4 Cybersecurity Bootcamps to Consider

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. With the rise in cyber threats, companies are in desperate need of well-trained individuals to safeguard their data and assets. For those looking to dive deep into this lucrative and challenging field, selecting the right bootcamp is crucial.

Enter QuickStart. Tailored for the individual, QuickStart is designed around the learner's lifestyle, ensuring that each student receives the personal attention they deserve. 

Unlike other programs where you might feel like just a number, with QuickStart, you're a name and a unique learner. This list also includes FullStack Academy, Flatiron, and Coding Dojo, but it's important to choose based on what aligns with your career goals and personal needs.

1. QuickStart

Format: 100% Online (virtual instructor-led and on-demand). Proudly partnered with select universities.

Curriculum Focus: Prioritizes virtual hands-on labs with an always updated curriculum helmed by expert instructors.

Price and Funding: With flexible funding options including via WIOA and a pre-pay discount, QuickStart stands out as one of the most affordable bootcamps. Foundational Bootcamp is priced at $5100, while the Immersive Bootcamp costs $7900. 

QuickStart also offers various benefits for active servicemembers and their families. These programs include the Army Credentialing Assistance Program, Air Force Credentialing Opportunities, and the MyCAA program for military spouses.

Commitment Level: Dedicate 15-25 hours/week (excluding virtual class sessions). The beauty? You can simultaneously hold a job.

Timeframe: 12-24 weeks, dependent on the bootcamp program. Through Texas Tech University and The University of Tennesse, Knoxville, QuickStart's 12-week Foundational Bootcamp allows learners to fast-track fundamental cybersecurity training toward an entry-level role.

Career Coaching: Unwavering support throughout the bootcamp and even after, ensuring you're always a step ahead in your job search.

Other Offers: Various certificate courses available for continued learning, catering to IT professionals and employers alike.

2. Flatiron

Format: Full-Time options available both in-person (Denver or New York) and online. Part-Time is online-only.

Price and Funding: At $16,900, it offers financing and scholarship options.

Commitment Level: Full-Time demands 8 hours/day, while Part-Time offers flexibility with self-set hours.

Timeframe: Engage in a rigorous 15-week Full-Time course or spread out with a 40-week Part-Time option.

Career Coaching: Benefit from 180 days of 1-1 career coaching post-graduation.

Other Offers: Complimentary tech prep lessons and a mix of in-person and online events to bolster your learning.

3. Coding Dojo

Format: 100% Online and a proud associate of Colorado Technical University.

Price and Funding: Set at $16,995, it offers a range of financing and scholarship options.

Commitment Level: Part-Time commitment involves 30 hours/week.

Timeframe: A 24-week journey to master cybersecurity.

Career Coaching: Enjoy lifetime access to their dedicated career services.

Other Offers: Take advantage of free resources such as the Algorithm App to enhance coding skills and attend insightful events.

4. FullStack Academy

Format: Dive into the online world with a 100% online structure.

Price and Funding: With a cost of $17,980 (limited-time deposit offer of $99), they offer various financing benefits and scholarships. The bootcamp selection process involves a logical reasoning test and behavioral interview post-application.

Commitment Level: For Full-Time, expect 32.5 hours in class plus 8-10 hours outside. Part-Time demands 9 hours in class and 6-8 hours outside.

Timeframe: Full-Time takes 12 weeks with a tight schedule, while Part-Time stretches over 26 weeks with evening classes.

Career Coaching: Their Career Success Team stands ready to guide you every step of the way.

Other Offers: Start with free beginner cybersecurity courses to get a feel before diving deep.

What Skills Should I Prioritize in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Transitioning into the expansive world of cybersecurity demands a comprehensive skillset. But with a multitude of areas to cover, which should be your top priority when enrolling in a bootcamp?

Here are a few skill areas to look for:

• Fundamentals of Networking: Cybersecurity and networks are inherently interlinked. Thus, understanding the basics of TCP/IP, subnets, VPN, LAN setups, and other networking concepts is foundational.
• Ethical Hacking Techniques: Contrary to its ominous sound, ethical hacking is about understanding the mind of a malicious hacker and preemptively identifying system vulnerabilities. It's a proactive defense mechanism, one that every cybersecurity professional should be well-versed in.
• Cryptography: In a world where data breaches are rampant, mastering the art and science of encrypting information is invaluable. Learn about symmetric and asymmetric encryption, public key infrastructures, and more.
• Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering: Equip yourself to dissect malicious software, understand its functionality, and develop strategies to neutralize threats.
• Cloud Security: With businesses transitioning to cloud platforms, understanding security in AWS, Azure, and other cloud environments is paramount.
• Incident Response: Not just about preventing threats, cybersecurity is also about how you react when they occur. A good bootcamp will teach you strategies for effectively managing and mitigating breaches when they happen.
• Security Compliance and Legal Regulations: With laws like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, understanding the legal landscape is essential. Ensure your bootcamp covers this to avoid legal pitfalls in your future cybersecurity endeavors.
• Soft Skills: Beyond the technicalities, effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are vital. Cyber threats are ever-evolving, requiring constant adaptation and a collaborative spirit.

The cybersecurity industry is booming, and the need for top-tier professionals is greater than ever. Ensuring quality education is imperative for this demanding field. While all the bootcamps listed offer impeccable programs, the right choice varies based on individual needs. 

For those requiring flexibility, especially around a job or other commitments, QuickStart shines with its asynchronous learning and personable approach. Dive in and explore your future in cybersecurity.