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

Johns Hopkins University
Health Informatics
Skills you'll gain: Change Control, Health Systems, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Health Care, Health Care Administration, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Clinical Leadership, Decision Support Systems, Solution Design, IT Management, Clinical Data Management, Databases, Usability Testing, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Information Technology, Analysis, Systems Analysis, Business Systems Analysis, Technical Communication, System Requirements
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
883 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Understanding and Visualizing Data with Python
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Data Visualization, Statistics, Matplotlib, Statistical Visualization, Probability & Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Data Collection, NumPy, Box Plots, Histogram, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Meta
Marketing Analytics Foundation
Skills you'll gain: Data Collection, Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Google Analytics, Digital Marketing, Application Programming Interface (API), Personally Identifiable Information, Marketing Strategies, Web Analytics, Information Privacy, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Facebook, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Advertising
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Product Management: An Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Product Lifecycle Management, Product Management, Project Management, Product Development, Product Strategy, Portfolio Management, Value Propositions, Product Roadmaps, Stakeholder Management, Market Research
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
743 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Minnesota
Software Testing and Automation
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Software Testing, Selenium (Software), Gherkin (Scripting Language), JUnit, Verification And Validation, Test Automation, Unit Testing, Security Testing, Regression Testing, Test Case, Software Development Tools, Testability, Behavior-Driven Development, Code Coverage, Performance Testing, Development Testing, Software Engineering Tools, Test Planning, Acceptance Testing
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
939 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Fortinet, Inc.
Fortinet Network Security
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Firewall, Network Troubleshooting, Network Routing, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Authentications, Network Monitoring, Event Monitoring, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Network Security, Network Administration, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Engineering, Threat Management, Network Performance Management, Systems Administration, Security Management, System Monitoring, Network Infrastructure, Identity and Access Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
89 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
The Structured Query Language (SQL)
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Database Management, Query Languages, Relational Databases, Database Design, Database Theory, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Data Integrity
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
965 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
ESSEC Business School
The fundamentals of hotel distribution
Skills you'll gain: Hospitality, Marketing Channel, Business Strategy, Revenue Management, Booking (Sales), E-Commerce, Strategic Partnership, Web Analytics and SEO, Competitive Analysis, Branding, Market Dynamics, Digital Marketing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IE Business School
Brand and Product Management
Skills you'll gain: Product Lifecycle Management, Brand Strategy, Brand Management, Branding, Brand Awareness, Product Management, Brand Loyalty, Product Strategy, Product Planning, New Product Development, Design and Product, Employee Engagement, Customer Engagement, Customer Insights, Consumer Behaviour, Portfolio Management, Competitive Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Microsoft
Data Analysis and Visualization with Power BI
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Power BI, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Microsoft Power Platform, Data Presentation, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Microsoft Azure, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
722 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Secure Coding Practices
Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Secure Coding, Cryptography, Authentications, Encryption, Application Security, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Security Testing, Data Security, Cybersecurity, Vulnerability Management, Software Design, Authorization (Computing), Verification And Validation, Code Review, Linux, Programming Principles, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
590 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Go Beyond the Numbers: Translate Data into Insights
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Data Transformation, Data Ethics, Tableau Software, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Communications, Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, Data Validation, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
769 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months