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Learner Reviews & Feedback for IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts by Google

4.8
stars
25,813 ratings

About the Course

This course covers a wide variety of IT security concepts, tools, and best practices. It introduces threats and attacks and the many ways they can show up. We’ll give you some background of encryption algorithms and how they’re used to safeguard data. Then, we’ll dive into the three As of information security: authentication, authorization, and accounting. We’ll also cover network security solutions, ranging from firewalls to Wifi encryption options. The course is rounded out by putting all these elements together into a multi-layered, in-depth security architecture, followed by recommendations on how to integrate a culture of security into your organization or team. At the end of this course, you’ll understand: ● how various encryption algorithms and techniques work as well as their benefits and limitations. ● various authentication systems and types. ● the difference between authentication and authorization. ● how to evaluate potential risks and recommend ways to reduce risk. ● best practices for securing a network. ● how to help others to grasp security concepts and protect themselves. ● new AI skills from Google experts to help complete IT tasks....

Top reviews

SG

Nov 24, 2021

An absolutely engaging and challenging feat that I am so proud to have completed. I hope this opens new door and better job opportunities so that I can better enhance my future. Thank you Google

GS

Apr 11, 2020

Personally, I found this course more dense than the previous courses. I would have liked to have seen more visual descriptions of the topics, e.g. cryptography. But other than that, great course :)

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276 - 300 of 4,287 Reviews for IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts

By Amitha A N

May 18, 2020

I knew encryption and firewalls are to protect the systems, but the depth of knowledge i gained is inexplicable. The course makes you understand the basics of every component and methodology. It was a great experience

By Harland M

Sep 4, 2020

it was challenging but I enjoy learning new things so that I can grow as an individual and help others with their own tech problems. Thank you for supplying me with a cheap alterative to further myself in this world.

By Deleted A

Oct 31, 2020

Amazing! It was a journey where I learned a lot; I thank all the teachers and colleagues for sharing their knowledge during the months I took this course. Thank you very much, and that God bless all of you!

See you!

By Dingane M

Jun 3, 2020

This was great lesson that I needed. I've always wanted to learn something to do with security. Now, I've completed the course, thank you Coursera and Google for making it possible for me to go further in my career.

By Djalma S G

Aug 12, 2025

Excelente curso. Me fez expandir meus conhecimentos e despertou uma grande vontade de continuar a estudar cada vez mais afim de que eu possa obter conhecimento e vislumbrar novos horizontes profissionais e pessoal.

By lemgo L

Sep 22, 2020

This program doesn't require any prior knowledge it only requires your dedication and personal commitment and at the end, you stand to gain more. very satisfied with this course thumbs up Google thumbs up coursera.

By Erin B

Apr 13, 2019

An excellent series of lessons on the history, present, and future state of technology security. I appreciated the insight as to where security is headed. This is a vital beginner's course for any IT professional.

By Herb E

May 23, 2023

A well-rounded curriculum that covers both theoretical concepts and practical applications. Programs that offer ample opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through projects and Hands-on experience .

By Asiri R S W

Oct 20, 2020

Excellent course!!!! Learned a looooootttt!!! All the tutors are great!!!! They are very knowledgeable and fun!!! This is simply an awesome course for any beginner. Thank you Google!! and Thank you Coursera!!!!!!

By Dominic C

Oct 23, 2025

Great! I could tell that the people behind this course were actual computer experts and not corporate fakes. I'm glad Google hasn't gone down the road of so many other tech companies and has kept up its quality.

By Matthew E

May 13, 2022

This course help widen my horizon on security concepts such as the AAA, CRYPTOGRAPHY AND HASHING.

This is sure going to be my launching pad to cyber security!

A big thank you to the amazing tutors. Love you all.

By Pasan G

Aug 30, 2021

It was a nicely created course and I learned a lot about IT security by completing it. Instructor is super knowledgeable and has a clear voice so that we can understand even advanced concepts without a trouble.

By Minh V

Dec 10, 2024

This course contains general knowledge, good for IT newbie. Most of the exams are multiple choices question, it would be more interesting if have more interact questions. Good AI coach, I learned a lot from it

By Kushan S

Sep 9, 2020

Excellent course, packed with a plethora of fundamental IT concepts. An easy recommend for those looking to grasp the fundamentals and build a foundational knowledge upon which to grow and expand their career.

By Jocgelis G R

Jun 25, 2020

very impress with the way the course is designed. I will add more mini quizzes in the video just to grasp the material a bit better. specially when you are been bomb with so much information. but it was good.

By ANUBHAV M

Jan 10, 2019

One of the most useful and informative course i have come across so far. Really enjoyed learning from great instructors from Google and would love to learn from them in any such courses. Simplicity at its best

By Glenda E C C

Apr 21, 2025

el curso ofreció una visión clara y bien estructurada sobre las amenazas digitales, brindando herramientas esenciales para una defensa salida en el mundo cibernético. Una experiencia enriquecedora y muy útil.

By Deanna B

May 15, 2024

I don't know how much I learned but I think I have learned the basics and they made it very easy to learn. I am confident that I will get a job and I have already recommended this course to a lot of people.

By Eugene J

Dec 14, 2019

I liked this course very much and I learned a lifetime worth of things where security is concerned. This course should be part of a training requirement before actually hitting the floor of your new position.

By Khalil N

Mar 21, 2021

This was my favorite course in series of Google IT Support Certificate , I really refreshed my security concepts and strategies and how to improve in any organization. everyone and everywhere needs security!

By Ram D

Aug 23, 2020

I had gained a lot of technical knowledge rather then i expected. I hope this course will be the key to success to every learners who wants to make their carrier in IT field. Thank you coursera team for all.

By Timothy A Y

Aug 1, 2018

Excellent course. There is a great deal on content in this class. The final project was a great summative testing tool. The final project process solidified the information for me. Great learning experience!

By Matthew R D

Feb 12, 2018

Difficult content with a good teacher. Some moments were hard to parse (albeit comprehensive), although Gian's reassurance that the high-level overview mattered more than the individual steps was heartening.

By Shane B

Jul 2, 2023

Fantastic course with so much to learn. This is the very basic fundamentals but very essential fundamentals that anyone wanting to get in to the IT industry needs to know. Thank you so much ofr this course!

By Michael S

Sep 30, 2018

Awesome. I'm a laid back slacker dude IT guy who's politically on the other side of this area WHICH IS WHY I benefited from the course. Will certainly be hardening one or two networks this year as a result.