Google Cybersecurity Certification Review: Is It Worth It?

As the world becomes more interconnected, organizations of all sizes are placing a greater emphasis on cybersecurity. Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in cyber threats, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks. This has created a massive demand for Experts in cybersecurity who can protect valuable data and assets.

Introducing the Cybersecurity Professional Certificate offered by Google – a convenient online program specifically designed to equip learners with the necessary skills for starting a career in the cybersecurity industry. In this Google Cybersecurity Certification Review, we’ll explore what the certificate entails, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

🎓 Course:	Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate.
📝 Description:	Your path to a career in cybersecurity. No degree or experience is required.
👨‍🏫 Instructor:	Experts from Google.
🔍 Skills Gained:	Foundations of cybersecurity, security threats & analysis, data protection & privacy, endpoint & network security, threat intelligence & forensics.
⌚ Duration:	6 months at 7 hours a week.
📌 Action:	Enroll Now for Free!
⭐ Rating:	4.8 ⭐ (21,565 reviews) – 481,195 already enrolled

What is the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate?

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a certification course available online through Coursera in partnership with Google. It aims to equip learners with the skills needed for Entry-level cybersecurity jobs.

The program consists of 8 courses that cover a range of topics, including:

• Foundations of cybersecurity
• Managing security risks
• Network security
• Linux and SQL
• Assets, threats, and vulnerabilities
• Detection and response to threats
• Automating tasks with Python
• Preparing for a cybersecurity career

The certificate can be finished within a time frame of less than six months, requiring approximately ten hours of study per week. No prior experience or qualifications are required.

After completion, you will have the ability to seek employment in entry-level cybersecurity positions such as security analyst, security engineer, and other similar roles.

Who is the Google Cybersecurity Certificate For?

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is ideal for:

• Career changers: Professionals looking to transition into the cyber security domain from other fields like network engineering or software development. The program covers foundational concepts, so no prior cyber security experience is needed.
• Recent graduates: Those who have just completed college degrees related to IT, computer science, or engineering. It provides practical training to complement theoretical knowledge.
• Current cybersecurity professionals: Learners who want to brush up on the fundamentals and latest tools like SIEM, Python, and Linux.
• Technology enthusiasts: Anyone interested in learning about cybersecurity, even if not pursuing it as a career immediately.

To put it concisely, the program is suitable for individuals from various backgrounds who are motivated to enter the field of cybersecurity.

What’s Included in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

As mentioned earlier, the certificate consists of 8 courses:

Course 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity (13 hours)

• Overview of cybersecurity, its importance, and the role of cyber security analysts
• Significant events in history that led to cybersecurity
• CISSP domains and security frameworks like NIST
• Security Ethics

Course 2: Managing Security Risks (12 hours)

• Primary threats, vulnerabilities, and risks to businesses
• Security frameworks like NIST to mitigate risks
• Security audits
• SIEM tools for monitoring

Course 3: Network Security (14 hours)

• Types of networks and network components
• Securing networks using firewalls, VPNs, and hardening techniques

Course 4: Linux and SQL (25 hours)

• Relationship between hardware, operating systems, and applications
• Linux commands, file system, and access control
• Database queries and operations using SQL

Course 5: Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (21 hours)

• Asset classification and management
• Authentication, encryption, and access control
• Identifying vulnerabilities and risks
• Threat modeling

Course 6: Detection and Response (21 hours)

• Incident response lifecycle
• Tools like packet sniffers, IDS, and SIEM for threat detection
• Investigating and analyzing security incidents

Course 7: Automating Tasks with Python (27 hours)

• Python constructs like functions, objects, and regex
• Writing scripts for cybersecurity tasks

Course 8: Preparing for a Cybersecurity Career (15 hours)

• Incident escalation policies and stakeholder communications
• Writing a cyber security resume and cover letter
• Finding cyber security jobs and preparing for interviews

In addition to video lectures and readings, the courses include hands-on labs and projects. This allows learners to gain practical experience using cybersecurity tools and strategies. Certification is provided upon completing all 8 courses.

