What are Cyber Security bootcamps? How are they different from Cyber Security certificate programs?

12 min readMar 15, 2021

Malicious links, trojans, and viruses have made the internet an unsafe environment. Data breaches are becoming increasingly widespread, placing unwitting consumers at greater risk than ever. Users need actionable to-do’s that can help them keep alert and safe online, where a single click can cost thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Cybersecurity refers to the safeguarding of internet-connected devices, including hardware, software, and data, against cyber threats. Individuals and companies use the procedure to prevent unwanted access to data centers and other computerized networks.

Cybersecurity involves actions and techniques used to secure networks, computers, software applications, and data from being targeted, destroyed, or accessed without permission. Cybersecurity bootcamps and certificate programs are springing up to satisfy the rising need for technical security expertise. And there few things you need to consider when deciding which one is best for you.

What is a Cyber Security bootcamp?

A bootcamp is a modern approach to your IT education, an intensive, short-term, frequently immersive experience created to offer all the skills required to start a career in their chosen specialty to aspiring IT professionals.

Bootcamps for Cyber Security are focused educational programs that are specifically designed to prepare you for Cyber Security positions at the entry-level. Bootcamps at moderate and advanced levels will help you apply for mid and high-level positions (e.g. penetration tester). Bootcamps are shorter in duration (i.e. less than one year) than undergraduate and graduate certificates and can be provided by any variety of vendors, including universities, private businesses, and academies of skill.

Here’s the 3 popular Cyber Security bootcamp

Cyber Security Analytics Bootcamp from Flatiron School

This is a 480-hour online Cyber Security program offered at full-time and part-time paces by the flatiron school, designed to help students develop the skills they need to start a career in Cyber Security as a tier 1+ SOC analyst, threat intel analyst, security consultant, or compliance analyst. Online learners benefit from a schedule of synchronous tutorials as well as private study hours, integrating a linked network with life-specific flexibility.

Cyber Security Bootcamp from Springboard

This bootcamp from the springboard program will teach the students what they need to know. After completing the bootcamp, students will complete 50 laboratories, 30 assignments, and one capstone project to show employers expertise in the subject area. Students collaborate closely with a personal trainer, a trained Cyber Security specialist now working in the industry.

Fullstack Cyber Bootcamp from Fullstack Academy

This bootcamp incorporates training in technological skills, insight into present cyber trends, and simulated cyber threats with hands-on experience. Students pick the curriculum plan that fits well for them and leaves prepared in either 17 (full-time) or 26 weeks(part-time on evenings and weekends) to get a Cyber Security career. When students train for graduation, they collaborate closely with the career resources team of the full stack academy for resume assistance, networking advice, and an exclusive in-house college job fair.

How long does it take to complete the Cyber Security bootcamp?

Cyber Security bootcamps are intensive programs and many Cyber Security bootcamps are designed to be completed in less than 6 months. Students may take more or less time to complete the program depending on how they take courses and how many hours per week they put into the program.

Duration of Cyber Security Analytics Bootcamp of Flatiron School

Students can complete the program in 4 months if they take the program full-time, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week

It takes 8 months to complete the program if enrolled part-time, students should dedicate 18–20 hours a week.

Duration of Cyber Security Bootcamp of Springboard

This bootcamp is a 360-hour program in Cyber Security and by dedicating 15–20 hours a week students can complete the program within 6 months.

Duration of Fullstack Cyber Bootcamp of Fullstack Academy

Students can complete this program in 17 weeks by taking it full-time or they complete it in 26 weeks by enrolling in the part-time program.

What do you learn from Flatiron School’s Cyber Security Analytics Bootcamp?

This Cyber Security Analytics syllabus will prepare you to handle rapidly-advancing threats, whether you enroll in our full-time or part-time online courses. With the real-world laboratory environments combined with an industry-grade curriculum, you will set traps and catch threatened actors. You will learn the analytical skills necessary for the competition to stand out. This Cyber Security Analytics program includes 8 basic courses aimed at preparing you for the Cyber Security industry’s success.

Courses offered by Flatiron School’s Cyber Security Analytics Bootcamp

Network Administration
System Administration
Strategy and Analysis
GRC( Governance, Risk, and Compliance)
Security Intelligence and Event Management(SIEM) Administration
Hunt Skills
Threat Intelligence
Capstone

What do you learn from Springboard’s Cyber Security Bootcamp?

This 360-hour bootcamp addresses the basics of Cyber Security, protection of devices and networks, risk evaluation, and security operations. You can complete it in 6 months by practicing 15–20 hours a week. Learning materials, field activities, practical laboratories, and career-related coursework are included in the course units.

Courses offered by Springboard’s Cyber Security Bootcamp

Cyber Security Fundamentals
Identity and Access Management
Security Assessment and Training
Capstone Project

What do you learn from Fullstack Academy’s Cyber Security Bootcamp?

The Fullstack Cyber Bootcamp program is meant for beginners of Cyber Security. This program, directed by professional mentors and applying hands-on instruction, will take you quickly from beginner to Cyber Security professional.

In collaboration with Cyber Security professionals and business executives who know what employers are looking for, this program has been developed and it is also revised to keep up with the ever-evolving threat environment. To get a lucrative Cyber Security career, you’ll graduate with the most appropriate, up-to-date skills you need. You’ll be helped by the job resources team along the way, too.

Courses offered by Fullstack Academy’s Cyber Security Bootcamp

Cyber Security Foundations
Security Essential and Red Team Phase
Blue Team Phase
Career Development

How much does a Cyber Security bootcamp cost?

The cost of the Cyber Security bootcamp depends on many factors like the courses offered, program difficulty, mode of program delivery, etc. And typically, tuition cost can be between $8,000 and $18,000

For instance, the cost of these Cyber Security bootcamps is as follows

Tuition cost of Flatiron School’s Cyber Security Analytics Bootcamp

Total tuition — $16,900

Tuition cost of Springboard’s Cyber Security Bootcamp

Total tuition — $8,900

Tuition cost of Fullstack Academy’s Cyber Security Bootcamp

Tuition for full-time program — $17,910

Tuition for part-time program — $15,980

What are the career benefits of doing a bootcamp in Cyber Security?

As cyber fraud is expected to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, risks to our cyber networks are on the rise. The Cyber Security industry is projected to rise by 9.8 percent annually, up from $74.4 billion in spending in 2015 to an estimated $170 billion by 2020, as a result of these risks. The number of information security threats and data breaches has risen by 70% and 242%, respectively, since 2013. Most of these attacks were aimed at small and medium-sized companies that clearly did not realize the implications of not taking Cyber Security seriously.

In addition to recognizing the need for market-based defense tech expertise, you should also be aware of the fact that this demand for skills is higher than availability. Between 2010–2014, job postings for Cyber Security roles rose by 91%, compared to just 28% for all IT vacancies. Currently, 84 percent of computer security work positions need a bachelor’s degree, 83 percent require at least 3 years of training, and 35 percent of positions require industry credentials such as qualifications for Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+. Although this could be the case, companies are now looking to new types of technology education to fulfill their recruiting demands, such as bootcamps and technology trade schools. With estimates of a 1.5 million safety potential deficit, it is fair to assume that acquiring safety skills would guarantee that you are still in demand.

What is a Cyber Security certificate program?

Certificate programs usually train students to work or upgrade their professional abilities in a specific industry. It is offered both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It sets you apart from other applicants when an employer sees a certificate on your resume.

These are the top 3 certificate program in Cyber Security that you should look at

Stanford Advanced Cyber Security Certificate

The Stanford Advanced Cyber Security Qualification Program will provide you with the advanced skills necessary to learn how to secure networks, secure electronic assets, deter threats, protect your customers’ privacy, and build secure infrastructures. You will have access to the latest research and best practices from world-class Stanford faculty and leading Cyber Security experts in businesses such as Google, LinkedIn, Symantec, VeriSign, and LifeLock through six online computer science courses.

The course content is condensed, appropriate, and specially tailored for busy professionals in the cyber workforce of today.

Georgia Tech Cyber Security Certificate

In an increasing arena of risks to activities, records, and intellectual property, this Cyber Security Certificate provides you with both strategic and technological expertise to make your business more secure. You will learn how to better minimize risk, protect your network against attacks both within and outside your company, and more. This Cyber Security certificate helps you to work on subjects that are most important to you, using an applied approach to learning combined with a versatile curriculum.

Georgetown’s Cyber Security certificate program

With Georgetown’s Cyber Security certificate a student can develop the skills required to plan and execute a robust information management strategy. Academics and business leaders can lead you through a mix of independent analysis, workshops, and community work through a managerial lens that approaches Cyber Security practice.

We feel that this program is good to give you a high-level overview of Cyber Security practices but has no hands-on lab or practical experience

How long does it take to complete the Cyber Security certificate program?

The time it takes to complete a Cyber Security certificate program is determined by the courses offered, level of difficulty, mode of learning, and whether students take the program part-time or full-time, and several other factors. The Cyber Security certificate program gives their recommendation to students on how many hours they should dedicate to the program depending on what courses they are offering and how difficult the courses are.

Duration of Stanford’s Advanced Cyber Security Certificate

Stanford offers a total of 6 courses in the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate program. They recommend students put 2 hours per week into each course so they can complete each course in 60 days. You can complete all the courses in a year if you are consistent. This program is a self-paced program, so you can dedicate more hours and complete this program in less than a year

Duration of Georgia Tech’s Cyber Security Certificate

Georgia Tech’s Cyber Security Certificate courses are all scheduled. So you can’t access any courses before it is available. And the certificate programs must be completed within 6 years.

Duration of Georgetown’s Cyber Security certificate program

This certificate program can be complete within 12 weeks — 2 years

What do you learn from Stanford’s Advanced Cyber Security Certificate?

By completing this course, you will learn how to protect networks, secure electronic assets, deter threats, ensure consumer privacy, and develop secure infrastructure by presenting you with the specialized skills required.

Courses offered by Stanford’s Advanced Cyber Security Certificate

Required

Foundation of Information Security
Using Cryptography Correctly
Writing Secure Code
Exploiting and Protecting Web Application

Electives

Mobile Security
Network Security
Emerging Threats & Defenses
Cyber Security and Executive Strategy

What do you learn from Georgia Tech’s Cyber Security certificate?

This certificate program will teach you how to identify emerging threats and evaluate risk in order to build the most suitable and successful defense for your business. You’ll also learn how to view attacks holistically and from the viewpoint of the hacker to develop better and more efficient Cyber Security strategies. Also, learn how to apply systems engineering concepts to improve the business.

Courses offered by Georgia Tech’s Cyber Security certificate

Cyber Security: A Systems Approach
Introduction to Malware Analysis
Risk Management Framework
Cyber Risk Management for Decision Makers
Protecting Your Organization from Insider Threats

What do you learn from Georgetown’s Cyber Security certificate?

You will gain a strategic understanding of security models, risk identification, stable implementation of infrastructure, crisis management, and legal, regulatory, and enforcement concerns in the curriculum. By studying access management, cryptography, network security, and social engineering, you’ll also acquire tactical expertise.

Courses offered by Georgetown’s Cyber Security certificate includes:

Making the Business Case for Cyber Security
Threats, Vulnerabilities and Social Engineering
Technical Countermeasure and Risk Assessment
Managing Security
Leadership and Strategy in Cyber Security
Applied Cyber Security & Crisis Management

How much does a Cyber Security certificate program cost?

