Becoming a

Cybersecurity
Professional
NJIT Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp
What Cybersecurity Is (and Isn’t)
Welcome to the world of cybersecurity, a dynamic sector that beckons individuals from
all walks of life.

Cybersecurity involves safeguarding digital systems, networks and information from

diverse cyber threats. Professionals in this field utilize various strategies to detect
vulnerabilities and risks, ensuring the security of our digital world.

Your unique background, skills and perspectives are not just valued—they
are essential to the cybersecurity industry. Whether you come from a tech-
savvy background or possess expertise from other disciplines, your contribution is key to
creating a defense against ever-evolving cyber risks.

The cybersecurity unemployment

rate dropped to 0% in 2016
and has remained there ever since.
Source: Cybersecurity Ventures

What
Cybersecurity Is:
Protection: Cybersecurity involves Education: It involves educating
establishing measures to prevent employees and users about best
unauthorized access to systems practices.
and data.

Detection: It includes methods Ethical Hacking: Organizations

to identify potential threats and use ethical hackers to identify
security breaches in real-time or vulnerabilities in their systems.
after the fact.

Response: Cybersecurity
professionals react swiftly to
security incidents, containing
and mitigating the damage while
recovering affected systems.

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 What
Cybersecurity Isn't:

Solely About Technology: One-Size-Fits-All: Effective

Human behavior, policies and cybersecurity is tailored to an
processes are integral to a secure organization's unique needs.
environment.

Static: Cybersecurity is a Just About Computers: It extends

constantly evolving field due to the beyond computers to include
ever-changing landscape of threats, all networked devices, including
technologies and vulnerabilities. smartphones, IoT devices and
industrial control systems.

Only for IT Professionals:

Collaboration across
departments, including legal,
management, human resources
and more, are essential.

Joshua C.
Former Bootcamp Learner

What I gained from the program I would

not trade for anything else and would
absolutely recommend it as a starting
point for those interested in this field. This
program allots a person an insane amount
of knowledge, networking capabilities and
resources that they will carry with them
long after the program finishes.”

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Decoding
Cybersecurity's Past
Throughout its history, cybersecurity has evolved from basic protection
measures to a complex and multidimensional field, encompassing not only
technical solutions but also legal, policy and ethical considerations. The
ongoing evolution of technology and threats ensures that cybersecurity
remains a critical aspect of modern society.

1970s-1980s:
Pioneering Days

The first computer viruses and

worms: Creeper and Morris Worm

The concept of password

security emerges

1990s:
Rise of Malware and Antivirus

Malware attacks lead to the first

commercial antivirus software

2000s:
Emergence of Cybercrime

Internet growth leads to phishing,

identity theft and credit card fraud

The need for improved security

measures arises

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 2010s:
Advanced Threats and Nation-State Attacks

State-sponsored cyber attacks

gain prominence

Sophisticated and persistent data

theft attacks appear

Ransomware attacks surge

2020s:
Continued Evolution

Supply chain attacks and data

breaches emerge

Emphasis on cloud security, AI-driven

threat detection

Growing focus on regulations to

address global cybersecurity challenges

Why You Should Work in This Field

Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact.
Cybersecurity is a broad field with many career paths. Professionals in this field
form a unique community to protect critical infrastructure, assets and the public
from cyber threats.

If you're passionate about

protecting people and
organizations from cyber
threats, then a career in
cybersecurity could be the
perfect fit for you.

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Cybersecurity Is
Essential to
Our Way of Life
Cybersecurity professionals are a vital
community of defenders. Their mission
goes beyond safeguarding networks, data
and systems–they protect individuals,
organizations and societies from evolving
cyber threats.

United by a common purpose, this

community rises to challenges with
unwavering determination. By decoding
the hidden language of malware, dissecting
the anatomy of breaches and constructing
barriers against cyberattacks, cybersecurity
professionals enable us to thrive in a digital
world full of smart devices.

Their commitment extends to crafting

policies that preserve privacy, advocating
for ethical digital practices and empowering
individuals with the knowledge to safeguard
their digital footprints.

Cyber professionals are a collective force, pooling their diverse skills

and perspectives to adapt to the evolving tactics of adversaries.
As cyber threats grow in complexity, so does the unity of this community.

Jay H.
Former Bootcamp Learner

Over the 10 month course, us students

learned enough to land a SOC, NOC or
Helpdesk role. From Linux to Windows,
we got a basic rundown of the various
tasks that we might see in the future as a
prospective cyber security analyst.”

