Introduction to Security in the World of AI

Google Skills 1 hour (self-paced) English Free course Google Skills Badge Beginner-friendly

Free course

Course Description

Artificial Intelligence offers transformative possibilities, but it also introduces new security challenges. Introduction to Security in the World of AI from Google Skills equips security and data-protection leaders with the strategies they need to securely manage AI within their organisations.

This course provides a practical framework for proactively identifying and mitigating AI-specific risks, protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance, and building a resilient AI infrastructure. You will explore how AI is disrupting the security landscape, learn the components of a strong security foundation, and dive into Google's Secure AI Framework (SAIF)—a strategic approach to maintaining AI security across six core elements. Real-world use cases from four different industries show you how these strategies apply in practice.

Designed for beginners, this free, self-paced course takes approximately 1 hour to complete and requires no prior experience. Upon finishing, you will earn a Google Skills Badge to demonstrate your ability to manage AI securely.

Course Provider

Provider: Google Skills, the official learning platform for Google technologies and professional development. Google is a global leader in AI research and cloud security.

Platform: Google Skills portal – fully online, self-paced, with an intuitive interface and no software installation required.

Accreditation: Google Skills Badges are recognised worldwide as proof of AI security literacy. You can share the badge on LinkedIn, add it to your resume, and include it in your professional portfolio.

Part of a series: This course is part of the Security & Compliance on Google Cloud specialisation and is also available on Google Cloud Skills Boost. It is ideal for security engineers, data-protection officers, and technology leaders.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: The What and Why of AI Security – Core concepts of AI security, why securing AI systems is crucial, how AI works, how we engage with AI, and where data comes from and goes.

Module 2: Creating a Secure AI Framework – How AI is disrupting the security landscape, components of a secure foundation, and an in-depth look at Google's Secure AI Framework (SAIF), including its six core elements and real-world applications across four industries.

Module 3: Conclusion – Review of key concepts, additional resources, and next steps for your continued AI security journey.

Assessments: Understanding AI Quiz and SAIF Framework Quiz to reinforce your learning.

Resources: Review sheet, additional reading materials, and a final credential claim.

Learning Objectives

Understand the key concepts of AI, machine learning, and generative AI, and how models are built into APIs and applications.
Understand the current landscape of potential threats both due to AI and when using AI.
Understand at a high level how to organise an ecosystem for preventing threat attacks.
Develop and implement a comprehensive AI security strategy based on Google's Secure AI Framework (SAIF).
Identify AI-specific risks and apply strategies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.
Build a resilient AI infrastructure that supports secure AI adoption.
Earn a Google Skills Badge in AI security.

Course Prerequisites

Technical: None. This course is designed for beginners and requires no prior experience with AI or security.

Language: The course is available in English.

Who should take this: Security and data-protection leaders, IT professionals, compliance officers, technology managers, and anyone responsible for managing AI securely within an organisation. It is also suitable for learners who want to build foundational AI security knowledge.

User Reviews

Note: Public user reviews for this specific course on Google Skills were limited at the time of publication. The following reviews are illustrative of the feedback typical for this course across platforms such as DataCamp and Coursera.

★★★★★ Jayesh P.

"Excellent beginner-friendly course! It clearly explains AI-specific security risks, the AI attack surface, and Google's SAIF framework with practical examples. The quizzes are well structured and really help reinforce responsible AI concepts. Highly recommended for anyone starting in AI security."

★★★★★ Maggie Graef

"Understanding the security frameworks and risks behind AI is no longer just a technical issue—it's a critical executive priority. The course was concise, practical, and the badge is a valuable credential. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to upskill on Google Skills."

★★★★☆ Shekhar R.

"A solid introduction. The SAIF framework was the highlight—it gave me a clear, structured way to think about AI security that I could immediately apply in conversations with my team. For a one-hour course, it delivers a lot of value."

Free courses groups Join Facebook Group Join Telegram Channel

💡 Final Thoughts

As AI adoption accelerates, security can no longer be an afterthought. This Google Skills course offers a focused, one-hour introduction to managing AI securely—covering risk identification, data protection, compliance, and the SAIF framework. It is practical, beginner-friendly, and backed by Google's expertise in cloud security. The Google Skills Badge is a credible addition to your professional profile, and the course is completely free. Whether you're a security leader, a compliance professional, or simply someone responsible for AI initiatives, this course will give you the foundational knowledge to engage with AI security confidently and responsibly.

Introduction to Security in the World of AI – FAQ

Is this course really free?

Yes, completely free. Google Skills offers this course at no cost. You just need to create a free Google Skills account (or sign in with an existing Google account). No payment or credit card required.

Do I need any technical background?

None at all. This course is designed for beginners. No coding, no prior AI experience, and no security certification are required.

How long does the course take?

The course is self-paced and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. You can finish it in one sitting or spread it out over several days.

Will I get a certificate or badge?

Yes, upon completing the course and passing the quizzes, you will earn an official Google Skills Badge in Introduction to Security in the World of AI. You can share it on LinkedIn, add it to your resume, or include it in your professional portfolio.

Is this course different from other Google AI courses?

Yes. This course focuses specifically on AI security. It teaches you how to identify and mitigate AI-specific risks, protect data, ensure compliance, and build resilience using Google's SAIF framework. It is not a general AI literacy course but a targeted introduction to securing AI systems.

Can I take this course if I'm not in a security role?

Absolutely. While the course is designed for security and data-protection leaders, it is accessible to anyone responsible for AI initiatives—including IT managers, compliance officers, and technology leaders who need to understand how to manage AI securely.

Is this course part of a larger specialisation?

Yes. It is part of the Security & Compliance on Google Cloud specialisation and is also available on Google Cloud Skills Boost. You can take it as a standalone course or as part of the broader programme.