A Guide to the Best Ethical Hacking Certification Bootcamps

The term “hacker” can bring shivers to anyone that owns a computer, especially large companies.

Visions of stolen identities, cleaned out bank accounts, crashed websites, and leaked information all come to mind.

These black hats, as these malicious hackers are called, are a menace to us all.

But never fear, for the white hats are here to combat their dastardly deeds.

A white hat is an ethical hacker.

They are specially trained cyber security experts that perform proactive diagnostic assessments on computer systems to improve security and protection.

Ethical hacking is done with the permission of the individual or organization.

Simply put, ethical hackers have the same skills as malicious hackers, but they use their knowledge for good, not evil.

These hacking professionals possess many critical skills in the areas of database management systems, cryptography, social engineering, operating systems, and scripting languages to name a few.

Ethical hackers have access to extremely sensitive information.

Therefore, they must adhere to a few key components (rules), to ensure their integrity and the safety of their clients.

White hat hackers must always stay within the legal limits of what they were hired to do.

Written approval must be given by the organization and must be given before any work begins.

They must have a clear definition of what the client wants, and do only that.

All breaches and vulnerabilities must be reported and advice given on how to resolve them.

Perhaps the most important rule is to respect all data sensitivity.

Many times, a non-disclosure agreement must be signed.

So it’s important that these professionals attend the best training possible.

There are many bootcamps available to become certified in ethical hacking.

After a brief overview of the certification process, we will list the top schools in the United States for this area of cybersecurity education.

Curriculum

The length of the course will determine exactly which topics are covered.

However, the main goal of all bootcamps is to ensure that you pass the certification exam.

The basic curriculum for most camps includes:

• introduction to ethical hacking
• relevant laws
• scanning tools and techniques
• identifying security loopholes
• penetration testing
• hiding files
• malware analysis
• host security
• perimeter security
• trojan horses
• storage security
• cyber ethics
• spoofing
• dns poisoning
• firewalls
• web server attacks
• injection attacks
• security mid configuration
• operating systems
• Python (the program needed to write your own tools)
• how to set up your own hacking lab

Most courses are a combination of instructor lord lectures, online learning, and hands-on training.

Benefits Of Ethical Hacking Bootcamps

Attending a Bootcamp for ethical hacking can provide you with several benefits.

One of the most important being the chance to network.

You’ll develop ties not only to other ethical hacker security professionals, but to instructors who have connections to some of the top corporations and can help you land a job.

Better yet, you can compile a list of contacts that may even help you start your own business.

Another benefit of attending a bootcamp is that most of them follow worldwide standards, so you will be prepared to work anywhere in the world.

You’re also ensured comprehensive exam coverage by experienced, certified instructors who are the best in the field.

Cost Of Bootcamp

The cost of ethical hacking bootcamp varies greatly depending on what your looking for in a program.

If you’re just looking for certification prep that lasts only 5 days to 2 weeks, you may pay anywhere from $800 to $2,500.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth program that lasts anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks, you could be looking at anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000.

Timeframe

If you’re looking for a bootcamp where ethical hacking is treated as more of a full training program, the average length is 3 to 4 months.

If you’re just looking to refresh your skills, some bootcamps offer 2-day courses.

For certification only, the average program is about 2 weeks.

Job Outlook

The cybersecurity industry is expected to grow by 31% by 2029.

With more and more companies relying on cyber technology, and the increase in cyber crime, an ethical hacker is definitely a career worth exploring.

The average salary for white hat hackers right now is $130,000 per year.

However, depending on your level of expertise, experience, and where you work, it’s not unheard of for good hackers to make upwards of $700,000 per year.

Some organizations that employ full-time ethical hackers include Bank of America, Tesla, Google, IBM, the U.S. Army, and even smaller companies like Little Caesar’s.

The more education and experience you obtain, the better your chances are of starting your own successful cybersecurity firm.

Top Bootcamps For Ethical Hacking

1. Claims Academy

This 20 week program is offered to students with little to no knowledge of ethical hacking.

You’ll learn from the ground up and be prepared to take the CEH exam upon completion of the course.

Special focus is on penetration testing, upgrading security, perimeter security, and Python.

Rolling start dates are available.

The cost of the program is $15,998 and financing and scholarships are available.

Prior to acceptance, applicants must complete an interview and an introductory course.

Address: 4356 Lindell Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108

Phone: (314)4995888

Website: https://claimacademystl.com

2. Fullstack Academy

Fullstack is one of the longest running cybersecurity bootcamps in the United States.

