Looking for an in-depth review of the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate available on Coursera? If so, make sure you read this article till the end.
I recently took this course and would love to share my experience with it, the positive and negative sides of it. I’ve also gathered feedback from others who earned the certification to provide a well-rounded perspective.
By the end, you’ll know:
- Who this course best suits
- The course structure, curriculum, and what you’ll learn.
- Job and Career prospects after completing it
- Other learners’ reviews, major pros and cons
- Final Verdict: Is the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate Worth It?
- The complete program’s cost
- Tips on successfully completing the course
- A comparison to similar cybersecurity analyst courses.
- FAQs
(Feel free to jump to a specific section you’re most interested in using the table of contents below.)
Excited? Let’s dive into it…
Overview of IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate:
Cybersecurity is a highly sought-after field in 2024. If you want to enter this field and make a career in it, the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst professional certificate is worth considering.
This program is created by senior practitioners at IBM Skills Network. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience to enroll in it. The best part? You don’t need to learn coding to start in cybersecurity.
Divided into 8-parts, this program starts from scratch and prepares you for roles such as cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, security consultant, or incident responder.
By following this course, you’ll gain a basic but essential understanding of threat detection, incident response, risk management, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and security analysis. With a focus on hands-on learning, real-world projects, practical examples, and case studies, this certificate program serves as a valuable asset for anyone looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Who is this program best suited for?
From my experience, this program is ideal for complete beginners looking to launch a cybersecurity career. If you’re new to the field and want to learn cybersecurity fundamentals, identify career paths, and gain skills for an entry-level job, this program can be a great starting point.
No matter what your profession is and what you do, anyone can pursue it. If you're a student, with this certification course, you can develop extra skills beyond your academics. For anyone looking for a career change, this program can be also a great point to start and enter cybersecurity.
In just a few months of preparation, you’ll learn cybersecurity from the ground up. The curriculum covers everything from cyber-attacks to job roles, setting you up for success.
If you’re interested in enrolling, let’s explore the curriculum further and what skills you can expect to gain by the end of the program…
Course Structure and Curriculum:
As mentioned earlier, The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certification is divided into 8-course series. There is a dedicated course section for each major topic in cybersecurity such as network security, penetration testing, and others.
Here are these 8-course series:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks
- Cybersecurity Roles, Processes & Operating System Security
- Cybersecurity Compliance Framework & System Administration
- Network Security & Database Vulnerabilities
- Penetration Testing, Incident Response, and Forensics
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Assessment
Although you are free to take these courses in random order, taking them in series will lead to better learning and skills development.
The instructors for these courses are experts in their field who work at IBM or within IBM's partner network. In the first course, you'll meet Jeff Crume, an IBM security architect with 36 years of experience, and Kenneth Gonzalez, an IBM penetration tester in Costa Rica. Throughout the program, you will learn from highly qualified instructors who are subject matter experts from IBM and its partners.
Now, we’ll go a little deeper into these courses and see what would you learn in each course…
1. Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks:
This course is a perfect introduction! You’ll explore the history of cyber attacks and key concepts like the CIA triad. You’ll learn about essential tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and penetration testing.
Whether you’re looking to start a career as a junior cybersecurity analyst or just want to learn more about protecting yourself online, this course has got you covered.
It includes four modules that should not take more than 2 weeks to complete (by studying 10 hrs every week).
These modules are:
- History of cybersecurity
- A brief overview of types of actors and their motives
- An overview of key security concepts
- An overview of key security tools
In all modules, you’ll interact with quizzes to assess your knowledge, activity, and further resources to read. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation to take your learning further or apply cybersecurity best practices in your work.
2. Cybersecurity Roles, Processes & Operating System Security:
This course covers critical topics related to people, processes, and technologies in the cybersecurity world.
Here, you learn about common security roles and frameworks like ITIL that govern policies and procedures. Core concepts like the CIA triad for confidentiality, integrity, and availability are covered to build your understanding of cybersecurity principles.
The course also explores access controls, authentication, and common risks outlined by OWASP.
With hands-on labs, you can directly apply your knowledge of Windows and Linux commands. You’ll also get an introduction to virtualization and containers using Docker.
This course includes 7 modules and may also take 2 weeks to complete. These modules are:
- People process & technology
- Examples & principles of the CIA Triad
- Authentication and access control
- Windows operating systems security basics
- Linux operating system security basics
- macOS security basics
- Overview of virtualization
Again, these modules include quizzes, in-video questions, and reading articles for better learning. By the end, you will have well-rounded introductory cybersecurity skills.
3. Cybersecurity Compliance Framework & System Administration:
This course builds an understanding of cybersecurity compliance frameworks like NIST, GDPR, HIPAA, SANS, and PCI. You’ll learn the basics of server and user administration, including design, roles, and functions.
