Cybersecurity Bootcamps Chicago, IL

Cybersecurity is what secures networks, devices, applications, and data from unauthorized access, malicious actors, and theft. Its primary goal is to protect information integrity, confidentiality, and availability, ensuring that individuals, organizations, and governments can operate safely in the digital world. Cybersecurity is both preemptive and reactive, working hard to prevent cyber-attacks and just as hard to respond to cyber-attacks to isolate and minimize the damage. As technology continues to advance and evolve, so do cyber threats, leading to an increased demand for skilled professionals in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts this field is expected to see a significant job increase of 33% by 2030.

In its earliest stages, cybersecurity was largely concerned with controlling physical access and basic encryption. But as the use of computers has become more commonplace and evolved into far more sophisticated systems and interconnectivity, cybersecurity has become a more multifaceted focal point, including more advanced technologies and practices like network security, endpoint protection, cryptography, and incident response to better handle cyber-attacks and other potential security risks. Now that the information age is well underway, cybersecurity is a top priority for most industries, businesses, and even governments.

What Can You Do with Cybersecurity Training?

Cybersecurity is like a bodyguard. Its purpose is to protect people's and organizations’ digital assets from harm or theft, allowing access to authorized users only. It allows people and entities to move about the internet, far and wide, without fearing being taken advantage of by malicious actors. That’s why there are an infinite number of things you can do with cybersecurity.

The main thing that individuals expect from cybersecurity is safeguarding their sensitive personal data. This includes financial information, passwords, social security numbers, and other unique-to-you data. Cybersecurity implements end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication processes to stave off cybercriminals and help keep your online accounts and personal data secure.

Organizations typically need something a little different from cybersecurity. They need to protect the integrity and confidentiality of their business operations, including intellectual property, customer data, and financial assets from cyber-attacks. Every organization of every size in any sector would be wise to employ cybersecurity essentials to protect themselves and those who interact with them, from customers to vendors to transporters. Cybersecurity plays a major role in an organization’s bottom line and its credibility with those it interacts with.

Keeping ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities reduces the likelihood of being crippled by a cyber-attack, and it helps identify potential risks. Avoiding security breaches can involve properly training employees on accessing information, cybersecurity awareness, and software protocols, patching software vulnerabilities, and conducting security audits—just a few tricks up cybersecurity’s sleeve to outpace cybercriminals.

What Will I Learn in a Cybersecurity Class?

You’ll learn in-demand skills that will help propel you into a Cybersecurity career when you enroll in a high-quality training program like those offered at Noble Desktop. These skills will give you a solid foundation that you can build upon to deepen your understanding of the field and develop expertise. You should expect to learn creative problem-solving, Amazon Web Services (AWS), coding, and other highly technical skills.

Coding

Programming languages are used to help protect networks and systems against cyber-attacks and their potentially costly consequences. The most common coding languages used in the field of cybersecurity include Python, C, C++, SQL, and PHP. Python is useful because it can automate scripts to create more efficient workflows. The C languages are the most commonly used coding languages due to their power and complexity. SQL is used to manage databases and access the data stored in them, while PHP is used mainly for updating websites.

Incident Response

While cybersecurity seeks to prevent security breaches, data leaks, and cyber-attacks, it is not fail-safe. Unfortunately, malicious actors sometimes find their way past cybersecurity defenses and incidents need to be remediated. Detecting and responding to an attack is a critical skill in the field of cybersecurity. Proper incident response can impact the amount of damage or data loss/capture, contain a cyber-attack, restore systems, and reduce lost revenue and regulatory fines.

Problem-Solving

Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field that requires professionals to routinely solve complex issues. Problem-solving and critical thinking are in many ways the name of the game. Although technical skills are a must, your problem-solving skills are equally as important to arrive at efficient and effective solutions. Without the ability to quickly navigate problems when they inevitably arise, you will encounter significant challenges in this career path. Whether you have to close a loophole or identify weak spots, working in Cybersecurity will lean heavily on your abilities to solve problems quickly.

