Cybersecurity Bootcamps Charlotte, NC

The idea behind cybersecurity is all about digital protection from cybercriminals and hackers. Cybersecurity measures can be implemented on databases, networks, devices, software, and other platforms to serve as a fortress against unauthorized access. This prevents companies from experiencing major data breaches and individuals from experiencing identity theft. With the digital world constantly shifting and evolving—and at such a rapid pace—cybersecurity is more important now than ever.

Cybersecurity has come a long way since its inception. In the 1980s and 90s, cybersecurity was mostly concerned with viruses and bugs transferred through floppy disks or CD-ROMs. Fast forward to today and cybersecurity measures are much more complex. Firewalls, encryption, and even forms of data analytics can help teams make products or platforms more secure. With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming so prominent, there’s no telling where the cybersecurity world will be in the next decade or so.

What Can You Do with Cybersecurity Training?

With cybersecurity training, you can find a job pretty much anywhere. If there’s a company that handles sensitive data or relies heavily on digital spaces and tools, they need a cybersecurity team. This means industries like finance will hire cybersecurity specialists to keep clients’ financial information safe. Healthcare companies will hire cybersecurity experts to maintain the integrity of patient data. Pretty much anyone who does business online or stores personal information in digital spaces will want to consider cybersecurity. No matter where you live, chances are you can find a cybersecurity job.

Because cybersecurity is nearly everywhere, there are plenty of jobs, tasks, and responsibilities associated with the field. You may perform penetration tests on mock networks where you get inside the mind of a hacker. This can help you determine how to approach certain cybersecurity breaches differently. Likewise, you may fix firewalls or set up secure VPNs. Each day may bring a new challenge, which keeps the field interesting.

While cybersecurity training can help you succeed professionally, there are many personal uses for these skills too. Learning the basics can even change the way you view the internet. Knowing how to spot phishing scams and protect your accounts and networks is invaluable as it’ll save you time, energy, and a potential headache in the future. Plus, it’s useful for personal devices at home. It can help you secure social media accounts, Wi-Fi networks, and anywhere else where personal information may be stored online.

What Will I Learn in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Every cybersecurity bootcamp differs slightly. Some may emphasize one skill more than others; likewise, some may be longer and more comprehensive than others. Whichever course you sign up for depends largely on the goals you have. However, some of the building blocks of cybersecurity, like cryptography, programming, automation, cloud security, and network security, will likely be covered regardless of the bootcamp. Read below to learn more about each—it may help you find out what type of bootcamp best suits your needs and interests.

Network Security

Protecting digital pathways that connect data, systems, and devices is all about having strong network security. Cybersecurity bootcamps often teach students how to set up firewalls to keep hackers out, encrypt data so no one can read it without authorized access, and detect weak spots that a hacker may try to exploit. This is an essential skill, so you will likely learn network security regardless of the level of proficiency you want to reach.

Cryptography

Cryptography sounds complicated, but it’s similar to a secret code. In a cybersecurity bootcamp, you may learn how to use encryption so a hacker wouldn’t be easily able to access important information such as credit card numbers or personal emails. Only someone with the code would be able to access the information. When you know how to protect data with cryptography, you’re preventing the worst-case scenario from occurring.

Programming Languages

Depending on the kind of cybersecurity work you want to do, you may not need to be a programming expert; however, having some experience with common languages can pay off in certain situations. In a bootcamp, you may learn Python or JavaScript because they assist cybersecurity experts by automating tasks (as discussed in the next section) or helping to reverse-engineer malware. The more comfortable you are with programming, the more you’ll be able to do with your cybersecurity efforts.

Automation

Cybersecurity can involve repetitive tasks, like scanning for threats or monitoring systems. Learning to automate these processes can take a lot of hassle out of the job and allow you to work on improving current security measures and honing your skills. Bootcamps often teach students how to automate tasks to watch out for threats but also respond to incidents. Similar to a home security alarm, automated technology makes preventing attacks quick and easy.