Their extended program is done online with the support of some of the nation’s top cybersecurity experts as instructors.

The program can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, but you can take up to 26 weeks depending on your schedule.

In addition to other skills, Fullstack focuses on teaching students to be experts in cybersecurity programs like Kali Linux, Command Line, Python, Wireshark, and Bash.

As a student, you’ll have access to career support and an impressive alumni network that can help you with your goals.

The cost of the program is $17,980.

Deferred tuition is available, as well as scholarships, and other financing options.

Address: 147 Prince St.

Brooklyn, New York 11201 (Headquarters)

Phone: (205)8437103

Website: https://www.fullstackacademy.com

3. Flatiron School

Flatiron offers a flexible experience with in-person and online classes that can be taken on a full or part-time basis.

The full-time option can be completed in 15 weeks, but is a rigorous 5 day a week, 8 hour a day program.

The part time option is a bit less intense and offers up to 40 weeks to complete.

Courses include instruction on cryptography, penetration testing, Linux, Python, and Blockchain.

The courses will help students develop the analytical skills they need to apprehend hackers and identity threats.

The school offers career coaching, mentoring, and is partnered with Google, Slack, and IBM to help students find employment.

The cost of tuition is $16,900.

A deferred payment plan is available, along with a monthly payment plan.

Campuses are located in New York City and Washington state.

Address: 11 Broadway

New York, New York 10004

Phone: (888)9580569

Website: https://flatironschool.com

4. NYU Cybersecurity Bootcamp

This part-time, 40 week program is offered as an online program through New York University’s professional studies program.

The bootcamp is designed for students that are new to ethical hacking, but do have experience with IT.

Rolling start dates are available and the cost of the course is $17,980.

Financing options are available.

Address: 7 E. 12th St.

New York, New York 10004

Phone: (212)9987200

Website: https://www.sps.nyu.edu

5. Code Fellows

This online bootcamp is based in Seattle, WA and offers courses for beginners, as well as those already experienced to refresh their skills.

The beginners-bootcamp will prepare students for entry-level jobs in the ethical hacking field.

Graduates have gone on to work for companies like Nike, Amazon, XBOX, and Starbucks.

The course has a rolling start date and is comprised of let, collaborative programming, and hands-on exercises.

With security breach simulations as a regular part of instruction.

Network and mobile security are an integral part of the program.

The average cost of the program is $5,000.

Address: 2901 3rd Ave.

Seattle, WA 98101

Phone: (206)6819318

Website: https://www.codefellows.org

6. Infosec Institute

Infosec offers dual certification upon completion of their bootcamp.

The online course offers live discussions, lab exercises, and independent study.

The entire course is based on real life hacking scenarios, how to identify them and thwart them.

The bootcamp guarantees that if you don’t pass the certification exam on your first try, they will pay for the second try.

The school requests that prospective students contact the school for specific pricing, but deferred and monthly payments are available.

Address: 141 Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, Illinois 60604

Phone: (866)4710059

Website: https://www.infosecinstitute.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of an ethical hacker?

While the responsibilities of an ethical hacker will vary from organization to organization, the basic responsibilities include improving the security of computer systems, testing new software before it’s released to the general public, keeping up with the latest hacking techniques, and setting up security measures for company websites, phone systems, etc.

Where do ethical hackers work?

Ethical hackers can work anywhere there are computers.

But the most common places include software and hardware companies, government agencies, financial institutions, private businesses, and law firms.

Will attending a bootcamp ensure that I pass the certified ethical hacker exam?

While there is no guarantee that you’ll pass the exam, attending a bootcamp will greatly improve your chances of success.

Some schools will even guarantee things like your money back if you don’t pass, or offer to pay for the exam until you pass.

Who is considered the best ethical hacker in the world right now?

The best ethical hacker in the business right now is Kevin Mitnick.

He owns Global Ghost Team.

They have a 100% success rate for penetrating security systems.

Kevin and his ghost team are the most consulted cybersecurity professionals by governments around the world and Fortune 500 companies.

What are the phases of ethical hacking?

Reconnaissance

This is the prep phase where information is gathered before launching an attack.

Scanning

This is where you devise a fast way to gain access to a network to look for information.

Gain Access

This phase involves getting into the system and escalating your user privileges to gain control.

Maintain Access

In this phase, you secure access and launch attacks.

Cover Tracks

The final phase involves clearing caches, cookies, and closing any open ports so you can’t be traced.