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

Meta
Statistics Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Inference, Sampling (Statistics), Data Modeling, Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistical Modeling, Marketing Analytics, Tableau Software, Data Analysis, Spreadsheet Software, Quantitative Research, Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Regression Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
323 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Microsoft
Explore Core Data Concepts in Microsoft Azure
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Data Processing, Databases, Database Systems, Data Storage, Database Management, Relational Databases, Query Languages, NoSQL, Data Management, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
451 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
ESSEC Business School
Foundations of strategic business analytics
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Forecasting, Statistical Methods, Data Presentation, Predictive Analytics, R Programming, Information Technology, Statistical Analysis, Communication, Business Strategy, Business, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Data Mining, Data Visualization, Regression Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
654 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Johns Hopkins University
International Travel Preparation, Safety, & Wellness
Skills you'll gain: Intercultural Competence, Cultural Sensitivity, Cultural Diversity, Stress Management, Preventative Care, Injury Prevention, Health And Safety Standards, Safety and Security, Risk Management, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Adaptability, Infectious Diseases, Planning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
449 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Functional Programming in Scala Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, User Interface (UI), Heat Maps, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Big Data, Geospatial Mapping, Data Manipulation, Data Transformation, Spatial Data Analysis, Web Applications
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
546 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Medical Terminology II
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Electronic Medical Record, Respiration, Anatomy, Blood Pressure, General Medicine, Vital Signs
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
176 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Building Generative AI-Powered Applications with Python
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Web Applications, IBM Cloud, Python Programming, OpenAI, Serverless Computing, Cloud Applications, Front-End Web Development, Application Development, Flask (Web Framework), Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Back-End Web Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
155 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad
Leading with a Digital Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Business Transformation, Technology Strategies, Organizational Effectiveness, Performance Improvement, Artificial Intelligence, Organizational Strategy, Business Technologies, Emerging Technologies, Business Strategy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
103 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Skills you'll gain: Hardware Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Network Troubleshooting, Computer Hardware, System Configuration, Technical Support and Services, Network Administration, Computer Displays, Peripheral Devices, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
153 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Microsoft
Microsoft Data Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Presentation, Power BI, Data Ethics, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Data Modeling, Data Governance, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Data Architecture, Correlation Analysis, Data Cleansing, Data Transformation, Database Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
54 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
L&T EduTech
Building Smarter: BIM in Practice
Skills you'll gain: Autodesk Revit, Design Reviews, Building Information Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Construction Management, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Commercial Construction, Engineering Analysis, Construction Estimating, Architectural Engineering, Structural Analysis, Emerging Technologies, Civil and Architectural Engineering, As-Built Drawings, Engineering Documentation, Architectural Design, 3D Modeling, Facility Management, Technical Standard, Cloud Computing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Converter Control
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Systems Analysis, Process Control, Engineering Analysis, Technical Design, Systems Design, Plot (Graphics), Mathematical Modeling, Graphical Tools, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
642 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks