Best cybersecurity bootcamps for 2024

As such, the demand for people who can prevent these breaches and prescribe fixes is on the rise, too. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information analysts—an entry-level cyber defense job earning an average salary of around $120,000—will see a 32% increase in employment by 2032, outpacing the growth of most other occupations.

Fortune Education’s ranking of the best cybersecurity bootcamps for 2024 aims to assist you in navigating your way from new learner to new hire. 

The best cybersecurity bootcamps of 2024

Best overall: Evolve Security Academy

The Evolve Security Certified Professional (ESCP) cybersecurity bootcamp offers a comprehensive curriculum comprising 13 modules, starting with an introduction to cybersecurity, networking, and social engineering and concluding with a virtual and in-person meetup to connect with industry professionals. Becoming an ESCP goes beyond learning theory. The program takes students out of the classroom and into the real world, giving them apprenticeship experience where they get to work with and perform live security assessments on non-profits. The bootcamp also features group competency assessments, where students are tasked with answering real technical interview questions followed by feedback and guidance from an adjunct instructor.

Why we picked it: The bootcamp stands out for its balanced approach to costs, curriculum, program structure, application easiness, brand prestige, and student experience. However, what truly sets it apart is its comprehensive career support. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the cybersecurity industry. Lastly, the program is also suitable for 210 CPE credits and advertises a 93% job placement rate.

Most affordable: Nucamp

Nucamp’s Become a Cybersecurity Analyst + Ethical Hacker bootcamp takes a three-pronged approach, teaching students three core aspects of cybersecurity: the fundamentals, defense, and offense in the form of “thinking like a hacker.” The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from threat awareness and understanding network protocols to defending against malware threats, implementing effective security policies, and learning how to manage digital environments. The bootcamp has a 12-hour per week, flexible time commitment, and each class has a maximum of 15 students. Plus, it also holds live weekly workshops on the weekends and offers graduates an exclusive nationwide job board.

Why we picked it: Nucamp’s budget-friendly bootcamp, with the lowest cost on the list, offers students who meet specific criteria, such as academic performance, financial need, or underrepresented backgrounds, six different financing options, and five kinds of scholarships in the form of discounts. This affordability is a critical factor in Nucamp’s appeal, as it reassures students that they can pursue their tech education without breaking the bank. At the time of publication, the school provides a discount for high school graduates and “college dropouts.” Additionally, it offers funds for women in tech, Native Americans in tech, students recently denied a student loan, and U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel.

Best for brand recognition: edX*

edX’s cybersecurity bootcamps are hosted in conjunction with accredited universities nationwide, including top schools like Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the University of California–Berkeley. While the bootcamp does not provide certification test preparation, a portion of the final module is dedicated to helping students learn and leverage the CertMaster Test Prep Tool for the Security+ exam. Knowing that the curriculum and offerings of edX largely remain the same at each university, we analyzed all 25 available edX online cybersecurity bootcamps, determining the University of Denver’s bootcamp was the cheapest and had the most pricing options.

Why we picked it: Due to its strong social media presence, with around 151,000 followers on Instagram, edX’s digital presence sits leaps and bounds above all the bootcamps on the list. This extensive online following reflects a broad and engaged community, highlighting its popularity. With its leading yearly search volume on Google, edX demonstrates high interest and visibility.

Best for career advancement: Coding Temple

Coding Temple’s cybersecurity bootcamp is designed to empower students of all skill levels with the skills and confidence to tackle real-world cyber scenarios through lab simulations. The program covers essential tools such as NMAP, Linux, PowerShell, MetaSpolit, and Wireshark. With a modular structure spanning nine sections, students start by mastering firewalls and network security and end by learning to secure mobile devices and apps and comply with standards such as ISO27001 and NIST frameworks.

Why we picked it: With its 2:1 career mentor support, CoderPad technical assessments, salary negotiation coaching, and over 300 placement partners, this bootcamp stands out among the rest. It has a 90% job placement rate and advertises a $23,000 salary bump for graduates. Students have been hired by prestigious companies such as Yale, Bank of America, and Amazon.

Best for express-track learning: BrainStation

BrainStation’s cybersecurity program is divided into four units: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Risk Management, and Incident Management. During the program, students will gain hands-on experience performing IP and DNS lookups, understanding and thwarting threats using VPNs, encryption, and strong passwords, utilizing the National Vulnerability Database, and devising effective security strategies. Additionally, students will benefit from practical case studies that explore real-world cybersecurity incidents. Upon completing the program, students will be awarded a prestigious BrainStation Cybersecurity Certification.

Why we picked it: Bootcamps are expedited by definition, but this program is only around 56 days long, allowing students to quickly gain the essential skills needed for entry-level positions, reducing the time and financial commitment compared to longer programs. The only prerequisites students need are general knowledge of technology and computer systems. Plus, we determined that this bootcamp does not have prospective students go through an admissions test or a string of admissions calls.

Best for self-paced beginners: The Tech Academy

The Tech Academy’s self-paced cybersecurity bootcamp stands out as the only program on the list that offers teachings in full-stack website and software development. This unique feature provides students with an in-depth understanding and a versatile toolkit for safeguarding and securing all the associated data that comes with the front end and the back end of a website or app. It covers cybersecurity from every angle, from network security, VPNs, and protecting user data to mastering Java and Swift.

Why we picked it: The Tech Academy offers 800 hours of independent study content and activities and aims to empower people to fit their learning around their existing work or school schedule. This program is for those who have the time and motivation to learn independently, prefer video modules, and value the freedom to progress at their own pace. There is also an instructor-supported version of the course, where instructors grade assignments Monday through Friday.

Best for certifications: Eleven Fifty Academy

With 500 hours of live instruction and TryHackMe–an online cybersecurity training platform–Eleven Fifty Academy’s cybersecurity program ensures practical, hands-on experience in incident response, threat detection, and cybersecurity best practices. This approach equips students with the confidence to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Students also benefit from access to career services, portfolio development, and industry professional connections, all aimed at providing a comprehensive preparation for a successful cybersecurity career. The program’s success is evident in the fact that graduates have been hired at renowned companies like Infosys, Salesforce, and RevealRisk.

Why we picked it: Eleven Fifty Academy’s cybersecurity program offers a unique and engaging learning approach through a badge system that progresses in three key steps: Foundation (Gold), Acceleration (Blue), and Transition (Red). Each step provides in-depth training and the opportunity to obtain industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+. This is the only program on the list that includes the cost of two certification vouchers in its tuition.

Best for cutting-edge curriculum: Fullstack Academy

Fullstack Academy’s cybersecurity bootcamp provides seven defensive and offensive cyber skills training units. Students get their hands dirty with hands-on experience using industry-leading tools such as Kali Linux, Command Line, Python, Wireshark, Bash, Nmap, Metasploit, and Meterpreter. The full-time version of the course offers live instruction from experienced instructors, real-time demonstrations of new tools and technologies, interactive Q&A sessions, guided practice, and collaborative workshops. Students are recommended to partake in more than 30 hours of FullStack’s free cybersecurity-related pre-enrollment material: a course that teaches Linux command lines and an in-depth video series covering various aspects of cyberspace.

Why we picked it: The program includes a free AI elective course where students can learn about the latest AI tools and techniques. They will learn how to use generative AI and prompting with websites like ChatGPT and Bing AI. It’s important to note that this elective doesn’t teach students how to code or secure AI but instead focuses on teaching them how to use these emerging technologies as tools.

Best for real-world training: QuickStart

Taught by former Networking Project Manager at AT&T, Michael “Ty” Garret, and decorated IT course creator William Clark II, QuickStart’s cybersecurity bootcamp is made for synchronous, hands-on learning. The program establishes the fundamentals of cybersecurity, network and system security, and Linux while teaching students the security vulnerabilities of different architecture models and getting hands-on with responding to and investigating security breaches. Alums have been hired at Apple, AT&T, Meta, and American Airlines.

Why we picked it: The program stands out for hosting a Capture the Flag pen testing and defending competition, providing a simulation of real-life cyber attacks. Plus, both full- and part-time students are required to complete a Capstone project, which serves as a real-world application of their learning and demonstrates their readiness for entry-level positions to potential employers. Additionally, it prepares students for the job market by conducting mock technical interviews to help them showcase their skills during job assessments. Finally, it assists students in preparing for the CompTIA Security+ credential through practice exams and study tips.

Best for live support and instructor access: DigitalCrafts

DigitalCrafts’ cybersecurity bootcamp is designed for beginners and focuses on teaching fundamental skills to prepare students for industry certification. The program covers binary, Windows OS, Linux OS, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Cryptography, and IAM. Students also receive dedicated support for their portfolio, resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview skills. Additionally, a standout benefit is the opportunity to attend DigitalCrafts virtual career fairs, providing a direct path to industry opportunities in cybersecurity. With the option to spread tuition payments over 3–10 years, the program is accessible to anyone looking to make a career transition into the cybersecurity industry.

Why we picked it: Not only does this bootcamp offer flexibility, allowing students to livestream classes from anywhere with an internet connection, but it also allows students to interact closely, in the form of 1:1 time, with their instructor. Every week, students participate in class discussions and receive direct project feedback.

