Hackers are getting smarter, and cybercrime is on the rise. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is at a record high. Most major companies have experienced one form of cybersecurity bridge or another, which has led to losses amounting to millions of dollars.
Data breaches now cost companies more than $4 million on average per incident, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021. This amount is enough to bankrupt some companies.
No wonder there is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals by businesses and organizations to protect their data infrastructures from any potential data breaches or mitigate damages.
Do you want to become a cybersecurity professional but don’t have a college degree? Or perhaps you already have a job, but you desire a career in tech? Maybe you want to advance your skills to earn more? Read on to find out how you can do these and more when you enroll in a university-backed cybersecurity bootcamp.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the act of using technologies to defend computer systems, programs, networks, data, and devices from cyber attacks. In other words, it protects against illegal information disclosure, destruction of both hardware and software devices, disruption to normal system function, and the theft of electronic data.
Why Should You Learn Cybersecurity?
A career in cybersecurity is a potentially rewarding career choice. This is partly because of the increasing level of cyber attacks and information breach incidents within the last two decades.
For instance, one of the most significant cyber attacks in history was recorded in 2017. Known as the Wannacry Ransomware, it affected more than 100,000 computers globally as well as major leading industries and government agencies. The estimated cost of this attack amounted to billions of dollars.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more possible for cybercriminals to exploit virtual loopholes. Many businesses were not prepared for the rapid transition to online operation and found themselves to be sitting ducks for cybercrooks.
The popular virtual communication platform Zoom had its fair share of cyber attacks. In mid-2021, at least 500,000 users’ passwords and credentials had been compromised—at a time when physical meetings were not a popular option.
They didn’t spare the healthcare system either. According to Wall Street Journal, 2020 proved to be the most challenging year for healthcare institutions as the number of cyber attacks was at a record high. This was in addition to the overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases the health sector was already dealing with.
The existing cybersecurity challenges that have been amplified by the pandemic present a golden opportunity to aspiring cybersecurity professionals—an opportunity to enter a fast-growing field and the potential to earn high pay while maintaining a work-life balance.
To put this into perspective, a cybersecurity professional earns an average of $106,538 a year, according to Glassdoor. According to Indeed, there are more than 51,139 cybersecurity open jobs at the time of publishing. The job outlook for this field seems very promising as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33 percent growth in information security analyst jobs by the end of the decade.
If you want to take advantage of this increasing talent gap and all of the opportunities it’s creating, a cybersecurity bootcamp may be your ticket to a fruitful new career. Several cybersecurity bootcamps give you a chance to achieve financial stability and career fulfillment in just a few months.
Top 5 University-Backed Cybersecurity Bootcamps
We have curated a list of top universities that offer fast-track programs in cybersecurity. These programs are designed to equip learners with practical skills to take up cybersecurity jobs within a year.
Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program offered by the College of Professional and International Education at CSULB
The College of Professional and International Education at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) offers aspiring cybersecurity professionals an opportunity to become full-fledged market-ready professionals within a year through its professional certificate program.
This school, founded in 1949, has full accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It boasts notable alumni such as Robert S. Wood, Steven Spielberg, Jack O’Connell, Steve Martin, Jenni Rivera, and many others.
The Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program is tailored to meet current industry demands and standards. The program was designed by experts who are well versed in the field. Learners will be able to solve critical cybersecurity challenges once they complete the program, giving them a competitive edge once they enter the job market.
Learners will also interact with Cywar, a virtual training platform designed to immerse them in simulated real-world cyber attacks, providing them with a first-hand experience of how they occur. This gamified learning method allows learners to apply what they have learned in class and a chance to showcase their acquired skills.
Visit the course website to begin your journey today.
Kansas State University’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Kansas State University’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp is designed to provide a seamless transition for those who intend to pursue a career in cybersecurity. First, a 30-hour Introductory Course as part of the onboarding process gives learners a peek into what the program entails.
The Introductory Course contains the fundamentals of the topics that will be discussed in depth during the rest of the program. It allows learners to understand the course structure, requirements, and expectations. It’s rich enough to provide learners with a grounded knowledge of the basic concepts of cybersecurity.
At the end of the course, learners may decide to continue with the Extended Program. It is divided into three segments, with a milestone project at the end of each segment. The projects are designed to test their understanding of discussed topics and the opportunity to showcase their skills.
The entire program was created in collaboration with industry experts and professionals who understand the market dynamics. This collaboration is needed to equip learners with advanced skills that are currently in demand in the market. By the time they complete the program, they are fully prepared to take up cyber security jobs.
Visit the course website to learn more about the program.
Nexus’ Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp
The 10-month Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp at Nexus at the University of Michigan Engineering empowers learners with industry-focused skills. The course curriculum was designed in partnership with industry experts who understand the width and breadth of the tech market. This approach is paramount to learners’ success in the job market.
The program is enriched with many perks outside the main course. For instance, learners will have access to career services explicitly designed to help them land a job upon completing the program. These services include resume building, LinkedIn profile optimization, interview preparation, internship placement assistance, and more.
Learners are assigned career coaches who provide one-on-one assistance and training to ensure that they achieve their intended goals. Once learners complete the program, they will have the skills needed to navigate the job market and stand out in the pool of job applicants.
Learners round out the program by completing a final project. This project will test their ability to identify cyber attacks as well as showcase how they would respond to such attacks. This is an opportunity to display the practical and technical skills they have acquired during the entire program.
You don’t need to understand rocket science to pursue a cybersecurity career. Visit the course website to understand why this is so.
NYU School of Professional Studies Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The NYU School of Professional Studies offers aspiring cybersecurity professionals the opportunity to achieve their career goals through its online bootcamp. The cybersecurity program lasts for 400 hours, divided into different segments.
The program targets learners from all walks of life. This means, regardless of your background, you could make your tech career dream a reality. To kick off the program, learners would need to enroll in a 30-hour Introductory Course that is designed to equip them with the basic concepts and the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
At the end of the Introductory Course, learners may move on to the Extended Program. It is packed with hands-on simulations and designed to be practice-oriented. They will work with real-world data and case studies. This learning method serves as a blueprint for success once they enter the job market.
The program enrollment is pretty straightforward. First, learners will book a consultation with an admissions advisor. During the consultation, they will have the chance to ask all they need to know about the program. Next, they will book a consultation with a senior admissions advisor to discuss their career goals and what they aim to achieve through the program.
Lastly, they will need to enroll in a 30-hour Introductory Course. This course offers learners the opportunity to test the waters before committing to the Extended Program.
Visit the course website for more details about the program.
University of Wisconsin—Madison’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp
The University of Wisconsin—Madison’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp presents an avenue for job starters, career switchers, upskillers, and anyone who dreams of a career in cybersecurity.
Like most advanced bootcamps, the program is designed to produce market-ready cybersecurity professionals within a year. Behind the course are industry experts—cybersecurity wizards with years of experience and a community of cybersecurity professionals.
The course is equipped with many projects, concepts, and simulations relevant to the latest industry trends. Learners will interact with technologies such as Python, Microsoft Security Essentials, Amazon Web Services, and many more. They will get the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.
The purpose is to produce highly qualified professionals who can solve the industry’s current challenges. There are also virtual networking events where learners get the opportunity to network and interact with potential employers and industry leaders. This is an avenue for them to grow their connections and increase their chances of landing their first cybersecurity jobs.
Are you ready to join the next cohort of aspiring cyber security professionals? Visit the course website to see how you can begin your career journey today.
Join the Cybersecurity Workforce with Job-Ready Skills
Whether you hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, or you have a traditional job but want to pursue a career in tech, or perhaps you want to advance your skills, these university-backed bootcamps were designed just for you.
They are curated to help you branch into a fast-growing field, considered one of the highest-paying in tech. You will get the opportunity to solve real-world problems, enjoy a work-life balance, and ultimately contribute to making the world a better place. Visit any of the course websites above to begin your career journey today.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