The cost of a Cyber Security certificate varies depending on the institution, mode of learning, and courses offered. The average cost could be $6,040. This cost will also vary depending on the difficulty level of the certificate program

For instance, the cost of these Cyber Security certificates are as follows

Tuition cost of Stanford’s Advanced Cyber Security Certificate

Total tuition — $3,045

Tuition cost of Georgia Tech’s Cyber Security Certificate

Total tuition — ~$8,745

Tuition cost of Georgetown’s Cyber Security certificate program

Total tuition — $6,330

What are the career benefits of doing a certificate program in Cyber Security?

The area of Cyber Security research is increasingly expanding, necessitating a steady supply of skilled staff. According to the BLS, jobs in the sector will rise by 31% from 2019 to 2029, far faster than the national average of 4%.

While the BLS lists many computing and Cyber Security careers that may require a bachelor’s degree, experience and certificates may be just as favorable to many employers throughout these fields. As of 2019, the median annual compensation for information technology analysts was $99,730.

A Cyber Security certificate by itself does not qualify applicants for jobs that require a bachelor’s degree, although it does serve to improve a resume in a competitive job market.

Below are examples of some of the jobs available in the area of Cyber Security. Remember, after a bootcamp or certificate program, with little or no experience you might not qualify for mid to senior level jobs but you can get a good understanding of the career progression.

Job positions available after successfully completing Cyber Security bootcamps and certificate program

Network Security Administrator

Salary — $103K-$147K

Network Security Engineer

Salary — $110K-$153K

Systems Security Administrator

Salary — $106K-$150K

Data Security Analyst

Salary — $114K-$160K

Information Systems Security Manager

Salary — $130K-$182K

Cyber Security Analyst

Salary — $90K — $160K

Security Engineer

Salary — $62k — $135k

Security Consultant

Salary — $52K — $114K

Advanced Threat Analyst

Salary — $100K — $130K

Penetration Tester

Salary — $66K — $118K

Which one should I take — Cyber Security bootcamp or Cyber Security certificate?

A lot of factors matter when determining whether a student should take a Cyber Security bootcamp or certificate.

If a student wants to learn Cyber Security concepts much faster, then they should go for a Cyber Security bootcamp. Cyber Security bootcamps are intensive programs. By taking a Cyber Security bootcamp, students can complete the program in less time. Cyber Security bootcamp programs are also best for students who don’t know anything about the Cyber Security field. These programs are designed in a way that anyone with no prior knowledge in Cyber Security and also intermediate Cyber Security analysts can take this program. These programs will introduce students to a broad variety of topics like fundamentals of Cyber Security, tools, and strategy used in Cyber Security and basic networking, interact with your peers, and also participate in hands-on experiments, so you can apply what you’ve learned in your job after completing these programs.

On the other hand, Cyber Security certificate programs are the best choice for professionals who are already in a job in Cyber Security or any other related field.

Normally most of the certificate programs require students to have 2 to 3 years of experience in Cyber Security or any other related field, but this is not always the case for most of the Cyber Security certificate programs. Since these programs are designed for professionals, the curriculum includes some advanced topics in Cyber Security. These programs are less costly and take more time to complete compared to bootcamps. So if you want to learn advanced topics in the Cyber Security field and you are not in a hurry, then you should consider these certificate programs in Cyber Security.

Bootcamp program of a university vs companies

If you are going for a bootcamp program, with so many players in bootcamp’s it is hard to make a choice which one to pick. Should you pick a program from one of the reputed companies with high ratings or you should pick a less rated program from an accredited university.

Short answer: It depends on what you want to learn and where you see your career in the next 2–6 years. Most of the time a certificate program is good enough to give you an entry into that area where you can learn hands-on or plan for a Master’s degree. These certificate programs, unless mentioned explicitly, do not qualify for credits when you take a Master’s degree. If you are currently working, your employer might be able to subsidize your certificate program tuition. Check out the benefits offered by your employer.

Cyber Security Bootcamp vs Cyber Security Certificate