Google has announced a new entry-level cybersecurity certificate to teach students how to identify common risks, threats and vulnerabilities, as well as techniques to mitigate them. Designed and taught by Google’s cybersecurity experts, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate aims to prepare students for entry-level cybersecurity jobs in less than six months with no prior experience required, create more opportunities for people around the world and help fill the growing number of cybersecurity. open cyber roles, the tech giant said.
It will provide hands-on experience with industry standards and tools such as Python, Linux, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). The certificate will also help prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ exam, the industry-leading certification for cybersecurity roles. Google said its course will cost an average of $150 to $300, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The certificate is the latest addition to Google’s career certificates, which offer job seekers affordable paths to careers in data analytics, IT support, and business intelligence. More than 150,000 people have graduated from Google Career Certificate programs in the US, with 75% of graduates reporting a positive career impact, such as a new job, higher salary, or promotion six months after completion, according to Google.
Diversity is a key focus of Google’s cybersecurity certificate
A key focus area of Google’s new certificate program is addressing the lack of diversity in the cybersecurity industry, with female, Hispanic and black workers significantly underrepresented in the field. To help bridge the opportunity gap and bring more diverse talent to cybersecurity, Google is working alongside nonprofits like Cyversity, Raices Cyber and Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), which will offer the Google Cybersecurity Certificate . They will also provide students with support such as career coaching, interview preparation and job placement assistance, Google said.
Last month, the UK Cyber Security Council published a new report on ethnic minorities, which highlighted the barriers faced by people of color and people from minority ethnic backgrounds when pursuing a career in cyber security The report highlighted the important role blind hiring and inclusive hiring panels can play in making hiring processes more accessible to people of color, helping to address the lack of diversity affecting the industry. He also stated that a culture of diversity must be developed from within a company and points to the importance of empowering people to progress into senior leadership positions.
CISOs consider the cybersecurity certificate an “appropriate qualification” for entry-level roles
CISOs told the Wall Street Journal that they would consider Google’s cybersecurity certificate as an appropriate qualification for entry-level roles. Alex Schuchman, CISO of household goods maker Colgate-Palmolive Co., said the short nature of the course offers significant advantages over typical four-year college degrees, adding that it can be tailored to keep up with changes in cyber security.
Fred Gibbins, CISO of American Express, said it will “almost certainly” hire graduates of the program, expecting 60 percent of new hires to be entry-level or people changing careers to get into cybersecurity.
“You can’t wish for more cybersecurity people. You have to create them through training,” said Phil Venables, Google Cloud CISO.
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In recent news, Google has announced the launch of an entry-level cybersecurity certificate program. The online certificate program teaches individuals the fundamentals of cybersecurity, giving its students hands-on experience in threat detection and other related skills. Aimed at entry-level professionals and beginners, this program is perfect for those looking to enter the cybersecurity field.
Google’s partnership with Coursera, a massive open online course provider, ensures that the platform provides high-quality up-to-date content. It’s hosted courses from distinguished universities and organizations all around the world, including Stanford and Princeton University.
The program consists of four courses, offered in English and Spanish. Each course is either four or six weeks long and covers topics like “security foundations,” “networking in Google Cloud” and “identifying and mitigating cyber threats.” The introductory content is free, but the certificates cost a fee of $49, although there are discounts available.
The certificate won’t automatically make someone a cybersecurity expert, but it can certainly help get a foot in the door. It serves as a great foundation to learning and getting industry experience, which when combined, will help carve a lucrative career path. For aspiring cybersecurity professionals, this program is the perfect starting step.
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