High demand for cybersecurity professionals in Northeast Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In response to a 475% increase in national cybercrime reports in March, there is a high demand for cybersecurity jobs nationwide.

University of North Florida and Fullstack Academy announced it is offering a live boot camp training program targeting early career and experienced professionals.

The online boot camp trains students of any skill level for high-paying, in-demand jobs in just six months.

During times of social distancing and with millions of people working from home, demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing.

“If you look at it there are more than 3,000 jobs that are unfilled in the cybersecurity just in Jacksonville alone,” said UNF Dean of Continuing Education Edyth Abdullah.

Nimit Maru is the CEO of Fullstack Academy.

“Our top employers include Google, Amazon and Facebook,” explained Maru.

Maru says the online boot camp program is offered to anyone looking for a career in cybersecurity.

“When you come out of the class you will be able to start a career at a cybersecurity firm,” said Maru.

“We have a very large health care system, our financial systems are in desperate need, you can also have utilities that sometimes get hacked,” said Abdullah.

In 26 weeks, you will get hands-on experience with a tuition of $11,910.

“That sounds big but when you think about the outcome, is a full-time position at about $70,000 or more a year,” Abdullah explained.

Maru told Action News Jax among those who graduate from the program, 79% surveyed say they've been employed by a job requiring the skills they learned at boot camp, with an average salary increase of 49%.

Maru says jobs in cybersecurity will continue to grow during the pandemic and after it has passed.

The online program begins in June and the application deadline is June 1.

To learn how you can register click here.

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