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Cybersecurity:
A Field of Opportunity
The demand for cybersecurity professionals spans every sector as the skills gap
continues to broaden. Organizations continue to invest in faster, more advanced
networks and technologies to manage their daily operations, creating a continuous
need for trained cybersecurity professionals.

While AI has the potential to enhance various aspects of cybersecurity,

human expertise remains crucial.

The bottom line, there are too many open positions and not enough candidates to
fill them. Companies have no choice but to entice potential employees by offering
higher salaries. Companies are spending more on cybersecurity, and that trend is
bound to continue.

There are 750,000+

open cybersecurity jobs
needing to be filled.
Source: Statista

$82,000/yr is the
national average for entry-
level cybersecurity earnings.
Source: Glassdoor.com

The cyber job market is projected to

grow 33% between 2021 and 2031.

Reference: CompTIA® blog

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The Solution? You.
There are a number of ways to shrink the cybersecurity skills gap:

1 Reskilling
2 Boosting Diversity 3 Upskilling

Closing the cybersecurity skills gap is so

crucial to organizations that recruiters
are increasingly open to extending
opportunities to candidates from a variety
of backgrounds who may not follow the
conventional trajectory of a cybersecurity
professional. What's more, the Fortinet
2022 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global
Research Report reveals that providing
training opportunities for individuals from
underrepresented groups can significantly
contribute to closing this skills gap.

Whether you are transitioning from another industry, have forged

a unique career path, or belong to a traditionally marginalized
group in the tech sector, the field of cybersecurity offers immense
opportunities to welcome your own blend of diversity.

Joseph L.

Former Bootcamp Learner

The course was overall a great

experience. There was plenty of
hands-on work to accomplish as well as
resources that went along with it. Many
of the instructors were very well-versed
and great at answering questions about
the course.”

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It’s a pivotal time for job seekers interested in learning new skills or changing careers.
As employers move away from “traditional” candidates with a four-year degree in
cybersecurity or related work experience, individuals willing to take the leap and reskill
have more opportunities.

As cyber threats evolve, experienced professionals need to continually upskill in order

to outsmart hackers. Existing security professionals can also close the skills gap with
additional training and certifications as they seek advancement opportunities.

This means you no longer need

years of experience or a highly
technical background to train as
a cybersecurity professional.

How You Can Make the Switch

If you’re looking to start or advance your career in the cyber industry, a
cybersecurity bootcamp is an investment that offers a high return in terms
of career opportunities, skill development and market relevance. It's a
strategic move to capitalize on the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals
and secure a promising and dynamic career in an essential field.

Be job-ready in under a year

with the NJIT Cybersecurity
Professional Bootcamp.

Our accelerated training offers:

Rapid Skill Development

Practical, Hands-On Learning

Industry-Relevant Skills

Networking Opportunities

Proven Career Outcomes

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Beyond
Accelerated Training
Cybersecurity certifications are highly sought after in the industry. In addition to
gaining hands-on training, the NJIT Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp provides
foundational knowledge for a number of industry-recognized cybersecurity
certifications*. Boost your credentials with our in-depth resources and learn skills you
can apply to the following certification exams:

AWS Certified
Cloud Practitioner

Cisco Certified CyberOps

Associate

(ISC)2 SSCP**

LPI Linux Essentials

CompTIA® CySA+

CompTIA® Network+

GIAC Security Essentials

Certified Incident Handler

Certified Information
Security Manager

There are only enough cybersecurity

workers in the United States to

fill 69% of the cybersecurity

jobs that employers demand.
Source: cyberseek.org

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 As part of the Complete Program
offered by the NJIT Cybersecurity
Professional Bootcamp, you can
also take our optional CompTIA®
Security+ Certification Exam
Prep Course, complete with
a voucher for the CompTIA®
Security+ certification exam itself.

Establishes the core knowledge

required for any cybersecurity role

The only foundational cybersecurity

certification that emphasizes hands-
on practical skills

A globally recognized certification

that establishes the core knowledge
required in the field and provides a
springboard to intermediate-level
cybersecurity jobs

*While the curriculum includes subjects covered by many industry exams, this bootcamp program solely includes
an optional CompTIA® Security+ certification prep course and exam voucher. No other preparatory courses or
vouchers are provided as part of the curriculum or cost of the bootcamp program and require additional costs
not included in tuition.

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 Contact or schedule a call with an advisor to learn more about
how to launch your career in cybersecurity.

Schedule a Call

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