Cybersecurity Bootcamps Austin, TX

Cybersecurity is the number one concern in IT departments around the world. As companies rely more and more on cloud computing and networked systems, the need to handle sensitive data, protect passwords, and encrypt communications is growing exponentially.

Security Analysts and engineers typically need a particular certification to qualify for their positions, and many of these professionals get started through a bootcamp program. The immersive bootcamp experience can provide training in areas as diverse as security intelligence, network administration, and security analysis.

Cybersecurity professionals have varying levels of responsibility—from security reviews and potential threat analysis to digital forensics. If you plan to follow a career path in this exciting field, it’s important to determine what bootcamp or certificate program will get you where you want to go.

Austin Careers for Cybersecurity Bootcamp Graduates

As the capital of Texas, there are many Austin-based career opportunities for graduates of cybersecurity bootcamps. The city has numerous federal and local government positions, as well as security needs at major corporations with a presence here, like Visa, Dell, and IBM.

Recent online postings in the cybersecurity field show the need for these in-demand professionals in the Austin area. Titles like Principal Cybersecurity Engineer, Technical Cybersecurity Specialist, and Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence Analyst can be found on popular job search websites.

In Austin, salaries for cybersecurity positions vary by industry and experience levels. A Security Analyst can anticipate earning an annual salary of about $91,000 here, while a skilled IT Security Specialist can expect to earn around $105,000 per year. At the high end, an experienced Security Engineer commands an annual salary as high as $111,000 in the Austin area.

Many of these positions require certification such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). To qualify to take the exam for one of these certificates, students typically need some cybersecurity experience, but you can acquire many of the skills you need through an immersive bootcamp.

In-Person Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Austin

Students who prefer traditional classroom learning may find it difficult to locate a bootcamp in the specialized cybersecurity field. Fortunately, Austin has you covered: both Flatiron School and Austin UT Boot Camps offer face-to-face cybersecurity training to area residents.

The Austin UT Boot Camps program is a 24-week course entitled Cybersecurity Boot Camp. Flatiron School hosts a 4-month Online Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp, offered virtually as well as in-person. Both are open to students at the beginner level.

Virtual Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Virtual live bootcamps and certificate programs are a popular alternative for many students looking to expand their cybersecurity skills. Online bootcamps offer many benefits, from flexible scheduling to expert instructors who can provide real-time answers to student questions. They can see and even control your screen, with permission. Virtual coursework gives students the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their home or office in an immersive, interactive environment.

The originator of the Classes Near Me tool, Noble Desktop, can help you find the right cybersecurity bootcamp, whether you’re in Austin or elsewhere. Available bootcamps include the Flatiron School’s Online Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp, also hosted in-person at their Austin campus. The virtual version of this bootcamp offers flexible scheduling options.

Tech Talent South provides an 8-week SecDevOps program, which covers everything from software development to IT operations. This course is listed at the intermediate level, so students should check the syllabus for prerequisite information before enrolling.

Cybersecurity Classes in Austin

While some students are ready to enroll in a full-length cybersecurity bootcamp or certificate program, others may need to start out with a shorter course. The best cybersecurity classes in Austin are available both in-person and online.

Certstaffix Training offers three separate 5-day classes for cybersecurity students looking to prepare for certification exams. These are virtual live courses with the option to use the school’s computer lab. First is the CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional course, which prepares students for CISSP certification. The second, their CompTIA PenTest+ course, prepares students for the CompTIA PenTest+ exam. And the third, the CompTIA Security+ course, is preparatory to Exam SYO-501 certification.

Areas of specialization within the cybersecurity field often require one of these certifications, and some positions also demand a certain level of experience. As in any field, it’s important to know what type of position you plan to seek before enrolling in a cybersecurity class or bootcamp.

Choosing a Cybersecurity Bootcamp

If you want to excel in a cybersecurity career, you’ll most likely want to get the best training you can through a bootcamp or certificate program. Choosing the right course will depend on what area of expertise your position requires.

Do you need to learn all about security intelligence, system administration, or a combination of the two? Will you focus more on the engineering side or the analysis side? Do you need training in tools like Wireshark and Nessus, or will Docker and Agile be more important? These are the kinds of questions you may need to answer before choosing a cybersecurity bootcamp.

Costs for these courses vary as widely as their length, from a $4,750/8-week program to a $15,000/4-month bootcamp. Financing options, payment plans, and perks like money-back guarantees or free retakes may also be important to you. Check course listings for details.

Equally important are your experience and knowledge levels going into a bootcamp. While many courses are open to beginners, even these can assume a certain level of understanding. A bootcamp offered at the intermediate level, however, requires a definite knowledge base. Not all schools list prerequisite information online, so always request a syllabus and review course requirements prior to enrolling.

Not all cybersecurity bootcamps are geared toward guaranteeing a specific employment outcome. In fact, many cybersecurity programs prepare students with skills applicable to a variety of certifications such as the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certificate. While you may need additional skills or experience to qualify for the most lucrative positions, a strategically taken cybersecurity bootcamp provides the multidisciplinary approach you’ll need to succeed not only on a certification exam but in this growing field as well.