Application Security courses can help you learn secure coding practices, threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, and incident response strategies. You can build skills in risk analysis, secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) integration, and penetration testing techniques. Many courses introduce tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and static analysis tools, showing how these resources are used to identify and mitigate security risks in applications.

Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Secure Coding, Application Security, Security Testing, DevSecOps, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Scanning, Continuous Monitoring, Vulnerability Assessments, Application Performance Management, System Monitoring, Vulnerability Management, Development Environment, Security Controls, DevOps, Data Security, Software Development Life Cycle
★ 4.7 (251) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Secure Coding, Authentications, Authorization (Computing), AI Integrations, Microsoft Copilot, Application Security, Data Validation, Web Applications, Data Security, Data Integrity
★ 5 (20) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Simplilearn
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Secure Coding, Operational Risk, Application Security, Security Requirements Analysis, Threat Management, Cyber Security Policies, Cyber Attacks, Web Applications, Security Management, Vulnerability Assessments, Security Software, Security Engineering, Security Controls, Scenario Testing, Software Development, Data Manipulation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Debugging, DevSecOps, Security Strategy, Penetration Testing, Cyber Security Strategy, Security Testing, Application Security, Vulnerability Scanning, Continuous Monitoring, Software Testing, Cybersecurity, Vulnerability Assessments, Cyber Security Assessment, Test Automation, Vulnerability Management, Technical Communication
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Secure Coding, DevSecOps, Application Security, Cloud Security, IT Security Architecture, Cloud Standards, Security Controls, Security Testing, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Multi-Cloud, Containerization, Software Development, Continuous Monitoring, Cybersecurity, Supply Chain, Dependency Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Software Design, Application Security, User Experience Design, Vulnerability Assessments, Database Theory, Unified Modeling Language, Unit Testing, UI/UX Research, Threat Modeling, Usability Testing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Vulnerability Management, Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs), Relational Databases, Software Visualization, Security Engineering, Security Software, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Development Life Cycle
★ 4.6 (438) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Vulnerability Scanning, Proxy Servers, Security Testing, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Brute-force attacks, Test Tools, Web Scraping
★ 4.3 (290) · Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Amazon Web Services
Skills you'll gain: Amazon Bedrock, AI Security, Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Security Engineering, Application Security, Responsible AI, Security Controls
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Malware Protection, Endpoint Security, Mobile Security, Cloud Security, Application Security, Infrastructure Security, Cloud Deployment, Cloud Computing, Threat Detection, Cyber Attacks, Endpoint Detection and Response, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Security, Virtualization, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Virtual Machines, Security Controls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Data Security, Human Factors (Security)
★ 4.7 (34) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Network Security, Cloud Security, Cyber Attacks, Information Systems Security, Application Security, OSI Models, Cryptography, Data Security, Cryptographic Protocols, Encryption, Network Administration, Infrastructure Security, Endpoint Security, General Networking, Security Controls, Malware Protection, Cloud Computing, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Azure, Web Applications, Cloud Applications, Application Security, Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, Authorization (Computing), Key Management, Application Development, Security Strategy, Application Programming Interface (API), Authentications, Encryption
★ 4.6 (14) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: AI Security, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Cyber Security Assessment, Exploitation techniques, Server Side, Application Security, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Security, LLM Application, Cyber Attacks, Security Awareness, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI Agents
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Application security refers to the measures and practices designed to protect applications from threats throughout their lifecycle. This includes securing applications during development, deployment, and maintenance. The importance of application security cannot be overstated; as cyber threats become more sophisticated, ensuring the security of applications is crucial to protect sensitive data and maintain user trust. Vulnerabilities in applications can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and damage to an organization's reputation.
A career in application security can lead to various roles, including Application Security Analyst, Security Engineer, DevSecOps Engineer, and Software Developer with a focus on security. These positions are essential in organizations that prioritize cybersecurity, as they work to identify and mitigate risks associated with application vulnerabilities. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, pursuing a career in application security can be a rewarding choice.
To excel in application security, you should develop a range of skills, including knowledge of secure coding practices, familiarity with security testing tools, and an understanding of common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Additionally, skills in threat modeling, risk assessment, and compliance with security standards are valuable. Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript can also enhance your capabilities in this field.
Some of the best online courses for application security include Application Security for Developers and DevOps Professionals and Web Application Security. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for securing applications. Additionally, specialized courses like Cloud Application Security can help you understand security in cloud environments.
Yes. You can start learning application security on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in application security, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning application security involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Start by taking foundational courses that cover the basics of application security. Engage in hands-on projects or labs to apply what you've learned. Participating in online forums or communities can also provide insights and support from peers. As you progress, consider pursuing advanced courses or certifications to deepen your expertise.
Typical topics covered in application security courses include secure coding practices, threat modeling, security testing methodologies, and compliance with security standards. Courses may also address specific vulnerabilities, such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, and explore tools and techniques for identifying and mitigating these risks. Understanding the security implications of different software architectures and deployment environments is also crucial.
For training and upskilling employees in application security, courses like Application Security Program Ignition Guide and Cyber Security: Application of AI can be particularly beneficial. These courses provide insights into building effective application security programs and leveraging AI for security purposes, making them suitable for organizations looking to enhance their workforce's capabilities.