Google vs IBM Cyber Security Analyst | Review

Summary

This video script compares Google's and IBM's cybersecurity certificates for beginners. Both offer a path into cybersecurity without prior IT experience, covering similar topics and taking roughly 4-6 months to complete. The Google certificate focuses on interview preparation and job search, while IBM's includes up-to-date modules on AI and detection response. Both have hands-on labs, but differ in the tools and programming languages covered. The video suggests that either certificate can be a good starting point, with the option to supplement with the other for a broader skill set.

Takeaways

• 📜 Google and IBM offer cybersecurity certificates for beginners without prior IT or coding experience.
• 🎓 Both certificates provide a shareable badge for LinkedIn and CV enhancement.
• 🕒 The typical duration to complete either course is 4 to 6 months, though some finish in 2 to 3 months.
• 🔍 Both cover fundamental cybersecurity topics, including risk management and networking basics.
• 🌐 IBM's course includes up-to-date modules on AI and cybersecurity.
• 🛠️ Hands-on Labs are a key feature of both certificates, providing practical experience.
• 🔧 IBM focuses on its own tool, IBM QRadar, while Google covers Splunk.
• 💻 The Google certificate offers a lab on Python and SQL, whereas IBM emphasizes Kali Linux and ethical hacking.
• 🚀 Both certificates conclude with a Capstone project, but Google focuses on job readiness, while IBM emphasizes incident response.
• 🎯 For beginners, either certificate is a solid starting point, but Google's might be more beneficial for those new to the job application process.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Google and IBM cybersecurity certificates?

The main purpose of the Google and IBM cybersecurity certificates is to provide an entry point for individuals with no experience or background in IT or cybersecurity, offering them a pathway to gain foundational knowledge and skills in the field.

How long does it typically take to complete either of the certificates?

While both certificates suggest a completion time of four to six months, most people tend to finish the course within two to three months, depending on their pace.

What are some common topics covered by both certificates?

Common topics covered by both certificates include an introduction to cybersecurity, the life of a cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity risk management, and various frameworks used in the field.

What is unique about the IBM cybersecurity certificate's coverage of AI and recent topics?

The IBM cybersecurity certificate includes modules on AI and recent topics, which is a good plus as it keeps the content up-to-date with the evolving field of cybersecurity.

What tools do the certificates teach for detection and response in cybersecurity?

The Google certificate covers Splunk, a popular tool, while the IBM certificate covers IBM QRadar, their own tool. Both tools serve the same purpose in the context of cybersecurity.

How do the certificates differ in their approach to hands-on labs?

The Google certificate includes a lab on Linux, SQL, and Python, while the IBM certificate focuses on Kali Linux and includes a lab on hardening it. Additionally, the IBM certificate has a lab on using the OS top 10 tool ZAP and creating a GitHub repo.

What is the focus of the Capstone project in the Google certificate?

The Capstone project in the Google certificate is focused on job readiness, which includes creating a CV, preparing for interviews, and applying to jobs.

What does the IBM Capstone project entail?

The IBM Capstone project involves going through a cybersecurity incident, following proper incident response methodology, and preparing a report.

What is the recommended next step after completing one of the certificates?

After completing one of the certificates, it is recommended to add the learned skills to one's CV, work on practical projects, and consider taking the other certificate for further practice and to broaden one's skill set.

How can the skills and labs from the certificates be utilized on a CV?

The skills learned from the certificates can be added to the CV under the skills section, and the hands-on labs can be showcased as projects, demonstrating practical experience in cybersecurity.

What is the advantage of the Google cybersecurity certificate over the IBM one?

The advantage of the Google cybersecurity certificate is its significant focus on preparing individuals for interviews and job applications, which is particularly beneficial for those coming from different fields.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Cyber Security Certificates

This paragraph introduces the Google and IBM cyber security certificates, highlighting their accessibility to individuals without prior experience or IT background. It discusses the traditional requirements for cyber security certifications and the significant shift these new offerings represent. The speaker shares their personal experience of taking both courses to compare and contrast them, aiming to help viewers make an informed decision on which certificate to pursue to enhance their chances in the cyber security job market.

05:00

🔍 Similarities Between Google and IBM Certificates

The speaker outlines the similarities between the Google and IBM cyber security certificates, noting that neither requires prior coding or IT knowledge. Both offer a shareable badge for LinkedIn and CV enhancement, and are designed to be completed in approximately four to six months, though many finish sooner. The content covers foundational cyber security concepts, risk management, and networking, with both including hands-on labs for practical experience, which are crucial for building confidence in the field.

Keywords

💡Cyber Security Certificate

A Cyber Security Certificate is a professional credential that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity. In the context of the video, it refers to the certificates offered by Google and IBM, which are designed for individuals with no prior experience or degree in IT, making it accessible for career changers or those new to the field.

💡IT Background

IT Background refers to the educational and professional experience one has in the field of Information Technology. In the video, it is mentioned that traditionally, cybersecurity certifications required significant IT experience, but the new certificates from Google and IBM are aimed at individuals without such a background, making them more inclusive.

💡Networking

Networking in the context of cybersecurity refers to the foundational concepts and practices related to computer networks, which are essential for understanding how data is transmitted and secured within an organization. Both the Google and IBM certificates cover networking topics, eliminating the need for additional certifications like CompTIA Network Plus or CCNA.

💡Cyber Security Risk Management

Cyber Security Risk Management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to an organization's information and systems. It is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, and the video notes that both Google and IBM certificates include modules on this topic, preparing learners to understand and manage cybersecurity risks effectively.

💡Hands-On Labs

Hands-On Labs are practical, interactive sessions where learners can apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained. In cybersecurity, these labs are crucial for gaining real-world experience and skills. The video praises both Google and IBM certificates for including hands-on labs, which allow learners to practice using tools and techniques used by cybersecurity professionals.

💡Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a Linux distribution designed for penetration testing and security auditing. It is widely used by ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals for its suite of pre-installed security tools. The IBM certificate specifically teaches how to use and harden Kali Linux, which is an important skill for securing systems against potential threats.

💡Python

Python is a versatile, high-level programming language that is commonly used in the cybersecurity field for scripting, automation, and data analysis. The Google certificate provides hands-on practice with Python, which is beneficial for learners looking to develop programming skills relevant to cybersecurity.

💡Capstone Project

A Capstone Project is a culminating assignment or thesis that integrates and applies the knowledge and skills learned throughout a program of study. In the context of the video, both the Google and IBM certificates conclude with a capstone project that aims to prepare learners for the job market, with the Google certificate focusing on job readiness skills like CV creation and interview preparation, while the IBM certificate involves following proper incident response methodology.

💡Career Transition

Career Transition refers to the process of changing from one career or profession to another. The video script discusses how the Google and IBM cybersecurity certificates can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to transition into cybersecurity from other fields, such as nursing or accounting, by providing them with the necessary skills and credentials.

💡GitHub

GitHub is a web-based platform that provides version control and collaboration features for developers working with code. It is widely used in the tech industry for managing and sharing projects. The video mentions that the IBM certificate teaches how to create a GitHub repository, which can be a significant advantage for job applicants as it allows them to showcase their practical projects and coding skills.

Highlights

Google and IBM have released cybersecurity certificates aimed at beginners.

Traditionally, cybersecurity certifications required 4-5 years of experience.

Both certificates do not require prior coding, IT, or networking knowledge.

Certificates provide a shareable badge for LinkedIn and CV enhancement.

Most people finish the course in 2-3 months.

Both cover the basics of cybersecurity, risk management, and networking.

IBM covers AI and recent topics, keeping the certificate up to date.

Google covers Splunk, while IBM focuses on their own tool, IBM QRadar.

Both offer hands-on labs, which are crucial for practical understanding.

IBM teaches Kali Linux and hardening techniques.

Google includes a lab dedicated to SQL and Python.

IBM includes a lab on using the OS Top 10 tool, ZAP, and creating a GitHub repo.

Google's Capstone project focuses on job readiness, including CV creation and interview preparation.

IBM's Capstone project involves following incident response methodology.

Both certificates are hosted on Coursera with a low monthly fee.

Google's certificate is slightly more focused on interview preparation and job search.

Both certificates are of similar quality and explain concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.

