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: New
Coursera Instructor Network
Data and Machine Learning for Technical Product Managers
Skills you'll gain: Technical Communication, Technical Product Management, Workflow Management, Performance Metric, Data Analysis, Agile Methodology, Project Management, Stakeholder Communications, Communication, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Large Language Modeling, R Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Data Interpretation & Insights: Exam & Recruitment Prep
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Estimation, Logical Reasoning, Complex Problem Solving, Analysis, Business Analytics, Deductive Reasoning, Data Presentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Google
Speed Up Data Analysis and Presentation Building
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Sampling (Statistics), Prompt Engineering, Presentations, Graphing, Data Ethics, Excel Formulas, Data Analysis, Oral Expression, Artificial Intelligence
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
Shiny for Python Ultimate - Web Development with Python
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, UI/UX Strategy, Application Deployment, Web Applications, Data Analysis, Front-End Web Development, Back-End Web Development, Dashboard, Spatial Data Analysis, Web Development, Application Development, Development Environment
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
Master Compliance with MS 365 Copilot: EU Law
Skills you'll gain: Compliance Management, Microsoft Copilot, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Legal Risk, Compliance Reporting, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Microsoft 365, Audit Working Papers, Process Design, Workflow Management, Business Workflow Analysis, Automation, Prompt Engineering
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agent Architecture in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Java, Agentic systems, OpenAI, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Secure Coding, Business Logic, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Persona Development
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Mastering Machine Learning Algorithms using Python
Skills you'll gain: Dimensionality Reduction, Exploratory Data Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Probability & Statistics, Pandas (Python Package), Data Science, Statistical Analysis, Data Processing, Predictive Modeling, NumPy, Applied Machine Learning, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Data Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Regression Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Financial & Technical Skills for Business Success
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Blogs, Spreadsheet Software, Income Statement, Data Visualization, Excel Formulas, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Data Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Cash Flows, Registration, Web Servers, Content Creation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Exploratory Data Analysis & Core ML Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Processing, Predictive Modeling, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Data Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Regression Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Data Cleansing, Feature Engineering, Supervised Learning, Data Manipulation, Predictive Analytics, Data Visualization
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Universidad de los Andes
Creación XR y Metaversos para todos
Skills you'll gain: Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Prototyping, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Usability Testing, Virtual Environment, Unity Engine, UI/UX Research, Cross Platform Development, C# (Programming Language), Animation and Game Design, Interaction Design, Unreal Engine, 3D Modeling, User Experience, User Interface (UI), Data Structures, Development Environment, Display Devices, Content Creation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Foundations of ML & Python for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Probability & Statistics, Pandas (Python Package), Data Science, Statistical Analysis, NumPy, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Descriptive Statistics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Analysis, Probability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Market Research and Competitive Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Competitive Analysis, Market Research, Persona Development, Market Analysis, Market Opportunities, Business Research, Consumer Behaviour, Target Market, Customer Insights, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Product Development, Product Strategy, Data Analysis, AI Personalization, Innovation, Regulatory Compliance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks