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    Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Baltimore Guide

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    Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Baltimore Guide

    Conveniently located just outside the nation’s capital, Baltimore is known for its breathtaking harbor and historical sites. But in recent years, the port city has become a popular tech hub. Named one of the best cities for tech jobs by Indeed, Baltimore’s tech sector has an over $20 billion impact on the area's economy. The city was also designated a federal tech hub by the Biden administration, which helped accelerate tech innovation within the region and potentially bring the region a share of a $10 billion investment.

    If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, Baltimore can be a great place to begin your journey. By enrolling in a cybersecurity bootcamp in Baltimore, you’ll be prepared to kickstart a fulfilling career in a lucrative field.

    In this guide to cybersecurity bootcamps in Baltimore, you’ll gain insight into:

    • What a cybersecurity bootcamp is

    • Why you should choose a cybersecurity bootcamp

    • Typical cybersecurity salaries in Baltimore

    • Top employers hiring in Baltimore

    Guide to Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Baltimore: Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

    Baltimore is home to many government, healthcare, education, and financial organizations, all of which handle sensitive personal information that needs protecting. In Baltimore alone, there are over 16,000 cybersecurity job openings, a 74% increase since 2010.

    Despite the rapid growth of cybersecurity in Baltimore over the last decade, the city only has enough cybersecurity workers to fill about 60% of those job openings. This leaves ample opportunity if you’re looking to break into the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. However, to do so, you need the right skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively protect your organization from the growing dangers of cybercrime.

    A cybersecurity bootcamp in Baltimore can give you the hands-on experience solving real-world problems to land a lucrative role. Read further to learn how a cybersecurity bootcamp can help you launch a cybersecurity career.

    What is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

    Over the last several years, tech bootcamps have risen in popularity, with nearly 60,000 people graduating from a bootcamp in 2022. So, what is a cybersecurity bootcamp, and why are they so popular?

    A cybersecurity bootcamp is a short-term, immersive program that empowers you to gain hands-on experience solving real-world cybersecurity problems. While each bootcamp experience will differ, you’ll graduate job-ready with the skills and knowledge to protect data, identify cyber threats, and proactively respond to cybersecurity incidents.

    Compared to traditional 4-year degree programs, cybersecurity bootcamps can be completed in just a few short weeks or months, putting you on the fast track to a brand new career.

    Why Choose a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

    If you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, there are a variety of paths you can take. So why choose a cybersecurity bootcamp? Bootcamps provide an excellent opportunity to gain in-demand skills through hands-on learning opportunities led by industry-experienced instructors. Plus, bootcamps are typically more flexible and affordable than traditional degree programs, making them ideal for working professionals.

    Here are a few other reasons why people choose cybersecurity bootcamps:

    • Focused Curriculum: Everything you’ll learn in bootcamp will be directly related to cybersecurity. There are no general education or elective requirements, allowing you to focus solely on cybersecurity.

    • Multiple Scheduling Options: Many providers offer part-time and full-time options to help you balance bootcamp, work, and other life commitments. Plus, there are fully online options that can provide even greater flexibility.

    • Certification Preparation: Some bootcamps, like those offered by Fullstack Academy, provide preparation for industry-recognized certifications to help you bolster your resume.

    • Career Support: Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, but some cybersecurity bootcamps offer career support services to guide you through the job search process.

    • Networking: Cybersecurity bootcamps provide excellent networking opportunities. You’ll work closely with your peers on group assignments and real-world simulations, helping you build valuable relationships.

    • Affordability: On average, cybersecurity bootcamps in Baltimore are more affordable than traditional degree programs. Plus, many bootcamps offer scholarships, payment plans, and other options to help make bootcamp more affordable.

    There are many cybersecurity bootcamps in Baltimore, each with its own curriculum, support services, and scheduling options. Before you enroll in any cybersecurity bootcamp, it’s important to do your research to make sure you find the best program for you.

    Typical Cybersecurity Salaries in Baltimore

    As a rising tech hub, Baltimore offers lucrative salaries for tech professionals. According to CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce guide, the median tech wage in the Baltimore area is 125% higher than the national average. Salaries will vary by job title, experience, location, and certification, but below we’ll outline the typical cybersecurity salaries in Baltimore according to Glassdoor.

    Here are the average annual salaries in Baltimore for a few of the most popular cybersecurity careers:

    • Information Security Analyst: $100,270

    • Cybersecurity Analyst: $93,960

    • Network Specialist: $87,905

    Here’s how the average annual salary for those same roles differs based on years of experience:

    • Information Security Analyst:

      • Entry Level (0-1 years): $81,064

      • Intermediate (7-9 years): $100,844

      • Advanced (15+ years): $119,305

    • Cybersecurity Analyst:

      • Entry Level: $76,650

      • Intermediate: $97,656

      • Advanced: $117,314

    • Network Specialist:

      • Entry Level: $66,303

      • Intermediate: $87,378

      • Advanced: $100,323

    Obtaining industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications can also positively impact your salary potential. Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary Report found that earning a cybersecurity certification is typically associated with a higher salary. Here are some of the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications according to Skillsoft:

    • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

    • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

    • AWS Certified Security - Speciality

    Types of Cybersecurity Bootcamps

    There are many cybersecurity programs in Baltimore to choose from, with each offering different curricula, formats, and support services. To ensure that the cybersecurity bootcamp you choose will contribute to your career goals, it’s important to do your research.

    Here is a list of cybersecurity bootcamps in Baltimore to help you get started.

    Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamps

    The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp is built on an immersive, active learning approach that provides you with in-demand skills to launch a career in the fast-growing field. The bootcamp is offered in both a full-time and part-time format.

    The full-time Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp can be completed in just 12 weeks, with classes held Monday through Friday. Students in the full-time program can expect to spend an estimated 32 hours per week in class and 8-9 hours completing assignments and studying outside of class. Due to the time commitment, it’s recommended that students don’t work full-time to fully focus on bootcamp.

    If you plan to work while enrolled in bootcamp, we recommend the part-time Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp, which takes 26 weeks to complete. Students can expect to spend 9 hours in class each week over the course of three days and 6-8 hours outside of class working on assignments and studying.

    Regardless of which scheduling option you choose, the curriculum for bootcamp is broken down into seven units focused on key aspects of cybersecurity.

    • Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Build a security mindset and learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity and virtualization.

    • Asset and Inventory Management: Develop a working knowledge of Linux operating systems and Bash scripting.

    • Network Systems: Gain an understanding of how network-connected devices transmit and receive data.

    • Programming with Python: Explore the programming language Python and how it can be used for a variety of cybersecurity functions, including penetration testing and malware analysis.

    • Systems Administration: Learn to identify and address security threats for Windows operating systems.

    • Red Team (Offense): Prepare to protect computer systems, networks, and individuals from cyberattacks using offensive security practices.

    • Blue Team (Defense): Learn to protect organizations against cyberattacks with defensive cybersecurity strategies and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

    The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp will also prepare you for industry-recognized certifications that can bolster your resume and help you stand out to employers. Plus, you’ll receive support from Fullstack Academy Career Success Coaches, who can provide tips for interviewing, resume optimization, and salary negotiations.

    Top Employers Hiring in Baltimore

    Centrally located on the East Coast, Baltimore is home to many well-known companies that are searching for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Whether you’re looking to work in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, education, finance, or government, Baltimore offers endless employment opportunities. According to Live Baltimore, some of the top employers hiring in Baltimore include:

    • T. Rowe Price Group: A global investment firm that helps individuals achieve their long-term investment goals. As a cybersecurity professional, T.Rowe Price Group can provide a rewarding career protecting the financial data of people around the globe.

    • Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System: A world-renowned healthcare institution, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System seeks skilled cybersecurity experts who can protect sensitive patient data.

    • Amazon: As a global e-commerce company, Amazon offers ample employment opportunities for those looking to break into cybersecurity.

    Cybersecurity Events in Baltimore

    Attending a cybersecurity bootcamp in Baltimore is just one part of the equation to becoming a skilled cybersecurity expert. If you want to land a role in the fast-growing field, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and network with other professionals. One way to do this is to attend local and online events and conferences. Here are a few popular cybersecurity events in Baltimore:

    Events and Groups

    Meetups

    • Hack the Box Meetup: If you’re interested in cybersecurity and penetration testing, this meetup is for you! This group of cyber enthusiasts meets every other week to share knowledge and tackle active machines from Hack the Box.

    • Baltimore Cybersecurity of Control Systems: A dedicated meetup for cybersecurity professionals involved in automated processes and control systems.

    • Unallocated Space: A technology-based community center that hosts regular events to bring together tech professionals of all interests and skill levels.

    Cybersecurity Bootcamp FAQs

    • Cybersecurity bootcamps offer an excellent opportunity to break into the industry or advance an existing tech career. Students can expect to:

      • Gain hands-on experience with the latest cybersecurity tools and software

      • Learn fundamental knowledge from industry-experienced instructors

      • Acquire critical skills to earn in-demand industry certifications

      • Receive career support and job search assistance

    • The typical salary for cybersecurity roles in Baltimore can fluctuate depending on various factors, including experience, certifications, location, and job title. Below are average salaries for common entry-level cyber positions in the U.S., according to ZipRecruiter:

      • Computer Support Specialist: $53,907

      • Systems Specialist: $61,257

      • IT Support Specialist: $63,256

      • Network Specialist: $77,761

      • Information Security Analyst: $90,092

      • Cybersecurity Analyst: $96,010

    • Cybersecurity bootcamps typically last several weeks to a few months. Some bootcamps follow a strict schedule with live classes, while others may offer a self-paced option.

      The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers two program durations: 12 weeks full-time or 26 weeks part-time. All classes are held live online to facilitate an immersive, active learning approach.

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