Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity - Course Overview

Jun 28, 2024

Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity - Course Overview

Introduction

Instructor: Toni, Security Engineering Manager at Google

  • Welcome message and excitement about the journey into cybersecurity.
  • Personal background: Worked as an intelligence analyst before moving to the security industry.

The Growing Demand for Security Professionals

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 30% growth in security roles by 2030.
  • Global Internet access expansion increases need for cybersecurity.
  • Diversity in security teams is crucial for creativity and a variety of solutions.

Role of Security Analysts

  • Main Objective: Protect organizations and people from threats.
  • Tasks:
    • Minimize risks.
    • Monitor systems and networks.
    • Investigate and report findings.
  • Skills: Curiosity, excitement, collaboration, problem-solving.

Paths and Career Options

  • Diverse career paths in security.
  • Relevant experience can come from unexpected backgrounds.
  • Examples of job titles: Security analyst, Cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, Information security analyst.
  • Google Career Certificate will provide hands-on practice and prepare students for entry-level security jobs.

Key Learning Areas

  • Core Security Concepts
  • Security Domains and Frameworks
  • Network Security
  • Computing Basics (Linux, SQL)
  • Assets, Threats, Vulnerabilities
  • Incident Detection and Response
  • Programming Languages (Python)

Course Structure

  • Multiple courses with industry experts from Google leading each course.
  • Learning Methods: Videos, practice opportunities, real-world scenarios.
  • Program designed to help land an entry-level job in security.

Introduction to Security (This Course)

Security Basics

  • Definition of Cybersecurity: Ensuring confidentiality, integrity, availability of information.
  • Threat Actors: External (e.g., hackers) and internal threats (e.g., employees).
  • Security Benefits:
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Business productivity
    • Brand trust

Job Responsibilities of Entry-Level Security Analysts

  • Monitoring and Protecting Systems
  • Proactive Prevention
  • Security Audits

Transferable and Technical Skills

  • Transferable Skills: Communication, collaboration, problem-solving, analyzing scenarios.
  • Technical Skills: Understanding programming languages (Python, SQL), SIEM tools, computer forensics.

The Value of Security

  • Ensures business continuity and ethical standing.
  • Protects user data (PII, SPII).
  • Key role in preventing identity theft and other data misuse.

Important Security Attacks and Their Impact

  • 1986 Brain Virus: Spread through infected disks, heightened awareness about security protocols.
  • 1988 Morris Worm: Led to establishing CERTs and cybersecurity awareness.
  • 2000 LoveLetter Virus: Introduced the concept of social engineering attacks.
  • 2017 Equifax Breach: Highlighted the importance of preventing multiple vulnerabilities.

Security Domains (CISSP-defined)

First Four Domains

  1. Security and Risk Management: Compliance, business continuity, and risk mitigation.
  2. Asset Security: Securing digital/physical assets, data lifecycle management.
  3. Security Architecture and Engineering: Optimizing data security, configuring firewalls.
  4. Communication and Network Security: Managing and securing networks and wireless communications.

Last Four Domains

  1. Identity and Access Management: Controlling access to physical and logical assets.
  2. Security Assessment and Testing: Conducting audits and testing security controls.
  3. Security Operations: Implementing preventative measures and conducting investigations.
  4. Software Development Security: Secure coding practices and lifecycle management.

Security Frameworks and Controls

  • CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability.
  • NIST CSF: Provides guidelines and best practices for risk management.

Ethics in Security

  • Confidentiality and Privacy
  • Abiding by Laws and Regulations
  • Maintaining Objectivity and Integrity

Common Security Tools and Programming Languages

SIEM Tools

  • Purpose: Collect and analyze log data, real-time monitoring.
  • Examples: Splunk, Chronicle.

Other Tools

  • Playbooks: Guides for responding to incidents.
  • Packet Sniffers: Capture and analyze network traffic (e.g., TCPdump, Wireshark).

Programming and Operating Systems

  • Linux: Open-source OS, command-line interface.
  • SQL: For database management and data queries.
  • Python: Automating tasks, analytical procedures.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Review of Course Content: Core security concepts, job responsibilities, important attacks, security domains, frameworks, ethics, and tools.
  • Next Course: In-depth details on security domains and business operations.
  • Encouragement and Motivation: Continuously learn and apply security practices.

Wrap-Up

  • Emphasis on continuous learning and application.
  • Importance of being part of a diverse and growing field.
  • Motivation to continue on the journey and pursue goals in the security industry.