🔐 Google Cybersecurity Certificate Review

I recently completed the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera, and here’s my honest take.

🧠 What It Covers

• Basics of security concepts (CIA triad, risk management)
• Tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Nessus
• Intro to SOC operations and incident response
• Linux, Windows, networking, Python, and SIEM basics

👍 What Was Good

• Very beginner-friendly and structured
• Instructors are clear and well-paced
• Final capstone ties together practical knowledge
• Actually engaging for a self-paced course

👎 What Fell Flat

• Too slow if you already have IT basics
• Hands-on sections are often just videos, not true labs
• No real log analysis or security detection exercises

🔧 How I Used It

I used this cert to:

• Refresh foundational terminology
• Build confidence before moving into harder blue team content
• Structure my lab documentation style and flow

🔚 Would I Recommend It?

Yes—for beginners, it’s a great launchpad.
For intermediate learners? You’ll move fast, but you’ll still learn how to communicate like a SOC analyst.

Next up, I’m working through Hack The Box training and Security Onion deployment in my home lab.