Best Cybersecurity Classes Near Me
Cybersecurity, often called information security, protects systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. Its primary objectives are safeguarding digital assets, ensuring data integrity, and establishing user trust. The cyber threats these measures combat range from common malware and phishing attacks to more intricate issues like ransomware and insider threats. These threats require a wide array of skills to defend against, and without the proper knowledge, the risks they present can be difficult to counteract.
Several reasons may drive an interest in learning cybersecurity, the most common being a career in this field. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, and adequate training is essential for anyone looking to enter this space. The escalating number of cyberattacks also requires more skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect corporate networks. Still, individuals are also at risk, so knowledge of the space is increasingly important for everyone. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of cyber threats also means that individuals and businesses alike must be able to adjust quickly to threats, which is why training is so important for those looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Best Cybersecurity Classes & Schools
A cybersecurity career is about more than just technical skills. Professionals must also understand business processes, auditing, and security policies. The best way to gain the necessary knowledge is by taking classes at a recognized school or educational institution. These schools will offer courses in various aspects of cybersecurity, such as malware analysis, penetration testing, and network security management. Here are some top cybersecurity classes and schools that can help you start your career in the industry.
The Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations (CBROPS) from Sunset Learning Institute is a beginner-friendly, five-day course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity operations. There are minimal prerequisites outside of familiarity with ethernet and TCP/IP networking and the basics of networking security concepts, and a basic understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems is beneficial. Students will learn to install, customize, configure, and troubleshoot the Cisco Security Suite (CSS) and prepare for the Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA©) exam. The course costs $4,295, with an average class size of just eight students per session.
There's also the CISSP Certification Training from Sprintzeal Americas Inc. in New York City. This intermediate-level training is designed to prepare students for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam, a nationally recognized certification for cybersecurity professionals. The course focuses on the core topics of the exam, including access control, cryptography, security operations and governance, application development security, and risk assessment. It helps participants analyze risk and develop strategies to defend against it based on industry trends and best practices. The course costs $4,275 and consists of five full-day sessions.
Another beginner to intermediate level training option is the CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor class from Sprintzeal Americas Inc. in New York City. It's a great preparation for those looking to become Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISAs). The course focuses on the principles and practices of information systems auditing, covering topics such as IT governance, risk management, information system control, and audit assurance. There's a focus on the CISA Exam, designed to measure a candidate's knowledge and understanding of information systems auditing, a critical aspect of IT security and compliance. The course costs $4,675 for five days of hands-on training.
For those just starting out in cybersecurity, the Surfing the Internet Safely and Avoiding Scams course from Mt. San Antonio College is a great place to start. It teaches students how to keep their data safe online, spot and avoid scams, and security best practices that they can use in both office and home settings. The class is open to all levels of experience, from beginners who are just starting to explore the world of cybersecurity to more experienced users looking for an introduction to staying cyber-safe. It's held in a virtual classroom and costs $55 for the one-day course.
Noble Desktop, a renowned school for creative and tech skills in New York City, offers an Excel Programming with VBA course focusing on the fundamentals of Excel VBA. This course is designed for those looking to master this powerful automation language in Excel. Students will learn essential topics such as setup and basics, working with data objects, designing user forms, and more. This relates to cybersecurity as VBA can be used to create macros that automate tedious tasks, making them more efficient and helping to reduce potential security risks. This two-day class costs $549 and will give students the skills to develop VBA code.
The Technical Institute of America has a beginner-friendly CompTIA Security+ Certification course that introduces participants to the basics of cybersecurity and prepares them for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The classes feature a mix of lectures, interactive activities, and hands-on labs that will help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to secure modern networks. The course covers network security, identity management, risk management, and compliance in a way that engages participants and helps them understand the implications of security threats and how to mitigate them. There is also a focus on exam prep, including practice questions and labs. The course costs $699 for four days of hands-on full-day classes.
The CCIE® Security V6.0 Lab Training from Sprintzeal Americas Inc. is suitable for all learning levels and is a great choice for those looking to become Cisco Certified Internetworking Experts. This class will help participants gain the skills needed to design, develop, configure, troubleshoot, secure, and manage complex enterprise network solutions. The course focuses on Perimeter Security and Intrusion Prevention, Cryptography and Virtual Private Networks, Infrastructure Security, Attacks and Mitigation, and Endpoint Security and Access Control. It costs $8,513 for five full-day classes in Manhattan and is ideal for those who want to prepare for the 8-hour hands-on lab exam conducted by Cisco to get CCIE certified.
