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: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
The Data Science of Health Informatics
Skills you'll gain: Health Informatics, Health Care, Health Information Management, Databases, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Clinical Data Management, Electronic Medical Record, Data Mining, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Interoperability, Big Data, Query Languages, Data Integration
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
216 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Introduction to Clinical Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Tidyverse (R Package), Clinical Data Management, Clinical Research, R Programming, Google Cloud Platform, Data Ethics, Data Science, Health Informatics, Data Processing, Electronic Medical Record, Information Privacy, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Data Manipulation, SQL, Data Access
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
413 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
The University of Melbourne
The Role of Global Capital Markets
Skills you'll gain: Financial Systems, Capital Markets, Market Liquidity, Financial Market, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Regulation, Market Dynamics, Market Analysis, Governance, Risk Management, Economic Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
636 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Instructor Network
Microsoft Excel VBA and Macros
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Microsoft Excel, Data Manipulation, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Data Analysis, Productivity Software, Automation, Strategic Decision-Making
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
172 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Starweaver
IIBA® Entry Certificate in Business Analysis™ (ECBA™) Exam Prep
Skills you'll gain: Requirements Elicitation, Requirements Analysis, Business Requirements, Requirements Management, Business Analysis, Business Planning, Performance Improvement, Verification And Validation, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Engagement, Prioritization, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
104 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Local Economic Development
Skills you'll gain: Economic Development, Community Development, Entrepreneurship, Project Design, Global Marketing, Socioeconomics, International Relations, Business Development, New Business Development, Innovation, Public Policies, Policy Development, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
379 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, ArcGIS, Data Visualization, Data Compilation, Data Mapping, Data Storytelling, Metadata Management, Data Integration, Data Management
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
311 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Arizona State University
AI Foundations: Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, Generative AI, Ideation, Creativity, Research
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Trials Data Management and Quality Assurance
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Data Management, Data Quality, Quality Assurance, Clinical Trials, Data Cleansing, Data Integrity, Data Governance, Microsoft Excel, Data Compilation, Data Collection, Data Sharing, Data Security, Patient Treatment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
154 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Mitigating Security Vulnerabilities on Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Data Loss Prevention, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cloud Security, Threat Management, Security Controls, Google Cloud Platform, Data Security, Vulnerability Management, Threat Detection, IT Automation, Identity and Access Management, System Monitoring
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
724 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
Product Management: Building AI-Powered Products
Skills you'll gain: Commercialization, Product Management, Stakeholder Communications, Technical Product Management, Product Lifecycle Management, Team Building, Artificial Intelligence, Return On Investment, Product Development, New Product Development, Product Strategy, Technical Communication, Generative AI
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
105 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Program Management
Skills you'll gain: Earned Value Management, Stakeholder Management, Program Management, Agile Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management Office (PMO), Agile Methodology, Project Performance, Project Schedules, Virtual Teams, Team Building, Conflict Management, Change Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Procurement, Team Management, Solution Delivery, Cost Management, Return On Investment, Teamwork
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
75 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months