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
Networking in Google Cloud: Load Balancing - 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Load Balancing, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Google Cloud Platform, Network Performance Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Services, Performance Tuning
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Master of Applied Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Data Storytelling, Database Design, Reinforcement Learning, Supervised Learning, Experimentation, PySpark, Interactive Data Visualization, Generative AI, Pandas (Python Package), Network Analysis, Deep Learning, Cloud Services, Linear Algebra, Natural Language Processing, JSON, Data Mining, Applied Machine Learning, Qualitative Research, Statistical Visualization
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Google Cloud
Responsible AI for Developers: Interpretability & Transparency - Polski
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Software Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Technical Documentation, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Responsible AI: Interpretability & Transparency - Deutsch
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Science, Applied Machine Learning, Exploratory Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Software Visualization, Machine Learning Methods
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructional Design MasterTrack® Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Process Improvement, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Planning, Statistical Process Controls, Change Management, Learning Theory, Transportation, Supply Chain, and Logistics, Business Process Improvement, Continuous Improvement Process, Instructional Design, Course Development, Emerging Technologies, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Human Learning, Project Management, Technology Solutions, Technology Strategies, Augmented Reality, Collaboration
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, 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, Business Architecture, Configuration Management, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Business Process Management, Mobile Development
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Google Cloud
Preparing for Your Cloud Architect Journey - Português
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Solutions, Solution Architecture, Network Planning And Design, Google Cloud Platform, System Implementation, Process Optimization, Cloud Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Cost Reduction, Business Requirements
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Metodologías ágiles de desarrollo de software Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Android Jetpack, User Story, Kotlin, Cloud Development, Agile Software Development, Security Requirements Analysis, Continuous Integration, Software Architecture, Cloud Applications, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Software Engineering, Sprint Retrospectives, Application Security, Android Development, Agile Project Management, Android Studio, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Microservices, Cloud Computing Architecture, Authorization (Computing)
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Database Design, Computer Security, Event-Driven Programming, Version Control, Web Applications, Computer Graphics, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, Development Environment, Software Design, Internet Of Things
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Michigan
Sustainability and Development MasterTrack® Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Decision Making, Program Evaluation, Peer Review, Epidemiology, Cost Benefit Analysis, Sanitation, Policy Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Environment, Environmental Issue, Water Resources, Analysis, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences, Education and Training, Economic Development, Community Development, Food and Beverage
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Google Cloud
Boost Productivity with Gemini in BigQuery - 简体中文
Skills you'll gain: Data Pipelines, Big Data, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Processing, Data Visualization, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Generative AI, SQL
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Social Work MasterTrack® Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Advocacy, Social Justice, Social Work, Qualitative Research, Community and Social Work, Research, Social and Human Services, Public Policies, Cultural Diversity, Policy Analysis, Research Methodologies, Diversity Awareness, Child Welfare, Policy Development, Socioeconomics, Research Design, Environmental Issue, Human Services, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Social Studies
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months