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
Object Oriented Programming
Skills you'll gain: Pseudocode, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Debugging, Data Structures, Algorithms, Interactive Design, Program Development, Data Modeling, Test Data, User Interface (UI), Command-Line Interface, Statistical Programming, Development Testing, Transaction Processing, File Management
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
216 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Discrete Mathematics
Skills you'll gain: Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Theoretical Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics, Network Analysis, Logical Reasoning, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Data Structures, Computer Science
3.3
Rating, 3.3 out of 5 stars
194 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University at Buffalo
Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM)
Skills you'll gain: Process Mapping, Data Ethics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Collection, Process Improvement, Business Process, Operational Analysis, Analytics, Root Cause Analysis, Data Strategy, Lean Methodologies, Six Sigma Methodology, Data Analysis, Performance Measurement, Operational Excellence, Business Intelligence, Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9000 Series, Business Analytics, Operational Performance Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
438 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Oracle
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Oracle Cloud, Identity and Access Management, Oracle Databases, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Cloud Security, Cloud Computing, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Computing Platforms, Data Storage, Cloud Storage, Application Security, Data Security
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
220 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Skills you'll gain: Disabilities, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Multimedia, Educational Materials, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Design, Visual Impairment Education, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Cultural Sensitivity, Advocacy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
237 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Yale University
America's Written Constitution
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Public Safety and National Security, Social Studies, Social Justice, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Public Policies, Governance, Economics, Tax Laws
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
448 reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
University at Buffalo
Safety in the Utility Industry
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Safety, Safety Training, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Hazard Communication (HazCom), Environment Health And Safety, Health And Safety Standards, Safety Culture, Safety and Security, Fall Protection, Fire And Life Safety, Regulatory Compliance, First Aid, Emergency Response
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Vanderbilt University
Case Studies in Personalized Medicine
Skills you'll gain: Medical Science and Research, Biostatistics, Electronic Medical Record, Bioinformatics, General Medicine, Pharmacy, Medical Records, Clinical Research, Clinical Data Management, Pharmaceuticals, Health Care, Life Sciences, Patient Treatment, Statistical Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
495 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Excel for Beginners: Pivot Tables
Skills you'll gain: Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft Excel
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
134 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad
Strategy and Game Theory for Management
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Game Theory, Behavioral Economics, Business Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Complex Problem Solving, Business, Decision Making, Market Dynamics, Organizational Change, Economics, Digital Transformation, Negotiation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Innovation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
99 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Google Cloud Platform, Generative AI, Cloud Infrastructure, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Solutions, Machine Learning, Data Storage, Natural Language Processing, Image Analysis, Application Programming Interface (API), Automation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
219 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Scrimba
AI Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, OpenAI, Cloud Applications, Generative AI, Cloud API, Application Deployment, API Gateway, ChatGPT, Data Ethics, Cloud Computing, Development Environment, Open Source Technology, Application Programming Interface (API), Performance Testing, Artificial Intelligence, Serverless Computing, Application Security, Computer Vision, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, JavaScript Frameworks
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
153 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months