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

IBM
Statistics for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Statistics, Statistical Methods, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Matplotlib, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Correlation Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
432 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
FPGA computing systems: Background knowledge and introductory materials
Skills you'll gain: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Technical Design, Computer Architecture, System Design and Implementation, Hardware Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Distributed Computing, Computer Hardware, Embedded Systems, Design Software, Performance Tuning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
245 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Generative AI: Enhance your Data Analytics Career
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Data Storytelling, Analytics, Data Analysis, Interactive Data Visualization, Dashboard, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Data Visualization Software, SQL, Python Programming, Query Languages
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
110 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Tableau Software, Data Visualization Software, Excel Macros, Analytics, Accounting and Finance Software, Analytical Skills, Pivot Tables And Charts, Accounting Systems, Business Analytics, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Regression Analysis, Financial Modeling, Visual Basic (Programming Language)
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
441 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Software Engineering: Modeling Software Systems using UML
Skills you'll gain: Requirements Analysis, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Design, Functional Requirement, Data Modeling, Systems Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Systems Development Life Cycle, System Requirements, Software Development, Software Engineering, Software Systems
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
303 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Modern Security Operations
Skills you'll gain: Cyber Operations, Security Management, Continuous Monitoring, Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Strategy, Threat Management, DevOps, Threat Detection, Cyber Security Assessment, Incident Response, Site Reliability Engineering, Digital Transformation, Agile Methodology, Automation
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Nanjing University
Data Processing Using Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Processing, Data Mining, Data Structures, Data Presentation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Scraping, Data Capture, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Data Visualization, Data Manipulation, Matplotlib, User Interface (UI) Design
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
371 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Communicating Business Analytics Results
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Storytelling, Business Analytics, Data Visualization Software, Presentations, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Technical Communication
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
516 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of London
Quantitative Foundations for International Business
Skills you'll gain: Business Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Financial Modeling, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Business Economics, Derivatives, Graphing
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
420 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Fitting Statistical Models to Data with Python
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Modeling, Statistical Methods, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Inference, Statistical Software, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Programming, Regression Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Exploratory Data Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
699 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Emory University
Consulting Approach to Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Data Cleansing, Six Sigma Methodology, Management Consulting, Analytical Skills, Complex Problem Solving, Business Consulting, Performance Improvement, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Consultative Approaches
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
356 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universitat de Barcelona
Oceanografía: una clave para entender mejor nuestro mundo
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Physical Science, Water Resources, Geospatial Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Environment, Spatial Data Analysis, General Science and Research, Systems Of Measurement, Remote Access Systems
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
355 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months