After completing one certificate, it's recommended to do the other for additional practice and to broaden skills.

Practical projects should be added to one's CV after completing these certificates.

Transcripts

three months ago Google released an

excellent cyber security certificate

aimed at people with no experience or

degree or any I.T background which was a

huge deal because traditionally to do

cyber security certifications they used

to ask you to have four or five years of

experience in it but the issue is this

isn't the only certificate that claims

that the IBM cyber security analyst

certificate covers extremely similar

topics to the Google cyber security

certificate and also makes the same

claim that it's targeted at people with

no degree or it experience or coding

knowledge so I took both courses just to

try to see the differences between them

and to find out which one is the best

but it was really confusing because they

both covered the same topics but as I

went through each one of them I found

some surprising differences so to save

you time and money I will take you

through the similarities between the

certificates the differences and which

one should you do to gain more

confidence so you can apply to more

cyber security jobs get more interviews

and eventually land your first cyber

security role let's get into it part one

similarities so I found that

certificates really don't expect you to

have any coding knowledge or any I.T

knowledge or any networking knowledge

but not only that they will also give

you a shareable badge that you can put

on your LinkedIn and your CV which is a

huge deal because if you're a student or

if you're let's say changing careers

from nursing into cyber security it's

really good to have those credentials on

your CV instead of going through a fully

fledged three or four years degree but

the most important similarity that I

found is both courses actually takes

roughly the same time to finish so both

tell you you can take between four to

six months to finish the course but I

found that most people tend to finish

the course within two to three months

depends on how fast or how slow you

finish in fact one guy in our Discord

server finished it in one week I don't

recommend that but I know it's possible

but as I kept doing both courses and dig

through the modules this is where things

got interesting they both explained to

you what cyber security is and what do

we do as cyber Security Professionals

and they both take you through a day in

the life in a cyber security analyst

which is pretty cool and they both teach

you about cyber security risk management

and the various Frameworks that we use

in cyber security the notable

differences IBM teaches you about IBM

X-Force which is a service offering by

IBM Pro tip many people in the cyber

security field claim to understand cyber

security risk management but when I

interview them they fail to answer the

most basic question so the fact that

you're getting to learn this topic early

on in your career is a huge plus now

both certificates have an excellent

module about networking which takes you

through all the foundational Concepts in

networking and this is fantastic news so

you don't really need to do CompTIA

Network Plus or CCNA because both

certificates do an excellent job in

covering networking but after the

networking module this is where things

got a lot more exciting which brings me

to part two the differences between the

certificates IBM certificate has been

out for a while but to my surprise it

looks like they kept the certificate up

to date so I found the module that

discusses Ai and some fairly recent

topics as well which is a good Plus for

the IBM cyber analyst certificate when

it comes to the topic of detection and

response which is a core activity that

cyber about analysts perform remember a

cyber Security Professionals our job is

to stop Hackers from hacking into the

network but also our job is to detect if

there is a hacker in our Network or if

there is a malware and to do that there

are various tools that we use a primary

tool called Sim which is a central log

service that has all the logs of the

organization and this is where we

conduct investigations and setup alerts

the Google certificate covers Splunk

which is an extremely popular scene but

the IBM certificate covers their own

tool called IBM qrata both tools do the

exact same thing just know they are both

different commercial tools Pro tip if

you learn the tool theoretically and you

haven't got a chance to practice with

this tool this is how you add it to your

CV under the skills section of your CV

just type that you have exposure to IBM

cured this way you have the keyword in

your CV but you're honest about your

level of understanding of the tool now

the great thing about both certificates

is that they both have Hands-On Labs

which if you've watched any of my videos

on my big big Advocates of

certifications that have Amazon lab

because cyber security is not just a

theoretical field imagine that you're

trying to learn nursing so to become a

nurse first you need to cover the human

biology and understand how the body

works but you can't just be a nurse from

the books you have to get your hands

dirty

too much for you okay Mom I think that I

can handle it oh good God what is that

cyber security is very similar I

interview hundreds of candidates every

year and I get these CVS with

certificates like Security Plus and even

see issb but as soon as I start asking

them questions and give them scenarios

they fail to answer the most basic

question so to build that knowledge and

confidence you have to do Hands-On labs

and both the IBM and the Google server

certificate have Hands-On lab but to my

surprise they have completely different

Hands-On Labs the Google certificate

have a lab on Linux SQL and python IBM

has a lab on Linux but they specifically

teach you Kali Linux which is a Linux

distribution that ethical hackers use

there is also a lab in the IBM

certificate that teaches you how to

harden Kali Linux it's optional but I

highly recommend you do it hardening an

OS is a task that we do as cyber analyst

this is where you get an operating

system and then you secure it now the

Google server certificate has a lab

dedicated to SQL unfortunately the IBM

certificate only touches on this topic

theoretically the Google the Cyber

certificate covers python which is a

programming language that we use as

cyber Security Professionals the Google

certificate will give you some Hands-On

practice with it the IBM certificate

have a very basic package that you can

download and install and experiment on

but I found that Google goes a little

bit deeper in Python now the most

surprising part was the lab that I found

in the IBM cyber analyst because I

couldn't find this lab in the

description of the course so there is a

lab that teaches you how to use the OS

top 10 tool called zap which is an open

source tool that scans web applications

for vulnerabilities there is also

another lab that will teach you how to

create a GitHub repo which is really

important because you can create a

GitHub repo and add all your projects

there which will definitely make you

stand out as you apply for your first

server security role because as I told

you the vast majority of candidates who

apply for adults have no practical

experience so if you can show a GitHub

repo with practical project that's a

huge plus and then there is a lab in the

IBM security certificate where you get

to scan the GitHub repo using a tool

called Snick to check for any

vulnerabilities in the code at the end

of each certificate there is a Capstone

project in the Google certificate the

Capstone project is focused on what they

refer to as getting you job ready so

they'll show you how to create a CV how

to get ready for interviews and how to

apply to jobs which in my opinion is a

very important skills especially if

you're someone who come from a different

field like accounting or nursing or

working in a warehouse so you may not be

Familiar of the process of creating a CV

and applying to jobs so I think this is

extremely valuable the IBM certificate

Capstone project is a little bit

different it takes you through a cyber

security incident and gets you to follow

proper incident response methodology and

prepare a report again it's a very

valuable skill to have you can

definitely add it to your CV but after I

finished both of them I found it really

hard to know which one should I

recommend which brings me to the third

part of this video which one should you

do honestly it's really hard to answer

this question because both certificates

are aimed at people with zero cyber

security experience they also both have

Hands-On Labs which is really good

because it gives you a taste of what is

it like to work in cyber security it

just warms you up to the idea of

practicing in a lab they are also both

hosted in Coursera which is really cheap

you get one week for free and then it's

50 bucks per month but there is one

advantage to the Google cyber security

certificate they have a huge focus on

preparing you for interviews and how to

look for jobs and how to prepare a CV so

if this is something you struggle with

then the Google certificate is a good

choice for you now as far as quality is

concerned I found both certificate to be

of very similar quality they really do a

good job of explaining cyber security

Concept in a very simple and easy

digestible way so if I was starting out

in cyber security this is what I will do

I will pick either one of them whether

you start with the Google certificate or

IBM certificate you should do it with

the mindset that this will be only three

months of your life you should not spend

longer than that so if you finish the

Google cyber security certificate and

you feel confident maybe do the CompTIA

Security Plus after if you feel like

like you understood the concepts you

passed a certificate but you just need a

little bit more practice and you need to

brush up more on the concepts then I

think the IBM certificate is a fantastic

supplement you can use the same Coursera

subscription but best of all you will

get to finish it a lot faster because

the information is still fresh in your

head you've just passed your Google

certificate so you can go through the

IBM certificate faster and you get a

chance to practice with these labs and

add them to your CV as for the next

steps you should start adding those

skills that you learned from these

certificates into your CV you should

also add these Labs as projects on your

CV and from there I would be laser

focused onto doing more practical

projects up until I have the confidence

to do even higher level certificates

which will give you the confidence to

start applying for cyber security jobs

and land your first cyber security job I

curated a list of practical projects

that you can do after you finish these

certificates that will build up your

skills progressively in this video