Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Oklahoma Guide
As technology advances and evolves, cybercriminals find new tactics that put data at risk. The cost of cybercrime is predicted to grow by 15 percent per year over the next three years, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. The World Forum also notes cybercrime and cyber insecurity rank among the top 10 most severe global risks over the next decade.
As concerns about cyberattacks continue to grow, companies worldwide are actively implementing new software and technology to protect their private information. In fact, global spending on cybersecurity products and services is expected to reach $1.75 billion by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
Despite the continued emphasis on cybersecurity initiatives, there is a lack of skilled professionals to meet the demand for cybersecurity personnel. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023, 32% of business leaders and 34% of cybersecurity leaders believe training and skills gaps still exist.
As a result of the cybersecurity concerns and shortage of skilled cyber professionals, there is ample opportunity to break into the field. With the help of a cybersecurity bootcamp in Oklahoma, individuals can acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience to help fight cybercrime in the coming years.
Guide to Cybersecurity Bootcamps in Oklahoma
The rise of cybercrime provides a unique opportunity for professionals to launch a rewarding career in cybersecurity. In Oklahoma alone, there is ample opportunity to break into the cybersecurity industry. As of September 2023, Cyberseek estimates nearly 7,000 open cybersecurity roles in Oklahoma—and that number continues to grow.
When considering a career in cybersecurity, there are many paths you can take, including incident response, engineering and architecture, consulting, ethical hacking, and penetration testing. Regardless of your chosen specialty, working in cybersecurity requires professionals to have a combination of technical and soft skills that will allow them to proactively protect an organization’s data and effectively respond to cyber incidents. One way individuals can develop these skills is to enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp in Oklahoma. In this guide to cybersecurity bootcamps in Oklahoma, you’ll learn what a cybersecurity bootcamp is and how it can help you launch a fulfilling career in the cyber field.
What is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
So, what is a cybersecurity bootcamp? A cybersecurity bootcamp can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to secure networks, protect data, monitor cyber threats, and effectively respond to cyber-attacks. Enrolling in a cybersecurity bootcamp in Oklahoma can help you become a successful cyber professional.
Cybersecurity bootcamps allow you to develop new skills rapidly and start a new career on a faster timeline. Many cyber bootcamps also offer online classes and flexible scheduling, so you can continue to work while attending bootcamp. For example, the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp provides full-time and part-time options that allow you to graduate in as few as 12 weeks.
Why Choose a Cybersecurity Bootcamp?
With many cybersecurity programs in Oklahoma available, why choose a cyberscruity bootcamp? A cybersecurity bootcamp provides a convenient and affordable pathway to break into the industry. Students learn from industry-experienced instructors eager to guide the next generation of cyber professionals.
Plus, unlike traditional degree programs, cybersecurity bootcamps allow for hands-on learning opportunities and real-world projects that students can utilize to showcase their abilities to potential employers. Some other benefits of a cybersecurity bootcamp include:
Flexible schedules: Most cybersecurity bootcamps offer online, full-time or part-time options to accommodate the busy lives of working professionals. Plus, bootcamps can be completed in just a few weeks or months, whereas a traditional degree program takes years.
Certification prep: Some bootcamps, like the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp, can help you prepare for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications so you can stand out in the job search process.
Specialized training: Unlike traditional degree programs, cybersecurity bootcamps focus solely on developing industry-related technical skills. You likely won’t have to take any prerequisite or general educational courses.
Networking opportunities: During a cybersecurity bootcamp, you’ll work closely with your instructors and peers who can help launch your career. Plus, high-quality cybersecurity bootcamps often have large alumni networks of professionals who can serve as mentors.
Career support: Landing your first role in cybersecurity can be challenging, but some cybersecurity bootcamps offer career support to help you succeed in your job search.
It’s important to remember every provider is different. When choosing the right cybersecurity bootcamp, consider your needs and career goals to ensure you find one that fits your lifestyle. This will make it easier for you to balance bootcamp and other life commitments.
Typical Cybersecurity Salaries in Oklahoma
Cybersecurity can be a lucrative career to pursue, and there is enormous potential for growth and advancement. However, cybersecurity salaries in Oklahoma typically vary based on factors such as years of experience, job titles, and credentials. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a cybersecurity professional in Oklahoma is $108,374 per year as of August 2023.
Here are a few examples of average annual salaries for a variety of cybersecurity roles in Oklahoma, according to data from ZipRecruiter:
Network and Systems Administrator: $74,567
Network Engineer/Solutions Architect: $90,357
Cybersecurity Analyst: $90,409
The average salary can also vary based on years of experience. According to Glassdoor, here’s how salaries for those same roles differ by years of experience in Oklahoma City.
