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

University of London
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Skills you'll gain: Security Management, Human Factors (Security), Infrastructure Security, Information Privacy, Key Management, Cyber Governance, Application Security, Network Security, Threat Modeling, OSI Models, Security Testing, Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Security Policies, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cryptography, ISO/IEC 27001, Penetration Testing, Malware Protection, Data Collection, Data Analysis
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of London
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Game Design, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Animations, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Game Design, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Animations, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Network Security, Web Applications, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Database Design, Web Development, Generative AI, Usability Testing
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, Artificial Intelligence, Dimensionality Reduction, Probability & Statistics, Data Ethics, Machine Learning Methods, Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Applied Machine Learning, Semantic Web, Data Visualization, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Scientific Visualization, Machine Learning Algorithms, Statistical Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Probability, Governance
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
IIT Guwahati
Bachelor of Science in Data Science & AI
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Linear Algebra, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Management, Database Theory, Writing, Algorithms, Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Spreadsheet Software, Econometrics, R Programming, Text Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization Software, C (Programming Language), Probability, Statistical Machine Learning
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
O.P. Jindal Global University
M.A. in International Relations, Security, and Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, Intelligence Collection and Analysis, Surveys, Environmental Laws, Environment, Qualitative Research, Sampling (Statistics), R Programming, Political Sciences, Economic Development, International Relations, Cybersecurity, Immigration Law, Socioeconomics, Governance, Public Safety and National Security, Mitigation, Ancient History, Social Sciences, Conflict Management
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Security, Maintenance & Integration with BI Tools
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Course
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
JavaScript Development Tools and React
Skills you'll gain: Maintainability, React.js, Debugging, Application Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Development Tools, Software Testing, Code Review, Software Development Tools, Application Security, Software Development
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Network Security
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Web Development Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Web Development, HTML and CSS, Web Applications, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Semantic Web, Javascript, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Data Storage Technologies, Application Security, User Interface (UI), Data Validation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning Algorithms, Real-Time Operating Systems, Big Data, Product Development, Power Electronics, Analytics, Embedded Systems, Control Systems, File Systems, Internet Of Things, User Experience, Process Control, New Product Development, API Design, Data Analysis, Debugging, Machine Learning, User Interface (UI), Machine Controls, Embedded Software
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months