Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps Right For You?

Cybersecurity bootcamps are intensive programs that cover a large amount of foundational cybersecurity skills and knowledge in a relatively short amount of time (compared to traditional degree programs). Much like coding bootcamps, they are often designed for beginners with little to no experience, although cyber bootcamps gauged toward those with existing IT experience also exist.

Cybersecurity bootcamps may be offered in various formats—online, in-person, full-time, part-time—and are often designed to help learners prepare themselves to sit for particular certification exams. As a result, the best bootcamp for any individual learner will depend on a number of factors unique to that person.

Are cybersecurity bootcamps worth the financial commitment and time investment? The short answer is that, if you want to prepare yourself to pursue cyber opportunities in less time than it takes to earn a college degree, they could be a good option. But to reap the full benefits, you should be willing put in the work.

Bootcamps vs. Traditional Universities

When trying to decide whether a cybersecurity bootcamp is worth your time, money, and effort, it is important to understand some of the main differences between bootcamps and university degree programs.

What Credential Do Bootcamp Graduates Receive?

One difference between bootcamps and degree programs is that bootcamp graduates are not awarded a bachelor’s degree upon program completion. Instead, bootcamp graduates are typically awarded a certificate of completion.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Bootcamp?

Another difference in bootcamps vs. university degree programs is that bootcamps can take significantly less time to complete—most bootcamps can be completed in weeks, whereas most bachelor’s degree programs are designed to be completed in no less than four years. The DigitalCrafts Cybersecurity Certificate Bootcamp is designed to be completed in as little as 15 weeks.

How Much Do Cybersecurity Bootcamps Cost?

Although cybersecurity bootcamp tuition varies from school to school, a bootcamp’s shorter duration and lower number of required courses (compared to degree programs) means that these programs typically cost less than years-long degree programs.

What Types of Courses Are in a Bootcamp?

And last but not least, the curricula in bootcamp vs. degree programs differ—cybersecurity bootcamps include only courses related to cybersecurity, while undergraduate cybersecurity degree programs typically contain a mixture of specialized courses related to cybersecurity plus required general education courses.

Cybersecurity Bootcamp vs. Degree Program

* Information was obtained from each bootcamp’s website and is subject to change at any time. Bootcamp tuition figures are current as of February 13, 2025. Flatiron Academy and Fullstack Academy tuition figures were pulled from https://flatironschool.com/ and https://www.fullstackacademy.com/, respectively. Tuition figures do not include scholarships, fees, or other tuition incentives. Information displayed reflects online offerings only.

What Do You Study in a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

Enrolling in a cybersecurity bootcamp could be a convenient and cost-effective way of acquiring the foundational knowledge and training necessary to pursue a cybersecurity career path. With a bootcamp, even learners with no prior experience have an opportunity to develop their cybersecurity technical skills in a matter of weeks—not years.

Learners in the DigitalCrafts online Cybersecurity Certificate Bootcamp study skills, fundamentals and tools to help them prepare to pursue entry-level cybersecurity opportunities. The curriculum covers both offensive (“red team”) and defensive (“blue team”) tools, tactics and strategies and is designed to help learners prepare for the following CompTIA exams:*

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

Learners who successfully complete the online cybersecurity bootcamp will receive one voucher for one of the above-listed CompTIA exams of their choice.

* Additional study and preparation are always recommended and may be needed before taking any exam. DigitalCrafts cannot guarantee that graduates of this program will be eligible to take third-party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to DigitalCrafts.

DigitalCrafts Cybersecurity Certificate Bootcamp Courses

Our online cybersecurity bootcamp curriculum comprises the following credit-bearing courses:

• IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity introduces information technology fundamentals as applied to cybersecurity. Its central focus is security of IT components, systems and communications.
• Networking Fundamentals is focused on security vulnerabilities and countermeasures and introduces computer network hardware, software, connectivity methods and protocols. Learners have the opportunity to analyze networking solutions and design secure networked systems.
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals covers foundational knowledge that aligns with the NIST (NIST) National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. The course explores cybersecurity career paths, fundamentals of cybersecurity and cybersecurity-specific professional ethics as well as network and system architecture and design principles.
• Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing explores hacking concepts, methods, tools and best practices while also providing hands-on experience with ethical hacking and penetration testing tools.
• Network Defense and Countermeasures covers intrusion detection, network security and security incident management. Learners in this course explore tactics and tools used in network defense and participate in hands-on labs, practicing network defense strategies and intrusion-detection strategies.
• Cybersecurity Operations Incident Response and Digital Forensics introduces students to incident-response methodologies and proper handling of digital forensic evidence. Forensic acquisition, preservation, analysis and reporting as well as legal aspects of digital forensics are among the topics covered.

Our online flex format allows learners to attend interactive lectures, study and complete assignments throughout the week. Additional cybersecurity bootcamp benefits include an optional, free introductory course (Intro to Cybersecurity); an optional, free training course upon program completion (Introduction to Artificial Intelligence & ChatGPT); elective workshops; and career support resources.

What Are Potential Cybersecurity Career Paths?

With so much of our data being stored and transmitted electronically, cyber threats are now an ever-present concern. Digital medical records, employment records, credit card information and more all provide opportunities for bad actors to try to steal, access and misuse our personal information. But the threats don’t stop there. Businesses as well as state and local governments are also frequent targets of cyberattacks, which is why government agencies are constantly seeking qualified candidates to fill a range of cybersecurity job opportunities.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. They typically monitor and investigate network security breaches; install software to protect sensitive information (e.g., firewalls and data encryption programs); prepare reports documenting metrics, attempted cyberattacks and security breaches; develop security standards and best practices; recommend security enhancements/updates; and help computer uses install or learn about security-related products and procedures.1

It is possible to enter the occupation with a high school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications; however, aspiring information security analysts typically must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or math. Additionally, they may need to possess professional experience in a related occupation, perhaps in an IT department, working as a network and computer systems administrator. Many employers also find information security certification desirable (e.g., CompTIA Security+ for entry-level workers).1

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033. This high demand is due to the increased frequency of cyberattacks, the shift to remote work, the rise of e-commerce, and strong growth in digital health services and telehealth.¹

So, Is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Right For You?

Cybersecurity bootcamps offer a way for individuals to study fundamentals and obtain hands-on practice that can help them prepare to pursue entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field. If you are interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career path but don’t want to spend years working toward earning a relevant degree, then it may make sense to start searching for a cybersecurity bootcamp that matches your knowledge/experience level and educational goals. Program costs, time-commitments and your academic goals are all factors that should be considered as you try to make a decision.

How to Apply to the Cybersecurity Bootcamp at DigitalCrafts

The DigitalCrafts admissions process is a simple, two-step process: (1) fill out and submit your application form online and (2) meet with our enrollment team. Once your enrollment coordinator has advised you of your acceptance status and you submit your refundable deposit, an onboarding email with details about your class and how to get ready for your online cybersecurity bootcamp will be sent to you. Classes begin every five weeks on Wednesdays.

For more information, visit our page on how to apply. Or, if you are ready to get started, then apply now.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Information Security Analysts,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (last visited 12/27/2024).

DigitalCrafts cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. REQ2091131 12/2024