Concepts around patching, endpoint protection, and securing client systems are covered. A major focus is cryptography – you’ll learn about encryption, encoding, hashing, and digital certificates.
It includes 5 modules and may take 2-3 weeks to complete. Here are these modules:
- Compliance frameworks and Industry standards
- Client system administration, endpoint protection, and patching
- Server and user administration
- Cryptography and compliance pitfalls
- Linux and Encryption: Final Project
The concepts and skills mastered in this course provide core competencies for any cybersecurity role. By completing this course, you will have a well-rounded knowledge of cybersecurity compliance standards and best practices for system administration.
4. Network Security & Database Vulnerabilities:
This course provides foundational knowledge about network security and database vulnerabilities.
Here, you’ll learn network basics including TCP/IP, OSI framework, DNS, DHCP, switching, routing, NAT, and packet sniffing. These concepts are crucial for understanding how networks are secured in organizations.
The course also covers common database structures like SQL, Couch, Oracle, and MongoDB. You’ll learn about vulnerabilities in each database type and the tools used to research them, such as SQL injection.
It also includes 5 modules and should not take more than 2 weeks to finish it. These modules are:
- TCP/IP Framework
- Basics of IP addressing and the OSI Model
- Introduction to databases
- Deep dive- Injection vulnerability
- Final Project
Overall, this course establishes essential knowledge for any cybersecurity role involving networks or database systems. By the end of the course, you’ll have a core understanding of networks and databases in the context of cybersecurity.
5. Penetration Testing, Incident Response, and Forensics:
This course provides crucial skills for working as a cybersecurity analyst. It provides essential knowledge and skills related to penetration testing, incident response, digital forensics, and scripting.
In this particular course, you’ll learn the different phases of penetration testing, including gathering data and using popular tools. The incident response portion covers the phases, documentation, policies, and team roles needed. For forensics, you’ll learn key steps in the forensic process and types of data to collect as digital evidence.
It includes 4 modules that can be also completed in two weeks. Here are these modules:
- Penetration testing
- Incident response
- Digital forensics
- Introduction to scripting
By completing this course, you will have core competencies in the above modules and skills. These in-demand skills provide a strong foundation for a career as a cybersecurity analyst.
6. Cyber Threat Intelligence:
In this course, you gain the skills and knowledge related to cyber threat intelligence and data protection. You’ll learn about network defensive tactics, access controls, network monitoring, and mobile endpoint security.
Data loss prevention and vulnerability scanning technologies are covered to understand how to protect information assets.
A major focus is threat intelligence – you’ll learn concepts around identifying and responding to indicators of compromise. Hands-on labs, provided in this course, allow you to explore tools like SIEM to analyze threats.
There are 6 modules included in this course that may take three weeks or even more to complete and grasp the knowledge. Here are these six modules:
- Threat Intelligence
- Data loss prevention and mobile endpoint protection
- Scanning
- Application security and testing
- SIEM platforms
- Threat hunting
Completing this course gives you well-rounded competencies in cyber threat intelligence. It is intended for anyone looking to gain cybersecurity skills or as the sixth installment in a series to become a cybersecurity analyst.
7. Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies:
This is the final course of the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst certification program that focuses on real-world breach case studies.
In this course, you’ll explore incident response methods and categorize common attack types and vulnerabilities. Through an in-depth analysis of past and recent breaches, you’ll learn how they were detected and how impacts could have been reduced. Topics covered in this course include; watering hole attacks, ransomware, third-party breaches, phishing, POS attacks, and breach costs.
It also includes a total of 6 modules that can be completed in less than two weeks by studying 10 hrs every week. Here are the six modules included:
- Incident management response and cyber attack frameworks
- Phishing scams
- Point of sale breach
- 3rd party breach
- Ransomware
- Apply your skill- Data breaches
This capstone course allows you to apply your cybersecurity knowledge to analyze real-world breach scenarios.
Completing this capstone solidifies your skills in analyzing breaches as a cybersecurity analyst or specialist. You’ll be prepared to apply incident response, recognize attack patterns, and recommend improvements based on case studies.
8. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Assessment:
As I mentioned, you can take all the courses separately or in random order, however, this assessment is only for those who have completed previous courses of the Specialization.
This concluding course is the capstone that assesses the cybersecurity knowledge and abilities you have developed throughout the certificate program.
To complete the professional certificate, you will take a final quiz for each of the 7 prerequisite courses to validate your mastery of the core concepts and skills. After passing the rigorous final assessments, you can prove to employers you are ready to protect their organizations against modern cyber threats.
Job and Career Prospects After Course Completion:
The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst program prepares you for entry-level roles in the cybersecurity industry.
Upon completion, you can pursue positions such as cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, incident responder, or security engineer.
