best cybersecurity bootcamps

The 5 Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps in 2023

January 26, 2023 - Lou Farrell

Revolutionized is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision. Learn more here.

Today’s best cybersecurity bootcamps can get you ready for a career in cybersecurity right on time to take advantage of high demand for security pros. There are millions of jobs in cybersecurity available today. You don’t need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and four years to get a traditional degree in order to apply. Cybersecurity bootcamps offer a quick and effective route to a rewarding and exciting career in tech. 

Why Choose a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

There are a number of reasons to consider one of the best cybersecurity bootcamps when you’re starting a career in tech. The main choice to consider is whether you should get a traditional four-year degree or go to a bootcamp, most of which take between 3-6 months. 

The biggest advantage of cybersecurity bootcamps is clear: they require far less time and money. Most coding bootcamps cost around $15,000, although some are far less and financial aid is often available. Even if you paid full price, though, a bootcamp will be a small fraction of what you would pay for tuition, room, and board at a college or university. All of the bootcamps on this list have a fully remote learning option so you don’t need to worry about moving to go to class. 

Despite these advantages, some people may still be concerned that a bootcamp isn’t adequate to get a job. This is not the case. Cybersecurity jobs are in very high demand today. In fact, the industry is short an estimated 3.4 million employees, which means you have a high chance of getting both a job and a high salary. 

The best cybersecurity bootcamps have a career services expert available. Most businesses today are familiar with the rigorous and thorough training that students receive at bootcamps, as well. It is simply a more efficient way to learn cybersecurity skills compared to a college or university. Plus, bootcamps have the flexibility to support people who are changing careers or balancing family or personal commitments with learning. 

5 Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps in 2023

There are dozens of cybersecurity bootcamps out there today, but a few have proven to set students up for success. These five programs are the best options in 2023 with each catering to a specific niche or type of student. 

1. Best Overall: Fullstack Academy

Fullstack Academy’s cybersecurity program is fully remote with part-time and full-time schedules available. Students learn in “cohorts”, groups with other students who start the course at the same time. The course covers all of the foundations of cybersecurity through five stages. Students will learn about Linux command line coding, cryptography, system administration, ethical hacking, penetration testing, threat modeling, incident response and much more. 

The total cost for Fullstack Academy’s Online Cybersecurity bootcamp is $17,980, with an initial deposit of up to $2,000. The program does have highly flexible payment options, though. Veterans can use VET TEC or VRRAP funding and students may also use government grants and financial aid where it is available. Additionally, scholarships are offered for veterans and LGBTQ+ students. Students can also use employer funding if available as well as a number of personal loan options. 

The median starting salary for Fullstack Academy graduates in 2019 was $85,200 with alumni working at companies like Spotify and Google. Dedicated career services experts are provided to help students secure a job after completing the bootcamp. For students with less experience, prep courses are also offered to give you the foundational knowledge needed to do well in the best cybersecurity bootcamps. 

2. Best Cybersecurity Bootcamp for Absolute Beginners: Deep Dive Coding

If you are completely new to cybersecurity (i.e. you have never studied it before and have little to no knowledge of the field), the Certified Secure Computer User program at Deep Dive Coding is the best option for you. This program is the most affordable on this list, costing only $199. There are no prerequisites to take the course and it’s self-paced so you can learn whenever and wherever you want. 

The Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) program will introduce you to the world of cybersecurity by teaching you how to protect your own devices and assets. You will learn about all of the main threats facing users online today and how to protect yourself from them. Deep Dive Coding includes an exam voucher so you can earn an official grade and certificate of completion at the end of the course. 

3. For a Structured Experience: Flatiron School

Many people learn best in the structured environment you experience in conventional school growing up and in college. If you want a more consistent schedule, the Cybersecurity Engineering bootcamp at the Flatiron School is a great option. As the name suggests, this bootcamp is specifically tailored to cybersecurity engineering roles, leading to careers like cybersecurity engineer, security analyst, and penetration tester. 

Part-time and full-time course schedules are available. The full-time schedule can be taken remotely, but classes are held for 8 hours a day at the same times every day. You will learn live with other students and live lectures from instructors. There are also in-person campuses in New York City and Denver, Colorado if you live nearby those cities. There are even lab sessions and instructors offer office hours where you can get study help, just like in conventional college. 

The Flatiron School Cybersecurity Engineering bootcamp costs $16,900 with a $99 deposit due at registration. There are a few financing options available, though, including an installment plan and scholarships for women and students from underrepresented communities. 

4. Ivy League Option: Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Bootcamp

One of the best cybersecurity bootcamps available today is run by Columbia University, one of the most prestigious in the world. It’s worth considering programs like this in addition to independently operated coding bootcamps since formal universities can offer resources, structure, and support that you can’t find elsewhere. Plus, a certification from a well-known and well-respected university can be a big help in the job hunting process. 

The cybersecurity bootcamp at the Columbia University School of Engineering is especially good for those interested in ethical hacking. For instance, if you want a job as a white hat hacker or conducting penetration testing, this program would be a good fit. 

There are part-time and full-time options, with a total cost of $15,495. Columbia offers scholarships and payment plans to make the program more affordable. The full-time bootcamp can be completed in only 3 months, all online with weekend and evening class schedules for those working another job during the day. You also get access to Columbia University’s career services specialists. You do need to pass an application process in order to get into the program, though. 

5. International Campuses: Ironhack

If you live outside the U.S. or you are interested in studying abroad, the Ironhack Cybersecurity Bootcamp is the way to go. Ironhack has in-person campuses all over the world. You can complete the Cybersecurity Bootcamp in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, or anywhere remotely. 

Prices vary depending on the location you choose, but courses are taught in English at all locations. You can choose to study full-time for 12 weeks or part-time for 26 weeks. Unfortunately, Ironhack doesn’t offer scholarships so you will need to apply for a student loan if you need financial aid. 

Choose One of the Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps

The best cybersecurity bootcamps can rival the educational quality of most four-year degree programs today. They offer you the flexibility and affordability to start a career in cybersecurity, even if you are currently working full-time or balancing family or personal commitments. The five bootcamps on this list are the best options in 2023. So, consider these programs to kick off your cybersecurity career this year!

Revolutionized is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision. Learn more here.

Author

Lou Farrell

Leave a Comment