Spotlight: Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

This year, Google debuted the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, a cutting-edge program meant to help bring tech professionals into the world of cybersecurity. As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance, aspiring professionals and individuals seeking to redirect their focus within the realm of IT may wonder: is this certificate truly relevant?

Developed by Google, this course offers a unique and practical approach to cybersecurity, equipping learners with essential skills and fundamentals. With a strong emphasis on employability, this certificate paves the way for exciting career opportunities, making it an ideal choice for those aspiring to enter or transition within the cybersecurity domain. In this blog, we’ll detail some of the reasons developers of any skill and experience level might consider adding this certification to their CV, and how it compares to the CompTIA Security+ certification when looking to stand out among your cybersecurity peers.

Cybersecurity trends

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Services, there were 163,000 Information Security Analysts in 2021, with just 300 being self-employed. The employment rate in this sector was an impressive 100 percent. By 2031, the demand is expected to increase by nearly 35 percent, resulting in an additional 56,500 positions. Cyber Seek estimates that there were about 1.1 million cybersecurity workers in the United States as of December 2022.

Cybersecurity remains a rapidly expanding field for job opportunities, driven by the pervasive digitization of our world. As technology continues to advance, the need to safeguard digital assets and infrastructure grows exponentially. For software developers who seek a fresh perspective and a break from traditional coding, cybersecurity offers an enticing avenue. It allows them to leverage their technical expertise while delving into the intricate world of protecting systems, networks, and data from evolving threats, making it an appealing career transition option.

With the median salary for 2023 reaching over $100k, with over 200,000 open jobs in cybersecurity, is now the right time to up your cybersecurity game and add to your certification?

Google Vs. CompTIA Security+

New for 2023, Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate provides aspiring professionals a new way to sharpen their skills and learn relevant cybersecurity skills for 2023 and beyond. Currently, the CompTIA Security+ is the industry standard for entry level cybersecurity.

The CompTIA Security+ certificate is a widely recognized and respected credential in the field of cybersecurity. Offered by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), Security+ is an entry-level certification that validates the foundational knowledge and skills of cybersecurity professionals.

The Security+ certification covers a broad range of essential cybersecurity topics, including network security, cryptography, identity management, risk management, and incident response. Earning the Security+ certificate signifies that an individual has attained a baseline level of cybersecurity knowledge and is capable of performing core security tasks. It is often sought after by individuals looking to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity, as it provides a solid foundation and enhances employability in various cybersecurity roles.

What does the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate offer?

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate offers comprehensive theory and hands-on learning, and a discount voucher for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Taking the course will teach you about Splunk and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools, the fundamentals of Python and how to apply them to cybersecurity, Linux, SQL, and IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems).

The course also offers career resources, covering interview techniques and the STAR format, which is important for storytelling answers in a holistic way when applying for higher-level cybersecurity jobs. The course also utilizes a live environment in Microsoft Azure, exploding resources to the internet to generate real attack traffic and practice incident response.  

How does the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate compare to CompTIA Security+?

The Google course is tailored for more entry level candidates. It’s a more practical option with more comprehensive coverage, while the CompTIA Security+ is more theory heavy. Google seems to have a clear strategy, push for entry level cybersecurity education, and slowly gain industry wide reputation as more people are hired who have used their certification. Both are comprehensive courses, with Google’s course costing $49/month (3-6 months to complete), while CompTIA’s course costs $497 but can be purchased for around $48 with discounts and provides lifetime access with updates and additional modules.

Currently Sec+ is still the gold standard, but the new Google certification is an interesting development, allowing a cheaper and more entry level course for people hoping to get into the field of cybersecurity, marketed by one of the biggest players in the tech sector.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying educated and up-to-date is crucial for professionals in the field. With the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, individuals have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and differentiate themselves in the competitive job market. It’s an interesting alternative to the CompTIA Security+ certification many hiring managers want to see, and it’ll be interesting going forward to see if this new course can become standard practice for professionals. In an industry where threats are constantly evolving, staying educated is not just a choice; it's a necessity to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the realm of cybersecurity.

About HeyDevs

HeyDevs is a revolutionary new platform that empowers developers to take control of their careers, connect with other developers and find job opportunities that align with their goals and interests, without ever needing to apply for a single job! With HeyDevs, companies compete for you, not the other way around.

For developers, HeyDevs offers invaluable resources including our specialized swipe-to-work function, anonymous profile, and customizable search criteria, with the ability to connect and chat with prospective employers completely on-site.

For businesses, HeyDevs offers tools to maximize the recruitment process, saving time and money, with a talent pipeline that streamlines a majority of the hiring process directly on the platform, eliminating the need for recruiters or headhunters so the hiring process can be handled with HeyDevs as the only medium between employer and candidate, all powered by smart matching to ensure the most relevant matches are provided first. HeyDevs is a truly unbiased hiring platform, delivering a diverse pool of talent that hides information such as avatar, age, and gender, focusing solely on experience and skill, and paving the way for a more inclusive workplace.