Format:
100% online
Learn on your own time
Duration:
6 months, 10-15 hrs/wk
Finish early by putting in more hours
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Why choose a cyber security bootcamp?

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly expanding professions, with an expected 3.5 million unfilled jobs. To protect people and companies from more advanced cybersecurity risks, those interested in cybersecurity must have technical knowledge, risk management, data privacy and security, and threat intelligence skills.

UMass Global's 100% online Cyber Security Bootcamp equips you with job-ready cybersecurity analysis abilities through a mix of curated content from industry experts and hands-on project work, including 55 technical laboratories and 30 mini projects.

The course will teach you the fundamentals of cybersecurity, culminating in a mentor-led capstone project where you'll complete a five-step structured walkthrough penetration test of a fictitious firm. Throughout the course, you’ll examine the technical aspects of various IT, IT security, and IT audit work products. You’ll identify errors and learn how to improve a product or service’s quality using your new skills. Learn on your own time, and potentially complete the course more quickly by working more hours per week. 

The bootcamp also includes mock exams and quizzes intended to help you prepare for the globally-recognized CompTIA Security+ exam. A free voucher to sit for the exam is also included in the bootcamp. 

In this bootcamp, we focus on helping you graduate job-ready. Learn how to build a cyber resume, research jobs, and master the interview. 1:1 career coaches are ready to help you along the way.  

Are you interested in the University of Massachusetts Global's 100% online Cyber Security Bootcamp? Read on to learn more about what you'll unlock when you enroll.

Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

After you've finished the program, you'll demonstrate that you have the abilities needed to succeed in some of the most in-demand cybersecurity professions. The following are examples of jobs that students may pursue after this bootcamp:*

  1. Network Engineer/Architect: $83,510

  2. Incident Analyst/Responder: $89,000

  3. Systems Engineer: $90,920

  4. Cybersecurity Consultant: $91,000

  5. Cyber Security Specialist/Technician: $92,000

  6. Cybersecurity Analyst: $95,000

  7. Vulnerability Analyst/Penetration Tester $103,000

  8. Cyber Security Manager/Administrator: $105,000

  9. Software Developer/Engineer: $110,140

* Source: CompTIA: Best Jobs in Cybersecurity for 2021 and How to Get One

Curriculum

NEW! AI for cybersecurity curriculum

Learn to harness the power of AI with new learning units throughout your cybersecurity curriculum. You’ll explore AI’s practical applications and how to leverage them to solve cybersecurity challenges. Learn how to identify and respond to security threats in real time, to predict cyber threats and future attack trends.  With AI by your side, you can become a powerful guardian of cyberspace, and a valuable asset to your employer. Curriculum includes:

  • Introduction to AI and its Applications in Cyber Security

  • AI for Threat Detection and Incident Response

  • AI in Malware Analysis and NLP for Cyber Security

  • AI in Network Security and Threat Hunting

  • Explainable AI and AI for Predictive Security Analytics

Seven fundamentals of cybersecurity

This bootcamp covers each of the components:

  1. Host-Based Security 

  2. Network Security 

  3. Identity and Access Management 

  4. Cryptography

  5. Security Assessment and Testing

  6. Security Operations

  7. Application Security

It should take you about six months to complete the bootcamp if you study between 10-15 hours weekly. 

Course units include learning resources, practice exercises, virtual labs from InfoSec Learning, as well as nine optional career-related units.

Curriculum breakdown

The course itself is divided into 30 learning units, consisting of:

  • 1 Getting Started Unit

  • 12 Technical Units

  • 2 Basic Priming Units:

    • A Cybersecurity Basics Unit 

    • A Cybersecurity Fundamentals Unit

  • 7 Core Concepts

  • 1 Capstone Project Unit

  • 1 CompTIA Security+ Preparation Unit

  • 6 Career Preparation Units0

Course sequence
  • Program Overview

  • Introduction to AI and its Applications in Cyber Security

  • Cybersecurity Basics

  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals

  • AI for Threat Detection and Incident Response

  • Career Unit: Career Planning

  • Cybersecurity Attacks

  • Host-Based Security

  • Career Unit: Career Branding

  • Network Security Part I

  • Network Security Part II

  • AI in Network Security and Threat Hunting

  • Career Unit: Effective Networking

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)

  • Cryptography

  • Security Architecture

  • Security Operations (SecOps)

  • Application Security

  • Explainable AI and AI for Predictive Security Analytics

  • Security Assessment and Testing

  • AI in Malware Analysis and NLP for Cyber Security

  • Capstone Project

  • Career Unit: Your Application Materials

  • CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep Unit

  • Career Unit: Effective Interviewing for Cybersecurity

  • Career Unit: Salary Negotiation

  • Congrats and Next Steps After Course Completion

Preview three of the course’s technical units

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

In this unit, you'll get a peek behind the curtain of the cybersecurity stage. You'll study the behavior, motivations, and game plan of your adversary — the cybercriminal. You'll learn about threat actors, the most common types of attacks, plus the frameworks and models used to build a robust defensive playbook. 

You'll understand how professionals set the defense standards through the CIA Triad, and the cyber kill chain model. You'll also study real-life data breaches to get a glimpse of how rapidly the dominoes can fall. Finally, you'll be introduced to the CompTIA Security+ certification exam and become familiar with Linux and Unix.

Topics Covered:

  • The CIA Triad: Three-Legged Stool

  • Threat Actor Types and Attributes

  • Cyber Kill Chain

  • Ethical Hacking 

  • Using Linux and Unix

  • Intro to CompTIA Security+ Certification

Identity and Access Management

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is one of the most important disciplines within cybersecurity. It aims to manage user identities and their access to enterprise resources and data. IAM governance and programs—including policies, processes, and technologies—manage user identities and access, as well as what a user can do within a system through authentication, authorization, and accounting. At the end of the unit, you’ll have the option to prepare for and take the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals exam (Exam SC-900), which is 50% off for students taking this course.

Topics Covered:

  • Controlling Access

  • Zero Trust

  • Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Security Assessment and Testing

In the Security Assessment and Testing unit, you will learn how to conduct security assessments and recommend remediation activities. You will also learn how to create Information Security (IS) audit test plans, which will give you insight into how IS auditors approach their engagements. Exposure to advanced concepts around web security testing and the use of Kali Linux is also included. Mini-projects in this unit will allow you to explore another side of penetration testing,  real-world vulnerability management challenges, and software testing plans. Labs in this unit will give you another slice of the red-team world, taking you through attacking web servers, exploring a vulnerable web application, and cracking passwords.

Topics Covered:

  • Logical and Physical Security Testing

  • Mobile Device Security

  • Governance Risk and Compliance

  • Security Policies

Student support invested in your success

Study on your own terms during this 100% online bootcamp with the support of a student advisor, expert mentor, and career coach. 

  • A student advisor to help you along the way: Your student advisor will be there for you every step of the way, matching you to your mentor and responding to any questions you might have as you go.

  • Get dedicated 1:1 mentor support: Meet regularly with your personal mentor, with as many additional calls as you need.

  • Prepare for your career early: Utilize optional 1:1 career coaching to help prepare for your job search, refine your resume, and more. 

  • Connect with an online community: Share feedback and participate in conversation with bootcamp students and mentors during weekly office hours or within our online community. 

Learn with an industry expert in your corner

Advance your skills and develop personally with the support of a personal mentor who is an expert in the cyber security space. 

  • Regular 1:1 video calls: Fine tune your projects, address any obstacles, and discuss your professional roadmap. 

  • Accountability: Your mentor will help you stay on track so you can achieve your learning goals. 

  • Dedicated mentor calls: Get additional 1:1 help from other mentors in our community, at no extra cost.

mentorAvatar
Alissa Torres
Senior Threat Hunter
mentorAvatar
Jay James
Cyber Security Operations Lead
mentorAvatar
Mark Adams
Sr Manager, IT Security & Compliance
mentorAvatar
Leonard Simon
MSSP Manager

Is Our Cyber Security Bootcamp Right for You?

We welcome students from all fields of study and from all work backgrounds. If you are interested in trying new things, are a natural problem solver, and are a strong communicator and collaborator, then this Cyber Security Bootcamp is designed for you. 

Prerequisites 

  • Bootcamp students will need the determination to complete all required course activities. 

  • You’ll need to pass a short evaluation of baseline soft skills centered around communication, motivation, professionalism, a commitment to learning, and an analytical mindset.

FAQ

What is cybersecurity?

In general, cybersecurity is the process and techniques for safeguarding sensitive data, computer systems, networks, and software applications against cyber assaults.