More about edX bootcamps*

edX hosts cybersecurity bootcamps in partnership with 25 universities across the country. These programs are largely similar in curriculum, yet their pricing does tend to differ slightly. For example, the bootcamp with Columbia costs nearly $15,495, whereas the University of Devner’s program is closer to $12,000. Some programs offer scholarships for previous edX alumni.

The full list of partnered schools includes:

A note from edX:

“edX bootcamps are university-backed, dynamic virtual learning bootcamps offering market-driven curricula that help learners gain the in-demand skills they need to succeed in their desired tech career. In addition to instructional staff and practical, project-based skills reinforcement learners receive during their boot camp experience, edX bootcamps offer learners access to tailored career services dedicated to helping them achieve their professional goals, regardless of their chosen path.”

Our methodology

Cybersecurity bootcamps offer accelerated and more budget-friendly routes than traditional tech degrees. But choosing the right program may become a lot more challenging as the number of cyber-related bootcamps grows. 

In creating our methodology, we sought some of the biggest and most relevant programs for the Fortune Recommends audience, analyzing more than 50 cybersecurity bootcamps and narrowing in on the top 10. The below data points were used to determine each persona and judge the top programs on the market. 

• Program structure & learning experience (34%): This included a meticulous assessment of the school’s admission process, such as logical or technical-based admissions tests, bootcamp prerequisites, and program length. We also examined the availability of part-time and self-paced options and whether the program is offered online, on-site, or hybrid. Additionally, we rewarded programs with live learning options, hands-on and project-based learning, access to instructors or mentors, and whether the bootcamp teaches AI. 
• Price (21%): We considered various factors to determine the actual value of the bootcamps, including minimum and maximum costs, deposit amounts, financing and lending options, deferred payment plans, scholarships, and military discounts.
• Certification (18%): We rewarded programs that included professional-grade, company-agnostic certification vouchers like CompTIA’s Network+ or Security+.
• Career & support services (14%):  This calculation evaluated student offerings, including career support, job promise, job placement rates, access to networking alums, hiring partners, and open communication between other students. We also rewarded live learning, mentorship, career support options, job placement guarantees, and networking opportunities. We also examined whether the school offered career simulations, Capstone projects, apprenticeship options, mock technical interviews, and Capture the Flag challenges.
• Reputation (13%) We looked for programs with large social media followings, plus whether the program was well-established or brand new. Then, we took into account real student reviews from Course Report. Lastly, we averaged the number of annual Google searches for that particular bootcamp. All of this helps measure public perception and interest in a school.

Our expert panel 

For the creation of our ranking, we sought out those with thorough expertise in the software engineering world: 

We discussed the world of cybersecurity with them both, the difference between what is taught in traditional academia and what is taught in bootcamps, and the skills needed to be successful in the field.

By doing so, we hope to help readers pick the right program and take their first steps to join the tech industry. Neither of our expert panelists was directly involved in the ranking of any programs.

Is a cybersecurity bootcamp worth it?

One of the most searched questions on Google regarding bootcamps is whether they’re worth the time and money. The answer varies based on factors like cost, duration, and outcomes. If you’re unsure about pursuing a bootcamp with a certification or even a four-year degree, what are your options?

Our experts agree that it’s possible to succeed in learning cybersecurity using free resources like YouTube and major cyber organizations such as EC-Council, CISA, Fortinet, and Cisco—or even one-off paid courses.

But, Stanger points out two glaring issues with those free resources: “You don’t get the networking options, and who’s to say what you’re learning is relevant to the job you want? Industry certifications do well in bootcamps because they are created and vetted by thousands of IT professionals.”

That’s why, when weighing a bootcamp, it’s important to consider which certifications you’re looking to earn. We found that the two most common certification vouchers included in the price of bootcamps were CompTIA’s Security+ and CompTIA’s Network+. 

Stanger adds that a general rule of thumb for bootcamps regarding program length is that shorter, more traditional programs are often designed for people with prerequisite experience. 

“These programs are great for [cybersecurity professionals] who already have a foundation in the field, but they might not be the best fit for newcomers without prior knowledge. If done right, these newer, longer programs focus on the right pace of learning, making it possible for people to get the right kind of knowledge,” he says.

If you’re on the fence about switching careers or suffer from what Stanger calls ‘Four-Year Degree Syndrome,’ or are looking for continuing education in the form of a cybersecurity-related master’s degree, he says at the end of the day, it’s crucial to find what works best for you. 

Plus, Stanger explains that hiring managers don’t care so much if you’ve completed a bootcamp; they care if you have the muscle memory to actually do a good job in the heat of the moment.

Without these skills, ‘all your work is pointless’

According to research from Palo Alto Networks, today’s cyber threats are increasing in volume and sophistication. Shockingly, the company’s findings reveal that in 2023, hackers exploited vulnerabilities 55% more than they did in 2021. This alarming surge in cyber attacks showcases the critical need for skilled professionals to address these vulnerabilities and avert future breaches.

