What is information security?

Information security is the practice of keeping data protected from theft, destruction, or misuse. It's different from cybersecurity in that cybersecurity refers to protecting physical computer assets, while information security concerns defending data from hackers. The practices of information security protect data from accidental breaches, unauthorized access, and malicious attacks. Whether you're storing your data or transmitting it from one place to another, information security keeps your data safe. The term "data" includes printed media as well as electronic information, and information security practices protect your data whether or not it's confidential.

Why study information security?

Our world has become increasingly dependent on data, and malicious people want to get their hands on information, which makes information security vital to our modern society. Piracy, identity theft, and intellectual property crimes are on the rise every year, so the demand for people and software that protects data continues to grow. Data breaches cost money and can damage reputations, so keeping information protected can prevent catastrophic problems. A working knowledge of information security is crucial if you're interested in a career in information technology.

What are typical careers that use information security skills?

You can apply your knowledge of information security in a vast array of industries. Companies all over the country are looking for information technology specialists to help keep their sensitive and proprietary data safe, and jobs are available in the finance, healthcare, government, law enforcement, and insurance sectors, as well as in other areas. Cybersecurity and information technology companies are also hiring, and these businesses work with various clients to protect data from hackers and other attacks. You may even be able to start your own business in information security.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn information security?

Learning information security with online courses on Coursera allows you to gain a foothold in this growing field. You can gain firsthand experience in the issues that drive the information security industry, as well as the methods that data professionals use to combat hackers and data pirates. Opportunities exist to work toward becoming an IBM cybersecurity analyst, learn about cryptography, and understand regulatory compliance.

What are the benefits of taking an online Information Security course?

Online Information Security courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Information Security skills. Choose from a wide range of Information Security courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Information Security courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Information Security, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Information Security Courses - Learn Information Security Online

Explore the Information Security Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Google
Automating Real-World Tasks with Python
Skills you'll gain: Web Services, Python Programming, Restful API, Professional Development, Automation, Scripting, Application Programming Interface (API), Stress Management, JSON, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Tel Aviv University
Understanding Plants - Part I: What a Plant Knows
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, General Science and Research, Biology, Research, Life Sciences, Psychology, Environmental Science, Molecular Biology, Chemistry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Technical Support, Computer Hardware, Disaster Recovery, System Configuration, Hardware Troubleshooting, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Linux, Networking Hardware, Computer Architecture, Mac OS, User Accounts
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Exploratory Data Analysis for Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Feature Engineering, Statistical Inference, Data Processing, Data Access, Anomaly Detection, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Machine Learning, Probability & Statistics, Data Transformation, Workflow Management, Scalability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Interactive Brokers
Practical Guide to Trading
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Equities, Futures Exchange, Risk Analysis, Financial Trading, International Finance, Investments, Securities Trading, Financial Market, Risk Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Analysis, Market Analysis, Analysis, Capital Markets, Tax, Balance Sheet, Financial Regulations, Market Data, Technical Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
753 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Applied Plotting, Charting & Data Representation in Python
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Scientific Visualization, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Statistical Visualization, Data Presentation, Graphing, Scatter Plots, Data Manipulation, Histogram, NumPy, Pandas (Python Package)
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Applied Data Science with R
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Shiny (R Package), Data Wrangling, Dashboard, Exploratory Data Analysis, Relational Databases, Data Analysis, Ggplot2, Database Design, Data Presentation, SQL, Plot (Graphics), Leaflet (Software), Data Transformation, Database Management, Data Manipulation, Web Scraping, R Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Mining
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
PwC
Data Visualization with Advanced Excel
Skills you'll gain: Data Presentation, Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet Software, Excel Formulas, Graphing, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Modeling, Databases, Data Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Model Thinking
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Modeling, Systems Thinking, Diversity and Inclusion, Game Theory, Innovation, Behavioral Economics, Analysis, Strategic Decision-Making, Social Studies, Decision Making, Network Analysis, Trend Analysis, Economics, Probability, Human Learning, Market Dynamics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fundamentals of Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Income Statement, Financial Statements, Performance Measurement, Balance Sheet, Organizational Strategy, Financial Statement Analysis, Capacity Management, Cost Accounting, Cost Control, Cash Flows, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Accounting, Budget Management, Business Metrics, Operational Analysis, Product Management, Business Strategy
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum
Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Agile Methodology, Kanban Principles, Agile Project Management, User Story, Sprint Retrospectives, Sprint Planning, Workflow Management, Performance Metric, Team Oriented, Backlogs, Performance Measurement, Lean Methodologies, Continuous Improvement Process, Prioritization, Estimation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks