Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python from Coursera

This is the seventh course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills you need to apply for an entry-level cybersecurity job. You’ll build on your understanding of the topics that were introduced in the sixth Google Cybersecurity Certificate course.

In this course, you will be introduced to the Python programming language and apply it in a cybersecurity setting to automate tasks. You'll start by focusing on foundational Python programming concepts, including data types, variables, conditional statements, and iterative statements. You'll also learn to work with Python effectively by developing functions, using libraries and modules, and making your code readable. In addition, you'll work with string and list data, and learn how to import, parse and debug files.

Google employees who currently work in cybersecurity will guide you through videos, provide hands-on activities and examples that simulate common cybersecurity tasks, and help you build your skills to prepare for jobs.

Learners who complete this certificate will be equipped to apply for entry-level cybersecurity roles. No previous experience is necessary.

By the end of this course, you will:

- Explain how the Python programming language is used in cybersecurity.

- Write conditional and iterative statements in Python.

- Create new, user-defined Python functions.

- Use Python to work with strings and lists.

- Use regular expressions to extract information from text.

- Use Python to open and read the contents of a file.

- Identify best practices to improve code readability.

- Practice debugging code.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Python

You will get an introduction to the Python programming language and how Python is used in cybersecurity. You'll also explore foundational Python concepts including data types, variables, conditional statements, and iterative statements.

Write effective Python code

You will expand your ability to work with Python. You'll learn about pre-built and user-defined Python functions. You'll also explore how modules help provide access to reusable code. Finally, you'll make your code readable.

Work with strings and lists

You will learn more options for working with strings and lists in Python, and discover methods that can be applied to these data types. You'll apply this knowledge to write a short algorithm. Finally, you'll use regular expressions to search for patterns in strings.

Python in practice

You will put Python into practice and focus on automating cybersecurity-related tasks, which requires working with files. You'll be introduced to opening and reading files. Then, you'll learn to parse files and structure their contents. Finally, you'll focus on strategies for debugging code.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps cybersecurity professionals automate tasks, which is standard in their industry

Taught by Google employees who currently work in cybersecurity, who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Explores foundational Python programming concepts including data types, variables, conditional statements, and iterative statements

Expands learners' ability to work with Python by teaching them about pre-built and user-defined Python functions and how modules help provide access to reusable code

Develops learners' understanding of how to write conditional and iterative statements in Python and how to create new, user-defined Python functions

Covers working with strings and lists in Python

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python with these activities:

Python Course Notes Compilation

Show steps

Organize and summarize your Python course materials to enhance your understanding and recall of key concepts.

Browse courses on Python Basics

Show steps

Gather your class notes, handouts, and any other relevant materials.
Review the materials and identify key concepts, definitions, and examples.
Organize the materials into a logical structure, such as by topic or chapter.

Python Practice Problems

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Practice Python coding problems to reinforce your understanding of Python syntax and concepts.

Browse courses on Python Basics

Show steps

Find online Python coding problems or exercises.
Solve the problems using Python syntax and logic.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition

Show steps

Participate in a cybersecurity CTF competition to test your Python skills and knowledge in a practical environment.

Show steps

Find and register for an upcoming cybersecurity CTF competition.
Prepare for the competition by reviewing Python concepts and practicing CTF-style challenges.
Work in a team or individually to solve cybersecurity challenges using Python.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security controls to protect computer networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work closely with Cybersecurity Analysts to ensure that networks are secure and compliant with regulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information assets and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer networks, systems, and data from cyberattacks. They work closely with Cybersecurity Analysts and Network Security Engineers to ensure that all aspects of an organization's security are addressed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems by simulating cyberattacks. They use various tools and techniques to gain access to networks and systems, and then they report their findings to organizations so that they can fix the vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts investigate and analyze malware to understand how it works and how to protect against it. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts and Security Engineers to develop and implement security measures to prevent malware from infecting networks and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Forensics Analyst

Forensics Analysts investigate computer crime and cyberattacks. They collect and analyze evidence from computers and networks to reconstruct events and identify the perpetrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensics Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is someone who helps protect computer networks and systems from cyberattacks. They do this by monitoring networks for suspicious activity, investigating security breaches, and developing and implementing security measures. The Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python course can help you build the skills you need to become a Cybersecurity Analyst. You will learn how to use Python for various cybersecurity tasks, such as threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. This knowledge can be instrumental in advancing your career as a Cybersecurity Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts, Network Security Engineers, and Security Engineers to develop and implement security plans and policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Incident Responder

Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and mitigating security incidents. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts and Security Engineers to investigate incidents, contain the damage, and restore systems to normal operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security architectures for organizations. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts, Network Security Engineers, and Security Engineers to ensure that organizations have the right security measures in place to protect their networks, systems, and data.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs are responsible for overseeing an organization's security program. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts, Network Security Engineers, and Security Engineers to ensure that the organization's security strategy is aligned with its business objectives.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts to develop and implement security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect cloud computing environments. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts to ensure that cloud environments are secure and compliant with regulations.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts to ensure that systems are secure and compliant with regulations.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with Cybersecurity Analysts to develop and implement security features in software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer