a successful cybersecurity career.
• Flexibility: The program offers both in-person and online options with full-time and part-time schedules available to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and learning preferences.
• Career Services: The bootcamp provides comprehensive career coaching, resume reviews, and job search assistance to help students land their dream cybersecurity job.
• Virtual Lab Environment: The bootcamp includes access to a virtual lab environment where students can practice their skills and apply what they've learned in factual scenarios.

Payment Options:

Flatiron School offers full-time and part-time bootcamps for $16,900.

When you enroll, you can pay a deposit fee of $99 and choose from three payment options:

• Upfront payment
• Payment with a loan
• 12 installments of just $1,400
• Apply for a scholarship if you are financially incapable

Code Fellows, Best in Live Learning

Code Fellows is an online coding academy that offers various cybersecurity courses for students of different levels. Their cybersecurity program covers a range of topics, including network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking. Students will learn from experienced instructors and have access to industry-standard tools and technology. A fantastic feature of Code Fellows is its flexible learning options, including part-time and full-time courses, and the ability to customize the curriculum to meet each student's needs.

• Customizable Curriculum - You can choose between full-time, part-time, or self-paced programs and tailor your course content to your career goals.
• Hands-On Learning with Live Sessions - The course material is designed with active learning, ensuring that you get practical experience with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques.
• Career Services & Alumni Network - Code Fellows has an active alumni network and offers career services to help students transition into the cybersecurity workforce, including interview preparation, networking opportunities, and job search assistance.

Payment Options:

Code Fellows bootcamp price is $12,000, and they offer a wide range of payment options from loans and payment plans, early-bird discounts, scholarships, course bundle discounts, and other payment benefits.

Future proof your career with Cybersecurity

To sum it up, if you're interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, there are many first-class bootcamps available to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Each online cybersecurity bootcamp program listed in this article offers unique features and benefits, and it's up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your learning style and career goals.

Before enrolling in any bootcamp, it's essential to do your research and ensure that the program you choose is credible and trusted in the industry that provides a valuable learning experience. With dedication, hard work, and the right training, you can succeed in fulfilling your career goals in cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cybersecurity

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1. Do you need programming for cybersecurity?

Yes, programming is an important skill for cybersecurity professionals. Many cybersecurity jobs require knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and others. Additionally, understanding programming concepts and logic can help cybersecurity professionals identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in software applications and systems. 

2. What certifications should I get for cybersecurity?

There are many certifications available for cybersecurity professionals, and the specific ones you should pursue will depend on your career goals, experience level, and areas of interest. Here are some popular and respected certifications in the cybersecurity field:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
2. CompTIA Security+
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
7. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

Springboard is one of the Bootcamps that offers CompTIA Security+ certification apart from the Bootcamp itself. This is to help students increase the credibility of their skills after graduation.

3. Is a cybersecurity bootcamp worth it?

Yes. There are several success stories of students who took the Bootcamp themselves from different online schools. However, to avoid biases, a student's success still depends on an individual's goal, hard work, and persistence. This piece is a sponsored article, generously supported by Springboard. While Springboard has provided financial support, our commitment to unbiased and transparent reporting remains, and the perspectives shared within are solely those of the author and Teachfloor.

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