Cloud Security

With so many businesses moving their data to the cloud, knowing how to secure any cloud-based environment is an essential part of cybersecurity. Bootcamps will teach you how to protect stored data, virtual platforms, and cloud-based applications like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure. You’ll learn how to lock down access to the stored information and keep everything properly encrypted and safe from hackers.

How Hard is It to Learn Cybersecurity?

Some aspects of cybersecurity feel incredibly challenging, but the same could be said for learning any new skill. Getting the basics of this field may not be that difficult, especially if you just want to learn how to secure your devices or spot scams. However, if you want to become an expert, you will have to consider all facets of the field. Staying on top of emerging threats, thinking quickly on your feet during a cyber attack, and becoming technologically savvy can come with learning curves, so it’s best to take your time, be patient, and stay determined while learning cybersecurity.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Cybersecurity?

Difficulty is considered subjective—what’s difficult for one person may be a breeze for another. However, many concur that the hardest part about learning cybersecurity is keeping up with the standards and changes. Hackers are always on the move and come up with new tricks to obtain the information that you want to keep private. As such, it’s important to stay focused and diligent. This requires quick thinking, which can be tricky at first. With practice, you can maintain a steady balance throughout your cybersecurity career and feel more confident in your abilities as time goes on.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Cybersecurity?

If you want to gain a basic understanding of cybersecurity, you could probably learn the skills within a few months. It’ll take consistent practice and study, but it is possible. For professional-grade skills, expect to spend a lot more time in the classroom. Because cybersecurity is such a layered subject, you will want to spend months if not years perfecting your craft. Many point out that since cybersecurity is an ever-changing field, those who work in the field have to adapt to the changes and continue learning for as long as they are employed in cybersecurity.

Should I Learn Cybersecurity in Person or Online?

Once you decide to learn cybersecurity, you’re likely to explore all your options for learning. For example, you may juggle in-person, live online, or asynchronous bootcamp delivery methods. In-person is for those who prefer hands-on learning with maximum interaction. You’ll get the benefits of a neutral, traditional learning experience, but still have to consider your schedule and transportation when factoring in the commute to and from class. Still, this is an incredibly effective method for learning any new skill like cybersecurity.

Live online learning bridges the gap between in-person instruction and a hands-on, flexible learning style. You get the chance to learn from an instructor in real-time but don’t have to leave your house or worry about the commute. If you need this added flexibility but still want a thorough learning experience, a live online bootcamp could be the best option. Consider your internet strength and living space, however, since technical issues or distractions can disrupt your learning journey.

Asynchronous learning is where you learn at your own pace and teach yourself the material. This sounds like an ideal situation—learn when and where you want. However, the downside to this type of hands-off training is the lack of interaction and guidance. For beginners who want to someday become professionals, a different learning method may be best. However, current cybersecurity professionals who want to upskill or refresh their skills may benefit from an asynchronous method.

Can I Learn Cybersecurity Free Online?

If you want to start learning cybersecurity, consider searching through free resources online. You can start with a reputable education center such as Noble Desktop. Their online resources are free and extremely informational. The Free Seminar page is full of pre-recorded lectures on various tools and topics while the Noble Desktop YouTube channel has playlists with all kinds of videos on various subjects. If you want to build professional-level skills, you’ll have to seek out a structured, professional training method. However, online resources are a great way to get started.

What Should I Learn Alongside Cybersecurity?

Learning data analytics and AI alongside your cybersecurity training can change the game when it comes to your job search. With these additional tools, you’ll be able to remain confident in your data-driven decisions and use automation to respond to threats in real time. These skills lead to even less chance of a cyber attack, which is all any cybersecurity professional can really hope for.

Likewise, you could explore network engineering a little further. Understanding how networks work and how to troubleshoot them will help you keep them secure for longer and more effectively. If you can understand the flow of data and how attackers may get in, it helps you stay ahead of the curve and prevent future attacks more quickly.

