Google vs Microsoft vs IBM CyberSecurity Certification on Coursera? Which one is best for you?
Review of top 3 Cyber security certification on Coursera from Google, IBM, and Microsoft to find out which one is right for you
Hello friends, in this constantly changing landscape of cybersecurity, where digital threats are becoming more sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is increasing every day and that makes starting career in Cyber security a great idea.
It’s no wonder that many experienced programmers are switching towards Cyber security and I expect this trend to continue as the demand for skilled Cybersecurity professional is growing exponentially.
If you also want to start your career on Cyber Security and need resources then you have come to the right place. Earlier, I have shared best CyberSecurity courses, certifications, skill, and books and in this article, I am going to review three of the most popular Cyber security certification online.
I mean, the most popular, Google’s Cyber Security certification, which also help you prepare for the industry-recognized CompTIA Security+ certification exam, the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, and newly launched Microsoft’s new Cyber Security professional certification on Coursera.
If you don’t know, Coursera is a leading online learning platform that offers cyber security certifications in collaboration with industry giants Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
In this comprehensive guide, I will dissect the differences between Google Cybersecurity, IBM Cybersecurity, and Microsoft Cybersecurity certifications.
By exploring their unique features, focus areas, and career implications, I will try assist you in making an informed decision about which certification aligns best with your cybersecurity aspirations and career goals.
Though, if you are in rush and need quick guidance, if you are just starting with Cyber Security and want to go for CompTIA Security+ exam then I recommend to join Google’s CyberSecurity Certification.
If you are from Microsoft world and you mostly work on Azure and want to prepare for Microsoft SC-900 Certification Exam, then I recommend you to go for Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst program, and if you want to learn it independently then go for IBM Cybersecurity program.
By the way, If you are planning to join multiple Coursera certifications like all three form Google, Microsoft, and IBM , then consider taking a Coursera Plus subscription which provides you unlimited access to their most popular courses, specialization, professional certificate, and guided projects. It costs around $59/ per month but is worth it because you get access to more than 7000+ courses and projects, and you can also get unlimited certificates.
3 Best Cybersecurity Certification on Coursera from Google, Microsoft, and IBM
As the digital realm becomes increasingly interconnected, safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets has never been more critical. Google, IBM, and Microsoft, recognized leaders in the technology industry, each offer cybersecurity certifications on Coursera to address the growing need for cybersecurity professionals.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of each certification to understand their distinctive features and applications.
1. Google Cybersecurity Certification
The Google Cybersecurity Certification on Coursera is designed to cater to individuals with varying levels of cybersecurity knowledge. From foundational concepts to more advanced topics, the curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles.
While the chance of getting a certification from Google is more than enough to join this program, here are few more details which is worth knowing before you join this certificaiton on coursera
Focus Areas
- Network Security: Understanding and securing network infrastructures.
- Identity and Access Management: Implementing controls to manage user access.
- Incident Response: Developing skills to respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents.
- Security Engineering: Designing and implementing security solutions.
Who Should Consider?
This certification is suitable for beginners entering the cybersecurity field and individuals with some experience looking to enhance their skills. It is also a great resource for anyone preparing for CompTIA Security+ Exam, which is another industry recognized cybersecurity certification. So, by going for this program you can kill two birds in one stone.
Career Implications
- Cybersecurity Analyst Roles: Positions focused on monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents.
- Security Engineer Positions: Roles involved in designing and implementing security solutions.
Talking about the social proof, more than 214,950 people have already joined this program which makes it one of the most popular Cybersecurity certification on Coursera. It also got on average 4.9 review from close to 9300 participants which is simply amazing and speaks a lot about the quality of this course.
Here is the link to join this — Google Cybersecurity Certification
2. Microsoft Cybersecurity Certification
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Certification on Coursera is a relatively new Cybersecurity program which is designed to equip learners with advanced skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.
This certification as 9 courses which covers a wide range of topics, emphasizing practical applications and real-world scenarios. While Coursera says it can take 6 months at 10 hours a week but if you are focused you can easily finish this program in 2 months.
One of the best thing about this certification is that after competing this program you’ll have tangible examples to talk about in job interviews and you’ll also be prepared to take the Microsoft SC-900 Certification Exam, not only that you will also receive a 50% discount voucher, which is amazing.
Focus Areas
- Security Administration: Managing and configuring security features in Microsoft products.
- Threat Detection and Response: Identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats.
- Security Architecture: Designing and implementing secure architectures.
- Security Compliance: Ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards.
Who Should Consider?
Individuals with an beginner -level understanding of cybersecurity, particularly those interested in Microsoft-centric security solutions, will find this certification beneficial.
Career Implications
- Security Administrator Roles: Positions focused on managing and configuring security features.
- Security Architect Positions: Roles involving the design and implementation of secure architectures.
Talking about the social proof, more than 29,382 people have already enrolled in this CyberSecurity certification and it has on average 4.8 rating, slightly lesser than Google certification but still quite amazing.
Here is the link to join this — Microsoft Cybersecurity Certification
2. IBM Cybersecurity Certification
The IBM Cybersecurity Certification on Coursera is tailored for individuals with a foundational understanding of cybersecurity. It delves into advanced concepts and methodologies, making it suitable for those aiming to specialize in specific areas of cybersecurity.
This was one of the first cyber security program on Coursera and also allows you to earn degree credit, which means this course is part of certain online degrees in Coursera an completing this will count towards it.
It also comes with several real-world case studies which will help you to learn how Cyber attacker take advantages of different vulnerabilities and what precaution you can take and how you can defend your organization and asset better.
Focus Areas
- Advanced Threat Intelligence: Analyzing and responding to advanced cybersecurity threats.
- Security Operations and Analytics: Using analytics for effective security monitoring.
- Endpoint Protection: Implementing measures to secure endpoints.
- Security Compliance: Understanding and implementing security compliance frameworks.
Who Should Consider?
If you don’t have any understanding of cybersecurity and wish to delve into beginner to advanced topics, the IBM Cybersecurity Certification is a logical progression.
Career Implications
It’s a great program for anyone who want to become information security analyst, IT security analyst, security analyst, and Junior cyber security analyst
Talking about social proof, more than 167,954 students have already enrolled in this program on Coursera and it has on average 4.6 rating which slightly less than Google and Microsoft certification but definitely above average.
Here is the link to join this — IBM Cybersecurity Certification
Review — Google vs IBM vs Microsoft Cyber Security Professional Certificates on Coursera? Which on to join?
Now, let’s break down the distinctions between these Cyber security certifications based on several key criteria which will help you to decide which CyberSecurity certificate is right for you. Though, if you are in rush, you can just go and join Google CyberSecurity certification, its one of the best, highly popular, and most recognized Cybersecurity certificate on Coursera.
1. Difficulty Level
- Google Cybersecurity certification: Beginner to Intermediate
- IBM Cybersecurity certificate: Beginner
- Microsoft Cybersecurity professional certificate: Intermediate to Advanced
Which means, if you are just starting your career in Cyber security then go for Google CyberSecurity certification and if you already have some knowledge then Microsoft and IBM Cyber Security certificate is for you.
2. Focus Areas
- Google Cybersecurity certification: Provides broad coverage of foundational and advanced cybersecurity principles. It also put a lot of emphasis on network security, identity management, and incident response, which is key for becoming a proficient Cyber Security engineer. It also help you prepare for CompTIA Security+ Certification.
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst certificate : put focus on advanced threat intelligence and security analytics. It also provides in-depth coverage of endpoint protection and security compliance.
- Microsoft Cybersecurity certificate : provides comprehensive coverage with a focus on Microsoft-centric security solutions. It also put emphasis on security administration, threat detection, and security architecture.It will prepare you for Microsoft SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals exam
3. Career Implications
Google Cybersecurity certification is suitable for roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst and Security Engineer. On the other hand, IBM Cybersecurity is Ideal for Cybersecurity Specialists and Security Consultants. And, Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional certificate is more appropriate for Security Administrators and Security Architects.
4. Prerequisites:
- Google Cybersecurity certification: is more suitable for beginners with a basic understanding of cybersecurity.
- IBM Cybersecurity Certification: While its a beginner level but assumes an intermediate-level understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Professional certificate: Assumes an intermediate-level understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
5. Tools and Technologies:
- Google Cybersecurity: You will learn Google-centric tools and platforms for security solutions.
- IBM Cybersecurity: will teach you about IBM security products and analytics tools.
- Microsoft Cybersecurity: focuses more on Microsoft security products and solutions.
But, overall you will learn all essential Cyber security tools in all the certifications. The additional details like CompTIA Security+ vs Microsfot SC-300 is another criterion on which you can choose the Google vs Microsoft Cyber security.
Which Cybersecurity Certification on Coursera is Best for you?
Deciding on the right cybersecurity certification depends on your current skill level, career goals, and the specific areas of cybersecurity that interest you. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose Google Cybersecurity if:
- You are a beginner in cybersecurity.
- You want a comprehensive understanding of foundational and advanced cybersecurity principles.
- You are aiming for roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst or Security Engineer.
- You want to prepare for CompTIA Security+ Certification
Choose Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional certification if:
- You have beginner to intermediate-level understanding of cybersecurity.
- You are interested in Microsoft-centric security solutions.
- You are aiming for roles such as Security Administrator or Security Architect.
- You want to prepare for Microsoft’s SC-300 exam
Choose IBM Cybersecurity if:
- You have an no understanding of cybersecurity.
- You want to specialize in advanced threat intelligence, analytics, and specific cybersecurity domains.
- You are aiming for roles such as information security analyst, IT security analyst, security analyst, Junior cybersecurity analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist or Security Consultant.
That’s all about review of Google Cyber SEcurity certification vs IBM Cyber Security certificate vs Microsoft Cyber Security Analyst Certificate on Coursera. Each certification offers a unique learning path, ensuring that you acquire the skills necessary for success in your chosen domain within the expansive field of cybersecurity.
Whether you are taking your first steps into cybersecurity or looking to advance your career, Coursera Cybersecurity Certifications, in collaboration with industry leaders, provide a structured and reputable way to enhance your expertise and contribute to the crucial task of securing digital assets in today’s cyber landscape.
One of the best thing about Google and Microsoft Cyber Security certification is that both of them are included in Coursera Plus, which means if you join Coursera Plus you can access both of these courses.
If you don’t, Coursera Plus is a great for learning online as for $399 per year it provides unlimited access to 7000+ courses, projects, and professional certificate on Coursera. Unfortunately IBM Cyber Security certification is not part of Coursera Plus and you have to join separately.
All the best with your learning and I wish you all the success in your Cyber Security career.