Who are the Instructors?

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate has been designed and delivered by experts from Google.

Instructors include Google software engineers, security engineers, product managers, and more. They lend their real-world expertise gained from designing and managing Google’s enterprise security.

Coursera also employs top-rated instructors to provide online support, respond to questions, and assist you as you work through the curriculum.

Learning from professionals who actually work in the industry you’re trying to enter is invaluable. You get perspectives and mentorship you simply can’t find in a traditional classroom setting.

Certificate Completion Requirements

To earn the certificate, learners must complete all 8 courses and meet the associated requirements:

• Watch all video lectures
• Read supplemental resources
• Pass module quizzes (80% minimum score)
• Complete hands-on labs and projects

The courses don’t have to be taken sequentially. However, learners are encouraged to progress in order as the content builds up incrementally.

On average, it can be completed in 6 months by dedicating 7 hours per week. With self-paced learning, you have the flexibility to make adjustments according to your schedule.

What are the Key Benefits?

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate offers several significant benefits:

Job-ready skills

• Covers beginner to intermediate cyber security skills needed for entry-level roles
• Develop proficiency in high-demand tools like SIEM, Python, Linux, SQL
• Gain practical experience with hands-on labs and projects

Taught by industry experts

• Instructors are actively working in cybersecurity at Google
• Get insider perspectives on real-world practices
• Curriculum regularly updated with latest concepts

Flexible and self-paced

• Learn anytime, anywhere at your own pace
• Adjust course load based on your schedule
• Modular design with micro-learning

Affordable

• Total cost generally under $300
• Significantly cheaper than a full cybersecurity degree
• Financial assistance available

Job opportunities

• Chance to get your resume seen by over 150 hiring partners
• Interview preparation and career support included
• Build a job-ready portfolio of projects

For those who aspire to be Cybersecurity experts, the Google certificate represents a fast, cost-effective way to acquire sought-after skills and jumpstart a fresh career.

What Jobs You Can Get After Completing the Certificate?

The Google Cybersecurity Certification Course is designed to equip you with the necessary skills for entry-level cybersecurity positions such as:

• Security analyst/engineer: Monitor systems for threats, investigate incidents, analyze data
• Security operations center (SOC) analyst: Detect and respond to cybersecurity events, use SIEM tools
• Information security analyst: Identify vulnerabilities, develop and implement security measures
• IT security analyst: Secure IT infrastructure of the organization’s networks, systems, and data
• Cyber defense analyst: Protect assets by evaluating threats, providing technical support

Many graduates have found new cyber security jobs or gotten promotions after finishing the certificate. The median salary for entry-level roles is over $100,000 in the United States.

Top employers like Google, Intel, IBM, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and more are hiring professionals with these credentials.

Also Read: Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate Review: Is It Worth It?

How Does the Google Cybersecurity Certificate Compare to Other Programs?

Let’s compare the Google certification to some alternatives:

University degrees

• Cybersecurity bachelor’s and master’s degrees provide rigorous, holistic training but can take 2-6 years to complete. Also significantly more expensive.
• The Google certificate takes a fraction of the time and costs under $300. Covers core knowledge needed for entry-level cyber security roles.

Bootcamps

• Cybersecurity boot camps like those offered by Udacity, Flatiron School, and MIT offer intensive training. However, program lengths vary from 3-6 months and cost upwards of $999+.
• You can finish the Google certificate in less than 6 months and spend less than $300. The self-paced model also provides more flexibility.

CompTIA Security+

• Widely recognized vendor-neutral certification for cybersecurity skills. However, passing both exams can cost over $600 in exam fees alone.
• The Google certificate covers Security+ domains while also teaching job-ready skills like Python. And costs a fraction of typical exam prep programs.

Other online certificates

• EdX and Udemy offer shorter certifications and micro-credentials. However, these are generally less comprehensive.
• Google’s program provides end-to-end skills training, projects, and interview prep missing from most alternatives. Backed by a reputed brand.