Another course suitable for most learning levels is the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CYSA+) class from Fast Lane - New York. This live online course is held in a virtual classroom where the course content covers everything from threat management to Security Architecture and Tool Sets. It is recommended for those with two to three years of on-the-job experience and Network+ or Security+ certification (or equivalent knowledge). It helps students develop the skills to analyze and detect security threats, respond accordingly, and take preventive measures. The class schedule includes five full days of hands-on activities and labs to help students prepare for the certification exam. The cost is $2,475, due in full before the class start date.
One of the more comprehensive courses for beginners and those with some experience is the Microsoft Security Operations Analyst class from TLG Learning. This four-day course covers everything from network and host intrusion detection, security operations center fundamentals, incident response management, malware analysis, vulnerability scanning, and forensics. It is held in a live online format, meaning students meet in a virtual classroom to interact with the instructor and other participants. The course prepares students to become security analysts and has seven unique sections covering the concepts, tools, and techniques needed to identify, investigate, and respond to security threats. It's a great option for those with minimal experience, as the prerequisites are limited to familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Azure services. The course costs $2,380 and has an average of 10 students per registration.
Fast Lane - New York has an intermediate-level class, Panorama 8.1: Managing Firewalls atScale, held in a live online classroom. This two-day class allows students to gain hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks’ Panorama 8.1, a comprehensive security management solution for controlling firewalls and operating them in an automated fashion. It covers managing device groups, rule sets, templates and policies, SD-WAN configurations, and more. It is recommended for those familiar with the Firewall 8.1: Essentials-Configuration and Management (210) class and be familiar with Palo Alto Networks® next-generation firewall basic networking concepts. There are ten modules throughout the class, and students can work with Panorama 8.1 in a lab environment. The course costs $1,995 and is ideal for those seeking expertise in automating Palo Alto Networks firewalls.
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) (Virtual) from the Technical Institute of America is a great option for those seeking enterprise information security management. This live online virtual class gives students an introduction to the CISM certification. It covers topics such as implementing cybersecurity programs, assessing risk and developing strategies, monitoring and managing compliance, and more. It also features real-world examples from industry experts that provide valuable insights into how organizations can effectively manage their information security. The course costs $1,749 for five full days of classes and prepares participants to take the CISM exam confidently.
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) from ONLC Training Centers in Chicago is a course for all learning levels that runs for five days and prepares participants for the CySA+ certification exam. It covers cybersecurity essentials, threat management, security architecture, tool sets, incident response, security operations, cryptography fundamentals, network security monitoring and analysis, vulnerability management, and identity management. This class is also held in a virtual classroom with instructors available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the course. The course costs $2,495 and is held onsite with a virtual instructor. This allows students to use the latest tools and technologies without investing in them before the course.
Sprintzeal Americas Inc. CISSP class in Chicago is a beginner-friendly course covering the concepts and techniques required to pass the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. It consists of five full days of classes designed to enhance participants' knowledge and understanding of the IT security field. The curriculum dives into data privacy, risk management, identity and access management, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, cloud computing, and software development security. The cost is $3,500 for five days of classes. After taking this course, participants will be well-prepared to pass the CISSP exam.
The CISSP Boot Camp from InfoSec Institute in Chicago is a comprehensive course covering eight CISSP exam domains over six days. It is a great choice for those who already work in IT security or want to enter the field. The course includes interactive exercises, hands-on labs, and a review of key concepts and techniques. Each domain topic is discussed in detail, including access control models, identity management processes, risk assessment strategies, cryptography systems, application security policies, and disaster recovery principles. This intensive six-day bootcamp costs $4,299 and provides participants access to Infosec Skills, a bonus bootcamp course that helps prepare for the CISSP exam.
There are numerous cybersecurity training options globally, each offering a unique set of classes. No matter the skill level or budget, there are classes to suit individual needs. With the right training and certification, IT professionals can gain the knowledge and experience needed to build successful careers in cybersecurity.
Industries That Use Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity has become an indispensable element across a myriad of industries that rely on digital operations, data storage, and Internet communications. In the U.S., a number of major sectors have placed increased emphasis on its importance due to escalating cyber threats. For instance, the financial services industry, including banks, credit unions, and stock exchanges, manages vast amounts of data, necessitating robust cybersecurity to prevent fraud and maintain customer trust. Without a secure system, these institutions could suffer catastrophic losses.
There's also the healthcare industry, which is particularly vulnerable to data breaches due to the sheer amount of personal and sensitive information it stores. Patients, medical staff, and other healthcare organizations must be able to trust that their data is secure and immune from cyberattacks, creating a huge demand for professionals in this sector. Transportation, the energy industry, and government agencies are among the other sectors that require stringent security measures. Each area has unique vulnerabilities and requires professionals to develop specialized solutions to protect their networks. This is why having up-to-date knowledge of cybersecurity practices is critical for professionals in any industry that deals with sensitive data.
