SECURITY ANALYST CERTIFICATION
Table of Contents
The Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a program designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to start a career in cybersecurity. The program is delivered entirely online and consists of five courses that cover topics such as network security, cryptography, and incident response. Upon completion, students will have the opportunity to earn a certificate that can be shared with potential employers. The program is self-paced and can be completed in as little as six months. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a valuable investment for anyone looking to enter this field.
Topics
 Foundations of Cybersecurity
Play it Safe: Manage Security Risk
Connect and Protect: Networks & Network Security
Tools of the Trade: Linux & SQL
Asset, Threats & Vulnerabilities
Sound the Alarm: Detection & Response
Automate Cybersecurity Task with Python
Put it to Work: Prepare for Cybersecurity jobs
Course Overview
Through a series of courses, learners will gain knowledge in areas such as networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals. Upon completion of the program, learners will be able to analyze and mitigate security threats, implement secure network architectures, and understand the principles of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This certificate is a valuable asset in the field of cybersecurity.
Syllabus
Week 1: Welcome to the exciting world of cybersecurity! In this field, you will delve into the fascinating realm of protecting digital systems and networks from cyber threats. As a cybersecurity professional, your job responsibilities will include identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and monitoring for any potential breaches. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with cutting-edge technology, constant learning, and the satisfaction of safeguarding valuable information.
Week 2: The evolution of cybersecurity has closely followed the rise of computers. As technology advanced, so did the threats. Cybersecurity threats have become more sophisticated and complex over time, requiring constant adaptation and innovation in the security field. Past cyber attacks have played a crucial role in shaping the development of cybersecurity measures. Understanding the history and patterns of these attacks is essential in order to effectively protect against future threats. To address the wide range of cybersecurity risks, the security field has been divided into eight domains, each focusing on a specific aspect of protection. These domains include network security, application security, cryptography, access control, operations security, physical security, security architecture and design, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning. By comprehensively addressing these domains, organizations can enhance their overall cybersecurity posture and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Week 3: In this course, you will gain knowledge on security frameworks and controls, which play a crucial role in mitigating organizational risk. You will delve into the principles of the CIA triad and various National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the realm of security ethics.
Week 4: Cybersecurity analysts rely on a variety of tools to identify and mitigate risk. One such tool is security information and event management (SIEM), which helps monitor and analyze security events and incidents. Another important tool is network protocol analyzers, which allow analysts to examine network traffic and identify any suspicious or malicious activity. In addition to these tools, programming languages such as Python and SQL are also commonly used in cybersecurity. Python is known for its versatility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for tasks such as automating security processes and analyzing data. SQL, on the other hand, is essential for managing and querying databases, which is crucial for investigating security incidents and analyzing logs. Overall, these tools and programming languages play a vital role in the field of cybersecurity, enabling analysts to effectively identify and mitigate risks.
Course Overview
This program covers a range of topics including network security, cryptography, and incident response. Upon completion, individuals will have the necessary skills to secure networks and protect against cyber threats. It is a valuable investment for anyone looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity or improve their current skills.
Syllabus
Week 1: In this course, you will learn about the eight security domains of the CISSP. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the primary threats, risks, and vulnerabilities that can impact business operations. Furthermore, we will delve into the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Risk Management Framework (RMF) and the step-by-step process of risk management.
Week 2: Security frameworks and controls are essential for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information. One widely recognized framework is the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), which provides security principles and guidelines for web applications. Security audits are also crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Overall, implementing robust security frameworks and controls is vital for protecting sensitive data and mitigating potential risks.
Week 3: In the field of cybersecurity, security information and event management (SIEM) tools play a crucial role in safeguarding business operations. These industry-leading tools are utilized by security professionals to detect and respond to potential threats. Entry-level security analysts rely on SIEM dashboards as an integral part of their daily work, allowing them to monitor and analyze security events in real-time. With the ability to aggregate and correlate data from various sources, SIEM tools provide a comprehensive view of an organization's security posture, enabling proactive threat detection and incident response. By leveraging these powerful tools, security analysts are equipped with the necessary capabilities to protect against cyber threats and ensure the continuity of business operations.
Week 4: Playbooks are essential tools for incident response in the field of cybersecurity. They serve multiple purposes and are commonly used by professionals in this industry. Playbooks provide a structured approach to responding to incidents, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken in a systematic manner. They help to streamline the response process, ensuring that incidents are handled efficiently and effectively. Playbooks also serve as a reference guide, providing a documented and standardized response plan for different types of incidents. This ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors or omissions during the response process. By using playbooks, cybersecurity professionals can quickly and confidently respond to identified threats, risks, and vulnerabilities, minimizing the impact of incidents and protecting the organization's assets and data.
Course Overview
Networks are essential for modern communication and information sharing. However, they are also vulnerable to various threats such as hacking, viruses, and malware. Network security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls are necessary to protect against these threats. It is important to regularly update security protocols and educate users on safe network practices to ensure the continued safety and functionality of networks.
Syllabus
Week 1: Network security is a crucial aspect in today's digital landscape. It is essential to understand how ongoing security threats and vulnerabilities can impact a network. One key component of network security is network architecture. By implementing proper network architecture, organizations can establish mechanisms to secure their networks effectively.
Week 2: Network operations involve the use of network protocols to facilitate communication between devices. These protocols define the rules and procedures for transmitting data across a network. However, network communication can also introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. To mitigate these risks, common security measures such as firewalls are implemented to ensure the safety and reliability of network operations.
Week 3: Network intrusions can pose serious threats to the security of systems and devices. Understanding the different types of network attacks and the techniques used to secure compromised networks is crucial. Cybersecurity professionals play a vital role in identifying and closing potential loopholes that malicious actors exploit. By exploring the ways vulnerabilities in network infrastructure are exploited, we can better protect against network intrusions.
Week 4: Security hardening is a crucial practice in strengthening network systems. By implementing security hardening measures, we can effectively defend against malicious actors and intrusion methods. Additionally, security hardening plays a vital role in addressing the unique security challenges presented by cloud infrastructures.
Course Overview
To master network communications, I had to learn the Linux operating system and SQL. These tools of the trade are essential for success in this field.
Syllabus
Week 1: In this course, you will explore the vital connection between operating systems, hardware, and software. By understanding the primary functions of an operating system, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of its role. Additionally, you will become acquainted with the most commonly used operating systems today and grasp how both the graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line interface (CLI) enable users to interact with the operating system.
Week 2: Linux is an operating system commonly used in cybersecurity. It has a specific architecture and is available in various distributions. The Linux shell is a key feature that allows users to communicate with the operating system.
Week 3: In this course, you will learn Linux commands in the Bash shell. Through the Bash shell, you will navigate and manage the file system, as well as authorize and authenticate users. Additionally, you will be provided with resources to seek help when working with new Linux commands.
Week 4: In this course, you will gain hands-on experience in using SQL to interact with databases. Through practical exercises, you will learn how to effectively query a database and apply filters to retrieve specific information. Additionally, you will explore the powerful capability of SQL to join multiple tables together in a single query. Get ready to enhance your skills in database management and data retrieval with SQL.
Course Overview
Assets, threats, and vulnerabilities are key components in assessing the security of a system or organization. Assets refer to valuable resources, such as data, infrastructure, or intellectual property, that need to be protected. Threats are potential risks or dangers that can exploit vulnerabilities and cause harm to these assets. Vulnerabilities are weaknesses or gaps in security measures that can be exploited by threats. Understanding and addressing these factors is crucial in developing effective security strategies.
Syllabus
Week 1: In this introduction, we will explore how organizations determine which assets to protect. We will examine the relationship between managing risk and classifying assets, focusing on the challenges of securing physical and digital assets. Additionally, we will introduce the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework, which provides standards, guidelines, and best practices for managing cybersecurity risk.
Week 2: Protecting organizational assets is crucial for maintaining the security of an organization. Privacy plays a significant role in asset security, as it ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. Encryption is a key tool in maintaining the privacy of digital assets, as it scrambles data and makes it unreadable to anyone without the decryption key. Authentication and authorization systems are essential for verifying a user's identity and ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to organizational assets. These security controls are vital in safeguarding valuable assets and preventing unauthorized access or data breaches.
Week 3: The vulnerability management process is crucial for maintaining system security. By understanding common vulnerabilities and adopting an attacker mindset, we can identify potential threats to asset security. Exploiting vulnerabilities can pose significant risks, making it essential to address them promptly and effectively.
Week 4: There are various types of threats to digital asset security, including malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. Cybercriminals use tools and techniques such as ransomware, social engineering, and exploit kits to target assets. Security professionals employ threat modeling to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate risks. Staying ahead of security breaches requires constant monitoring, updating security measures, and implementing best practices.
Course Overview
Google Cybersecurity's "Sound the Alarm" is a comprehensive system designed to detect and respond to potential security threats. The system utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze vast amounts of data and identify suspicious activities or patterns that may indicate a cyber attack. Once a potential threat is detected, the system immediately triggers an alarm, alerting the appropriate security personnel to take action. The response process is swift and efficient, with Google's dedicated team of cybersecurity experts working around the clock to investigate and mitigate any potential risks. Through continuous monitoring and proactive threat hunting, Google Cybersecurity's "Sound the Alarm" ensures the protection of users' data and the integrity of their online experience.
Syllabus
Week 1: Detection and incident response are crucial aspects of a cybersecurity analyst's role. These professionals are responsible for identifying and addressing malicious threats. In this field, verifying and responding to such threats is of utmost importance. Incident response involves a series of steps that cybersecurity professionals follow to mitigate the impact of an incident.
Week 2: Network monitoring and analysis involves the use of packet sniffers, which are network analysis tools. These tools allow for the sniffing of network traffic and the analysis of packets for potential malicious threats. Additionally, filtering commands can be crafted to analyze the contents of captured packets.
Week 3: In this course, you will gain knowledge about incident detection, investigation, analysis, and response. You will also examine suspicious file hashes and understand the significance of documentation and evidence collection. Additionally, you will learn how to reconstruct an incident's timeline by mapping artifacts.
Week 4: Network traffic and logs play a crucial role in Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information Event Management (SIEM) systems. These systems are designed to detect and respond to potential security threats. By analyzing network traffic and logs, IDS and SIEM tools can identify suspicious activities and generate alerts for further investigation.
Course Overview
This course is the seventh in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate series. It will provide you with the necessary skills to pursue an entry-level cybersecurity position. The content builds upon the topics covered in the sixth course of the certificate program.
Syllabus
Week 1: In this introduction, we will delve into the Python programming language and its relevance in the field of cybersecurity. Additionally, we will cover fundamental Python concepts such as data types, variables, conditional statements, and iterative statements.
Week 2: In this lesson, you will enhance your Python skills by delving into various aspects. You will gain proficiency in working with both pre-built and user-defined Python functions. Additionally, you will explore the concept of modules, which enable access to reusable code. Lastly, you will learn techniques to improve the readability of your code.
Week 3: In this lesson, we will explore various options for manipulating strings and lists in Python. We will delve into the different methods available for these data types and how they can be applied. Additionally, we will use our newfound knowledge to create a brief algorithm. Lastly, we will learn how to utilize regular expressions to search for specific patterns within strings.
Week 4: In this course, we will apply Python to real-world scenarios, specifically in the field of cybersecurity. Our main focus will be on automating tasks related to cybersecurity, which involves working with files. We will start by learning how to open and read files, followed by understanding how to parse files and organize their contents. Lastly, we will explore various strategies for debugging code. By the end of this course, you will have practical experience using Python to automate cybersecurity tasks and be equipped with debugging techniques.
Course Overview
The eighth and final course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. This comprehensive program consists of eight courses that have been carefully designed to provide you with the necessary skills to pursue an entry-level cybersecurity position. By completing this certificate, you will be well-prepared to apply for job opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
Syllabus
Week 1: In today's digital age, protecting data has become paramount for businesses. Security professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and integrity of sensitive information. Their expertise and vigilance help to detect and prevent potential security incidents. By promptly escalating any identified threats, they can minimize the impact on an organization's security posture. The importance of these professionals cannot be overstated, as their actions directly contribute to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Week 2: Incident prioritization and escalation are crucial aspects of maintaining the security of business operations. Security professionals make critical decisions that help to ensure the safety and continuity of a company's operations. By prioritizing incidents, they are able to allocate resources effectively and address the most urgent threats first. This allows for a more efficient and targeted response, minimizing potential damage and disruption. Additionally, the process of escalation ensures that incidents are promptly brought to the attention of the appropriate personnel, enabling swift action and resolution. Overall, incident prioritization and escalation play a vital role in safeguarding business operations and mitigating potential risks.
Week 3: In this course, you will gain knowledge about the key stakeholders in cybersecurity and develop the skills to effectively communicate with them. By crafting clear and concise messages, you will be able to influence stakeholders and ensure that your cybersecurity initiatives are well-received and understood.
Week 4: To stay current on cybersecurity trends, it is important to engage with the cybersecurity community. This can be done through various means such as attending industry conferences, joining online forums and communities, and participating in webinars and workshops. By actively engaging with the security community, you can gain valuable insights, share knowledge, and collaborate with other professionals in the field. Additionally, engaging with the cybersecurity community can help you build a network of contacts, stay informed about emerging threats and technologies, and enhance your professional development.
Week 5: To find and apply for cybersecurity jobs, it is important to prepare yourself. This involves exploring career readiness techniques such as creating a resume, developing an elevator pitch, and preparing for the interview process. Additionally, utilizing career resources can greatly assist in finding and applying for jobs in the cybersecurity field.
I successfully finished the Google Cybersecurity Certificate Course, gaining comprehensive knowledge and skills in various aspects of cybersecurity.
Skills
Authentication
Cybersecurity Assessment
Information Assurance
Information Security
Information Systems
Intrusion Detection & IDS Tools
Linux
Network Analyzer (sniffing) tools
Network Security
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Python
Risk Assessment
Risk Management Framework
Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) tools
SQL
Threat Analysis
Vulnereability Assessment