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
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
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
Northeastern University
Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
BITS Pilani
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Relational Databases, Graph Theory, Probability & Statistics, Data Storytelling, Object Oriented Design, Operating Systems, Android Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Database Design, Bioinformatics, Feature Engineering, Algorithms, Version Control, Java Programming, Data Structures, Model View Controller, Computational Logic, Database Systems, Computer Systems
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, System Testing, Software Design Patterns, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Agile Software Development, Angular, Agile Project Management, Unified Modeling Language
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
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
O.P. Jindal Global University
MBA Business Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Design Thinking, Data Visualization, Active Listening, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Working Capital, Database Management, Sampling (Statistics), Project Estimation, Financial Statements, Business Analytics, Big Data, Marketing Management, Financial Accounting, Predictive Analytics, Human Resources Management and Planning, Regression Analysis, Employee Performance Management, Pivot Tables And Charts, Emerging Technologies
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Computer Science (feat. Data Science Track)
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Google Cloud
Gemini in Google Drive - 简体中文
Skills you'll gain: Google Workspace, Document Management, Generative AI, File Management, Real Time Data, Information Architecture
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Serverless Computing, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, CI/CD, Probability & Statistics, Data Ethics, Embedded Systems, Game Theory, Epidemiology
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of London
Graduate Diploma 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
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 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, 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
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months