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What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the technical process of protecting user data and activity when computers are connected to the internet. Threats, data-breaches and other man-in-the-middle attacks are sadly very common, since users often provide companies and institutions with valuable or sensitive data, so programmers and developers have created a range of countermeasures for protecting this data. Cybersecurity encompasses those methods and represents the field of computer science that aims to make user data as secure as possible when it is in databases, in the cloud or online. As a result, cybersecurity is an in-demand career field with a range of different employment opportunities and specializations for you to pursue.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise. Cybersecurity encompasses everything that protects our sensitive data – personal identity information, health files, intellectual property, and more – from criminal attacks.

What was once protected by firewalls and antivirus software now requires real cybersecurity professionals to defend. The implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation, enacted in Europe, made hiring cybersecurity professionals a must for any European or multinational business.

With the rise of cloud computing, cybersecurity’s importance is even more heightened. Sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, and sensitive documents are cavalierly stored on the cloud by consumers who don’t know their information could be threatened. Cloud companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) are hiring more network analysts and administrators than ever before.

Cybersecurity Industries

Cybersecurity experts can find work in a wide range of industries and that scope is expanding as more and more aspects of our lives involve the transfer of data (nowadays, many people have refrigerators that are connected to the internet and, therefore, in need of cybersecurity protocols). While most companies will contract out cybersecurity professionals to help build their programs, there are also a number of industries where cybersecurity is so important, they hire and retain in-house experts.

Cybersecurity

Most companies that deal with sensitive or important consumer data don’t deal with quite enough of it to necessitate an in-house cybersecurity expert or team. This means that they will either contract work out to experts who are specialized in small scale cybersecurity projects tailored to an individual client’s needs. These professionals tend to be less focused on any specific aspect of cybersecurity and instead work on everything from building databases to testing that infrastructure of possible points of weakness and occasionally monitoring and updating systems.

FinTech

The financial industry, including banks, investment firms, retirement brokerages and venture capital firms, require tremendous amounts of dedicated cybersecurity experts to ensure that transactions and exchanges are able to happen quickly, easily and safely. With billions of dollars changing hands daily without any physical exchange taking place, it is vital that all of this information is safe from the prying eyes of potential interlopers. Professionals working in this industry will need to be cognizant of common tactics that hackers use to enter into databases and strategies for keeping databases secure. They will also build programs that help keep user data safe while it is being transferred or updated as the result of routine transactions.

Government and the Military

The US government and the various branches of the armed forces are among the largest employers of cybersecurity professionals in the world. Not only do they keep very sensitive data concerning the public (everything from social security numbers to tax filing information), they also need to keep military and government data safe from potential foreign and domestic threats. Owing to the high stakes involved in this work, these experts need to have the most training and certification (and often need specific training related to the specific area of government work they are involved in), but these jobs are also some of the most stable and best paying jobs in the field.

How Does Cybersecurity Differ from Other Aspects of Computer Science?

Cybersecurity is relatively unique in the field of computer science in that it is a fundamentally oppositional programming practice. Rather than working to use computers to make something easier for an end-user, you are trying to make something more difficult (or impossible) for hostile actors, who are simultaneously trying to make your work more difficult. This means that cybersecurity experts will need to spend more time keeping up-to-date on threats and methodologies that hostile actors utilize and they will need to continually shift their strategies for designing information infrastructure. It also means that professionals may need to learn so-called white hat hacking to better understand how belligerents are attacking modern databases.

In addition, cybersecurity is relatively behind the scenes when compared to other types of programming. You aren’t building tools that users will actively engage with. Instead, you are building tools that will make it easier and safer for them to engage with other tools. This means that you will often be modifying your own work and code to work alongside other projects that have their own specific operational requirements.

What Will You Learn in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Cybersecurity Analysis

One of the primary skills you’ll learn as in a cybersecurity bootcamp is how to analyze the integrity of a system to determine whether or not it is particularly susceptible to outside attacks. This includes learning common methods of entry for unauthorized users, common points of failure in a system’s security and places where hackers might exploit flaws in the design to gain entry to sensitive data. This process will also be used to understand how to organize databases to keep more important or sensitive information safe while still making data accessible to users who need access to it.

Database Management

Many cybersecurity experts will also be in charge of database management, particularly at large companies that store, collect and utilize huge amounts of data. In most cases, they will not only build the databases that their firms use but they also maintain them and ensure that they continue to operate properly and safely over the course of their lifetime. This includes routine things like ensuring that access is monitored to larger projects like upgrading systems without losing access to data.

White Hat Hacking

As the old saying goes, it takes a thief to catch a thief, and many cybersecurity experts take this to heart. White hat hacking (named so because you are considered to be fighting black hat hackers) is the process of learning how to break through cybersecurity systems to understand their weaknesses and the tactics that hackers might use to breach those databases. White hat hacking provides cybersecurity professionals insight into the kinds of attacks their systems are likely to face and it will help them identify where they need to devote their attention when building infrastructure and systems. Being trained in white hat hacking does require significant certification and training.

Non-Tech Security Skills

Unfortunately, sometimes, the easiest way for hackers to illegally access data is to just steal a password with some kind of phishing scam. Cybersecurity experts will need to understand all of the non-technical ways that an intruder could access databases and work to prevent those issues when building architecture. While this won’t involve significant technical training, it is an important factor to consider when building a database (it doesn’t matter how robust a system’s security is if it ignores a user it thinks should be allowed in because they brute-forced a password). Learning how to prevent phishing scams or other forms of fraud are excellent skills to have when going into a cybersecurity position.

Is It Worth It to Attend a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Attending a cybersecurity bootcamp is a great way to learn vital skills related to cybersecurity and to get the real-time training that you need to meet the various certification requirements that many of these positions require. You will gain accelerated training, necessary work hours and insight into the kinds of problems that you will need to address in a role in cybersecurity.

Beginner Friendly

One of the key advantages of attending a cybersecurity bootcamp is that they tend to be relatively beginner-friendly, as they aim to prepare students for professional roles that they don’t already have. You are likely to need some experience with database management skills (like knowing Python and SQL), but these courses tend to be accessible for new students looking to learn data security from scratch.

Accelerated Training

In a cybersecurity bootcamp, all of your training will focus on mastering cybersecurity skills and building a practical portfolio of real-world projects and designs. Unlike college degree programs, these classes aim to provide students with accelerated training that can be completed in only a few weeks or months, depending on the time spent learning these skills. Students will be able to complete training that would normally take years in a much shorter period of time, making these classes ideal for anyone looking to quickly re-enter the workforce in a new capacity.

Build Long-Term Earning Potential

Data collection and Cloud storage are only going to become even more integral to everyday business practices in the future. This means that cybersecurity experts are likely to remain in-demand as more and more aspects of professional life begin to revolve around large databases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles in information security analysis are expected to grow by over 30% over the next 10 years. In addition, salaries for cybersecurity experts are on the rise, with average yearly salaries ranging from 82,000 to 102,000 annually.

One-On-One Career Services

Getting a job can be difficult, especially in a field like cybersecurity where there are a lot of hoops you’ll need to jump through. Bootcamps tend to offer career management services and support for students looking to enter the field, providing them with advice, mentorship opportunities, networking seminars and/or time dedicated to building portfolios. This focused assistance is ideal for students looking to jump right into the job market after completing their bootcamp.

Versatile Training Options

Another advantage to enrolling in a bootcamp is that you can shop around to find the right training option to fit your needs. Unlike college degree programs, which tend to be significant full-time investments, you can find part-time or even asynchronous training courses that will help you fit your training into your own schedule. You can also find online classes that offer training from live, expert instructors in real-time without having to leave your home. This flexibility is a great way to make the process of preparing for a cybersecurity career easier.

Find the Perfect Cybersecurity Bootcamp for You

There are so many different options for learning cybersecurity that it can become overwhelming. However, generally, classes with similar modalities will have similar general advantages and disadvantages for you to consider when you are choosing a class.

