Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity

Introduction

Instructor: Toni, Security Engineering Manager at Google.

• Background: Former intelligence analyst.
• Emphasis on the growing demand for security professionals.
• Importance of diverse backgrounds in the security industry.

The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

• By 2030, security roles are expected to grow by more than 30% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Increasing global internet access and digital technology adoption.
• Need for diverse cybersecurity professionals to serve different markets.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

• Aim: To prepare learners for entry-level cybersecurity jobs.
• Skills covered include detecting and responding to attacks, monitoring and protecting networks, investigating incidents, and automating tasks using code.
• Courses cover core security concepts, network security, Linux, SQL, and understanding assets, threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Prepare for job search strategies.

Roles and Responsibilities of Security Analysts

• Update password policies and manage security measures.
• Minimize risks and monitor systems.
• Participate in penetration testing and ethical hacking.
• Conduct periodic security audits.

Core and Technical Skills for Security Analysts

• Transferable skills: Communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
• Technical skills: Programming (Python, SQL), using SIEM tools, and computer forensics.

Importance of Security

• Supports business continuity and ethical standing.
• Increases user trust and helps avoid legal consequences.
• Protects PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and SPI (Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information).
• Prevents identity theft and maintains brand trust.

Common Security-Based Roles

• Security analyst or specialist
• Cybersecurity analyst or specialist
• SOC analyst (Security Operations Center)
• Information security analyst

Key Historical Security Attacks and Lessons Learned

Early Attacks

• Brain Virus (1986): Tracked illicit medical software copies; led to widespread impact and productivity loss.
• Morris Worm (1988): Crashed 10% of the internet; led to the establishment of CERTs (Computer Emergency Response Teams).

Digital Age Attacks

• LoveLetter (2000): Social engineering attack to steal credentials; significant global damage.
• Equifax Breach (2017): Major data breach affecting millions; highlighted the need for proactive security measures and regulations.

Eight Security Domains (CISSP)

1. Security and Risk Management: Defining security goals, compliance, and risk mitigation.
2. Asset Security: Securing and managing digital and physical assets.
3. Security Architecture and Engineering: Optimizing data security systems and processes.
4. Communication and Network Engineering: Managing physical and wireless networks.
5. Identity and Access Management: Ensuring secure access to assets.
6. Security Assessment and Testing: Conducting security audits and tests.
7. Security Operations: Implementing prevention measures and investigating threats.
8. Software Development Security: Using secure coding practices.

Frameworks and Controls

• CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): Standards, guidelines, and best practices for cybersecurity.

Ethics in Security

• Confidentiality: Respect and protect private data.
• Privacy Protections: Safeguard personal information from unauthorized use.
• Compliance with Laws: Adhere to data protection laws and regulations.

Essential Tools and Programming Languages

• SIEM Tools: Collect and analyze log data (e.g., Splunk, Chronicle).
• Playbooks: Operational manuals for responding to incidents.
• Network Protocol Analyzers: Capture and analyze network traffic (e.g., tcpdump, Wireshark).
• Programming Languages: SQL and Python.

Course Review and Next Steps

• Introduction to core security concepts and skills.
• Overview of security domains, frameworks, and ethical considerations.
• Introduction to key tools and programming languages.
• Preparing students for a career in cybersecurity.

Next Instructor: Ashley, guiding through security domains and business operations.

Summary: This course lays the foundation for understanding cybersecurity basics and prepares students for further specialized learning.