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
Data Management and Storage in the Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, Data Management, Data Lakes, Data Architecture, Data Infrastructure, Data Access, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Storage, Data Warehousing, Database Management, Relational Databases, Query Languages, NoSQL, Star Schema, Data Integration, Big Data, Google Cloud Platform, Data Processing, Performance Tuning
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Sustainable Regional Principles, Planning and Transportation
Skills you'll gain: Transportation Operations, Economic Development, Land Management, Community Development, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Engineering, Policy Development, Public Policies
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
162 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado System
Requirements Engineering: Secure Software Specifications
Skills you'll gain: Requirements Elicitation, Software Design Documents, Requirements Analysis, Security Requirements Analysis, Mockups, User Story, Interviewing Skills, User Requirements Documents, Storyboarding, Functional Requirement, Goal Setting, Software Development Methodologies, Software Documentation, Agile Methodology, Business Requirements, Unified Modeling Language, Risk Management Framework, System Requirements, Functional Specification, Scalability
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
842 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Corporate Finance Institute
BI Essentials for Finance Analysts (Tableau Edition)
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Tableau Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Excel Formulas, Data Visualization Software, Data Modeling, SQL, Data Presentation, E-Commerce, Databases, Data Manipulation, Data Storytelling, Data Analysis, Performance Analysis, Relational Databases, Data Import/Export, Business Intelligence, Data Transformation, Regional Sales, Query Languages
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Microsoft
Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, NoSQL, Data Store, Database Systems, Cloud Storage, Data Storage, Cloud Services, Data Security, Data Management, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
98 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
LearnQuest
Key Technologies in Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing, Data Architecture, Big Data, Cloud Services, Analytics, Data Storage, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Solutions, Scalability, Data Processing, Extract, Transform, Load, Cloud Platforms, Statistical Analysis, Data Integration, Data Mining, Spreadsheet Software
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
143 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Business Intelligence and Competitive Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Competitive Intelligence, Competitive Analysis, Market Intelligence, Management Consulting, Business Consulting, Consulting, Business Strategy, Data Analysis Software, Business Intelligence, Company, Product, and Service Knowledge, Business Analytics, Analytics, Market Analysis, Benchmarking, Analysis, Performance Analysis, Trend Analysis, Business Metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Financial Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
234 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
M2M & IoT Interface Design & Protocols for Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Internet Of Things, Cloud Computing Architecture, Amazon Web Services, Application Security, Application Programming Interface (API), Microservices, Embedded Systems, Cloud Services, Network Protocols, Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity, Serial Peripheral Interface, Wireless Networks, Wide Area Networks
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
122 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
PwC
Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Final Project
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Customer Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Microsoft PowerPoint, Target Market, Consulting, Target Audience, Business Consulting, Microsoft Excel, Data Storytelling, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Dashboard, Constructive Feedback, Analytics, User Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
252 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Forecasting Financial Statements & Valuation for Accountants
Skills you'll gain: Financial Forecasting, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Accounting, Business Valuation, Financial Statements, Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Balance Sheet, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Trend Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
Data Ethics, AI and Responsible Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Data Security, Information Privacy, Data Governance, Big Data, Analytical Skills, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Social Sciences, Diversity Awareness, Accountability, Decision Making, Innovation, Algorithms
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Kennesaw State University
Cybersecurity Awareness For Everyone: Final Assessment
Skills you'll gain: Computer Security Awareness Training, Security Awareness, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Security, Network Security, Internet Of Things, Network Infrastructure
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks