Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python

Overview

This is the seventh course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. In this course, learners will be introduced to the Python programming language and learn how to apply it to a security setting to automate tasks. First, learners will focus on key foundational Python programming concepts, including data types, variables, conditional statements and iterative statements. Next, they will learn to work effectively with Python by developing functions, using libraries and modules, and making their code readable. Following this, they will explore working with string and list data. A final component of learning to automate tasks through Python will be an exploration of how to import and parse files, and then the course will conclude with a focus on debugging. 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.

Syllabus

Introduction to Python

This module provides an introduction to the Python programming language. It explains how Python is used in cybersecurity. It also introduces learners to foundational concepts including data types, variables, conditional statements, and iterative statements.

Write effective Python code

This module expands the learners’ ability to effectively work with the Python programming language. They will learn about both pre-built and user-defined Python functions. They will also explore how modules help provide access to reusable code. Finally, they will learn how to make their code readable.

Work with strings and lists

In this module, learners will explore more options for working with strings and lists in Python, and discover methods that can be applied to these data types. They will apply this knowledge to write a short algorithm. Finally, learners will use regular expressions to search for patterns in strings.

Python in practice

This module explores putting Python into practice. Learners focus on automating security-related tasks. Part of this requires working with files. After learners are introduced to opening and reading files, they will then learn to parse files and structure their contents. Finally, learners will focus on strategies for debugging their code.