Looking for an honest and unbiased review of the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate? Make sure to read this article till the end.
Life is all about learning new skills and having fun in the process. That’s why, beyond just content creation on my blog, I often indulge myself in a variety of online courses across different subjects.
For the past few months, I have been learning cybersecurity through the Google Cybersecurity Certification and other learning programs. In fact, I’ve previously shared my review of the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst program, highlighting both the pros and cons.
In this review, I’ll share my complete experience with the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program. At the end, I’ll also compare it with the IBM Cybersecurity program. So, make sure to read this article till the end.
For those looking for a quick decision and a TL;DR version, here is my final verdict:
My Verdict: Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Based on my personal experience with this program, I’d say the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is perfect for those who are completely new to cybersecurity.
If you don’t know anything about this industry, how to get started, and make a career in it, this program is ideal. It teaches you everything from scratch, and the instructors guide you through the learning journey.
You’ll encounter numerous case studies of past cybersecurity attacks, take quizzes, and complete assignments across all 8 course series.
This program aims to build your foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for entry-level jobs such as cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, incident responder, and others. You will also receive job and career assistance from the mentors.
However, I don’t think solely relying on this program will be enough to get you hired easily. This is based on my conversations with many graduates of this program.
While the program promises to prepare you for entry-level jobs, having top cybersecurity certification such as CompTIA, CISSP, CEH, or other plays a vital role in landing your dream job in this industry.
Pros
Cons
>> Explore Google Cybersecurity Certification program
Now I’m going to share my complete review for Google Cybersecurity Certificate. So, buckle up, hold your seat tight, and let’s dive into it…
My Experience and Review- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Well, I enrolled in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera a few months ago, and I’m really impressed by the quality of the course so far.
In the first part of the program, I completed the “Foundations of Cybersecurity” module, which provided a great introduction to the cybersecurity field. The lessons covered all the key terms, common security threats, and the different tools used by professionals.
The instructors, who work at Google, did a really good job of making the course material more interesting and easy to understand, even for someone new to this topic.
The only thing I wish was better was the lack of live coaching sessions or more involvement from the instructors in the discussion forums. But overall, the learning experience was very positive. I like that I can go at my own pace, and the monthly cost is affordable.
Based on my initial experience, I think this program is perfect for people who want to start a career in cybersecurity without any prior knowledge.
The curriculum covers all the essential basics, and I’m excited to keep learning through the rest of the course modules. I’m confident that this program has helped me build a good foundation in cybersecurity.
What’s included in this program?
Google Cybersecurity program includes a total of 8-course series, that starts from the very basic and prepare for entry level jobs.
Here are the 8 courses included in this program:
- Foundations of Cybersecurity
- Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks
- Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security
- Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL
- Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
- Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response
- Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python
- Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs
Each course includes several modules, video lessons, reading articles, quizzes, and assignments that makes the course even more engaging. Moreover, you can also take notes, set goals and reminder for the course. You won’t get bore while watching any video lectures and taking the course.
Make sure you utilize all the resources that are offered in this course. On average, it may take 4-6 months to complete this program by studying 10-12 per week.
Let’s explore a little more about each programs…
- Foundations of Cybersecurity – Covers the basics of cybersecurity, including common threats like malware and hacking, security principles such as confidentiality and integrity, and the role and responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.
- Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks – Teaches how to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks in an organization through risk management frameworks and strategies.
- Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security – Focuses on network security, including network protocols, devices like firewalls and routers, and techniques like encryption and access control to secure networks against threats.
- Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL – Introduces the Linux operating system and SQL database skills needed for common cybersecurity tasks, such as system administration, scripting, and data analysis.
- Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities – Covers how to identify and manage an organization’s digital and physical assets, understand potential threats, and assess vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
- Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response – Teaches methods for detecting and responding to security incidents, including the use of security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and incident response procedures.
- Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python – Focuses on using Python programming to automate repetitive cybersecurity tasks and workflows, such as vulnerability scanning, log analysis, and incident response.
- Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs – Helps learners prepare for and pursue entry-level cybersecurity roles through resume building, job search strategies, interview preparation, and an understanding of common cybersecurity career paths.
Although you’re free to enroll in any of these courses, taking them in order will better help you learn and enjoy the course.
Whether you’re completely new to the subject or know the nitty-gritty of cybersecurity, I don’t recommend skipping any modules or video lectures during the course.
Going through the curriculum in the intended sequence will ensure you build a solid foundation and understanding of the concepts.
How Much Does the Google Cybersecurity Program Cost?
If you’re interested in this program, let me tell you about its cost.
On average, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate costs around $49 per month, with a 7-day free trial. However, the total cost of the complete program depends on how long it takes you to finish the course.
If you finish the course in 4 months, it will only cost $196. And if you need a longer time to complete it, you can access the course for 6 months, which will cost $294.
Please note that the cost may also vary depending on your geographical location. For example, in India, this program costs only ₹3,249 for 3 months of access, and if you access it for 6 months, it will only cost ₹4,874.
Alternatively, you can also take this program through a Coursera Plus subscription, which costs $59 per month or $399 per year. This subscription not only gives you access to this course but also over 7,000 other courses, including many professional certificates from Google, Meta, and other universities.
Is There a Better Course Than the Google Cybersecurity Certification?
If you want to learn and start a career in cybersecurity, Google Cybersecurity Certificate is not the only option.
In fact, before enrolling in this Google Cybersecurity, I also pursued some cybersecurity courses from other platforms. I have also published my experience with those courses on my blog that you can also read.
Here are some best alternatives of Google Cybersecurity Certification I found on internet:
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate:
IBM cybersecurity analyst professional certificate is also available on Coursera. Similar to the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, this program also starts from scratch and is perfect for beginners.
Furthermore, it also prepares you for roles like cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, and other entry-level cybersecurity jobs, without requiring any prior experience.
You’ll learn about the CIA triad, Windows operating systems, Linux, macOS, and security basics. Divided into 8 course series, this program covers all the essential concepts of cybersecurity.
However, I found this course is somewhat less engaging than Google Cybersecurity Certificate, we’re reviewing. The recorded video lectures and the presentation of the content could be improved.
The good part is that the course assignments are a bit more challenging, which can give you a greater sense of achievement upon completion.
Overall, the IBM cybersecurity analyst program may be less engaging than the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, but it’s still worth exploring as an alternative option.
StationX Complete Cybersecurity Course by Nathan House:
StationX is a cybersecurity training platform founded by Nathan House. The complete cybersecurity course I’m talking about is also created by Nathan House.
This course is available on Udemy and even has a “Best-seller” tag.
The complete course includes four volumes that start from scratch and teach you all the essential topics of cybersecurity along the way. From basic canary tokens to understanding threats and taking steps with your cybersecurity systems, you’ll learn everything in this course.
The best part? Compared to other cybersecurity courses, it’s very affordable. The complete course only costs around $64, giving you lifetime access. Believe me, this program is really packed with a lot of value, and you’ll surely enjoy learning with it.
If you’re serious about making a career in cybersecurity, you can also sign up for the StationX VIP membership. This will give you access to thousands of courses and training for top cybersecurity certification exams such as CompTIA, CISSP, CEH, OSCP, CySA+, and more.
With this VIP membership, you’ll also get career mentorship support that will guide you from the beginning to help you find your way and make a career in cybersecurity. I have even published a detailed review of this membership, which you should read if you’re interested.
Other cybersecurity learning courses:
A few months ago, I explored a variety of cybersecurity courses and stumbled upon many options.
Based on my research and personal experience with these platforms, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 cybersecurity courses that are perfect for beginners looking to learn and make a career in cybersecurity.
If you’re interested in exploring other cybersecurity course options beyond what I’ve covered here, you can refer to the article I published featuring these top 10 courses. I’m confident you’ll find it valuable.
Now It’s Your Turn:
In this Google Cybersecurity Certification review, I have shared everything you need to know about this course, including all the pros and cons.
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is an amazing course that builds a strong foundation in cybersecurity. With its low cost and no prerequisite, it makes the program suitable for anyone who wants to learn and start a career in cybersecurity.
The program is created by senior practitioners at Google and teaches you everything from scratch, guiding you through the material. If you want to explore cybersecurity and build a solid foundation, this program can be a worthwhile investment.
Now I’d like to hear from you:
Are you planning to enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate? Or will you explore the alternatives I mentioned above, such as the StationX Complete Cybersecurity course?
If you have any questions or doubts about this program or the information in this article, please let me know in the comments below. I’d be happy to address them.
Happy Hacking 🙂
FAQs – Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Is Google Cybersecurity a good course?
From my personal experience with course, I’d say Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a good option, especially for those who are completely new to cybersecurity. The author found the course content to be well-organized and engaging, with a beginner-friendly approach. The only downsides mentioned were the lack of live coaching sessions and limited instructor involvement in the discussion forums.
How much can you make with a Google cybersecurity certificate?
Depending solely on this program won’t be enough to find a high paying job or make a handsome amount of money. As this Google Cybersecurity program aims to build your foundational skills and prepare learners for entry-level cybersecurity roles such as cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, and incident responder but it does not take any job guarantee.
How long does the Google cybersecurity certificate take?
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate includes 8 course series, and it may take 4-6 months to complete the full program on average. The cost of the program depends on the duration of access, with 4 months costing around $196 and 6 months costing around $294 on Coursera.
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