I’ve taken the Google Cybersecurity Certificate

And here, you can read what I think about the certificate, and if you should consider taking it or not.

So, as the cybersecurity field has expanded more and more throughout the years, I’ve decided to take the first step toward a cyber security career, which is to take the most entry-level friendly cyber security certificate, and this is the reason that made me consider the Google offer on the matter. And in this post, I will try to answer some questions: What are my thoughts on the certificate? Do I regret taking it? Would I recommend it to anyone?

First of all, let’s look at what the Google Cybersecurity Certificate looks like:

the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program on Coursera aims to equip learners with foundational skills in IT support and cybersecurity. The certificate consists of several courses designed to provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in various cybersecurity domains.

Here is a general summary of the program’s structure and key topics covered in the courses:

1. Foundations of Cybersecurity: This course typically covers the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity, including the importance of security in technology, basic security principles, threat models, encryption, and secure communications.
2. Play it safe: Manage Cybersecurity Risks: Learners delve into the principles and practices of encryption and decryption, understanding cryptographic protocols, algorithms, and their applications in securing data and gain insights into security operations, compliance frameworks, risk management, and best practices for maintaining security in an organizational context.
3. Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security: This segment focuses on securing networks, covering topics such as firewalls, secure network design principles, protocols, intrusion detection systems, and best practices for safeguarding network infrastructure.
4. Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL: This course covers basic functionality and command line interaction with the Linux OS and some basic SQL queries.
5. Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities: This course usually covers strategies and techniques for detecting, responding to, and mitigating security incidents and breaches. It may include incident analysis, containment, and recovery procedures.
6. Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response: This part emphasizes securing applications, exploring topics like secure coding practices, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing measures to protect software and applications.
7. Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python: This course gives a lot of practice in Python concepts, beginning with simple and very basic Python code, and going to some intermediate applications of the programming language.
8. Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs: This course gives a huge amount of material to prepare the course takers for the job market, instructing how to have a good resume and how to engage with the Cybersecurity community.

Throughout the program, hands-on labs, projects, and real-world scenarios might be integrated to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Additionally, the curriculum may cover tools commonly used in cybersecurity, offering exposure to relevant software and technologies.

Upon completion of the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, learners are expected to have gained a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and tools, preparing them for entry-level roles in cybersecurity or IT support.

So, the question remains, Did I like it?

The short answer is: YES!

So, I can give so many reasons why I liked the course, and more in-depth, why I liked to be in touch with the cybersecurity world.

1. High Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals: With the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats, there’s a growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals across various industries. Pursuing the Google Cybersecurity Certificate can provide a pathway into this high-demand field.
2. Career Opportunities: Cybersecurity offers a diverse range of career paths, including roles such as security analysts, penetration testers, incident responders, ethical hackers, and more. The Google Cybersecurity Certificate can serve as a stepping stone to these rewarding career opportunities.
3. Constant Learning and Challenges: Cybersecurity is a field that continually evolves due to emerging threats and technologies. Entry-level courses introduce learners to the dynamic nature of cybersecurity, offering continuous learning opportunities and challenges that keep the field exciting, and Google’s course is no different than this.
4. Protecting Digital Assets: Understanding cybersecurity fundamentals allows individuals to contribute to safeguarding digital information and assets. This knowledge is valuable not only in professional settings but also in personal life, enhancing digital security practices.
5. Good Salary Prospects: Cybersecurity roles often offer competitive salaries due to the high demand for skilled professionals. Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate can be the first step toward a lucrative career in this field, and I hope so because this was the main reason I decided to take this course.
6. Global Relevance and Impact: Cybersecurity is a globally relevant concern affecting businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide. Acquiring cybersecurity skills can lead to impactful work that helps protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats.
7. Flexible Learning Option: The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is available online through Coursera, offering a flexible learning schedule that allows individuals to study at their own pace.
8. Preparation for Advanced Studies or Certifications: The Google Cybersecurity Certificate serves as a foundation for more advanced cybersecurity studies or industry certifications. It provides the necessary groundwork for further specialization in specific areas of cybersecurity, including the wanted CompTIA Security+ certification, which Google offers a 30% discount for the CompTIA exam for those who finish the course.
9. Contribution to Society: By entering the field of cybersecurity, individuals can contribute to global efforts to combat cybercrime, protect privacy, and ensure a safer digital environment for everyone.

Final Thoughts

So, would I recommend the Google Cybersecurity Certificate? Yes and No.

Depending on which stage you are in your career, I think that this certificate won’t give you any benefits, BUT, if you’re like me, that is thinking about transitioning to cybersecurity, I recommend this course, as I think that it can provide you with two big essential things:

1. Foundational knowledge about the field.
2. A 30% discount on CompTIA’s Security+ certification exam.

To finish, I would like to share with you that I’m currently pursuing the ISC2 CC certification, which I hope I can get soon, and later I will study and attempt to get the famous CompTIA Security+ Certification. So, I will come back to this topic, sooner or later, either for the good or for the bad.