Excellent mode of imparting knowledge...you made me go after knowledge...in a quest for fulfilment!

amazing course with a alot of content that are applicable

this is a lot better than Linkedin online learning,

Exhausting but worth it !!

Very out dated but goes into detail on some very relevant concepts and covers the topics well. A good majority of the information is still relevant nad provides a solid foundation and inderstanding of IT. The supplemental reading aspect is a little disappointing because the point of a course is to make education more focused and manageable and some the infromation in the supplemaental reading is very useful and would have been great to be referenced or conslidated into a more manageable format instead oflinking to a 20 page whitepaper or article, etc.

Overall, I liked it. However, it would be best to break the videos down from 7-8 minutes to 3-4 minutes. Also, for all 5 courses, can you provide a outline for each week? I think downloading an outline prior to a new week will get people more prepared for the week.

too much info (too much terms that is explained) but not enough practice.

I enjoyed "The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking" as much as I am disappointed in "IT Security" course.

1. The instructor usually does not bother to provide explanatory images or diagrams. He just talks and expects us to build the full image in the head. He uses many abbreviations, some of which were not introduced before. Hm, what do you have the video for? For instance, Kerberos protocol. The diagram (wow, they have one) includes "KDC". It is never explained what it is. The helpful diagram is hidden while the instructor talks about what happens in the protocol. C'mon, do you really think that your face is more important than the diagram in this case?

2. The information is very high-level and I just can't see how it might form a proper structure. "Digital signature is used to proof authenticity". Ok. I new that. If anyone does not know that, they can easily guess from its name. How exactly does it do this? How exactly is the private key applied to form a signature? The answer is actually simple: append a digest formed as a message hash encrypted with a private key. But this is not in the video.

3a. Some information is plain wrong! E.g. "But the output should be unique to the input, such that two different inputs should never yield the same output". This is theoretically not possible, since the size of a hash is fixed, while the size of a message is arbitrary.

3b. Another example: Diffie–Hellman. The instructor says "combine the numbers" and the image shows "+" sign. You might think this is addition. But it is not. It would make no sense to use addition here. The algorithm actually uses power by module operation, but it is omitted from the course.

On the whole, great foundation. But the number of quizzes vastly outnumber the labs - decidedly not "hands on" - and the labs present held my hand the whole way. The technical detail is sparse and the quizzes were confusingly worded. I loved the certificate on the whole, but the last two courses were significantly less engaging than the ones before them.

Missing transciprts, spelling mistakes in transcripts, lots of missing supplemental readings. What is the point of offering a course when no one checks the basics are right?

Lots of talking and almost no hands on that explains how to explement or how to actually use the knowledge and practices they talk about.

I was lost while studying this course many times. Often the critical concepts were just spoken, at least have a PPT of critical concepts

I have submitted my verification still lot of delay in my certificate , it's really very frustrating

Much too dense to absorb, and not necessary for an *entry-level* IT position.

lots of technical stuff really fast without lots of examples not my favorite.

This course is very awful for a couple of reasons. Threat of being locked out of quizzes for day for not getting 80 or above. The course lectures are absolutely awful the information is very redundant and not specific they take 1 year to get to a point. This course is extremely difficult and you will fail quizzes. Not because you're stupid but because this course was poorly made. If you want proof start watching videos and see how many mistakes they have to correct. I am positive alot of these reviewers used google to pass. They also must be fake because it does not take much to realize this is trash.

I feel like I have barely learned a thing. The videos were boring and felt so unauthentic. I think I'd have learned more in an actual classroom.

Courses developed for people who didn't see computers and Internets in their life even one time. Good for my grandmom.

terrible support when u have problems using there software for labs! and by terrible i mean zero support!

The lectures are all over the place. The content does not flow well and it super hard to follow along.

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Course Review: "IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts" Course Overview: As an Engineering student interested in the intricacies of cybersecurity, I enrolled in the course "IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts" with high expectations, and I must say, it exceeded them in every aspect. Offered by [Name of Institution/Platform], this course delves deep into the fundamental principles and practical applications of IT security, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of cybersecurity. Content Quality (5/5): The course content is exceptionally well-structured and comprehensive. It covers a wide range of topics essential to understanding modern cybersecurity threats and defenses. From cryptography and network security to malware analysis and incident response, each module is delivered with clarity and depth. The lectures are engaging, with real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the concepts effectively. Instructor Expertise (5/5): The instructors are experts in the field of cybersecurity, bringing years of practical experience and academic knowledge to the table. Their ability to explain complex topics in a clear and understandable manner is commendable. They also provide insights into current trends and best practices, which adds significant value to the learning experience. Hands-On Learning (4/5): One of the highlights of the course is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Practical exercises and labs allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated environments. While these exercises are enriching, a bit more variety in the types of hands-on activities could further enhance the learning experience. Support and Resources (5/5): The course platform provides excellent support and additional resources, including forums for discussions, supplementary reading materials, and access to tools and software used in cybersecurity practice. This supportive environment fosters collaboration among students and enhances understanding through shared learning. Overall Impression (5/5): In conclusion, "IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts" is a standout course that delivers on its promise to educate and empower students in the field of cybersecurity. Whether you're looking to start a career in IT security or simply expand your knowledge base, this course is highly recommended. The comprehensive content, expert instruction, and practical focus make it a worthwhile investment of time and effort. I personally found this course not only informative but also inspiring, as it has deepened my understanding of cybersecurity principles and equipped me with practical skills that are invaluable in today's digital landscape. I look forward to applying what I've learned in my future endeavors in Engineering and beyond.

As an IT professional seeking to navigate the treacherous waters of cyberspace, "IT Security: Defense against the Digital Dark Arts" is an invaluable companion. This comprehensive guide takes readers on a journey through the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity, equipping them with essential knowledge to ward off digital threats effectively.

The author's expertise shines through in their lucid explanations, making complex concepts accessible to both seasoned tech experts and newcomers. They cover a broad spectrum of topics, including network security, cryptography, malware analysis, and social engineering, without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of real-world case studies and practical examples, illustrating how vulnerabilities have been exploited in the past and how they can be mitigated. These instances help readers grasp the significance of staying vigilant in the face of cyberattacks.

Furthermore, the book is not merely a theoretical treatise; it encourages hands-on learning through engaging exercises and challenges. This interactivity adds a dynamic element to the learning process, reinforcing key concepts and skills.

However, a minor drawback lies in the book's focus primarily on defensive strategies. A more balanced approach with insights into offensive techniques could have provided a deeper understanding of the adversary's mindset. Nonetheless, it remains an excellent resource for those seeking to bolster their defensive capabilities.

In conclusion, "IT Security: Defense against the Digital Dark Arts" is an essential read for anyone involved in the IT industry. Its pragmatic approach, combined with real-world examples and interactive exercises, empowers readers to protect their digital assets proactively. Whether you are an aspiring cybersecurity professional or an IT enthusiast, this book will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of the ever-pressing need for robust digital defenses.

The course "IT Security: Defense Against Digital Dark Arts" proves to be an immensely knowledge-rich and deeply challenging journey, fully delivering on its promise to prepare professionals for the complex landscape of information security. The experience was, without a doubt, perfect. From the very first modules, the depth with which the topics are addressed is impressive. The teaching methods used, even when dealing with technical and sometimes intricate subjects, make learning accessible and stimulating. The constant feeling of unraveling the secrets behind digital threats, the so-called "dark arts," is exciting and motivates the pursuit of even more knowledge. The course does not limit itself to presenting theoretical concepts. It offers practical tools and valuable insights into the latest attack techniques and, crucially, into the most effective defense strategies. The challenging approach pushes us to step out of our comfort zone, to question our own practices, and to develop a critical and proactive outlook on security. The perfection lies in the way the course balances theory with practice, the breadth of the topics covered with the depth necessary for understanding. It enables us not only to identify vulnerabilities and respond to incidents, but also to build a robust security culture and anticipate future threats. In short, the course "IT Security: Defense Against Digital Dark Arts" is an exceptional investment for any professional seeking to excel in the field of information security. It delivers cutting-edge knowledge, challenges our capabilities, and fully prepares us to face the challenges of the digital world. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to become true guardians against cyber threats.

J’ai récemment terminé le cours IT Security: Defense against the Digital Dark Arts, proposé par Google sur Coursera, et c’est une excellente introduction à la sécurité informatique dans un contexte professionnel. ✅ Points forts : Contenu très accessible : Le cours vulgarise bien des concepts souvent complexes comme le chiffrement, les protocoles de sécurité, ou les attaques courantes (phishing, malware, etc.). Bon équilibre entre théorie et pratique : On y apprend à utiliser des outils de sécurité, gérer les permissions, analyser les vulnérabilités, et comprendre les bonnes pratiques de cybersécurité. Contexte réaliste : Les exemples sont concrets et directement applicables dans un environnement IT professionnel. Pédagogie engageante : Présentation claire, vidéos bien rythmées, quiz et projets à la fin de chaque module pour mettre en pratique. 🔧 Quelques points à améliorer : Le cours reste introductif : il donne une très bonne base, mais les profils techniques avancés y trouveront peu de nouveautés. Certaines parties techniques (comme le chiffrement ou les certificats SSL) auraient pu aller un peu plus en profondeur. 🎯 Pour qui ? Parfait pour les débutants en cybersécurité, les techniciens IT en reconversion, ou toute personne souhaitant comprendre les bases de la défense informatique. C’est aussi une bonne préparation pour continuer vers des certifications comme CompTIA Security+. 🎓 Mon verdict : Un excellent point d’entrée dans l’univers de la cybersécurité. Ce cours permet de mieux comprendre les menaces numériques actuelles et de savoir comment les prévenir efficacement.