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

Northeastern University
Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Universidad de los Andes
Principios de ingeniería de software automatizada y ágil Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: User Story, Maintainability, Test Automation, Software Testing, Version Control, Test Driven Development (TDD), Git (Version Control System), Software Architecture, Continuous Integration, Software Design, Unit Testing, Acceptance Testing, System Testing, Software Design Patterns, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Agile Software Development, Angular, Software Quality Assurance, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Unified Modeling Language
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Computer Graphics, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Data Processing, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing, Development Environment
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Inteligencia Artificial: Machine learning, ética y nuevas tendencias Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Anomaly Detection, Dimensionality Reduction, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Regression Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Data Ethics, Image Analysis, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Embedded Systems, Statistical Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Bayesian Statistics, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Computer Graphics, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Data Processing, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing, Development Environment
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Maestría en Inteligencia Artificial
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Anomaly Detection, Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, Cloud-Native Computing, Natural Language Processing, Containerization, Deep Learning, Dimensionality Reduction, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, CI/CD, Probability & Statistics, Data Ethics, Embedded Systems, Application Deployment, Game Theory, Epidemiology, Automation
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
IIT Guwahati
Bachelor of Science in Data Science & AI
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Linear Algebra, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Management, Database Theory, Writing, Algorithms, Spreadsheet Software, Matplotlib, Econometrics, R Programming, Text Mining, Java, Artificial Intelligence, C (Programming Language), Probability, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Operations Research, Systems Analysis
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: New
Packt
Microsoft Power BI - The Complete Masterclass [2023 EDITION]
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Power BI, Data Transformation, Data Modeling, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Data Integration, Dashboard, SQL Server Reporting Services, Microsoft Excel, Pivot Tables And Charts, Business Intelligence, Data Cleansing, Data Security
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Networking in Google Cloud: Hybrid and Multicloud - Français
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Google Cloud Platform, Multi-Cloud, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Computing, General Networking, Network Routing, Wide Area Networks, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Security, Data Centers
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of London
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Process Design, Global Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Statistical Analysis, Organizational Change, Process Mapping, Customer Retention, Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, Innovation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Performance Measurement, Training and Development, Virtual Teams, Databases, International Finance, Research, Team Management, Economic Development, Cultural Diversity
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: New
Google Cloud
AI 时代安全性简介
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
SkillUp EdTech
Generative AI: A Game Changer for Program Managers
Skills you'll gain: Program Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management Institute (PMI) Methodology, Generative AI, Strategic Decision-Making, Project Management Life Cycle, Stakeholder Management, Organizational Strategy, Business Ethics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Requirements Analysis, Governance, Knowledge Transfer
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks