Google Launches Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certificate

Google has recently launched an entry-level cybersecurity certificate program aimed at teaching threat detection skills. The six-month program aims to address the rising number of unfilled opportunities in the cybersecurity industry and has no prerequisites.

Google has introduced the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, an entry-level credential designed to teach students how to identify common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities while providing methods to mitigate them. This certificate program, created and taught by Google’s cybersecurity specialists, has a twofold purpose: to expand global opportunities and prepare students for entry-level cybersecurity positions in less than six months. According to the tech giant, by addressing the rising number of open cyber roles, Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate aims to bridge the talent gap and meet industry demands worldwide.

The program offers students valuable hands-on experience using industry-standard tools such as Linux, Python, and security information and event management (SIEM). In addition, the certificate program helps students prepare for the highly regarded CompTIA Security+ exam, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in cybersecurity certifications. According to a Wall Street Journal article, Google has stated that the course will typically be priced between $150 and $300.

The newly introduced credential is part of Google Career Certificates, a series of affordable programs offering pathways to employment in business intelligence, IT support, and data analytics. Google reports that over 150,000 individuals in the US have successfully completed these career certificate programs, with 75% of graduates experiencing a positive career impact within six months. This impact includes securing new job opportunities, receiving salary increases, or earning promotions, and showcasing the effectiveness of these programs in empowering individuals to achieve tangible career advancements.

Google’s cybersecurity certification places a strong emphasis on diversity.

Google’s new degree program is aimed at addressing the lack of diversity in the cybersecurity industry, where women, Hispanics, and black people are significantly underrepresented. To accomplish this, Google has partnered with non-profit organizations such as Cyversity, Raices Cyber, and Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), which will offer the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These collaborations aim to bridge the opportunity gap and attract a more diverse talent pool to the cyber security field. In addition, Google is committed to providing learners with comprehensive support, including expert coaching, assistance with interview preparation, and job placement guidance, further ensuring their success in pursuing cybersecurity careers.

Last month, the UK Cyber Security Council released a report specifically examining the challenges faced by people of color and individuals from ethnic minorities in pursuing cybersecurity careers. The report emphasized the crucial role of blind recruiting and inclusive recruitment panels in promoting diversity within the industry. Implementing these practices makes the hiring process more accessible and inclusive for people of color. Furthermore, the report underscored the importance of fostering diversity within corporations, highlighting the value of granting employees the freedom to progress into senior leadership positions. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also enhances the overall diversity and representation within the cybersecurity sector.

CISOs interviewed by the Wall Street Journal have emphasized the significance of a cybersecurity certificate as a suitable qualification for entry-level employment. According to Alex Schuchman, CISO at Colgate-Palmolive Co., the Google cybersecurity credential offers distinct advantages over traditional four-year college degrees, primarily due to its shorter duration. This allows individuals to quickly acquire relevant skills and knowledge while adapting to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. In addition, the certificate program’s flexibility enables it to stay current with emerging advancements in the field, making it a valuable asset for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Red Gibbins, CISO at American Express, expressed strong confidence in hiring program graduates, stating that he “will almost certainly” bring them on board, anticipating that 60% of these new hires would be individuals starting at the entry-level or transitioning from other fields to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
“You can’t merely wish there were more professionals in cybersecurity. They must be developed through training,” according to Phil Venables, CISO of Google Cloud.