Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program
Overview
Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program
Considering a career in cybersecurity? Our online 24-week Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program is designed to help true beginners successfully transition into entry-level to intermediate roles and learn to leverage today’s most in-demand tools and technologies.
Powered by Infosec, a leading cybersecurity training company, this online cybersecurity training program includes 640 hours of industry-driven curriculum, live classes taught by cybersecurity experts, one-on-one career coaching, and interactive cybersecurity labs. You will acquire the skills companies are actively hiring for and build a demonstrable portfolio through real-world projects. After completing this 24-week program, you will receive a CompTIA Security+ exam voucher, Certificate of Completion from George Mason University and access to our career coaching services, which will help you create an impressive resume and prepare for your future job interview.
This cybersecurity certification training is made available through a unique consortium delivery model to provide skill-based learning to you in a live, online environment alongside other students from participating universities and institutions nationwide. With multiple annual start dates and flexible financing options, you can kickstart your cybersecurity training quickly when it works best for you!
+ What Sets This Program Apart
We designed our Intensive Cybersecurity Training Program with entry-level professionals in mind. This cohort-based program offers a mix of self-paced and live online training, along with hands-on exercises, allowing you to fast-track your cybersecurity career in just over six months—no disruptions to your current work schedule. No prior experience in cybersecurity, programming, or systems administration is required. Discover comprehensive training that includes:
- 640 Hours of Training: This online cybersecurity training is a mixture of self-paced assignments, interactive labs, and 360 hours of live instructor sessions on evenings and weekends.
- Expert Support and Accountability: Stay on track with cohort-based learning and get live, real-time support from experienced industry professionals with more than 10 years in the cybersecurity field.
- Demonstratable Skills: Build a professional portfolio by completing capstone projects throughout your program. You’ll also prepare to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam and have the option to earn Skills Verification Credentials to prove your expertise to employers.
- Knowledge Retention Assurance: Receive on-demand access to 1,400+ cybersecurity courses and cyber ranges, helping you keep your skills sharp while you prepare to start your cybersecurity career.
- Career Coaching: Get access to one-on-one career coaching services and a digital career services platform that will provide you with additional support and tools to kickstart your career in cybersecurity.
+ What You Will Learn
In just over six months, you will build a robust foundation in cybersecurity through a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.
Self-paced Pre-work
Cybersecurity Foundations 101: Modern Computing Technologies and Operating Systems
Cybersecurity Foundations 10: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Learn about modern computer technologies and different operating systems then explore the field of cybersecurity and its core concepts and many career pathways.
Weeks 1-6 Cohort Begins
Course 201: Foundations of IT & Computer Operations
Starting with help desk operations and ITIL fundamentals, the course covers Windows administration, system management, network infrastructure, and security basics. Learn essential skills like troubleshooting methodology, system backup and recovery, performance monitoring, and network configuration.
Weeks 7-12
Course 301: Network & Systems Administration
Progress from network infrastructure fundamentals through Windows Server administration, Linux systems management, cloud infrastructure, network security, and finally system integration. Develop hands-on skills in router configuration, Active Directory implementation, Linux service management, cloud deployment, and security controls.
Weeks 13-24
Course 401: Cybersecurity Engineering
The first six weeks (401a) focuses on governance and operations, covering GRC fundamentals, data security, SIEM implementation, cloud security, and SOC operations. The second six weeks (401b) transitions to hands-on security engineering and penetration testing, including offensive security techniques, vulnerability assessment, exploitation methodologies, and specialized areas like web, mobile, and IoT security.
(Optional Post-Program) Skills Verification Credentials
After this training program, you can sit for an additional assessment and gain up to three Skills Verification Credentials delivered through Infosec. Credentials are given in the following three areas: Penetration Testing, Cyber Threat Hunting, and Incident Response. These verification credentials will be available via the Skills Library and you will receive an MP4 file that can be shared to showcase your expertise to peers and potential employers.
+ What is Included
What Is Included
- Approximately 40 hours of program pre-work
- Three weekly virtual sessions over 24 weeks (15 hours/week), totaling 360 hours of live instruction
- 24/7 access to an advanced lab environment to navigate real-world scenarios and apply your knowledge
- Career coaching services through Career.io, including one-on-one support from a professional resume writer, interview coaching, cybersecurity job application assistance, LinkedIn profile reviews, and more
- 12-month access to InfoSec Skills library upon enrollment, featuring 1,400+ hands-on cybersecurity courses and cyber ranges
- CompTIA Security+ certification exam voucher
- Six weeks post-program Skills Verification Credentials activities in three focused areas: Penetration Testing, Cyber Threat Hunting, and Incident Response.
+ How We Will Support You
You are not alone. We are here to help you every step of the way to ensure you are positioned for learning and career success with:
- Enrollment representatives to guide you through the enrollment process, answering your questions and ensuring this program is right for you and your career goals
- Real-time instructor support, including feedback on coursework and projects, career path insights, and help overcoming technical or learning obstacles
- Peer support, networking, and accountability with a cohort of students from participating universities and institutions nationwide
- Career and resume services through Career.io, including one-on-one professional support to rewrite your resume and LinkedIn profile and a 30-minute job interview coaching session. Plus, get 30 days of premium access to the career.io platform
- Financing options available
+ Cybersecurity Careers You Will Prepare For
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to position yourself as a qualified candidate for common entry-level cyber roles. With cybersecurity positions like information security analysts experiencing rapid growth nationally (33% increase by 2033) and six-figure salaries ($120,360), now is a great time to train for a career primed to continue prospering for years to come (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Cybersecurity is in high demand in Washington, DC. This city ranks among the best for industry salary, with government agencies and private firms looking to employ many cybersecurity professionals. Lightcast labor insights report that the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area will see a 14.8% increase in the job growth of information security analysts by 2034, with an average annual salary of $140,559.
CompTIA notes that the Security+ certification is the industry standard for validating baseline skills needed to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. Some of the roles this credential prepares you for include the junior IT auditor/penetration tester job role, in addition to systems administrator, network administrator, and security administrator. These roles are in demand in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area. For example, a network and computer systems administrator can earn $116,982 annually, significantly higher than the national median salary.
+ FAQs
What is the median salary for a cybersecurity professional?
Cybersecurity professionals can find themselves within many roles in a company, but one of the most common job titles of cybersecurity professionals is an information security analyst. ZipRecruiter notes that the average cybersecurity salary in Washington, DC, is $150,142. This number can vary depending on your role or organization. For example, Indeed notes that a cybersecurity specialist's salary in Washington, DC, is currently $121,731 (2024).
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity, also known as information technology security and electronic information security, is the practice of protecting sensitive information by defending computers, mobile devices, servers, networks, electronic systems, and data from digital attacks. Cybersecurity is often divided into categories. Some of the more common categories include network security, application security, information security, operational security, disaster recovery and business continuity, and end-user education.
Is cybersecurity an in-demand career?
It has become increasingly difficult to implement effective cybersecurity measures because there are more devices than people globally, and cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly more innovative. IBM estimated that the average cost of a data breach in 2020 was 3.86 million USD globally and 8.64 million USD within the U.S., including expenses related to detecting and responding to a breach, the lost revenue and downtime, and the long-term reputational damage suffered by a business. Businesses are looking for professionals with the knowledge necessary to protect their valuable assets.
The BLS projects a 32% growth, which is much faster than the average job growth of 7.7% throughout all occupations in the U.S., excluding recovery from COVID-19. The International Data Corporation (IDC) anticipates that the cybersecurity market will keep expanding at a double-digit rate, potentially reaching $200 billion by 2028. Additionally, CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce 2024 report indicates that employment in the U.S. cybersecurity sector is expected to grow by 267% beyond the national growth rate.
Who should enroll in the Cybersecurity Intensive Training Program?
This program has been designed for beginners, whether you are at the beginning of your career or switching into the cybersecurity industry. It is recommended that you have a general understanding of Windows client operating system as well as experience with Microsoft products and technologies.
Who is Infosec?
If you are new to cybersecurity, you may not have heard of Infosec. But IT and cybersecurity professionals have trusted Infosec to support their career development for over 20 years. In fact, more than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec to develop their security talent and teams.
What is Infosec’s Skill Library?
Infosec Skills provides unlimited access to an extensive library of on-demand cybersecurity training, covering every security role from beginner to advanced. Benefits include:
- 190+ pre-built learning paths mapped to industry standards and the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity
- Hundreds of hands-on labs, including MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques
- Training for CompTIA, ISC2, ISACA, EC-Council, Cisco, AWS, and more
Why are the Infosec Skills Verification Credentials more valuable to employers than traditional digital badging?
The Infosec Skills Verification Credentials offer a unique advantage over standard digital badging by specifically evaluating an individual's application of knowledge through a recorded assessment. This assessment measures numerous factors such as speed, content knowledge, and effective resource utilization, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of real-world skills.
Employers appreciate this model because it clearly distinguishes between those who can theoretically understand concepts and those who can practically apply their knowledge in a work environment. Traditional virtual badging has become oversaturated and often fails to meet employer expectations, reflecting content knowledge that can be easily inflated or manipulated. In contrast, the Skills Verification Credential demonstrates a candidate's ability to execute relevant skills. This will not only enhance employability, but also provide proof of practical abilities, setting students apart from other candidates in the job market.
When will I receive access to the prerequisite coursework?
After you pay your non-refundable $100 registration fee and confirm your cohort start date, you will gain access to Infosec’s Skills Library and your two foundational courses to begin your self-paced pre-work.
Is the CompTIA Security+ certification worth it?
The CompTIA Security+ credential is an entry-level, vendor-neutral, global information security certification. Earning this certification demonstrates competency to perform core information security functions. Employers who see this certification on a resume can rest assured that the certification holder is serious about progressing in their information security career.
CompTIA Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.
What if I need to cancel?
You may cancel your course and receive a full refund prior to your course. Additionally, you may cancel and receive a full refund after your cohort start and prior to the 10 day drop window once your course begins. After 10 days there are no refunds.
What if I need an extension?
Please speak with your instructor regarding your extension request. Requests for an extensions will be considered if the student meet has 85% attendance of the live class sessions by the original class end date.
How To Reserve Your Spot
Ready to secure your place in the next cohort? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Fill Out the Form
Provide your contact details, and our enrollment representative will reach out to discuss the program, financing options, and your start date.
Step 2: Pay the Registration Fee
Submit a non-refundable $100 registration fee to secure your place in the cohort. After registering, you will gain access to Infosec’s Skills Library for 12 months and two prerequisite courses to kickstart your learning. This foundational component is designed to prepare you for success in your program.
Course Sections