Google has introduced a new Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, aimed at preparing students for entry-level roles in just six months. Hosted on Coursera, the program is part of Google’s broader initiative to provide job-ready credentials without requiring a college degree. This certificate caters to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals as businesses face increasing cyber threats.
The program consists of eight online courses, teaching students essential cybersecurity skills such as identifying risks, mitigating vulnerabilities, and protecting data using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools. Students will also gain hands-on experience with Python, Linux, and SQL. A new addition includes six videos on applying artificial intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity, covering topics like bug detection and alert prioritization.
While individual courses are free, completing the full certificate costs approximately $300, with a $49 monthly subscription after a 7-day free trial. Once completed, students can display their credentials on LinkedIn and access job opportunities with over 150 partner employers, including Walmart, T-Mobile, and Google itself.
The program highlights Google’s commitment to bridging the skills gap in the cybersecurity field, offering a streamlined path to careers such as cybersecurity analyst or SOC (security operations center) analyst. With Coursera’s discounted pricing until December 2, 2024, the certificate offers an accessible route into a high-demand industry.
Sources include: Coursera, Google announcements.
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