Firewall Configuration

Properly configuring firewalls is an essential part of protecting network infrastructure from unauthorized access and data leakage. Firewalls play a major role in reducing the risks of critical systems and data being threatened. Cybersecurity professionals need to understand proper configuration because a firewall’s default settings aren’t usually completely effective. A firewall needs to be configured according to your network’s needs and regularly updated and maintained to ward off malicious actors.

Penetration Testing

Sometimes you’ve got to think like the bad guys to protect systems and data. That’s what penetration testing does. It’s essentially a fake cyber-attack to expose any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that a cybercriminal could exploit to gain access to an organization’s data. Although penetration testing sounds like ethical hacking, the difference is that ethical hacking is a cybersecurity field, and penetration testing is just one method of hacking that can be used in a cyber-attack.

How Hard is It to Learn Cybersecurity?

Learning cybersecurity comes with challenges. But not one of those challenges is impossible with commitment, effort, and time. You’ll need to be dedicated to learning and accept that this career path requires continuous learning due to its ever-changing nature. Cybersecurity as a whole is deep and intricate, requiring you to explore complex concepts spanning networks, operating systems, cryptography, and diverse attack vectors. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary for professionals to navigate technical complexities and legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations. Mastering cybersecurity demands resilience, dedication, and many years of high-quality education. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and requires hands-on experience and sharp critical thinking to tackle real-world scenarios effectively. You will become familiar with and comfortable implementing certain strategies and technologies long before you develop expertise in cybersecurity.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Cybersecurity?

Some of the most challenging parts of learning cybersecurity include learning programming languages. You’ll need to know how to write code, infiltrate code, and protect code. This can be very challenging because it involves both strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills alongside technical and practical know-how. Adaptability is another challenging part of cybersecurity. You have to remain flexible since the field is always changing to adapt to new threats, regulations, technologies, methodologies, and tools. Being able to pivot as things change is essential in this field, and rigidity is not likely to be useful.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Cybersecurity?

The amount of time it takes to learn cybersecurity will largely depend on the learning method and scheduling option you choose. A full-time cybersecurity bootcamp could take several weeks, while a part-time program may last several months. Other factors that will impact your learning timeline include your prior experience, commitment, and educational background. You may want to secure some entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to deepen your knowledge and bolster your resume. Certifications often take several months to prepare for.

Once you’ve completed training, you won’t be a cybersecurity expert. You will likely be more comfortable using the skills you learned in your cybersecurity training well before you gain expertise at a professional level. It takes several years of practical experience and continuous learning to be truly proficient and master the disciplines of cybersecurity. Keep in mind that putting a timeline on your education can be detrimental to your learning outcomes. Being a cybersecurity expert is going to take time and constant learning.

Should I Learn Cybersecurity in Person or Online?

The decision to enroll in an in-person or online cybersecurity class will depend largely on your learning goals, preferred learning format, and schedule. If you have a particular program that you would like to attend, and it’s not in your geographic area, attending online is the simplest option. If you have a tight schedule, online classes may give you the flexibility you need to better balance your time. If you thrive in traditional education settings and would prefer a dedicated, distraction-free zone, then in-person classes are the way to go.

Most people are familiar with traditional, in-person classes, making it widely accepted as the fastest way to learn and retain new skills. You’ll be in a relatively distraction-free location at a specified time with classmates and instructors. This means you’ll have to commute to class from your location and be affected by traffic and other external factors you have no control over. But you’ll have face-to-face interactions with instructors and students, hands-on, guided help from instructors, full access to social cues, real-time feedback, and a high level of accountability and interaction. Students who have regular schedules and the ability to commute tend to do well in-person classes. Although Chicago is a major city, your choice of classes will be limited by your geographic location.

