2023 Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
In today's technology-driven economy, nearly all businesses and organizations are in need of cybersecurity professionals to protect their networks from security threats. Individuals who would like to enter this fast-growing field may want to consider enhancing their skills with a cybersecurity bootcamp. Some bootcamps cover the topic in a generalized way, some are narrowly focused on a particular aspect of the field, and others even prepare graduates for certification exams. SwitchUp is here to help people identify the cybersecurity bootcamps that best fit their professional goals and needs.
Our ranking list, below, includes only those cybersecurity bootcamps that have been thoroughly vetted by a minimum of 10 students since 2019 and earned an average review of at least four out of five stars. Click here to see our full methodology.
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Location: Online, Chicago
Courses: Cybersecurity Bootcamp: REMOTE (Live-Online) +2 More
"Evolve Academy had a number of very knowledgeable instructors with industry experience, and getting that kind of up-to-date industry insight, along with networking connections, plus excellent career prep resources, was just incredibly valuable to me."
Location: Online
Courses: Cyber Security Course
"This bootcamp has best facilities and tools to educate and train their students in technical as well as non-technical skills that are necessary to work as a professional in the IT industry."
Location: Online
Courses: Cyber Defense Analyst Bootcamp
"The instructors are very knowledgeable and offer open office hours and make themselves available for students [...] course instructors all have intelligence backgrounds, but what makes this bootcamp different is the passion they have for the craft and desire to teach."
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Ratings Based on over 25k Student Reviews
Annual Rankings Since 2014
What Is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
Cybersecurity bootcamps cover everything necessary for a career in network and information security. These programs are designed to give students job-ready skills through an immersive, focused, and comprehensive experience. They can be more affordable and allow you to gain in-demand skills in a shorter amount of time than earning a degree.
Full cybersecurity programs help students learn all the skills necessary to transition into the information and network security business. Successful bootcamps offer the following variety of courses: ethical hacking, web applications, computer programming and system administration, advanced coding languages, and risk assessments that focus on threat mitigation and vulnerability detection.
Cybersecurity bootcamps will vary in curriculum so it's crucial to look for a program designed to fit your goals. There are certification exams for cybersecurity specialists, and some bootcamps will cover the topics you'll need to know before sitting for these exams.
In general, more basic bootcamps will prepare you for the Computer Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA) Security+ certification, which is a global certification that shows you have the baseline cybersecurity skills necessary to perform core security functions. Bootcamps that are more comprehensive may include preparation for the International Information System Security Certification Consortium's Systems Security Certified Practitioner or Certified Information Systems Security Professional certifications.
Bootcamps are often hands-on, which allows students to get a real-world taste of what a job in cybersecurity will look like. For those who want to rapidly gain entry into the promising field of cybersecurity, a cybersecurity bootcamp is well worth the investment of time, money, and effort.
Some students prefer to learn in person, while others might opt for an online cybersecurity bootcamp to make it easier to fit their program around work and other responsibilities.
FAQs About Cybersecurity Bootcamps
What Jobs Can You Get After a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
Although their specific job responsibilities may differ, all cybersecurity professionals aim to ensure the safety of web-based systems and other computerized networks. Bootcamp graduates from cybersecurity programs often find jobs as computer support specialists, cybersecurity analysts, consultants, or managers.
According to CyberSeek, other common jobs in cybersecurity include network or systems engineers, systems administrators, software developers, and penetration and vulnerability testers.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing careers in the nation, placing eighth on the list of fastest-growing occupations from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The industry's rapid market growth is being fueled by an array of technology trends and security challenges. Information security analysts are thus needed in both the public and private sectors, and they will find employment opportunities in large corporations and in service organizations that provide cybersecurity services to all types of businesses and organizations.
Where Are Cybersecurity Professionals Working?
The growing need for cybersecurity professionals is widespread, although major cities with high demand for general tech workers tend to top the list. Washington, DC was a hot spot for cybersecurity jobs in 2022, with 70,395 job openings over the year. New York City, Dallas, and Los Angeles also had a high demand for cybersecurity professionals with 26,000 to 38,000 job openings each.
| Metro Area | Job Openings (Jan 2022-Dec 2022) |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | 70,395 |
| New York City | 38,139 |
| Dallas | 32,918 |
| Los Angeles | 26,935 |
| Chicago | 20,760 |
| San Francisco | 18,448 |
| Boston | 16,957 |
| Atlanta | 16,259 |
Source: CyberSeek
How Much Can I Make After a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
How much you'll earn after a cybersecurity bootcamp depends on where you live, what kind of job you get, your work experience, and your level of education. Entry-level jobs in computer support don't require a college degree, and data from the BLS shows computer support specialists earned a median of nearly $58,000 in 2021.
Jobs in network and computer systems administration tend to be higher-paid, with a median salary of more than $80,000. Information security analysts earn the highest salaries, with a median of $102,600 in 2021. Information security will also likely see rapid job growth over the next decade, with an average of 19,500 new jobs projected each year.
Cybersecurity professionals without a degree might earn less than they would with a degree, especially when they first enter the field, but that degree doesn't necessarily need to be in cybersecurity or a related field.
Interested in a career in software development? See our list of the best coding bootcamps to help you launch your career in tech.
How Much Do Cybersecurity Bootcamps Cost?
Cybersecurity bootcamps for people new to the industry can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000. There are also more affordable bootcamps that teach specific skills or prepare you for certification tests, such as Security+ or CISSP. These cost roughly $500 to $3,000. Students looking to save money on their bootcamp can pursue free or low-cost introductory courses, or even free online bootcamps.
Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps Worth It?
Deciding whether a bootcamp is worth it for you depends on your career goals and what you want to get out of the program. If your goal is to work in cybersecurity, a bootcamp can help you gain hands-on experience to enter the field without spending the time and money it takes to go back to college.
Bootcamps offer two significant benefits: the hard skills necessary for cybersecurity and career support to help you land a job. Choosing a bootcamp that covers the right skills and offers strong career support will help make your program more worthwhile. Students can help lower the cost of their program and get more value out of it by choosing a bootcamp with a job guarantee or applying for scholarships.
A cybersecurity bootcamp may not be right for everyone. Some people who have previous knowledge of cybersecurity or only need to learn a few skills for their job can take individual cybersecurity courses instead of pursuing a full program. Others might prefer to get a degree in cybersecurity or a related field to help boost their salary potential.