Industries That Use Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a necessity across many industries that handle sensitive information, both internal and external. Plus, most companies rely heavily on a variety of digital operations and platforms. As a result, cybersecurity is needed across virtually every industry. The few key sectors discussed in this section are among the strongest in the Charlotte region. As the city becomes a center for finance, tech, healthcare, and hospitality, companies within these industries will need solid cybersecurity teams to help sustain growth and credibility.

Finance

Charlotte is known for its finance industry. There’s a long history of banking here, which has led to some of the top banks in the world, including Bank of America and Truist, being headquartered in the city. Plus, Charlotte is a fast-growing city with a large workforce hoping to find a role in the finance industry, whether that’s specializing in insurance, cybersecurity, FinTech, or banking.

Finances are a sensitive topic to begin with, which means financial institutions will have to be extraordinarily committed to ensuring the integrity of their consumers’ personal information and financial data. As such, their cybersecurity measures and responses play a huge role in the company’s success as well as the consumer’s satisfaction. A cybersecurity professional working in the finance industry will use strong encryption methods to keep accounts safe and set up firewalls to block unauthorized users.

Technology

The technology scene in Charlotte is also growing quickly with both big-name companies and startups alike flocking to the region. Some of Charlotte’s top tech companies include General Motors, Cash App, Spectrum, and Securly, which all offer additional connections to the automotive, finance, and education industries. As businesses become more digital, they rely more on technologies to be both effective and secure—one of the most important parts of developing tech.

Cybersecurity is a part of the tech industry, so it is understood that keeping company data and devices secure is of utmost importance. These companies often have intellectual property, financial transactions, and consumer information to protect. Plus, with many companies using cloud-based systems, keeping everything safe from a cyber attack is one of the most essential ways to keep things running smoothly.

Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the biggest industries in Charlotte, with hospitals, clinics, and health tech companies employing a large number of residents. This includes medical personnel like nurses and doctors, but administrative staff, teams, and departments all work behind the scenes to keep things going. For instance, the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, and CaroMont Regional Medical Center are among the best in the city and all hire cybersecurity experts to keep their systems and devices secure.

Healthcare companies use cybersecurity measures to keep their patients’ personal health information secure. Hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers are often targets of cyber attacks because patient data is so valuable. As a result, they must have incredibly diligent cybersecurity teams that stay compliant with HIPAA laws, minimize damage, and protect this important, personal data from leaks or damage.

Hospitality

The hospitality industry in Charlotte is growing because the city is growing. Parks, hotels, restaurants, event spaces, clubs, and travel-related companies are all intertwined with one another. Perkins Management, Harper’s Restaurant Group, and the Charlotte Country Club are all highly regarded hospitality companies that offer their clients and consumers the best of the best—meaning their services promise a pleasant experience that’s free from error. As such, it’s important to keep everything running smoothly to keep consumers happy.

In this field, cybersecurity is all about protecting the guests' information. Think about all the personal information you hand over when traveling—credit card details, booking preferences, location, and other forms of personal identification. Since hotels and restaurants rely on word-of-mouth (both literally and via the internet), it is especially important to have safe payment systems, Wi-Fi networks, and check-in processes. With cybercriminals attempting to steal important information on a daily basis, it’s more important now than ever to keep cybersecurity professionals within the team.

Cybersecurity Job Titles and Salaries

Among some of the most common job titles for cybersecurity professionals include IT Security Specialist and Security Engineer, as well as Database Administrator and Security Analyst. With the right training, you can explore these fields and more in all kinds of industries too. Read ahead to learn more about these roles and the expected salary range for them in the Charlotte area.

IT Security Specialist

As an IT Security Specialist, you’ll secure the company’s IT systems and ensure they are safe from cybersecurity threats. This includes managing firewalls and handling antivirus programs. You will also monitor for out-of-the-ordinary activity. Glassdoor calculates reported salaries and shares the average. In Charlotte, an IT Security Specialist could earn between $99,000 and $144,000 every year, but the average is closer to $119,000.

