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

Google Cloud
Responsible AI for Developers: Fairness & Bias - 한국어
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Google Cloud Platform, Tensorflow, Open Source Technology, Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Data Interpretation & Insights: Exam & Recruitment Prep
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Estimation, Logical Reasoning, Complex Problem Solving, Analysis, Data Synthesis, Business Analytics, Deductive Reasoning, Data Presentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Simplilearn
Data Analytics Course with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Generative AI, Analytics, Advanced Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Integration, Prompt Engineering, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization, Real Time Data, Predictive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Storytelling, Predictive Modeling, ChatGPT, Forecasting, Data Transformation, Descriptive Analytics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Simplilearn
Generative AI Course in Software Testing and Documentation
Skills you'll gain: Software Documentation, Test Automation, Generative AI, Software Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Test Case, Software Quality Assurance, Application Security, Secure Coding, Full-Stack Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, Prompt Engineering, Technical Documentation, Application Programming Interface (API)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
開始使用 Security Command Center Enterprise
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
West Virginia University
Master of Science in Software Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, Verification And Validation, Threat Modeling, Enterprise Architecture, Security Management, Secure Coding, Scope Management, Application Security, Financial Statements, Proposal Development, Cash Flows, Object Oriented Design, Requirements Analysis, Software Design, Security Requirements Analysis, Database Design, Software Visualization, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Business Process Management, Mobile Development
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Universidad de los Andes
Metodologías ágiles de desarrollo de software Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Test Automation, Android Jetpack, User Story, Software Testing, Kotlin, Agile Software Development, Team Building, Security Requirements Analysis, Continuous Integration, Cloud Applications, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Unit Testing, Acceptance Testing, Usability, Software Engineering, Sprint Retrospectives, Application Security, Software Architecture, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Platform As A Service (PaaS)
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Bachelor of Science 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
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, Usability, Regression Testing, Software Design Patterns, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Agile Software Development, Quality Assurance, Angular, Unified Modeling Language
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Northeastern University
Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
BITS Pilani
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Relational Databases, User Research, Probability & Statistics, Data Storytelling, Bash (Scripting Language), Graph Theory, Object Oriented Design, Android Development, Operating Systems, Database Design, Bioinformatics, Feature Engineering, User Interface (UI) Design, Threat Modeling, Algorithms, Version Control, Java Programming, Data Structures, Model View Controller, Computational Logic
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
O.P. Jindal Global University
MBA Business Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Operations Management, Design Thinking, Active Listening, Business Ethics, Data Visualization, Working Capital, Database Management, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sampling (Statistics), Project Estimation, Financial Statements, Business Analytics, Financial Accounting, Predictive Analytics, Marketing Planning, Big Data, Marketing Management, Emerging Technologies, People Management
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years