Cybersecurity is one of the top tech skills that needs little to no coding. With the age of tech growing, more businesses are becoming digital, which will likely increase the risk of cyberattacks. Even small businesses are now conscious of cyber threats, as they get up to 41% share of yearly attacks. Getting professional in this field is quite a futuristic thing to do. However, to get your first job in this role, employers need to be assured you have the experience, and willingness to improve. You have to assure employers that you are well-versed and not a novice, even though some employers will train you. Getting a practically awarded certificate is one of the best ways to prove this, and Google is here to help with it.
It’s no news that Google has different courses in different tech sectors. Especially tech skill acquisitions, Google offers practical-based online training, and awards certificates of completion after passing the test that comes with it. Let’s explore the Cybersecurity certificate available in Canada for 2024, and yes, it is free.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a free course available to individuals who are new to cybersecurity and wish to become experts. It focuses on both the hard skills needed to become a cybersecurity analyst and the soft skills such as prioritization, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and escalation.
With 5-10 hours of study each week, as needed, this certificate program will provide you with job-ready abilities in less than six months via interactive content (questionnaires, discussion topics, and hands-on activities). You will study a curriculum taught by Google professionals with decades of experience, which is fully online.
This eight-course skills development program will introduce you to industry-standard technologies including Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). With this certification and the hands-on training you get after the program, you will be able to obtain entry-level cybersecurity employment.
The fact that you will not be left alone after completion is a fantastic bonus. After finishing this program, you will have direct access to over 20 firms that are looking for Google Career Certificate holders for open entry-level roles and career resources. It is critical to perform well on the certificate examinations and to be self-practical because this may be a competitive sector.
Furthermore, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate helps graduates prepare for the CompTIA Security+ test. You will receive a discount on the CompTIA Security+ exam and additional training. When you pass both the CompTIA Security+ test and the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, you’ll obtain a one-of-a-kind dual certification that you can offer prospective employers.
What Will You Learn on Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate?
The 8 courses in the certificate program are taught by Google cybersecurity professionals, and you will acquire in-demand skills that will equip you for entry-level positions such as security operations center (SOC) analyst and cybersecurity analyst, among others.
1. Explain Security Ethics
The lesson delves into the ethical aspects of cybersecurity. In addition to learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity ethics, participants will also have a solid handle on the most popular technologies used by cybersecurity researchers.
2. Security Risk Management
Participants will get an in-depth knowledge of security issues that may affect company operations in this thorough session. Prepared to handle risks, vulnerabilities, and threats with confidence, they will delve into security frameworks, controls, and SIEM technologies.
3. Networks and Network Security
The complexity of networks, including their many kinds and parts, is explored in depth in this unit. The course teaches its participants the fundamentals of network communication, including how data travels from source to destination, and how to harden their systems to protect them against infiltration.
4. Linux and SQL
In this part, participants will delve into the basic connection among hardware, applications, and operating systems. Along with learning how to navigate the Linux file system using the Bash shell and comparing graphical and command line interfaces, they will also explore SQL for database information retrieval.
5. Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
Gaining a fundamental comprehension of assets, risks, and vulnerabilities is the focus of this part. Among the covered topics are asset classification, attack surface analysis, and threat identification (including social engineering and malware). A comprehensive overview of cybersecurity will be provided by summarizing the threat modeling methodology.
6. Detection and Response
In this session, attendees will delve into the fundamentals of cybersecurity incident detection and response. Preparedness for investigation and response is provided in this section, which covers topics such as analyzing network communications and comprehending the syntax and components of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
7. Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python
This unit provides an overview of Python’s use in the field of cybersecurity. Building user-defined functions, extracting data using regular expressions, and debugging code are all things that participants will work on. Improving automation abilities for cybersecurity-related jobs is the main objective.
8. Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs
To help students become ready for careers in cybersecurity, we’ve included a final component. Among the covered topics are asset classification, attack surface analysis, and threat identification (including social engineering and malware). The course will teach participants how to code according to the PEP 8 style standard and how to program in Python.
Is the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Enough to Get a Cybersecurity Job in 2024?
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate equips learners but may not independently secure a cybersecurity job. The program provides a comprehensive cybersecurity introduction but lacks the practical experience found in certifications like CompTIA Security+.
Cybersecurity demands specialization in network security, cloud security, and application security for diverse expertise. Broad-topic certificate programs may lack the depth and expertise found in specialized certifications.
Is the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Worth it in 2024?
Yes, it does, especially if you are looking to get into Cybersecurity, it remains a valuable asset for individuals aspiring to enter the field of cybersecurity. The program thoroughly introduces cybersecurity, providing learners with vital skills for industry excellence.
Moreover, the program is provided by Google, a prominent player in the technology industry, and obtaining the certificate can greatly enhance one’s resume. The program offers a self-paced learning experience, enabling learners to complete the coursework at their convenience. Additionally, it is easily accessible online, allowing learners from all over the world to participate.
Take Away
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, which will be offered to Canadians in 2024, is an important first step in the ever-changing sector of cybersecurity. It meets industry expectations and provides an accessible path for entry-level careers by combining hard and soft skills. While it does not guarantee a job on its own, its notoriety, industry relevance, and relationships with potential employers make it an invaluable resource. Aspiring professionals should use this certificate as a springboard to a successful career in cybersecurity, supplemented by hands-on experience and ongoing study.
