Online Cyber Security Bootcamp

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

This bootcamp covers each of the components:

• Host-Based Security

• Network Security

• Identity and Access Management

• Security Assessment and Testing

• Security Operations

• Application Security

It should take you about six months to complete the bootcamp if you study between 5-20 hours weekly. 

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

The course itself is divided into 21 total learning units, consisting of:

• 1 Getting Started Unit

• 11 Technical Units

• 3 Basic Priming Units:

  • An Optional Cybersecurity Basics Unit

  • A Cybersecurity Fundamentals Unit

  • An IT Project Management Unit

• 6 Core Concept Units

• 1 Capstone Project Unit

• 1 CompTIA Security+ Preparation Unit

• 9 Career Preparation Units

1. Getting Started with Cyber Security Career Track

2. Cybersecurity Basics

3. Cybersecurity Fundamentals

4. Creating Your Job Search Strategy

5. IT Project Management

6. Host-Based Security

7. Your Elevator Pitch and LinkedIn Profile

8. Network Security

9. Effective Networking: Building Your Network

10. Identity and Access Management

11. Networking: Informational Interviews

12. Security Assessment and Testing

13. Find the Right Job Titles and Companies

14. Security Operations

15. Application Security

16. Capstone Project

17. Preparing For and Getting Interviews

18. CompTIA Security+ Prep Unit

19. Effective Interviewing for Cybersecurity

20. Salary Negotiation and Career Next Steps

21. Congrats and Next Steps After Course Completion

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.

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.  

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

• Vulnerability assessments

• Basic Python Scripting

• IT controls

• IDS/IPs

• Packet capture and log analysis

• Security information and event management (SIEM) analysis

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

• Splunk for DevSecOps

• 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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

• 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.

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.