So while university degrees and bootcamps have their place, the Google certification offers an affordable middle-ground option for quickly skilling up in cyber security.

What Tools and Platforms Are Covered?

The core languages and tools covered by the Google Cybersecurity course are as follows:

Linux: Complete tasks on the Linux command line interface, navigate file systems, understand processes

SQL: Communicate with databases by writing queries, filtering, and sorting data

Python: Automate common cybersecurity tasks through coding scripts and modules

Bash: Use the Bash shell interface on Linux for tasks like file management

SIEM Tools: Get hands-on experience using Security Information and Event Management tools

Packet Sniffers: Analyze network traffic for threats using packet analyzers like Wireshark

Having proficiency in languages like Python and Linux is highly valued in cybersecurity roles. It provides extensive practice to build relevant programming and tool skills.

What Topics Are Covered in the Certificate?

Below is a summary of the main subjects addressed in the Google Cybersecurity courses:

Cybersecurity fundamentals

• History and evolution of cybersecurity
• Role of Cyber Security Professionals
• Security vulnerabilities, attacks, and controls
• Compliance frameworks like NIST, PCI DSS
• Security ethics and considerations

Security operations

• Managing organizational cyber risk
• Asset classification and control
• Threat detection and incident response
• Security monitoring using SIEM

Network security

• Network components, protocols, architecture
• Hardening servers, applications, OS
• Firewalls, sandboxing, authentication
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

Threat management

• Common attack vectors like phishing, DDoS
• Social engineering and mitigation
• Vulnerability analysis and penetration testing
• Malware analysis

Programming for cybersecurity

• Bash, Python, and SQL for security tasks
• Scripting for automation and productivity
• Cybersecurity use cases for programming
• Debugging and troubleshooting

The curriculum covers everything from cyber security fundamentals to specialized tools and skills needed on the job. The breadth and depth of training make students highly employable.

What is the Cost of the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

The cost of The Google Cyber Security course is $49 per month via Coursera. However, the total cost depends on your completion time:

• 1 month: $49
• 3 months: $147
• 6 months: $294

So if you’re able to complete the program in 6 months or less, the total cost would be under $300.

Note that Coursera also offers a 7-day free trial, which allows you to sample the courses risk-free. Additionally, financial assistance is available based on need.

For most learners, the certificate cost ranges from $150 to $300 – very reasonable given the expertise and skills gained. And certainly more affordable than a full cybersecurity degree.

How Does the 7-Day Free Trial Work?

Coursera offers a 7-day free trial when you first enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate.

During this trial period, you’ll have full access to all the courses and content. You can get a risk-free preview of the material before deciding on whether to continue.

After 7 days, you will have the option to cancel your enrollment at no charge. Or you can continue seamlessly with the full certificate program.

Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t wish to proceed. Otherwise, your credit card will be automatically billed each month.

What Cyber Security Job Opportunities Are Available?

Upon completing the certificate, graduates have the chance to connect directly with over 150 hiring partners to find entry-level cyber security roles.

Some top employers include:

• Google
• IBM
• Intel
• Deloitte
• Mandiant (Now Part of Google Cloud)
• PwC
• AT&T
• Verizon
• Walmart
• ADP

These companies frequently hire for positions like:

• Cybersecurity analyst
• Information security analyst
• Network security engineer
• Incident response analyst
• Security operations center analyst
• IT security auditor
• Information security specialist
• Security systems administrator

So you unlock access to a vast range of cybersecurity job opportunities by finishing the Google certificate.

How Much Does the Certificate Prepare You for a Cybersecurity Career?

With over 100 hours of training delivered by Google cybersecurity experts, the certificate comprehensively prepares you for starting a career in the field.

Here’s a breakdown of the key career benefits:

• In-demand skills: Covers high-value skills like Python, Linux, and SIEM tools needed on the job
• Practical experience: Includes projects and labs for real-world application
• Job search support: Resume and interview preparation guidance provided
• Employer networking: Chance to connect with Google’s network of hiring partners
• Lower barriers to entry: No experience or college degree required

While pursuing higher education is still recommended, the Google certificate provides the core building blocks to begin working in cyber security without formal qualifications.

