What to Expect: Learning Cybersecurity at Lighthouse Labs

Lighthouse Labs is preparing the next generation of cybersecurity talent through its comprehensive, hands-on Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Jake Munro, the Lead Cybersecurity Instructor at Lighthouse Labs, gives us an overview of the bootcamp curriculum (which includes Python programming!) and the types of cyber and networking roles bootcamp graduates will be eligible for. Plus, find out what cybersecurity bootcamp students can expect from the Career Services at Lighthouse Labs. 

What makes cybersecurity such a good career path in 2024?

Cybersecurity is an excellent career path in 2024 due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. As businesses and organizations rely more on digital infrastructure, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise. This field offers strong job security, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a significant impact by protecting sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of critical systems. Additionally, cybersecurity offers diverse career paths, from ethical hacking to security analysis, allowing professionals to find niches that suit their interests and skills.

What types of cybersecurity or networking roles does this bootcamp prepare students for?

Our bootcamp prepares graduates for a variety of roles including, but not limited to:

• Cybersecurity Analyst 
• Information Security Analyst 
• Incident Responder/Handler 
• Network Security Operator/ Specialist 
• Risk Analyst 

One of the best parts of the field of Cybersecurity is the diversity of roles available! For example, one of our cybersecurity alumni had a background in criminal justice and is now working as a Digital Evidence Technician.

What can students expect to learn in the Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

The Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp equips students with essential cybersecurity skills through a comprehensive curriculum divided into key modules:

• IT Essentials: Introduction to operating systems, networking frameworks, and networking tools.
• Security Essentials: Basics of cybersecurity, including industry frameworks, types of attacks, and system monitoring.
• Programming for Cybersecurity: Python programming, task automation, and other languages such as Bash and batch scripting.
• Blue Team Fundamentals: Security operations roles, tasks, and assessing organizational security posture.
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance: In-depth coverage of risk management techniques and compliance standards.
• Vulnerability Assessment: Identifying and remediating system and computer vulnerabilities.
• Incident Response: Responding to security incidents, analyzing attacks, and using playbooks and policies for management.
• Encryption: Methods and best practices for encrypting data to protect confidential information.
• Threat Defense: Using open-source information to gather intelligence on threats and create defense plans.
• Forensics: Analyzing data to determine how an attacker gained access, what they did, and what they stole.
• Secure Architecture: Best practices and frameworks for configuring systems securely.
• Final Project: A simulated data breach scenario where students analyze the incident, create a timeline, and provide recommendations for preventing future breaches.

Is the Cybersecurity Bootcamp at Lighthouse Labs a full-time or part-time bootcamp? How many hours a week should students expect to spend on the bootcamp?

The Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp is offered as both immersive, full-time, and flexible, part-time: 

• In our full-time bootcamp students should expect to spend approximately 60-80 hours per week on the bootcamp. This includes attending daily lectures, participating in hands-on labs, completing assignments, and studying for technical interviews.
• In our part-time bootcamp students should expect to spend approximately 25-30 hours per week on the bootcamp. This includes attending lectures twice a week, participating in hands-on labs, completing assignments, and studying for technical interviews.

It’s important to note, that regardless of whether you choose the full-time or part-time delivery method, the curriculum and outcomes are the same.

Who are the instructors for the Cybersecurity Bootcamp? How are they trained?

Lighthouse Labs has a team of cybersecurity instructors with diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and teaching experience, boasting decades of combined experience. Before they jump into teaching live lectures, instructors are introduced to Lighthouse Labs’ teaching framework and methodology.

They are trained by another instructor to familiarize them with the workflow of a lecture and effective communication in a virtual environment. Instructor reviews are conducted regularly to ensure adherence to the framework and that the material taught aligns with industry standards and best practices.

Will students also be participating in labs during the bootcamp? 

Yes! Students are provided with a virtual environment and network where they can perform scans and tests, and learn to use technical tools. Often, students receive a scenario or company profile to simulate a professional setting, where they are tasked by their manager to complete specific project steps. They also create reports for some projects, demonstrating their knowledge to technical and non-technical audiences. Hands-on learning is a critical component of the Lighthouse Labs experience.

Does the Cybersecurity Bootcamp prepare students for any industry-recognized certifications? 

Our Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum was designed to align with the CompTIA Security+ certification. Lighthouse Labs provides eligible Upskill Canada students with a CompTIA Security+ voucher post-graduation. The bootcamp prepares students to take this test and provides external resources for extra studying if they wish to do so. 

Is there an ideal student for Lighthouse Labs’ Cybersecurity Bootcamp?

The ideal student for Lighthouse Labs’ Cybersecurity Bootcamp is someone who is:

• Curious and eager to learn
• Analytical and detail-oriented
• Good at problem-solving
• Able to work well under pressure
• Interested in technology and cybersecurity

While having a background in IT or networking can be beneficial, the course is designed to be appropriate for beginners. No prior experience in cybersecurity is required since the bootcamp covers fundamental concepts and skills needed to start a career in the field.

What can applicants expect from the admissions process for the cybersecurity bootcamp?

The admissions process for the Cybersecurity Bootcamp typically includes these three steps:

1. Application submission: Prospective students fill out an application form detailing their background and interest in cybersecurity.
2. Logic assessment: Applicants are required to complete a 15-minute multiple-choice assessment to evaluate their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Interview: Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview to discuss their motivations, career goals, and suitability for the bootcamp.

Is there pre-work for the bootcamp? 

Yes, there is pre-work for the bootcamp. Students are required to complete approximately 40 hours of prep work to prepare them for the course. This pre-work is self-paced and designed to ensure that all participants have a solid foundation before starting the intensive bootcamp.

What kinds of career support can Lighthouse Labs’s cybersecurity students expect?

Our goal at Lighthouse Labs is to provide you with the tools, career knowledge, and confidence to be successful in your new cybersecurity career. 

Your Career Services Advisors are there to teach or review the skills you need for the job search and your long-term career journey beyond Lighthouse Labs. Some of the skills covered include resume and cover letter development, networking, interviewing skills, and more.

Post-bootcamp you can expect bi-weekly group coaching sessions with your peers led by Career Services Advisors, access to appointments with Career Services Advisors for 1:1 career chats, resume reviews, mock behavioral interviews, and bi-weekly newsletters. Bootcamp graduates will also have access to Huntr, which is a platform that helps you to automatically track and organize your job search and fill out application forms with one click.

Are scholarships or grants available to incoming cybersecurity students at Lighthouse Labs to make tuition more affordable?

We understand that everyone's financial situation and priorities are unique, which means that different financing options may be more suitable for different individuals. We offer a whole suite of financing options, available in our Financial Guide, to suit an applicant's specific needs and circumstances, including their financial responsibilities, repayment preferences, and long-term goals.

We've partnered with Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada to deliver our full-time Cybersecurity Bootcamp for just $3,500. This comprehensive partnership also includes a $1,400 internship project in collaboration with Riipen, along with a voucher for graduates to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam upon bootcamp completion.

Find out more and read Lighthouse Labs reviews on Course Report. This article was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with Lighthouse Labs.