In-Person Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Many students speak strongly of the advantages offered by in-person, live training courses. This is what most people think of when they think of professional skills training and these classes are popular for a reason. Students will get direct, live instruction and they will have the chance to ask questions and receive feedback right from their instructors. In addition, the structure of the classroom is great for helping keep student’s attention focused on the subject at hand, which can be helpful for students who might find themselves distracted in another classroom environment.

Live Online (Virtual) Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Another option is for students to enroll in live online bootcamps. These take place over telecommunication calls, like Zoom and are designed to let students learn from virtually anywhere in the country. These classes are still taught by live instructors who are teaching in real-time, so you can still get personalized assistance and feedback, but some students do find it harder to connect with their instructor and classmates in this digital format. In these classes, however, you’ll be able to save time and energy on a commute and you’ll learn how to work on your own systems, which can be an advantage in the long-term.

On-Demand Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Some students might not be able to enroll in a live bootcamp because of inconsistent scheduling or other obligations. These students may want to consider enrolling in an on-demand, asynchronous bootcamp. These courses provide students with all of the materials and recorded lessons upfront, giving students the option to go at their own pace and study the material when they have time available to them. These classes give students the flexibility they need to learn skills at their own pace, though they require students to be persistent and self-disciplined, lest they fall behind in their work.

Cybersecurity Classes

You can also enroll in individual cybersecurity classes and gain necessary skills and accreditation over time. This has the advantage of letting you learn skills in shorter increments, taking a class or two when you have the time (since they tend to only last a few days, as opposed to weeks or months). This also lets students create their own guided curriculum more effectively than in a bootcamp (making it easier to pick up specialized skills). The downside is that owing to scheduling concerns, this can take significantly longer and be more expensive than alternatives. Plus, you may end up with a lot of redundant training as courses cover similar material.

Choosing a Cybersecurity Bootcamp

When choosing a cybersecurity bootcamp, you’ll want to account for your own ability (and willingness) to travel, long-term goals and schedule. FIrst, you’ll have to see if there is a live cybersecurity bootcamp being offered near enough to you to make it worth the commute. Most in-person bootcamps take place in large cities, so there is a real chance that if you live outside of a major metropolitan area, you’ll need to look for online options. In addition, you should seek out a class that fits your schedule.

What Specific Cybersecurity Bootcamps Can You Take?

If you are looking for a comprehensive cybersecurity training program, consider enrolling in Noble Desktop’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp, available live online or in-person in NYC. In this class, you’ll learn about the basics of database management and all of the important workflows and techniques you need to analyze and monitor database and cloud systems and how to respond to abnormalities. In this course, you’ll get live instruction in the art of building and maintaining secure networks and you’ll be able to work directly with your instructor to get feedback and assistance on your work. This is a career-focused training program, so you’ll get all of the training you need to start aiming for a new job upon graduation. You’ll get one-on-one career mentorship advice and you can take the class again within one year to get even more focused cybersecurity training.

If you are looking for a shorter course that will introduce you to the basics of cybersecurity, you should consider a class like Noble’s Intro to Cybersecurity and Networks. This course will provide you with an overview of the kinds of projects that are involved in cybersecurity jobs, the process of setting up and maintaining networks and fundamental skills associated with keeping those networks running smoothly. This training is ideal for anyone looking to learn the basics of cybersecurity to gauge whether or not they want to enroll in a more advanced course.

Flatiron School offers a Cybersecurity Bootcamp aimed at preparing students for professional cybersecurity positions in a range of different fields. In this course, you’ll learn how to work as part of a cybersecurity team and you’ll learn the process of building and monitoring networks. This course aims to help you understand the function of cybersecurity systems and the steps that experts and analysts take to protect user data. As a career-focused course, this program includes 180 days of career coaching and practical lessons in a host of different cybersecurity-related topics.

The Introduction to Juniper Security course offered by Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants aims to give students the foundational knowledge they need to work with the Junos OS and SRX Series devices. This course covers the basics of setting up and monitoring these systems, which are commonly used in industries that rely on external security services and structures. You’ll learn how to implement unified security policies, configure IPsec VPNs, and utilize advanced threat protection technologies like Sky ATP. This course is designed with network engineers, database administrators and IT support staff in mind.

