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
Google Cloud
Google Cloud 数据分析功能简介
Skills you'll gain: Looker (Software), Data Transformation, Google Analytics, Google Cloud Platform, Analytics, Data Manipulation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Big Data, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Lakes, Data Processing, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, SQL, Data Storage, Data Sharing, Data Storage Technologies, Exploratory Data Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Metodologías ágiles de desarrollo de software Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Test Automation, Software Testing, Android Jetpack, User Story, Agile Software Development, Continuous Integration, Kotlin, Unit Testing, Software Architecture, System Testing, Acceptance Testing, Security Requirements Analysis, Usability, Cloud Applications, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Authentications, Authorization (Computing), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Angular
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
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
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
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
Status: New
Google Cloud
Agentspace로 더 신속하게 지식 교환하기
Skills you'll gain: Data Store, Productivity Software, Data Access, Data Storage, OAuth, Generative AI Agents, Enterprise Application Management, Application Deployment, Information Architecture, Application Programming Interface (API), AI Personalization, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad de los Andes
Principios de ingeniería de software automatizada y ágil Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, User Story, Continuous Integration, Test Automation, Software Testing, Version Control, Git (Version Control System), Unit Testing, System Testing, Acceptance Testing, Usability, Agile Methodology, Maintainability, Software Architecture, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Software Design, Angular, Agile Software Development, Sprint Retrospectives, Software Design Patterns
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
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
Google Cloud
Pengantar Analisis Data di Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Looker (Software), Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Visualization Software, Dashboard, Data Analysis, Analytics, Google Cloud Platform, Big Data, SQL, Exploratory Data Analysis, Business Intelligence, Cloud Storage, Data Warehousing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
O.P. Jindal Global University
MBA Business Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Data Storytelling, Operations Management, Active Listening, Data Visualization, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Working Capital, Financial Statement Analysis, Database Management, Sampling (Statistics), Project Estimation, Business Analytics, Global Marketing, Marketing Management, Predictive Analytics, Human Resources Management and Planning, Internet Of Things, Big Data, Regression Analysis, Business Economics
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: New
Google Cloud
Google Cloud 資料分析簡介
Skills you'll gain: Looker (Software), Dashboard, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Analytics, SQL, Google Cloud Platform, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Applied Machine Learning, Data Warehousing, Data-Driven Decision-Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months