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

Status: New
Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Data Cleansing, Excel Formulas, Pivot Tables And Charts, Dashboard, Forecasting, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Data Processing, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Workflow Management, Data Quality, Statistical Analysis, Data Transformation, Data Analysis, UI Components, Data Entry
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
72 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Universidade de São Paulo
UX / UI: Fundamentos para o design de interface
Skills you'll gain: Usability Testing, Usability, Wireframing, Information Architecture, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, User Experience Design, Prototyping, User Research, Style Guides, Persona (User Experience), Design Elements And Principles, Cross Platform Development, Responsive Web Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
785 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Federal Taxation I: Individuals, Employees, and Sole Proprietors
Skills you'll gain: Income Tax, Tax Returns, Tax Preparation, Payroll Tax, Tax Laws, Payroll, Expense Management, Depreciation, Business Valuation
Build toward a degree
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
683 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
Orientação a Objetos com Java
Skills you'll gain: JUnit, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Object Oriented Design, Unified Modeling Language, Unit Testing, Software Engineering, Agile Software Development, Software Design, Software Development, Programming Principles, Eclipse (Software)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
SAS
Data Literacy: Exploring and Visualizing Data
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Storytelling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistical Visualization, Data Presentation, SAS (Software), Trend Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Data Cleansing, Analytics, Interactive Data Visualization, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Technical Communication, Data Ethics, Data Visualization Software, Research, Analytical Skills, Investigation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
LearnQuest
Oracle SQL Databases
Skills you'll gain: Oracle SQL Developer, SQL, Oracle Databases, PL/SQL, Database Design, Database Management Systems, Database Administration, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Database Software, Database Architecture and Administration, Database Development, Data Storage, Query Languages, Transaction Processing, Stored Procedure, Data Access, Data Modeling, Network Architecture
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
840 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California San Diego
Big Data Modeling and Management Systems
Skills you'll gain: Data Modeling, Data Infrastructure, Databases, Big Data, Data Management, Database Management Systems, Real Time Data, NoSQL, Data Processing, Relational Databases, Data Structures, Scalability, Virtual Environment
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Wesleyan University
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Descriptive Statistics, Data Presentation, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Correlation Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Management, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Research Reports, SAS (Software), Graphing, Peer Review, Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistics, Analytical Skills
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Georgia Institute of Technology
Mechanics of Materials II: Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels and Torsion
Skills you'll gain: Structural Engineering, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Mechanical Design, Torque (Physics), Engineering, Engineering Design Process, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Imperial College London
Epidemiology for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Research Design, Clinical Research, Preventative Care, Biostatistics, Research Methodologies, Program Evaluation, Scientific Methods, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Risk Analysis, Research, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
ESSEC Business School
The Fundamentals of Revenue Management: The Cornerstone of Revenue Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Management, Hospitality Management, Forecasting, Budgeting, Hospitality, Demand Planning, Market Dynamics, Consumer Behaviour, Competitive Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Saúde Baseada em Evidências
Skills you'll gain: Health Assessment, Health Care, Research, Health Systems, Epidemiology, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Medical Science and Research, Clinical Research, Scientific Methods, General Science and Research, Clinical Trials, Social Justice
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months