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

The Pennsylvania State University
Dairy Production and Management
Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Manufacturing and Production, Market Dynamics, Operating Cost, Business Economics, Water Resources, Production Management, Environmental Management Systems, Environment, Molecular Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Exam Prep
Skills you'll gain: Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Azure, Power BI, Databricks, Data Processing, Cloud Services, Data Warehousing, Database Systems, Databases, Dashboard, Data Architecture, NoSQL, Apache Spark, Database Administration, Relational Databases, MySQL, Data Store, SQL, Cloud Storage, Database Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
829 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
EC-Council
Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE)
Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Cloud Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Network Security, Threat Detection, Security Awareness, Cybersecurity, Application Security, Mobile Security, Internet Of Things, Authentications, Encryption, Wireless Networks
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
552 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Global Financial Markets and Instruments
Skills you'll gain: Financial Market, Investments, Securities (Finance), Financial Systems, Investment Management, Securities Trading, Capital Markets, Equities, Finance, Financial Services, Market Liquidity, Asset Management, Portfolio Management, Derivatives, Fixed Asset, Cash Flows
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Exploratory Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Ggplot2, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Visualization Software, R Programming, Scatter Plots, Graphing, Box Plots, Data Analysis, Histogram, Statistical Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Color Theory
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Gut Check: Exploring Your Microbiome
Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Life Sciences, Health Informatics, Big Data, Biostatistics, Data Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Nutrition and Diet, Biology, Nutrition Education, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Tableau Software, Data Visualization, Business Analytics, Statistical Visualization, Business Process, Business Process Improvement, Presentations, Data Visualization Software, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Graphing, Stakeholder Communications, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Analysis and Visualization with Power BI
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Power BI, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Interactive Data Visualization, Report Writing, Management Reporting, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
773 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northeastern University
Data Privacy Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Information Privacy, Personally Identifiable Information, Data Ethics, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Journalism, Emerging Technologies, Media and Communications, Internet Of Things, Artificial Intelligence
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
678 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Sleep: Neurobiology, Medicine, and Society
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health, Psychiatry, Stress Management, Neurology, Mathematical Modeling, Patient Safety, Cardiology, Accident Prevention, Vital Signs, Pharmacology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
806 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
AI Python for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Jupyter, Python Programming, Data Analysis, ChatGPT, Application Development, Generative AI, Scripting, Automation, Computer Programming, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
117 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Go Beyond the Numbers: Translate Data into Insights
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Data Transformation, Data Ethics, Tableau Software, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Communications, Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Jupyter, Data Validation, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
796 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months