So, Does the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate help you get a job?
To provide you with the best answer for this, I reached out to many graduates of this program. According to them, landing a job depends on your skills and ability to demonstrate them to employers.
You can list the IBM certificate and badges earned on your resume and LinkedIn to showcase your credentials. However, the certification alone may not be enough to further your career.
To boost your hiring potential, also prepare for relevant exams like CompTIA Security+ and build projects to exhibit your expertise. Showcasing tangible skills and experience in addition to the IBM certification will make you a stronger candidate.
So, the key is leveraging the IBM training as a launch pad and combining it with hands-on learning and additional certifications.
User Reviews: Pros and Cons of this Program
From my research and what most graduates say, here I am going to feature the major pros and cons of the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certification program. Before you reach a conclusion and make your final decision, these pros and cons are worth considering…
Pros: What aspects do most users like about this course?
Cons: What aspects do most users dislike about the course
Final Verdict: Is the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate Worth It?
From my personal experience and the feedback I gathered from graduates, I found the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst program to be worthwhile for beginning a career in cybersecurity.
The program starts from the basics and teaches the necessary skills to prepare you for roles such as cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, incident responder, or security engineer. It covers everything needed to enter the field with no prior experience.
While the course has some flaws like subpar presentation quality, technical glitches, and minimal instructor feedback, the valuable content can’t be overlooked. The final assessment tests your retained knowledge and instills confidence for real-world cybersecurity work.
Overall, I give the program a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Despite a few shortcomings, the core curriculum provides a strong introduction and training for cybersecurity roles. The program is beginner-friendly and achieves its goal of preparing learners for entry-level positions.
How Much Does the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate Cost?
If you find my thoughts worthwhile, you might be interested in knowing the cost. Allow me to tell you…
On Coursera, the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst program costs $49 per month, along with a 7-day free trial. However, the price varies based on location and length of access. If you complete it in 3 months, expect to pay around $147 total. For 6 months of access, the cost is approximately $297.
In India, 3 months costs ₹8,135, and 6 months is ₹12,202. On average, the certification can be completed in 3 months with 10-12 hours of study per week. The flexible subscription model allows you to pace your learning to fit your schedule and budget.
The key is choosing the access length that suits your learning needs. This program is also available on edX but the cost is a little higher.
7 Best Tips for Successfully Completing This Program:
If you explore the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst program, you’ll notice the first course has 414,790 enrolled learners, the second 126,993, and enrollment drops through the other courses. The final assessment course only has 30,653 enrolled. This pattern shows many learners enroll but few complete the program.
To help you successfully earn the certificate, follow these proven tips:
Now It’s Your Turn!
In this detailed review of the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, I have provided everything you need to know before enrolling. This includes the major pros and cons of the program, as well as how pursuing this certification can help with job and career prospects.
I hope you found this guide helpful in evaluating if this is the right cybersecurity program for you. Please let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about the IBM certification.
If you’ve decided to enroll in the program, I wish you the very best on your cybersecurity learning journey! Be sure to refer back to the study tips I outlined earlier to help you successfully complete the certificate.
If you want to explore alternative cybersecurity programs, check out the FAQs below for recommendations on other highly-rated options for beginners. I’m happy to offer guidance on finding the perfect program to achieve your career goals.
FAQs:
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate Vs. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is not the only option for learning cybersecurity as a beginner. The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera is similarly beginner-friendly and affordable.
While the Google certification is highly engaging, it may not cover topics in as much depth as the IBM program. The IBM curriculum is more extensive and has more challenging assessments.
If you want to explore the best cybersecurity courses for beginners in 2024, check out this helpful article comparing the top programs.
The IBM certification provides robust training for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. But the Google certificate can also be a solid starting point, depending on your learning goals.
The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate is not the only option for learning cybersecurity as a beginner. The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera is similarly beginner-friendly and affordable.
While the Google certification is highly engaging, it may not cover topics in as much depth as the IBM program. The IBM curriculum is more extensive and has more challenging assessments.
If you want to explore the best cybersecurity courses for beginners in 2024, check out this helpful article comparing the top programs.
The IBM certification provides robust training for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. But the Google certificate can also be a solid starting point, depending on your learning goals.
How long does it take to complete the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate?
The time it takes to complete the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate can vary based on your learning pace and the number of hours per week you can dedicate to the program. On average, students can finish the certificate in 3 months by studying 11-12 hours per week. If you have less time available each week, you may want to extend your access by purchasing the 6-month enrollment option.
The key is to create a study schedule that allows you to work through the courses methodically. With consistent studying each week, you’ll be able to earn the certificate within a reasonable timeframe.
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(To support my writing, I may use affiliate links in this post. Rest assured, they don’t affect my reviews.)
