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CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATE

Land a job protecting networks, devices and people from cyberattacks

Kick off a career in the high-growth field of cybersecurity. In the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program, you’ll learn how to identify common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as the techniques to mitigate them.

Carter S., a Cybersecurity Certificate graduate, smiles while working at a laptop from his dining room table

Why this program is right for you

See what's in store

NEW Practice applying AI skills to a workplace scenario, like using generative AI tools to anticipate signs of phishing or malware

COURSE 1 • 14 HOURS
Foundations of Cybersecurity

In this course, you will be introduced to the world of cybersecurity. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify significant events that led to the development of the cybersecurity field, explain the importance of cybersecurity in today's business operations, and explore the job responsibilities and skills of an entry-level cybersecurity analyst.

COURSE 2 • 11 HOURS
Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks

In this course, you'll learn how cybersecurity professionals use frameworks and controls to protect business operations, identify the steps of risk management, and explore common threats, risks, and vulnerabilities. Then, you'll explore Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) data and use a playbook to respond to identified threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.

COURSE 3 • 14 HOURS
Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security

This course covers the fundamentals of modern networking operations and protocols, network security, and methods for securing a network. By the end of the course, you'll be able to identify network-level vulnerabilities and secure networks using various techniques such as firewalls, system hardening, and virtual private networks.

COURSE 4 • 27 HOURS
Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL

In this course, you’ll learn the essential computing skills used by career cybersecurity analysts. For example, you’ll learn how to use Linux commands through the Bash shell to authenticate and authorize users, and use SQL to retrieve information from a database.

COURSE 5 • 26 HOURS
Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities

In this course, you’ll learn how to classify assets, analyze threats and assess vulnerabilities to protect valuable information and mitigate risk. You will develop an attacker mindset by practicing the threat modeling process, and learn tactics for staying ahead of security breaches.

COURSE 6 • 24 HOURS
Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response

This course will cover incident detection and response, including defining a security incident and the incident response lifecycle. You'll analyze network communications using packet sniffing tools and practice using Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and SIEM tools to detect, investigate and respond to security incidents.

COURSE 7 • 30 HOURS
Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python

In this course, you will learn the basics of Python programming and apply it to effectively automate cybersecurity tasks. You’ll also learn to work with Python effectively by developing functions, using libraries and modules, and making code readable.

COURSE 8 • 18 HOURS
Put It to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity Jobs

This course focuses on enhancing communication and collaboration abilities, preparing you to effectively engage with stakeholders within an organization. Through practice interviews and crafting a resume and cover letter, you'll develop the necessary skills for applying to and interviewing for cybersecurity positions.

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The world of cybersecurity is full of opportunity

  • 151,000+

    open jobs in the high-demand field of cybersecurity1

  • $115,000+

    is the median salary in cybersecurity2

  • 75%

    of graduates report a positive career outcome within 6 months of completion3

Gain the skills you need to be a cybersecurity analyst, security operations analyst, cyber defense analyst, and more.

CONNECT WITH 150+ TOP EMPLOYERS

How people used their certificates to break into cybersecurity

What you'll walk away with

Get the skills you need to become a cybersecurity professional

Enroll now and take your first step toward a fulfilling career in cybersecurity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is cybersecurity?

Organizations must continuously protect themselves and the people they serve from cyber-related threats, like fraud and phishing. They rely on cybersecurity to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their internal systems and information.

Cybersecurity analysts use a collection of methods and technologies to safeguard against threats and unauthorized access — and to create and implement solutions should a threat get through.

What does a cybersecurity analyst do?

Cybersecurity analysts work to protect organizations and people from harm. Just as you’d need the right methods to secure your house from a storm, cybersecurity analysts rely on a variety of tools to quickly respond to threats and minimize risk or damage.

While cybersecurity analysts can react quickly to immediate disruptions and threats, they also take a proactive role in safeguarding their organizations. They continuously monitor systems and networks, and always ask questions and seek out solutions. If they discover a breach has occurred, cybersecurity analysts will launch an investigation and report on their findings.

Why start a career in cybersecurity?

As cyber-related threats continue to rapidly grow and evolve, cybersecurity is a must-have for many organizations. Cybersecurity analysts are essentially digital detectives. They investigate potential and ongoing threats, assess the situation to find the best solution, and protect networks, devices, people, and data. Cybersecurity analysts use analytical and technical skills to crack cybersecurity puzzles, but also rely on creative thinking to address new threats in unique ways. With so much riding on the safety of organizations' data, cybersecurity analysts play a critical role and are in high demand.

Why enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate not only focuses on the technical skills you need to be a cybersecurity analyst, but essential business acumen skills like communication, critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork, prioritization, and escalation.

You’ll learn these job-ready skills in our certificate program through interactive content (hands-on activities, discussion prompts, and quizzes) in under six months, with 5-10 hours of study a week. Along the way, you'll work through a curriculum taught by experts at Google with decades of experience.

Which cybersecurity tools and platforms are taught in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

You’ll learn to use programming for security tasks (e.g. Python, Linux, SQL) and security information and event management tools (e.g. Chronicle and Splunk). You’ll also use an intrusion detection system (e.g. Suricata), apply frameworks and controls to inform security operations (e.g. NIST CSF, NIST RMF, CIA Triad) and perform packet capture and analysis (e.g. tcpdump, Wireshark).

Will completing this certificate help me prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam?

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate helps prepare graduates for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Graduates of the Google Cybersecurity Certificate can access the CompTIA Security+ exam and additional training at a discounted price. You’ll earn a dual credential when you complete both the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and the CompTIA Security+ exam, which can be shared with potential employers.

What kind of job support is available after I complete the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

At the end of the program, you’ll get exclusive access to CareerCircle, which offers free 1-on-1 coaching, resume help, practice interviews, and job search support. You’ll be able to connect with over 150 employers who are committed to considering hiring Google Career Certificate graduates.

The Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium consists of over 150 U.S. companies like American Express, Colgate-Palmolive, Mandiant (now part of Google Cloud), T-Mobile, Walmart, and of course, Google. These companies span multiple sectors and are committed to considering Google Career Certificate graduates for entry-level jobs. Upon completion of the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, you will gain access to an exclusive job platform where you can easily apply to opportunities from employers with open jobs.

What kind of cybersecurity jobs can I get with the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate can qualify you for in-demand cybersecurity jobs such as:

  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Security analyst
  • Security operations center (SOC) analyst
  • Information security analyst
  • IT security analyst
  • Cyber defense analyst

How much does the Google Cybersecurity Certificate cost? Is financial assistance available?

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate costs $49 per month on Coursera after an initial 7-day free trial period. All Google Career Certificates are completely self-paced. At about 10 hours of study per week, many learners complete a Google Career Certificate in three to six months.

If you are interested in financial assistance for the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, you may be eligible for financial aid via Coursera through the course page. Recipients of financial aid will have full access to course content and assignments required to earn a certificate. To apply, go to the certificate course page on Coursera and click the “Financial aid available” link next to the “Enroll” button.

Who designed the Google Cybersecurity Certificate?

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate was designed and built by subject-matter experts and senior practitioners at Google. This certificate has been created to equip learners with theoretical and practical knowledge and real-life problem-solving skills to be successful in an entry-level cybersecurity job.

What is Interview Warmup?

Interview Warmup is a tool that lets anyone practice answering interview questions, based on Google Career Certificate fields, to get more confident and comfortable with the interview process. Your answers are transcribed in real time so you can review what you said and discover patterns in your responses. Learn more here.

Footnotes


1 Lightcast™ US Job Postings (2023: Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023)
2 Lightcast™ US Job Postings (2023: Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023)
3 Based on program graduate survey, United States 2022