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: Interpretability & Transparency - 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, Data Quality, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Technical Documentation, Software Documentation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Getting Started with Amazon Neptune
Skills you'll gain: Amazon Web Services, Databases, Database Management, Database Administration, NoSQL, Database Architecture and Administration
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Version Control, Network Security, Web Applications, Computer Graphics, Relational Databases, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Web Development, Generative AI, Development Environment
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
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, Incident Response, Database Design, Configuration Management, Business Process Management, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), 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
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Human Computer Interaction, Full-Stack Web Development, React Native, Agile Software Development, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Version Control, Network Security, Web Applications, Computer Graphics, Relational Databases, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Web Development, Generative AI, Development Environment
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
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, Data Ethics, Git (Version Control System), Event-Driven Programming, Version Control, Network Security, Web Applications, Computer Graphics, Relational Databases, Data Science, Natural Language Processing, Unsupervised Learning, Combinatorics, Web Development, Generative AI, Development Environment
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
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 Business Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Management, Customer Analysis, Descriptive Analytics, FinTech, Database Design, People Analytics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Biostatistics, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Digital Transformation, Deep Learning, Risk Analysis, Bayesian Statistics, Cloud Security, Network Model, Assertiveness, Web Scraping, Governance, Business Process Modeling
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years