Cyber Security Bootcamp

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Cyber Security Bootcamp Definition

A cyber security bootcamp is similar to any any type of bootcamp concept. Whether cyber, military or fitness, they are generally associated with a short but difficult training program.

Once completed participants anticipate fast results. Finding value in a cyber security bootcamp is the difference between your time, money and energy versus the increased salary or skills from the program.

Cyber Security Bootcamp Expectation

These programs will look to train students who begin with limited cyber security experience. They will then attempt to rapidly develop them over 3-9 months. Finally at the end the expectation is that the students will get a job in cyber security or an increase in salary or pay.

Characteristics of a Cyber Security Bootcamp

Below are some of the approach, student impacts, and results to consider with a cyber security bootcamp.

Approach

The approach will discuss the method and style for delivering the cyber security bootcamp and meeting its goals.

Content

The content for cyber security bootcamps will generally be some combination of foundational, technical or non-technical analyst based curriculum. The more technical the content, the longer to generally get a job after graduation. Non technical analyst based content is generally associated with skills that can be more quickly transitioned into hirable skills. Finally, foundational elements help best as they teach you how to operate and get your bearings in the vast cyber security discipline as a whole. Here is our CyberForward Academy Foundation course.

Teaching Format in a cyber security bootcamp

Bootcamps can be taught live by an instructor in a group format or can be recorded self-paced content. For those that like to ask a lot of questions a live instructor format may be most helpful. If you have some business experience and can guide yourself then recorded content can be a good direction as well.

Online or In Person

Online formats for a bootcamp can be recorded and on demand or online with a live teacher. In person formats will of course always be live. Finally, some programs use hybrid formats that are a combination of live and recorded delivery.

Schedule and Duration

By definition a bootcamp should be in a tight time-horizon. The shorter the horizon the more effort and time that a student will generally need to put in during that window. A consideration here is there is only so much that a person can absorb at one time during a condensed bootcamp format. Conversely, the longer the window the further the distance to get into a paying a job.

Project and Team

Everything in cyber is done in teams and/or projects. As a result, learning how to operate in a team and a project format will be important to working in the industry. Programs that are recorded content or do not have project and team based exercises may hinder readiness for employment after the bootcamp.

Student Impact

The way in which the type of cyber security bootcamp will impact the student.

Effort in a cyber security bootcamp

Understanding the commitment level in terms of hours per week over the duration of the program is important. The shorter the program either will take more of your time per week or might not provide enough content to be worth the time. Further, a long program time may impact you over a larger time-frame or may give you more access to resources to make you more employable quicker.

At CyberForward Academy, we use a phased model over time with different course options.

Support Model

If you can direct yourself and like to work with less talking to others then a recorded bootcamp might make sense. If you like to learn through talking to others then a live teacher and group based model will work best. Finally, access to coaches or mentors outside of the classroom can also vary by program.

Program Cost

Recorded bootcamp programs are generally less expensive than live training. The range of prices is generally from free to $10,000. While live group programs can cost between $12,000 and $20,000.

Opportunity Cost

The true cost of a free program may be a lot when you consider the extra time you may need to spend in extra study. At the same time, spending $20,000 may be worth it if you think it will help your learning style and get you into a job faster.

Results in a cyber security bootcamp

Goal Alignment

Understanding your goals for taking a cyber security bootcamp will be an important driver for which type of program makes the most sense for you. If your goal is to get into full time work in cyber security as quickly as possible, then a more expensive program that will take more effort might be a good fit. If you are looking to just slowly move into cyber over time, then a longer more self guided program may work. This will also be less expensive.

Employability

For many, the ability to get a job is a major part of a cyber security bootcamp. The primary factor here should be how the bootcamp supports you in getting into a paid cyber security position. Also how quickly this will occur. Perhaps one bootcamp is more expensive then another, but can lead to a higher salary for that cost. While another one is free but will take you much longer to get a job.

Job Guarantees

One other important concept is the job guarantee. These promises give you a refund if you don’t get a job. However, there are certain rules for these programs you must review. One is that they only work after a certain time period has passed without you getting a job.

Risk Versus Value

You should determine the value of choosing a cyber security bootcamp as a balance between the upfront cost and energy to complete the program versus the increased ability to get a better job.

Next Steps

Cyber security bootcamps can be a good option for moving forward. We are here to answer questions as well and you can talk with us here.