ASU launches cyber security boot camp to boost talent pool

Arizona State University’s (ASU) Continuing and Professional Education and Trilogy Education Services announced the launch of ASU Cybersecurity Boot Camp designed to fill the growing need for cyber security talent.

As businesses turn to digital solutions and strategies, skill gaps in the technical field have become an increasingly growing problem. This boot camp, targeting working professionals is set to teach applied technical skills to fill the growing demand for cyber security talent in Phoenix.

Businesses in this area alone struggled to fill more than 30,000 open roles requiring cyber security skills in 2019, according to Burning Glass Labor Insights.

Key findings of the 2019 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study indicates a necessary cyber security workforce growth of 145% by 2020. In the US alone, the current shortage of professionals skilled in cyber security is close to 500,000 personnel.

This trend reflects the growing demand for professionals specialising in cyber security. According to this LinkedIn report, cyber scurity specialists are among the top 10 emerging jobs with an average annual salary of $103,000.

In the face of this growing need, ASU and Trilogy Education’s strategy involves providing training and  professional development opportunities to existing professionals across various fields.

Director of Continuing & Professional Education for EdPlus at Arizona State University, Darcy Richardson, said, “The demand for cyber security professionals is growing rapidly and the skills these professionals need are changing just as fast,”

“The ASU Cybersecurity Boot Camp will teach students a range of important technologies and give them the tools to stay one step ahead in a space that is constantly evolving to adapt to new threats.”

The ASU Cybersecurity Boot Camp aims produce industry-ready professionals by empowering participants with the knowledge and skills to protect their organisations against cyber-attacks. This will be achieved by providing them with industry-relevant experience designed to solve real-world problems.

This boot camp aims to equip participants with technical skills in information technology, networking, and modern information security.

Participants will develop proficiency in various tools in cyber security including Wireshark, Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nessus, and more, as well as develop skills applicable to certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, and CEH.

Participants of the boot camp will spend 20 hours a week on off-site projects. These projects involve penetration testing to learn how to test an organisation’s security protection measures, to simulate real-world problems.

This boot camp will also provide participants with access to career-planning services, portfolio reviews, and recruiting assistance.

Participants will receive a Certificate in Cybersecurity from ASU’s Continuing & Professional Education after completing the boot camp.