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
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
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science in General Business
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Compensation and Benefits, Integrated Marketing Communications, Organizational Change, Event Management, Grammar, Leadership Studies, Sales Process, Negotiation, Data Mining, Data Visualization, Design Thinking, Public Policies, Global Marketing, Cultural Diversity, Social Media Strategy, Business Mathematics, Social Justice, Sociology, Life Sciences
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
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
BITS Pilani
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Relational Databases, Graph Theory, Probability & Statistics, Data Storytelling, Bash (Scripting Language), User Interface (UI), Object Oriented Design, Operating Systems, Android Development, Database Design, Bioinformatics, Feature Engineering, Algorithms, Version Control, Java Programming, Data Structures, Model View Controller, Computational Logic, Database Systems, Computer Systems
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Universidad de los Andes
Principios de ingeniería de software automatizada y ágil Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: User Story, Maintainability, Test Automation, Software Testing, Version Control, Test Driven Development (TDD), Git (Version Control System), Software Architecture, Continuous Integration, Software Design, Unit Testing, Acceptance Testing, Usability, System Testing, Software Design Patterns, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Agile Software Development, Angular, Agile Project Management, Unified Modeling Language
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Northeastern University
Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
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
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Magíster en Ciencia de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Management, Data Ethics, Customer Analysis, Descriptive Analytics, FinTech, Database Design, People Analytics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Biostatistics, Predictive Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Unsupervised Learning, Digital Transformation, Deep Learning, Risk Analysis, Bayesian Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Cloud Security, Network Model, Assertiveness
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 Salud Pública Global
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Descriptive Analytics, Biostatistics, Statistical Reporting, Gerontology, Digital Transformation, Sampling (Statistics), Health Systems, Cloud Security, Descriptive Statistics, Assertiveness, Infectious Diseases, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Business Analytics, Policy Analysis, Preventative Care, Social Justice, Program Evaluation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Monitoring
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Exploratory Data Analysis, Change Management, Business Writing, Compensation and Benefits, Integrated Marketing Communications, Apache Hadoop, Consumer Behaviour, Organizational Change, Stakeholder Management, Event Management, Grammar, Social Media Strategy, Business Ethics, Leadership Studies, Sales Process, Diversity Awareness, Conflict Management, Research, Negotiation
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
O.P. Jindal Global University
MBA Business Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Design Thinking, Data Visualization, Active Listening, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Working Capital, Database Management, Sampling (Statistics), Project Estimation, Financial Statements, Business Analytics, Marketing Management, Financial Accounting, Predictive Analytics, Big Data, Regression Analysis, Employee Performance Management, Pivot Tables And Charts, Emerging Technologies, People Management
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years