Coding bootcamps are intensive, short-term programs that prepare graduates for immediate career entry. Bootcamps offer flexibility, affordability, and industry relevance. Learners can choose from several bootcamp types, with courses focused on full-stack programming, data science, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity bootcamp graduates often work as information security analysts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earn a median annual salary of $103,590. The BLS also projects a 33% growth for information security analysts from 2020-2030.
Learn more about bootcamps in the following guide. Search for your ideal program using our roundup of cybersecurity bootcamp reviews.
Top Cybersecurity BootcampsFullstack Academy
Eleven Fifty Academy
Code Fellows
Claim Academy
SecureSet
DevLeague
What Is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
General coding bootcamps offer broad training across programming and computer science. Cybersecurity bootcamps focus on information security knowledge, skills, and best practices.
Depending on the bootcamp, course material may appear in written, pre-recorded, or live lecture formats. Students engage with independent assignments and group exercises to build knowledge of industry-standard cybersecurity applications.
Cybersecurity bootcamps come in a variety of formats:
Fully online, in person, or hybrid
Full or part time
Self-paced or instructor-led
University-affiliated or independent/private
The fastest cybersecurity bootcamps run 13-14 weeks. The longest can take over 25 weeks to complete. In comparison, an associate degree in cybersecurity takes approximately two years, and a bachelor's degree takes around four years.
In addition to cutting-edge course material, bootcamps also provide support services to students. These commonly include financial aid, live tutoring, instructor feedback sessions, and job placement support.
Cybersecurity Online Bootcamps
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Skills Learned in Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Through theoretical lessons, case studies, and hands-on assignments, the best cybersecurity bootcamps explore many topics. Students learn about fundamental scripting techniques, industry-standard tools, threat intelligence, and security policy development.
A handful of common skills gained in an online cybersecurity bootcamp include:
Risk Assessment: Before developing effective strategies, cybersecurity professionals must know how to evaluate potential security risks. Bootcamp students learn to identify system vulnerabilities and understand the difference between real and nonexistent threats. Coursework teaches students to assess various risks to systems, networks, and applications.
Incident Response: Cybersecurity professionals cannot protect systems from every threat. To prepare for the inevitable, bootcamp participants learn how to develop incident response policies and plans for an organization. Coursework lessons also commonly cover best practices for applied incident response skills, including threat identification, eradication, and recovery.
Penetration Testing: Cybersecurity bootcamp students learn applied skills in penetration testing to measure and enhance security. Competencies include understanding which tools to use and how to mount attacks against different networks and applications. Bootcamps also teach countermeasures to combat these types of attacks and gain access to compromised machines.
Cryptography: Cryptography refers to the process used to secure communication and information shared between two parties. Cybersecurity bootcamps explore essential cryptography knowledge and techniques. These include encryption algorithms and best practices, data transfer security, and determining the protection needs for varying types of information.
Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
The best cybersecurity bootcamps help learners upgrade their tech skills and train for new computer science careers. These short, intensive programs deliver practical, career-focused skills training. We list all featured programs in alphabetical order.
Below, you can explore program details for six popular cybersecurity bootcamps in the United States. We also cover each bootcamp's coursework, targeted skills and proficiencies, tuition rates, and job placement support.
What Will a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Cost?
Cybersecurity bootcamps typically cost less than traditional college degrees. Still, they require a substantial financial investment.
According to 2018 data collected by Course Report, coding bootcamp students across all specializations spent an average of $11,900 in tuition. For cybersecurity bootcamps specifically, the most affordable programs start at around $10,000. More expensive options range from $15,000-$18,000.
Students may incur additional expenses for preparation courses, study materials, and software. The best cybersecurity bootcamps often require learners to use their own desktop or laptop computer. Other key supplies to purchase include notebooks, a planner, and a webcam/headset.
Many bootcamps offer financial support in the form of scholarships, discounts for veterans, low-interest loan financing, or flexible tuition rates. In some cases, students pay nothing until they graduate and land a job in cybersecurity.
What Jobs Can I Get After a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
The best cybersecurity bootcamps train graduates for a variety of technical careers. These careers improve the safety and security of networks, applications, and data. Popular jobs titles include penetration tester, security analyst, and information security manager. Some of the following careers may require additional work experience or education beyond a bootcamp.
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers probe networks, applications, and devices, looking for areas vulnerable to cyberattack. Common tasks include conducting penetration tests according to industry best practices, documenting findings for management, and recommending mitigation strategies. An online cybersecurity bootcamp offers sufficient training for a penetration testing career.
Average Annual Salary (November 2021):$87,640
Security Engineer
Security engineers solve computer security issues in an organization. Common tasks include searching for vulnerabilities, creating automated scripts to identify and respond to incidents, and configuring firewalls and other security devices. An experienced IT professional can complete a cybersecurity bootcamp to prepare for a security engineering job.
Average Annual Salary (November 2021):$94,790
Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect computer networks and systems from cyberattacks. Common tasks include monitoring for security breaches, completing investigations, preparing reports, and developing security standards for their organization. Employers often seek bachelor's graduates or cybersecurity bootcamp graduates with proven skills and prior technology experience.
Median Annual Salary:$103,950Job Outlook (2020-30): +33%
Information Security Manager
Information security managers oversee a company's IT security protocols. Common tasks include reviewing and developing security strategies, supervising IT staff, and performing maintenance checks and updates to software and hardware. A cybersecurity bootcamp offers essential knowledge and skills for information security managers.
Average Annual Salary (November 2021):$118,400
Security Architect
Security architects lead the development of a company's IT security systems. Common tasks include creating designs and planning functions, delegating to programming teams, and integrating new security structures into their organization's existing systems. A cybersecurity bootcamp offers foundational knowledge that IT professionals can use to move toward this advanced career.
Average Annual Salary (November 2021):$125,350
Other Cybersecurity Education Options
In-person and online cybersecurity bootcamps provide fundamental IT security skills and knowledge. Still, in some cases, professionals need additional education. For advanced careers, a degree may be a better option than a bootcamp.
Explore Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
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