Common topics covered in cybersecurity are:

  • Unauthorized access to systems and data.

  • Disrupting the normal functions of a business and its processes.

  • Using ransomware attacks to encrypt data and extort money from victims.

Is cybersecurity in high demand?

Yes, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 33% through 2030, which is much faster than average for other occupations.

There are about 3.5 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. The number of jobs available outnumbers the volume of cybersecurity professionals who are qualified to take them on.  

What skills are needed to work in cybersecurity?

Professionals within cybersecurity need to be strong communicators, with a highly collaborative mindset and analytical skills. In the UMass Global Cyber Security Bootcamp, you’ll also build the following technical skillset:

  • Incident response

  • Threat intelligence

  • Application security

  • Network scanning tools

  • Operating system security

  • Network mapping

  • Firewall

  • IDS/IPs

  • Vulnerability assessments

  • IT controls

  • Packet capture

Students in the bootcamp will have access to these tools in order to build their skillset: 

  • Nmap for network scanning

  • Metasploit for vulnerability scanning, enumeration, executing attacks, and more

  • Wireshark: A free and open-source network protocol analyzer

  • Kali Linux for digital forensics, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and more

  • Autopsy for digital forensics

  • Kleopatra for security key encryption

  • Zenmap, the graphical interface of Nmap, used for scanning, network mapping, and more

  • OpenVAS for vulnerability scanning

  • Low Orbit Ion Cannon for stress testing and denial-of-service attack application

  • GoPhish to run phishing simulations

Does cybersecurity require coding?

Entry-level work does not usually require any prior coding knowledge. Although programming is not necessary for most entry-level roles, it is a useful skill to have on hand as you advance in your profession. No coding experience is required for admission into the UMass Global Cyber Security Bootcamp. The bootcamp will teach students the basics of Perl, Powershell, and Python. 

How long does it take to complete a cyber security bootcamp?

Depending on how much time you dedicate to your studies weekly, the UMass Global Cyber Security Bootcamp is designed to be completed in 6 months or less. You study on your own time, ultimately allowing you control over your completion time.

What type of jobs can you do after a cyber security bootcamp?

Bootcamp graduates can pursue entry-level positions like cybersecurity analyst/responder, cybersecurity specialist, or cybersecurity analyst. 

Graduates also pursue other roles, such as cybersecurity engineer, SOC analyst, cybersecurity consultant, cybersecurity manager / administrator, systems engineer, software developer / engineer, network engineer / architect, vulnerability analyst, cyber crime analyst/ responder, and IT auditor.

What is the salary of someone working in cybersecurity?

Someone working in cybersecurity can earn between $89,000 to $105,000. Your geographic location, work sector, role, and level of experience can all influence your earning potential.

Is a cybersecurity bootcamp worth it?

Yes! A cybersecurity bootcamp allows you to build the skills you need within a short time frame of 6 months. With a human support system, including a 1-on-1 industry mentor, you graduate with the hard skills you need to succeed and the industry knowledge and connections that can help you secure a job. 

How much does a cybersecurity bootcamp cost?
  • Cybersecurity bootcamp tuition is significantly more affordable than a traditional degree program. 

    • The full tuition of the program is $13,052. Pay upfront and save 24% on tuition.

    • Pay only for the months you need, up to 4 months or $13,052.

    • Financing options available.

    For more details on how tuition payments work, see the frequently asked questions page.

Is Cyber Security a Good Career in Massachusetts?

Yes, pursuing a career in cyber security in Massachusetts can be a rewarding choice. The state's flourishing tech sector, robust defense industry, and numerous financial institutions create a high demand for skilled cyber security professionals to protect their digital infrastructure. Coupled with salaries that are often above the national average for the field, Massachusetts provides a conducive environment for a thriving cyber security career. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the cyber security field in this region offers diverse roles and continuous professional growth opportunities.

Is this program really offered by UMass Global?

Yes, University of Massachusetts Global's School of Extended Education has partnered with Springboard to offer online tech bootcamps. Springboard developed the curriculum in partnership with industry experts and hiring managers, and administers and leads the courses. This partnership allows students like you to build technical skills while earning a certificate of completion from UMass Global.

More questions about the program?

Speak to our enrollment advisor by completing an application, email Carolina from our enrollment team, or explore more frequently asked questions.

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