Thousands of learners have successfully changed careers after finishing the program.

What is the Passing Score for the Certificate Courses?

To complete courses as part of the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, you must pass all graded assessments and earn an overall score of at least 80%.

Each course contains a number of quizzes and hands-on labs you must successfully complete to meet requirements.

If you fail to achieve a passing score, you can retake assessments until you meet the minimum 80% passing threshold. This ensures you fully comprehend concepts before moving to the next course.

Scoring at least 80% on all coursework demonstrates you’ve mastered the material and gained skills needed for entry-level cybersecurity roles.

What is the Job Outlook for Cybersecurity Professionals?

Cybersecurity remains one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand tech fields. Here are some key job outlook stats:

• Cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow 33% through 2030, over 4x the national average.
• There were over 715,000 job openings for cyber security related roles in the US at the end of 2022.
• The median salary for entry-level cybersecurity jobs exceeds $90,000 nationally.
• The top 10% of cybersecurity professionals earn over $156,000 per year on average.
• Larger companies plan to increase cybersecurity headcount by at least 14% in the coming years.

So graduates of the Google Cyber Security Professional Certificate have bright job prospects and ample opportunities to launch or advance their careers in the domain.

How Does the Course Help You Create a Cybersecurity Resume?

The final course in the certificate focuses on career preparation, including building a compelling resume.

Key ways the program helps strengthen your cybersecurity resume:

• Demonstrable skills: The certificate and course projects highlight relevant hard skills.
• Credential: Being Google-certified stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.
• Specialized knowledge: Keywords related to SIEM, networks, compliance, etc.
• Industry alignment: Use of cyber security terms shows domain fluency.
• Templates and samples: Reference materials help craft effective resume content.
• Review: Chance to get feedback from peers and instructors.

Having a tailored cybersecurity resume will grab attention when applying for entry-level positions after finishing the certificate.

What are Some Tips for Succeeding in the Google Cybersecurity Program?

Here are some top tips for effectively completing the Google Cybersecurity Certificate:

• Take notes while watching video lectures to retain concepts better. You can download transcripts to highlight key points.
• Do hands-on labs carefully without rushing. Practical application is vital for skill-building.
• Leverage community forums to get help or clarity from peers on difficult topics. Don’t try to figure everything out alone.
• Space out studying over several days or weeks for better knowledge retention compared to cramming.
• Read supplemental articles and resources provided to reinforce your learning. Don’t rely solely on lectures.
• Practice Cybersecurity skills like Linux, Python, and SQL extensively outside of coursework as well to gain proficiency.
• Use memory aids like flashcards or mnemonics to remember important vocabulary terms, commands, etc.
• Take course checkpoints seriously as they simulate real cybersecurity assessments.

With some discipline and commitment, you can successfully graduate from the program with job-ready cybersecurity abilities.

Is It Worth It? Our Final Thoughts

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate provides an accessible path for anyone to pivot into an in-demand cybersecurity career.

With comprehensive coursework delivered by Google experts and hands-on labs for practical experience, it equips learners with fundamental to intermediate skills needed for entry-level roles.

While not a replacement for college degrees or certifications, the program can get your foot in the door for under $300 and 6 months of study.

For working professionals and career switchers, it delivers tangible value. No wonder over 150,000 learners have already enrolled.

So if you’re motivated to kickstart a cybersecurity career, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a strategic option worth considering. The opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing tech fields awaits.

🎓 Course:	Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate.
📝 Description:	Your path to a career in cybersecurity. No degree or experience is required.
👨‍🏫 Instructor:	Experts from Google.
🔍 Skills Gained:	Importance of cybersecurity practices, identifying risks and threats, protect using SIEM tools, experience with Python, Linux, and SQL.
⌚ Duration:	6 months at 7 hours a week.
📌 Action:	Enroll Now for Free!
⭐ Rating:	4.9 ⭐ (6,164 reviews)