Live online classes are fast becoming the favorite learning format for many students. While this learning format isn’t much different from in-person learning, there are some key differences. The ability to attend class from any location with a strong and secure internet connection is very attractive. It allows students to eliminate the stress of commuting to class, have more flexibility in their schedule, and be in a familiar and comfortable setting. But it does often mean more distraction and potentially less student engagement. Many students find it difficult to regularly find a distraction-free place to attend class, and with fewer social cues, there’s less pressure to engage with the instructor and classmates. Although live online classes allow for more flexibility than in-person classes, students and instructors have to meet at the appointed time. The type of hands-on instructor guidance looks a little different in a live online class (i.e., screen sharing, and remote access).

On-demand or self-paced courses are another popular learning format that is picking up steam. These online classes are not live; they’re prerecorded, and students can stop, start, pause, and rewind lessons as needed. The on-demand learning format is great for more budget-minded students and those who have tight or unpredictable schedules. Many students like the flexibility that comes with on-demand courses, but this high degree of flexibility also makes it difficult to stay motivated and engaged with the course content. Without real-time feedback, it can feel impersonal, and there’s little to no accountability. Some students completely abandon the course with such a low threshold of accountability and interaction. While some self-paced classes offer live discussion boards where students can interact and schedule live Q-and-A sessions where students can interact with instructors, you’ll need to be a motivated and committed learner when choosing this learning format.

Can I Learn Cybersecurity Free Online?

Yes, you can learn Cybersecurity free online, but it will cost you time and a considerable amount of effort. Depending on your learning goals, free online resources are best used as a supplemental learning tool. For those unsure whether Cybersecurity is the path for them, free resources can help the decision-making process. Free resources do have limitations, however. Oftentimes, free resources online barely scratch the surface of Cybersecurity topics. Finding high-quality and up-to-date information can also be challenging. There’s no substitution for an expert instructor who’s engaged and invested in your success. That’s something you won’t find in free resources. Developing professional skills that will take you far and help you establish your career will take an investment.

What Should I Learn Alongside Cybersecurity?

There are many complementary skills to learn alongside cybersecurity that can help deepen your expertise, broaden your career possibilities, and improve your efficacy as a cybersecurity professional. Fluency in programming languages like C++, Java, and Python is a must-have skill in this field. It allows you to examine code for errors and vulnerabilities, automate processes, and create custom threat detection and mitigation tools. Scripting languages like PowerShell and Bash are just as invaluable as coding. Proficiency in this skill allows you to automate routine tasks, manage system configurations, and execute security-related operations with precision.

Staying up-to-date on the threats that are out there is something every cybersecurity professional needs to do. While this may not require classroom training, cybersecurity professionals need to know the threat landscape to be better prepared to face the challenges cybercriminals present. Likewise, being aware of the current state of various operating systems is useful. Security threats are a constant for operating systems whether on a computer or a mobile device. Familiarity with their command-line interfaces as well as the threats associated with mobile devices will make you a valuable and more prepared professional.

Industries That Use Cybersecurity

Many industries use cybersecurity. If an industry collects, generates, or manages data or uses technology in its operations, cybersecurity is needed to safeguard those processes and that data. While some industries have more robust cybersecurity protocols and integrations than others, there’s an increasing need for cybersecurity in industries that at one point failed to prioritize it. Finance, education, healthcare, and IT are some of the industries you’ll find cybersecurity hard at work. These industries tend to have dedicated cybersecurity teams.

Finance

Chicago has a thriving finance industry that includes banks, investment firms, and real estate firms. Financial systems have become intricately intertwined with technology as it continues to evolve. This interconnectedness requires this industry to prioritize cybersecurity. Financial institutions have to dedicate a substantial amount of money and effort to cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer data, deter fraud, and uphold the financial system's stability. Some of the most common implementations of cybersecurity in this industry help to defend against cyber threats including leveraging encryption protocols, real-time transaction monitoring, and anti-fraud algorithms.