The Technical Institute of America offers a Certified Information Systems Security Professional program for students aiming to pass the CISSP certification process and become (ISC)² members. This course will provide students with the training and skills they need to become cybersecurity professionals and students will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with peers to help them get a jump-start on their professional lives. This course is focused on offering accelerated CISSP exam training and all of the lessons you learn are modeled after the kinds of questions and tasks you will find on that exam.

Security+ at Borough of Manhattan Community College is an immersive course aimed at students hoping to pass the for anyone wishing to take the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Exam. In 32 sessions students will cover everything from psychological approaches to social engineering attacks and web application attacks to data loss prevention and cloud computing security. This course is designed with the SY0-601 certification exam in mind, so the skills you learn will be modeled off of the skills tested on that exam.

The IT Management and Leadership Institute offered a fully online 12-Month IT Leadership Masterclass. Here, you’ll learn the practical skills you need to build, monitor and oversee professional network systems and databases. Students will have the chance to learn from experienced instructors, and since the course is online, you’ll learn how to diagnose and address database and network issues from a virtual desktop. You’ll also focus on the role database management plays in the day to day operations of a business, giving you insight into what your role will be in your company and what kinds of interactions you can expect to have with other professionals in different departments.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Cybersecurity?

The time it takes to learn cybersecurity through a bootcamp or a training program will largely depend on the depth of your study and the specializations that you pursue. If you are looking to become career ready, you should expect to spend about six months to a year of part-time study before you complete your training. However, cybersecurity positions will often require specific training or certification, particularly if you are tasked with working with sensitive data (like medical records, SSNs and bank account information or classified documents). This can greatly extend the amount of training you’ll need, though it is likely you can still find professional work in the interim.

How Hard is It to Learn Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is fairly accessible assuming you have an understanding of networks and the technology associated with databases. There isn’t a lot of coding involved in the process (relative to other data-related professions, you’ll still need to know the basics) and the technical skills are more focused on working with existing infrastructure than creating new programs or applications. It can be a stressful job overall, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t accessible to learn, regardless of your background in computer or data science.

What Should You Consider Learning Alongside Cybersecurity?

If you are looking to learn cybersecurity, you may want to pair that training with other skills related to databases and data science. For example, you may want to learn how to use SQL and Python to write programs that can query databases or make their functions more efficient (such as automatically sorting data based on the level of security it requires). You might also want to consider learning skills related to keeping your own data organized (like learning how to use Excel).

If you haven’t already, you’ll want to study networks, best practices for running networks and how to build the infrastructure that connects multiple databases. Knowing how this infrastructure operates is essential to cybersecurity, and while many courses will cover the basics, learning how to handle this aspect of the field in advance can make the training process easier and faster.

Finally, if you have an idea what kind of field of cybersecurity you are aiming to pursue, it can help to learn about the unique aspects of database management and data procedures in those fields. If you plan to work in the financial sector, it might be wise to learn the basics of FinTech and the kinds of programs that are frequently used in the field. If you are looking to work in healthcare, understanding the different kinds of data collected (what is personal, what is anonymized, etc.).

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Learn More About Cybersecurity Courses

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity Industries

Cybersecurity

FinTech

Government and the Military

How Does Cybersecurity Differ from Other Aspects of Computer Science?

What Will You Learn in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Cybersecurity Analysis

Database Management

White Hat Hacking

Non-Tech Security Skills

Is It Worth It to Attend a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Beginner Friendly

Accelerated Training

Build Long-Term Earning Potential

One-On-One Career Services

Versatile Training Options

Find the Perfect Cybersecurity Bootcamp for You

In-Person Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Live Online (Virtual) Cybersecurity Bootcamps

On-Demand Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Cybersecurity Classes

Choosing a Cybersecurity Bootcamp

What Specific Cybersecurity Bootcamps Can You Take?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Cybersecurity?

How Hard is It to Learn Cybersecurity?

What Should You Consider Learning Alongside Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

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