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
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Java and Spring Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Restful API, Spring Framework, Data Ethics, Natural Language Processing, OpenAI, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Application Programming Interface (API), Java
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM Data Warehouse Engineer
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, SQL, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Linux Commands, Database Design, IBM Cognos Analytics, MySQL, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Store, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, Dashboard, File Management, Stored Procedure
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Software Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Natural Language Processing, Code Review, Program Development, Software Architecture, Content Creation, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
DevOps, Cloud, and Agile Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Kanban Principles, Cloud Security, Cloud Technologies, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Computing, Agile Project Management, Cloud-Native Computing, User Story, Sprint Retrospectives, CI/CD, Test Driven Development (TDD), Scrum (Software Development)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Database Engineer
Skills you'll gain: MySQL, Database Design, Version Control, Database Management Systems, Database Management, MySQL Workbench, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Modeling, Data Structures, SQL, Unix Commands, Relational Databases, Databases, Git (Version Control System), Database Systems, Stored Procedure, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Algorithms, Django (Web Framework)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Data Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Feature Engineering, Predictive Modeling, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Data Storytelling, Program Development, Data Modeling, Data Presentation, Predictive Analytics, Data Synthesis, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Visualization Software, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Cybersecurity Compliance Framework, Standards & Regulations
Skills you'll gain: IT Service Management, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Cyber Risk, Data Ethics, Cyber Governance, NIST 800-53, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, ISO/IEC 27001, Security Management, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, Document Management, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Risk Management Framework, Microsoft Excel, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Problem Solving, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Information Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Data Analysts
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Data Storytelling, OpenAI, Analytics, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Dashboard, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Data Visualization Software, SQL, Python Programming, Query Languages, Content Creation, Image Analysis, Virtual Environment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Intelligence, Data Presentation, Infographics, OpenAI, Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, SQL, Data Analysis, Content Creation, Business Ethics, Image Analysis, Virtual Environment, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Introduction to Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Google Cloud Platform, Machine Learning Methods
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI Automation
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, Generative AI, Document Management, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI, Large Language Modeling, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Risk Management Framework, Computer Vision, Microsoft Excel
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months