Information Technology

The information technology industry is thriving in Chicago, with many technology firms operating out of the city. Cybersecurity probably seems the most at home in this industry, as it is technology-based. While this is true, cybersecurity holds its own and is a major part of this industry. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities pose significant risks to data privacy, intellectual property, and business continuity as software applications and digital platforms become increasingly interconnected. Having secure technology is important to the digital economy. When tech businesses collaborate with cybersecurity vendors and participate in industry-wide initiatives such as bug bounty programs, tech companies can stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the security of their products and services.

Healthcare

Chicago is home to many medical technology companies, hospitals, insurance carriers, and nursing care facilities, which allows the healthcare industry to be one of the largest industries in the city. This industry handles a lot of corruptible technology and a host of personal and sensitive data, making cybersecurity a top priority. The healthcare industry relies on cybersecurity to keep patient data, databases, and software safe from threats and cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity plays a major role in adhering to HIPAA mandates, protecting patient information, and thwarting unauthorized access with tools like encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems.

Education

Chicago has a teeming education industry that consists of public and private school systems, educational service providers, and vocational centers. The threat landscape for this industry is broad. The education industry stores a lot of sensitive data, like student loan information and confidential research data; therefore requiring robust cybersecurity measures in place to responsibly care for that data. This industry is often attacked because it often relies on large distributed networks and remote learning. As this industry continues to evolve, it is learning how to better prioritize cybersecurity to avoid data breaches and other cyber-attacks.

Cybersecurity Job Titles and Salaries

Cybersecurity is vast, and there are many specialties to choose from as a cybersecurity professional. These career paths, while similar, have distinct differences that allow you to work with what is most interesting to you. Recently, the demand for highly trained professionals has steadily increased as the demand for digital products and technologies expands. The growing dependence on cloud computing and IoT devices like home security cameras is a driving force behind cybersecurity employment demand. As technological progress accelerates and cyber threats evolve, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is anticipated to sustain its upward trend, making it an appealing and financially rewarding career path.

IT Security Specialist

These cybersecurity professionals develop and implement the security measures their organization needs to protect their information assets in a secure system. They regularly analyze current security measures and offer recommendations for upgrades and improved procedures. You can find an IT Security Specialist working for computer systems design companies, consulting firms, private corporations, financial institutions, and enterprise companies. Typical tasks include installing and configuring security software, preventing attacks, informing non-IT and IT employees of data security measures, monitoring computer networks for attacks, protecting against network breaches, responding to cyber-attacks, preparing reports on security issues, or conducting penetration testing. Having a deep understanding of antivirus and malware protection systems and risk management and risk assessment. In Chicago, IT Security Specialists can earn a salary ranging between $97,000 and $150,000.

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are tasked with securing an organization’s networks and preventing and stopping attacks. They’re often employed by corporations, governments, finance businesses, computer and software engineering companies, and consulting firms. Some of their typical responsibilities include monitoring the network, building firewalls, identifying weaknesses in the network’s security systems, fielding helpdesk tickets, helping non-tech staff members use systems, installing new software, and designing new aspects of systems or firewalls. Security Analysts should expect to learn on the job, renew their certifications regularly, and teach themselves new technologies as necessary to maintain their position. A salary ranging from $126,000 to $200,000 is typical for Chicago analysts.

Security Engineer

If you’re interested in playing a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures, then security engineering could be the path for you. Security Engineers are responsible for ensuring the stability and reliability of an organization's digital assets by evaluating current security protocols, detecting vulnerabilities, and devising tactics to reduce risks, optimize, and improve defenses against cyber threats. Adhering to regulations and deploying security measures like intrusion detection systems are also part of this work. You’ll find them in a broad range of industries from technology to manufacturing in Chicago, earning a salary between $161,000 and $231,000.

Network Security Engineer

Cybersecurity professionals who design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructures and systems are Network Security Engineers. They play a crucial role in safeguarding organizations against data breaches, cyber threats, and unauthorized access with their deep knowledge of advanced security technologies. You’ll find these cybersecurity professionals working in any industry that handles data working to ensure business continuity using robust security strategies, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing multi-layered defense mechanisms. A Chicago Network Security Engineer can earn a salary from $121,000 to $193,000.

Cybersecurity Classes Near Me

Have you decided a career in cybersecurity is right for you? No matter the type of cybersecurity professional you want to be, investing in a high-quality education from a top school will better ensure your success. Classes like this Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp can help students achieve their educational and career goals. This live online, instructor-led course covers core cybersecurity topics including asset and inventory management, Python programming, network systems, and system administration. There are multiple scheduling options available. The full-time schedule runs for 12 weeks, while the part-time schedule runs for 26 weeks. Part-time students should expect to spend at least six hours outside of class working on exercises and studying. This bootcamp also prepares students to test for the CompTIA Security+ certification during the program to help them be more attractive to potential employers after completing the bootcamp.

Enroll in Security+ by Computer Training Source, Inc. To learn network security fundamentals and how it intersects with other areas of IT. This course will help students enter more specialized careers in cybersecurity and prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Topics covered in this course include malware, penetration testing, network components, mobile devices, embedded systems, access management controls, risk management, and cryptography. This is a 10-session, in-person course suitable for adults of all skill levels, and class sizes are kept small for a more intimate and individualized learning experience.

In just 24 weeks, students can learn in-demand cybersecurity skills at Northwestern Boot Camps’ live online Cybersecurity Boot Camp. This part-time bootcamp takes an interdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity. Students will get familiar with popular cybersecurity tools like Wireshark, Kali, and Nessus, learn skills that will prepare them for certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Cloud+, and discover cybersecurity career paths. After completing this bootcamp students should be comfortable conducting vulnerability assessments and exploiting the vulnerabilities, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect threats and prevent attacks, and automating security and operating systems with Bash scripting. This is a beginner-friendly bootcamp led by a skilled group of instructors.

This Technical Institute of America Certified Information Systems Security Professional (Virtual) course is an instructor-led, live online, 10-session class. Students enrolled in this cybersecurity course will be prepared to take the CISSP certification exam after completing the course. Holding a CISSP certification is useful in demonstrating your skill and mastery, advancing your career, and increasing your earning potential. Students will learn how to design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program. Topics covered in this course include risk management, asset security, security engineering, network security, security testing, and software development security. This class also includes practice exam sessions and cram exam sessions to ensure that students are prepared for what will be on the exam.

ESCP Cybersecurity Bootcamp by Evolve Security is an instructor-led, live online, part-time bootcamp designed to help students start a career in cybersecurity. During this beginner-friendly bootcamp students will learn job-focused and practical cybersecurity skills that are in-demand. Some of the skills students will learn include computer networking, security programs within an enterprise, open source intelligence (OSINT), social engineering, scripting, cryptography, offensive security, and incident response. This 20-week bootcamp also offers students career coaching, cybersecurity resume preparation, mock interviews, networking strategies, and alumni connections to help get them into the cybersecurity workforce quickly.

Cybersecurity Corporate Training

Are you interested in offering your team on-site Cybersecurity corporate training? Noble Desktop offers both on-site and online corporate training options to organizations of all sizes in all industries. When you provide professional development opportunities to employees, you are investing in both your employees and your organization to the benefit of everyone. Your organization will attract more talented employees while simultaneously improving your employee retention rate and workplace morale. If your team would benefit from learning cybersecurity skills like system administration or cryptography, consider Noble Desktop’s corporate training opportunities.

Corporate Business training is available virtually, onsite at your location, or as a publicly listed course. If you’d prefer your team join an open-enrollment public business training class, discount bulk vouchers are available. Noble Desktop’s on-site corporate training offers an experienced and knowledgeable instructor and the option to customize the curriculum to meet your organization’s needs. Contact Noble Desktop for a free consultation to learn more about how to invest in your employees with Cybersecurity corporate training classes.