“So, if you don’t match that always evolving nature with excitement and intrigue, then you’re consistently going to fall behind,” Engel says. “If you have that passion, and you find a cybersecurity bootcamp willing to give you a nice set of foundational skills, I think you can be very successful.”

With 15 years of experience in various cybersecurity roles at IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and now ExpressVPN, Engel’s day-to-day is clear: protecting the privacy and security of company systems and services.

Being inquisitive and wanting to know why something works is quintessential to cybersecurity, he says, because threats and weak points are not always apparent.   

“To solve vulnerabilities, you are literally just looking through how something works and identifying or catching something odd,” he tells Fortune.

Engel emphasizes that solid communication skills are often overlooked but are green flags for hiring managers. “Let’s say you’re on the defensive side, and you find something that looks suspicious. You need to be able to communicate it to your peers and bosses and say, ‘Hey, I found this weird quirk, and this is why I think it’s bad.’ If people don’t understand your point, all your work is pointless.”

To hone these skills in a bootcamp setting, Engel advises finding programs that teach the basics and foundations before building up into more complex subjects. Look for programs that offer hands-on training so you can tweak coding, see the changes you’ve made, and be the one to find workarounds. 

“All of these things are so much better than watching an eight-hour video and then two days later not remembering how [the workaround] is done.”

On the flip side, he warns against programs that make unrealistic promises. “Promises that seem too good to be true, like guaranteed jobs in an unrealistic time frame, are a major red flag.” 

Lastly, Engel says to do your due diligence when it comes to vetting these bootcamps. “When you go into something with minimal knowledge, it can result in you potentially being taken advantage of, like spending $15,000 for a bootcamp when you could’ve found it online for $100.”

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Which bootcamp is best for cybersecurity?

We analyzed over 50 cybersecurity bootcamps, considering costs, applications, program structure, career support, certifications, curriculum, and brand recognition. The ten programs on this list rose to the top when considering these factors. Of those, we picked Evolve Security Academy’s ESCP Certification Cybersecurity Bootcamp as our best overall program. However, the best bootcamp is the one that works well for your learning style and your level of commitment. 

Can you get a cybersecurity job with just bootcamp?

Yes, you can go from new learner to new hire after graduating from a cybersecurity bootcamp. Programs from Evolve Security Academy, Coding Temple, Nucamp, and Springboard have job placement rates above 85%. While programs from QuickStart offer job guarantees. 

How long are cybersecurity bootcamps?

The cybersecurity bootcamps we looked at vary in length, ranging from 56 days long to 266 days long, but on average, they are anywhere from 15 to 18 weeks long. Our experts say that while finding weeklong bootcamps online or in-person is possible, the shorter they are, the more advanced they might be. 

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Frequently asked questions

Is cybersecurity training hard?

It can be. Like learning any IT or computer science skill, the learning curve can be steep and take a lifetime to master. Cybersecurity is no different. People with a background in cybersecurity may find the teachings in programs on this list intuitive, while beginners may struggle with certain concepts. Knowledge of basic math and programming may benefit cybersecurity engineers, but those skills are typically optional for learning the fundamentals.  

What is the success rate of cybersecurity bootcamps?

The success rate of cybersecurity bootcamps varies from program to program, but four on this list reported their job placement rate, which can be used as a measure of success. Evolve Security, Coding Temple, Springboard, and Flatiron School reported 93%, 90%, 85.6%, and 90% placement rates for job seekers, respectively. 

Do you do a lot of coding in cybersecurity?

The success rate of cybersecurity bootcamps varies from program to program, but four on this list reported their job placement rate, which can be used as a measure of success. Evolve Security, Coding Temple, Springboard, and Flatiron School reported 93%, 90%, 85.6%, and 90% placement rates for job seekers, respectively. 

Which cybersecurity certification pays the most?

Certifications that align with senior-level or management roles, such as the CISSP, CISM, OSCP, CRISC, and CGEIT, typically pay the most.

How much does cybersecurity bootcamp cost?

The cost of a cybersecurity bootcamp depends on what you’re getting out of the program. For example, programs that offer live learning, instructor access, certification vouchers, and a robust program curriculum spanning multiple months will typically cost more than a five-day, solo-learning, beginner-level intensive. The least expensive program on this list is Nucamp’s string of instructor-led courses, with a minimum paid-in-full amount of $2,124 without discounts or scholarships. At the same time, Flatiron’s much longer program costs a minimum paid-in-full amount of $16,900 without discounts or scholarships.

What is the best cybersecurity certification to get first?

The five best cybersecurity certifications for beginners to get their hands on are the CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and GIAC’s Penetration Testers certification (GPEN).

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Sources

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