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
SkillUp EdTech
Tableau Data Analyst Certification Preparation
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Tableau Software, Peer Review, Data Visualization Software, Presentations, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization, Data Cleansing, Business Intelligence, Real Time Data, Data Manipulation, Data Presentation, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Quality, Data Transformation, Data Sharing, Data Integration, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
The AI Ladder: A Framework for Deploying AI in your Enterprise
Skills you'll gain: Information Architecture, Strategic Decision-Making, Enterprise Architecture, Data Strategy, Business Strategy, Business Process Automation, Digital Transformation, Analysis, Data Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Business Technologies, Data Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
387 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Starweaver
Business Analysis: Key Definitions & Strategy Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Business Analysis, Risk Analysis, Business Process, Business Modeling, Business Process Improvement, Business Risk Management, Business Requirements, Business Strategies, Systems Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Business Strategy, Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Project Risk Management, Risk Management, Requirements Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
155 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Irvine
Hiring Practices
Skills you'll gain: Interviewing Skills, Recruitment, Recruitment Strategies, Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, Executive Recruitment, Employee Onboarding, Employee Retention, Diversity and Inclusion, Job Analysis, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Organizational Strategy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
173 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Business Intelligence and Competitive Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Competitive Intelligence, Competitive Analysis, Market Intelligence, Management Consulting, Business Consulting, Consulting, Business Strategy, Data Analysis Software, Business Intelligence, Company, Product, and Service Knowledge, Business Analytics, Analytics, Market Analysis, Benchmarking, Analysis, Performance Analysis, Trend Analysis, Business Metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Financial Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
236 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Competencias digitales de ofimática: Microsoft Word
Skills you'll gain: Document Management, Data Entry, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
172 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD)
Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Learning Theory, Instructional Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Educational Materials, Learning Management Systems, Course Development, Design Thinking, Professional Development, Brainstorming, Education Software and Technology, Motivational Skills, Communication, Design, Student-Centred Learning, Creative Thinking, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, User Centered Design, Technology Strategies, Quality Assurance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
73 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Queen Mary University of London
Cloud Computing Law
Skills you'll gain: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Cloud Services, Legal Risk, Cloud Computing, Tax, Tax Laws, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Intellectual Property, Cloud Security, Personally Identifiable Information, Tax Compliance, Data Security, Information Privacy, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Contract Negotiation, Vendor Contracts, Cybersecurity, Contract Review, Data Governance, Data Access
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
165 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Privacy Law and HIPAA
Skills you'll gain: Medical Privacy, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Personally Identifiable Information, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Information Privacy, Regulatory Compliance, Compliance Management, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Data Governance, Data Security, Security Controls, Incident Response, Risk Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
158 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Medical Terminology III
Skills you'll gain: Medical History Documentation, Medical Terminology, Medical Records, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Neurology, Gynecology, Urology, Anatomy, Psychiatry, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
145 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
INSEAD
Web3 and Blockchain Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Digital Assets, Blockchain, Emerging Technologies, FinTech, Business Transformation, Digital Transformation, E-Commerce, Technical Design, Scalability, Governance
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Requirements Gathering for Secure Software Development
Skills you'll gain: Requirements Analysis, User Requirements Documents, Software Development Methodologies, Requirements Elicitation, Agile Methodology, Functional Requirement, Software Design Documents, System Requirements, Software Development Life Cycle, Verification And Validation, Technical Communication
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
682 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks