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
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
Universidad de los Andes
Inteligencia Artificial: Machine learning, ética y nuevas tendencias Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Anomaly Detection, Dimensionality Reduction, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Regression Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Data Ethics, Image Analysis, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Embedded Systems, Statistical Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Statistical Methods, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: User Research, Internet Of Things, Project Design, User Experience Design, User Experience, Power Electronics, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Usability, Verification And Validation, Machine Learning Algorithms, Embedded Software, Persona (User Experience), Usability Testing, User Centered Design, Product Planning, Data Analysis, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Process Control, Embedded Systems, Machine Controls
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
IIT Guwahati
Bachelor of Science in Data Science & AI
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Linear Algebra, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Management, Database Theory, Text Mining, Writing, Algorithms, Spreadsheet Software, Matplotlib, Econometrics, R Programming, Java, Artificial Intelligence, C (Programming Language), Probability, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Sampling (Statistics), Operations Research
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
University of London
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Process Design, Global Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Statistical Analysis, Organizational Change, Process Mapping, Customer Retention, Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, Innovation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Training and Development, Virtual Teams, Databases, Cost Accounting, International Finance, Research, Team Management, Economic Development, Cultural Diversity
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
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, Cloud Security, Data Centers
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Magíster en Inversiones y Finanzas Aplicadas
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Descriptive Analytics, FinTech, Financial Statements, Business Analytics, Business Valuation, Derivatives, Strategic Decision-Making, Portfolio Management, Customer Analysis, Risk Analysis, Credit Risk, Digital Transformation, Cloud Security, Assertiveness, Governance, Financial Analysis, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Investments, Financial Data
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Universidad de los Andes
Maestría en Ingeniería de Software
Skills you'll gain: User Story, Process Analysis, Maintainability, Test Automation, Angular, Android Jetpack, Cloud-Native Computing, Dashboard, Design Thinking, Site Reliability Engineering, Cloud Development, API Design, Project Risk Management, Internet Of Things, Sprint Planning, User Experience Design, Microservices, Machine Learning, Security Requirements Analysis, Usability
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Magíster en Ciencia de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Management, Data Ethics, Customer Analysis, Descriptive Analytics, FinTech, Database Design, People Analytics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Biostatistics, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Unsupervised Learning, Digital Transformation, Deep Learning, Risk Analysis, Bayesian Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Cloud Security, Network Model, Assertiveness
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years