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.

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Information Security

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886 results for "information security"

IBM
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Security Engineering, Cyberattacks, Computer Security Incident Management, Network Security, System Security, Network Model, Computer Networking, Cryptography, Python Programming, Security Strategy, System Software, Cloud Infrastructure, Human Factors (Security), Operating Systems, Computer Programming, Databases, Other Programming Languages, Cloud Computing, Cloud Engineering, DevOps, Linux, Mobile Security, Software Security, Agile Software Development, Application Development, Cloud Management, Computer Architecture, Computer Security Models, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Administration, Database Application, Distributed Computing Architecture, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Leadership and Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Mobile Development, Network Analysis, Network Architecture, Networking Hardware, Regulations and Compliance, SQL, Sales, Security Software, Software Engineering, Software Testing, Statistical Programming, Strategy, Strategy and Operations, Theoretical Computer Science
4.6
(18.2k reviews)
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3-6 Months
Free
New York University
Introduction to Cyber Security
Skills you'll gain: Security Engineering, Cyberattacks, Computer Networking, Information Technology, Network Security, Theoretical Computer Science, Cryptography, Cloud Computing, Finance, Software Security, Computer Security Models, Algorithms, BlockChain, Computer Architecture, Mobile Development, Mobile Security, Network Architecture, Operating Systems, Regulations and Compliance, Security Software, System Security, Leadership and Management, Risk Management
4.7
(3k reviews)
Beginner · Specialization · 3-6 Months
Free
Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Full Stack Web Development with Angular
Skills you'll gain: Angular, Application Development, Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Databases, Distributed Computing Architecture, Human Computer Interaction, Javascript, Mobile Development, NoSQL, Operating Systems, Other Programming Languages, Programming Principles, Security Engineering, Software Architecture, Software As A Service, Software Engineering, Software Engineering Tools, Software Security, System Security, Theoretical Computer Science, User Experience, Web Design, Web Development
4.7
(11k reviews)
Intermediate · Specialization · 1-3 Months
University System of Georgia
Managing Cybersecurity
Skills you'll gain: Security Engineering, Leadership and Management, Computer Networking, Entrepreneurship, Network Security, Sales, Security Strategy, Strategy and Operations, Marketing, Operating Systems, Strategy, System Security, Cyberattacks, Finance, Computer Security Incident Management, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Regulations and Compliance, Risk Management, Theoretical Computer Science, Problem Solving, Research and Design, Accounting, Business Psychology, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Architecture, Organizational Development, Performance Management, Audit, Planning, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Tests, Supply Chain and Logistics
4.7
(845 reviews)
Beginner · Specialization · 3-6 Months
Google
IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts
Skills you'll gain: Security Engineering, Computer Networking, Cryptography, Cyberattacks, Network Security, Computer Security Incident Management, Security Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Marketing, Operating Systems, Sales, Security Software, Software Security, Strategy, Strategy and Operations, System Security, Theoretical Computer Science
4.8
(17.8k reviews)
Beginner · Course · 1-3 Months

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular information security courses

IBM Cybersecurity Analyst: IBM
Certified in Cybersecurity: (ISC)²
Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Master of Science in Cyber Security: University of London
Cyber Security Fundamentals: University of London
Introduction to Cyber Security: New York University
Introduction to Applied Cryptography: University of London
Cybersecurity Policy Foundations: Infosec
Full Stack Web Development with Angular: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Managing Cybersecurity: University System of Georgia

Skills you can learn in Computer Security And Networks

Cybersecurity (33)

Google (25)

Google Cloud Platform (17)

Internet (17)

Cryptography (16)

Network Security (16)

Linux (12)

Software Testing (12)

Application Programming Interfaces (8)

Kubernetes (8)

Web (8)

Frequently Asked Questions about 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.‎
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.‎
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.‎
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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Filter by

886 results for "information security"

IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

Certified in Cybersecurity

Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

Master of Science in Cyber Security

Cyber Security Fundamentals

Introduction to Cyber Security

Introduction to Applied Cryptography

Cybersecurity Policy Foundations

Full Stack Web Development with Angular

Managing Cybersecurity

The Foundations of Cybersecurity

IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular information security courses

Skills you can learn in Computer Security And Networks

Frequently Asked Questions about Information Security

What is information security?‎

Why study information security?‎

What are typical careers that use information security skills?‎

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn information security?‎

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886 results for "information security"

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular information security courses

Skills you can learn in Computer Security And Networks

Frequently Asked Questions about Information Security

What is information security?‎

Why study information security?‎

What are typical careers that use information security skills?‎

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn information security?‎

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