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
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
FinTech Security and Regulation (RegTech)
Skills you'll gain: Financial Regulation, Financial Regulations, Bank Regulations, FinTech, Financial Services, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, Mobile Banking, Regulatory Requirements, Financial Controls, Regulatory Affairs, Risk Management, Data Security, Cybersecurity, Insurance, Blockchain, Information Privacy, Threat Detection, Security Controls, Emerging Technologies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
299 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Macquarie University
Management and financial accounting: Know your numbers 1
Skills you'll gain: Governance, Management Accounting, Budgeting, Financial Modeling, Accounting, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Financial Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Statements, Business Management, Bookkeeping, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Cash Flows
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
315 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
GPT Vision: Seeing the World through Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Generative AI, Data Synthesis, Image Analysis, Data Capture, OpenAI, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Computer Vision, Data Storytelling, Artificial Intelligence, Prompt Engineering, Problem Solving, Automation, Cooking, Decision Making
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
172 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Illinois Tech
Introduction to Contemporary Operating Systems and Hardware 1a
Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Hardware Architecture, Networking Hardware, Data Storage Technologies, System Configuration, Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Peripheral Devices
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
83 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Yale University
Tropical Forest Landscapes 101: Conservation & Restoration
Skills you'll gain: Land Management, Environmental Science, Environment, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Biology, Water Resources, Social Studies, Finance, Community Development
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
160 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Digital Thread: Components
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Data Sharing, Manufacturing Operations, Business Transformation, Workflow Management, Product Lifecycle Management, Data Storage, Process Management, Information Management, Goal Setting, Data Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
811 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI: Impact, Considerations, and Ethical Issues
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Generative AI, Business Ethics, Legal Risk, Socioeconomics, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Machine Learning, Intellectual Property, Information Privacy, Workforce Management, Workforce Development, Safety and Security
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
217 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Universidad Austral
Full Stack Web Development en Español
Skills you'll gain: Angular, Server Side, Node.JS, Responsive Web Design, LESS, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Mobile Development, Back-End Web Development, Version Control, Cross Platform Development, Restful API, HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, React Redux, JavaScript Frameworks, Continuous Integration, TypeScript, iOS Development, JSON, Web Development
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
797 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Applied Python Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, PySpark, Data Visualization, Snowflake Schema, Data Storytelling, Site Reliability Engineering, Docker (Software), Databricks, Containerization, Interactive Data Visualization, Plotly, Data Pipelines, Kubernetes, Matplotlib, Apache Spark, Dashboard, Virtualization, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Devops Tools, Apache Hadoop
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
95 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Corporate Finance Institute
Power BI Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Dashboard, Business Intelligence, Data Import/Export, Business Reporting, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Data Modeling, Data Transformation, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Data Sharing, Sales, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
116 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Operating Systems Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Linux, Linux Administration, File Systems, Linux Commands, Operating Systems, User Accounts, OS Process Management, Unix Shell, System Configuration, Command-Line Interface, Open Source Technology, Security Controls, Virtualization, Virtual Machines
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
107 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Google Workspace Data Governance
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, Data Loss Prevention, Gmail, Google Workspace, Information Management, Data Management, Data Security, Document Management, Records Management, Data Storage, Data Access, Data Import/Export, Email Security, System Configuration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
654 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks