Google, in a new partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), has unveiled a cybersecurity training and certification scheme to equip prospective cyber professionals with requisite skills.
This initiative responds to a Kantar survey that reveals 43% of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) unable to secure cybersecurity support due to specialist shortages.
Increasing Demand for Cyber Professionals
There’s been an unprecedented demand for cybersecurity expertise, as evidenced by a remarkable 59% increase in job openings in this field between January 2022 and January 2023.
Nearly 70,000 unique positions were posted online in this period, signaling a significant skills gap in the sector.
Addressing this gap, Google’s Cybersecurity Career Certificate—designed by the ethical hackers featured in the ‘Hacking Google’ web series—promises to offer a cost-effective and accessible pathway for individuals to acquire entry-level cybersecurity skills.
Google’s course can be completed online, with the average person expected to achieve certification after six months of part-time study.
The curriculum includes not only the basics of cybersecurity but also practical training on Python, Linux, and security information and event management tools.
Enhancing Business Security Knowledge
The partnership with NCSC also involves offering SME owners free online business security training.
This hour-long course, covering key areas like enhanced credential security and data access management, can be completed either online or at one of Google’s Digital Garage events.
Lastly, Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, has launched a Cybersecurity Fund, aimed at diversifying the cybersecurity talent pool.
The fund includes $1m allocated to INCO and Women4Cyber to support women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
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