- Cybersecurity Analyst:
Entry-level (0-1 years): $67,454
Mid-level (7-9 years): $85,208
Experienced (15+ years): $101,063
- Network and Systems Administrator:
Entry-level: $56,013
Mid-level: $70,453
Experienced: $87,210
- Network Engineer/Solutions Architect:
Entry-level: $74,796
Mid-level: $93,391
Experienced: $121,210
Earning a cybersecurity certification can also impact compensation. According to Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary survey, cybersecurity certifications are typically associated with a higher salary. According to Skillsoft’s survey of over 2,000 IT professionals, here are some of the highest-paying cybersecurity certifications:
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
AWS Certified Security - Speciality
If you want to increase your earning potential over time, consider launching a career in cybersecurity by enrolling in a cybersecurity bootcamp in Oklahoma.
Types of Cybersecurity Bootcamps
With so many cybersecurity bootcamps available, it’s essential to find the right one for you. When choosing a bootcamp, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I need online or in-person classes?
How many hours can I commit to bootcamp per week?
Will I continue working while in bootcamp?
Am I looking to focus on a specific area within cybersecurity?
How will this bootcamp prepare me for a career in cybersecurity?
To help guide your decision, here is a list of cybersecurity bootcamps in Oklahoma:
Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamps
The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp offers full-time and part-time programs to accommodate the needs of all learners. The curriculum for both programs is built on active learning principles that allow students to get hands-on experience and solve real-world problems. Students will participate in labs, group assignments, and career simulations that expose them to various practical cybersecurity applications. Plus, the curriculum will prepare you for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications to help you stand out in hiring.
The full-time Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp is 12 weeks long, with classes held Monday through Friday. Due to the immersive nature of the program, it’s recommended students don’t work full-time so they can devote their entire focus to bootcamp.
The part-time Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp is 26 weeks in duration. This option is perfect for those who wish to continue working while attending bootcamp.
The Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp is divided into seven units that cover a variety of crucial cybersecurity principles:
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Asset and Inventory Management
Network Systems
Programming with Python
Systems Administration
Red Team (Offense)
Blue Team (Defense)
During the Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Bootcamp, you’ll also work closely with a Career Success Coach to help prepare you for your job search. Your Career Success Coach can help optimize your resume, prepare you for interviews, and give you insight into what to expect during your job search.
University Cybersecurity Bootcamps Powered by Fullstack Academy
Fullstack Academy also partners with leading institutions nationwide to prepare students for the future of cybersecurity jobs. These programs provide students with an accelerated pathway to gaining the skills and knowledge needed to enter the industry.
The University of Oklahoma Outreach Cybersecurity Bootcamp, powered by Fullstack Academy, was designed to develop cybersecurity professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding areas. The flexible bootcamp program provides students with a high-quality cybersecurity education while allowing them to balance work and other life commitments. Students will gain valuable insight into what a career in cybersecurity looks like and participate in career simulations that mimic real-world challenges.
Top Employers Hiring in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there is ample opportunity to launch a career in cybersecurity. According to the Oklahoma Commerce website, some of the top industries within the state include aerospace and defense, agribusiness, automotive, bioscience, film and music, information and financial services, manufacturing, energy, and transportation.
With such diversity, Oklahoma can be a great place to kickstart your cybersecurity career. Here are some of the top employers hiring in Oklahoma, according to data from LightcastTM:
Boeing: As a leader in the industry, Boeing is helping bring the future of aerospace to Oklahoma City. The global company’s cybersecurity team leverages advanced technologies for projects in the defense and intelligence communities.
Humana: As a leader in healthcare, Humana employs cybersecurity professionals to protect and secure medical information for people worldwide.
KPMG: One of the Big Four accounting firms, KPMG provides audit, tax, and advisory services. The company employs cybersecurity professionals to keep their client’s sensitive information safe.
Cybersecurity Events in Oklahoma
If you want to break into the cybersecurity industry, networking is a must! Connect with other professionals by attending cybersecurity events, meetups, and job fairs. Here is a list of a few cybersecurity events in Oklahoma:
Events and Groups
Fullstack Academy Events: Learn about Fullstack Academy’s immersive bootcamps and gain helpful tips for landing a cybersecurity role.
S3ccon: An annual cybersecurity conference for InfoSec professionals looking for new ideas. The conference features industry-leading speakers and hands-on learning opportunities to educate on the latest cybersecurity trends and topics.
InnoTech Oklahoma: The region’s most prominent business and technology conference and expo features a variety of presentations from cybersecurity leaders across the industry.
Information Warfare Summit: The longest-running cybersecurity conference in Oklahoma presented by the Information Systems Security Association - OKC Chapter (ISSA-OKC) and the InfraGard Oklahoma Members Alliance.
BSides Oklahoma: A free information security conference in Tulsa that focuses on hands-on training and a community-driven framework.
Oklahoma IT Symposium: A single-day event for IT executives to explore IT solutions, network, and learn more about the industry.
Meetups
Tech on Tap Meetup: Hosted by Alias Infosec, join other tech professionals to discuss the latest tech topics.
Tulsa Cyber Security for Control Systems: A meetup for cybersecurity professionals involved in Automated Processes and Control Systems.
Cybersecurity Bootcamp FAQs
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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
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The typical salary for cybersecurity roles in Oklahoma 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
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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.
Recommended Reading
Cybersecurity Job Demand: The Growing Need for Cyber Professionals
How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst: Skills, Outlook, and Salary