Cybersecurity Jobs & Salaries
Within the cybersecurity industry, there are a variety of job roles and pay grades. Some of the most prevalent roles include Information Security Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst, and Network Systems Administrator. These professionals are responsible for developing security measures in various areas, such as network security, information systems security, computer forensics, vulnerability analysis, and incident response. Key duties include monitoring networks for potential threats, evaluating network performance, creating policies to protect data assets against threats, and updating firewalls with new technology.
Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Austin have experienced an influx of companies that rely on data security to operate. This can be seen with the Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing cybersecurity jobs, like Information Security Analysts, in the US are anticipated to grow 32% through 2032, considerably faster than the national average. There's also the fact that the average salary for cybersecurity professionals is significantly higher than other IT positions, a powerful lure for those considering a career in this field.
In fact, the national average salary for an Information Security Analyst in the US is $89,000, though this can range from $81,000 to $100,000 and up based on experience, location, and position. This is clear in roles like Entry Level Cybersecurity Analyst in New York City, where the salary is $90,000 to keep up with the higher cost of living, compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. The demand for cybersecurity professionals with advanced skills is also on the rise due to the increasingly complex digital threats, meaning salaries are likely to continue growing at a similar rate.
What Will I Need to Learn Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a discipline that demands a multifaceted approach. Whether you're a novice eager to venture into this realm or an IT professional aspiring to augment your skill set, understanding the vast expanse of cybersecurity is crucial.
Foundational Knowledge
Anyone looking to dive into cybersecurity should start with the foundational principles that shape this domain. This means understanding the importance of the CIA Triad, which stands for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These are the pillars upon which many security protocols and strategies are built. Another critical area is recognizing potential threats, evaluating system vulnerabilities, and mastering risk assessment processes. All these serve as the groundwork to protect digital systems.
Computer Networks and Operating Systems
Beyond foundational concepts, a thorough knowledge of computer networks is indispensable. This means grasping the intricacies of TCP/IP, familiarizing oneself with networking protocols, and understanding the role of networking devices like routers and switches. A profound understanding of operating systems, be it Windows, Linux, or MacOS, is essential. A practitioner should be well-versed in using these systems and dig deeper into their architectures, configurations, and vulnerabilities.
Security Tools
The cybersecurity landscape is filled with specialized tools to detect and mitigate threats. Knowledge of encryption methods is crucial, as it is the main way to keep data secure. Similarly, understanding authentication mechanisms ensures that only legitimate users can access systems. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems act as the first line of defense against malicious activities, so a thorough understanding of how these work is invaluable.
Specialized Areas of Interest
Cybersecurity isn't a monolithic field, as it has many niches and specializations. For instance, ethical hacking is a discipline where professionals adopt the mindset of an attacker to strengthen defenses. This closely relates to penetration testing, where experts actively probe systems to uncover vulnerabilities. On the other hand, digital forensics focuses on recovering and analyzing digital data, usually after a security incident, and is often used in legal contexts. There's also incident response, a sector dedicated to developing strategies to proceed when security breaches occur to minimize damage.
Technology Security
As technology continues to develop, so does the nature of cyber threats. With the rise of cloud computing, there's a growing demand for expertise in cloud security to ensure that data stored off-premises remains secure. Similarly, the proliferation of Internet of Things devices has created a new area of vulnerability, making IoT security another essential area of expertise.
It's important to note that while the above provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual toolkit required, cybersecurity also demands physical resources. This includes a secure computer setup, potentially with multiple OS for testing, relevant software tools, and an isolated network environment for experimentation.
Is it Difficult to Learn Cybersecurity?
Many students and aspiring professionals wonder if it is difficult to learn cybersecurity. However, the answer isn't straightforward. Cybersecurity is a vast domain, melding multiple disciplines, so the complexity of what one needs to learn depends on the area of specialization. The sheer number of topics one can dive into means there's always something new to learn, from foundational principles like the CIA Triad to cutting-edge technologies in cloud security. Yet, this also introduces the challenge of pinpointing a starting point.
Cybersecurity stands out as a blend of both theory and hands-on practice. Grasping the theoretical foundations of threats is crucial, but translating this knowledge into real-world applications often presents a different set of challenges. For example, while the concepts of encryption might seem straightforward to some, their implementation in real-world scenarios can be intricate. Another challenge is the field's constant evolution. The digital world is dynamic, with new threats emerging and technologies progressing daily. Beyond the evident technical aspects, cybersecurity also has a pronounced human element. Many security breaches can be traced back to human errors or tactics like social engineering.
Overall, the difficulty of learning cybersecurity is subjective. While the field presents challenges from intertwining technology with human behavior, it also rewards those passionate about technology, problem-solving, and continuous learning. With dedication, one can navigate cybersecurity and find their niche within this domain.