Security Engineer

Security Engineers maintain critical security systems that keep company infrastructure secure. They build encryption mechanisms and firewalls that keep defense measures strong and capable of mitigating any potential attacks. Indeed reports that the average Security Engineer in Charlotte earns close to $101,000 each year and is one of the top five highest-paying cities in the state for this position.

Security Analyst

By specializing in security analysis, you can become a Security Analyst. You will spend your days identifying areas for improvement, mitigating risks, and analyzing data for weak spots. A Security Analyst in the Charlotte region can take home roughly $105,000 every year, according to Glassdoor. However, the range could be anywhere between $85,000 and $129,000.

Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator, you’ll manage database systems and ensure they run as intended. This means implementing cybersecurity measures that keep sensitive data protected. This is an essential data role that relies heavily on cybersecurity standards and methods. Database Administrators located in Charlotte earn similar to the national average, which is $76,000, according to data reported on Indeed. However, some junior-level positions are closer to $72,000 whereas senior-level positions can be as high as $144,000.

Cybersecurity Bootcamps Near Me

From Noble Desktop comes the Cybersecurity Bootcamp, an immersive and hands-on learning experience that includes everything from Linux OS and Python to cloud computing and risk assessment. You’ll learn how to identify and fix any security errors on applications, websites, platforms, and networks using penetration testing techniques. In addition, you’ll learn how to think like an attacker and become familiar with their tools, techniques, and tactics. This enables you to address security breaches with ease. By the end of the bootcamp, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to start your cybersecurity path.

If you want to learn more about Python for cybersecurity, consider starting with the Python Programming Bootcamp. Here, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Python and explore several hands-on projects that give you confidence when coding or developing programs. You’ll also learn how to stay on top of the latest industry standards. Whether you choose to use Python for network security or offensive security measures, you will learn how to apply Python code effectively for cybersecurity purposes.

However, you may want to learn other subjects and tools that will supplement your cybersecurity training. The Software Engineering Certificate from Noble Desktop offers a deep dive into software development, including front- and back-end practices. You will learn how to deploy applications in the cloud using AWS, develop websites, and automate tasks with Python, all of which are useful for the average cybersecurity professional. This range of skills can make you a more desirable candidate during the job search; plus, you’ll receive a certificate of completion to show for all your hard work and effort.

From UNC Charlotte Bootcamps comes the Cybersecurity Bootcamp, where students spend 24 weeks covering IT, networking, and information security. Students will learn the skills necessary to pass the Certified Ethical Hacker and CompTIA Security+ exams. This will include a discussion of the most industry-standard cybersecurity tools, including Wireshark, Metasploit, and Nessus.

Certstaffix Training offers a CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional course that spans five days and prepares students for the corresponding certification exam. You’ll learn risk management and asset security as well as security operations and engineering. There’s a computer lab on Sardis Road that will help you feel confident and ready for the exam.

Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies hosts a Cybersecurity Bootcamp that spans anywhere from 12 to 26 weeks depending on whether you choose an in-person or live online format. You’ll gain hands-on experience with the material through realistic workplace situations. By the end, you’ll feel prepared to start a cybersecurity career.

Cybersecurity Corporate Training

These days, cybersecurity training is a must for any company that wants its team to stay on top of the latest industry standards, tools, and trends. Staying ahead of security threats and keeping sensitive data safe is more necessary now than ever before, since the majority of purchases, dealings, and exchanges are done online. If something goes wrong, you will want your team to be equipped with the best ways to handle security threats. Noble Desktop makes this training easily accessible, with flexible training options such as in-person or live online, and customized classes to suit your team’s specific needs.

For a generalized curriculum, the expert instructors will cover everything from network security to ethical hacking. Through hands-on projects, your team will feel confident and prepared to tackle any cybersecurity project or issue. Plus, Noble Desktop allows your organization to purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at a discounted rate, which makes training more affordable and accessible to everyone. If you want to get started or learn more, contact Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to discuss pricing, scheduling, and training options.