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Computer Security Courses Online

Explore computer security courses on network protection, encryption, and cybersecurity threats. Prepare for careers in IT security and risk management.


Explore the Computer Security Course Catalog


  • U

    University of London

    Introduction to Computer Security

    Skills you'll gain: Linux, Linux Commands, Computer Systems, Command-Line Interface, Cybersecurity, Computer Architecture, Network Security, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Hardware Architecture, Information Systems Security, Application Security, Threat Detection, Authorization (Computing), Network Protocols, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Operating Systems, VPN Clients, Systems Architecture, Authentications

    ★ 4.8 (45) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • N

    New York University

    Introduction to Cyber Security

    Skills you'll gain: Security Engineering, Authentications, Threat Modeling, Network Security, Public Key Infrastructure, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cryptographic Protocols, Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Firewall, Cyber Attacks, Cryptography, Infrastructure Security, Cybersecurity, Data Encryption Standard, Threat Management, Cyber Risk, IT Security Architecture, Mobile Security, Enterprise Security, Cyber Security Assessment

    ★ 4.7 (3.7K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • L

    Logical Operations

    Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

    Skills you'll gain: Security Management, Information Systems Security, IT Security Architecture, Identity and Access Management, Security Architecture Review, Security Testing, Application Security, Asset Protection, Risk Management Framework, Cybersecurity, Security Controls, Risk Management, Data Security, Network Security, Infrastructure Security, Threat Modeling, Cloud Security, Incident Response, Cryptography, Network Monitoring

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Information Security

    Skills you'll gain: Encryption, Information Systems Security, Threat Modeling, Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Management, Application Security, Data Security, Computer Security, Security Management, Network Security, Incident Response, Data Encryption Standard, Cyber Security Policies, Cryptography, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Security Controls, Data Integrity, Authentications

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • P

    Packt

    Cryptography, Network Security, and Application Security

    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

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • G

    Google

    Google Network Security

    Skills you'll gain: Hardening, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Incident Response, Network Architecture, Network Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Incident Management, Network Protocols, Threat Detection, Event Monitoring, Threat Management, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Network Monitoring, Network Infrastructure, Cyber Attacks, Computer Security Incident Management, Operating Systems, Linux, Bash (Scripting Language), Databases

    ★ 4.8 (72) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • P

    Packt

    CompTIA Security+ Certification (SY0-701): The Total Course

    Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Network Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Command-Line Interface, Cryptography, Cyber Security Strategy, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Application Security, Secure Coding, Cybersecurity, IT Security Architecture, Encryption, Information Systems Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Cyber Attacks, Risk Management Framework, Multi-Factor Authentication, Cloud Security, Penetration Testing, Risk Management

    ★ 4.7 (60) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • P

    Packt

    CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

    Skills you'll gain: IT Security Architecture, Incident Response, Computer Security Incident Management, Zero Trust Network Access, Cloud Computing Architecture, Authentications, Endpoint Detection and Response, Risk Analysis, Network Security, Compliance Training, Risk Mitigation, Risk Management Framework, Cyber Governance, Regulatory Compliance, Cloud Computing, Data Security, Application Security, Cyber Risk, Information Systems Security, Risk Management

    ★ 4.8 (13) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • E

    EC-Council

    Information Security Analyst

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, Network Security, Incident Response, Cryptography, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Management, Cybersecurity, Application Security, Cyber Security Policies, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Detection, Network Monitoring, Cloud Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Malware Protection, Mobile Security, Identity and Access Management, Internet Of Things, Risk Analysis, Web Applications

    ★ 4.9 (45) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • L

    LearnQuest

    Advanced Network Security

    Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Cyber Threat Hunting, Computer Security Incident Management, Incident Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Continuous Monitoring, Threat Detection, Cloud Security, Disaster Recovery, Threat Management, Firewall, Security Management, Network Security, Cybersecurity, Cloud Services, AI Security, Network Monitoring, Cyber Security Policies, Cloud Management

    ★ 4.4 (97) · Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Security and Ethical Hacking

    Skills you'll gain: AI Security, Penetration Testing, Exploit development, Network Security, Exploitation techniques, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Security Testing, Cyber Security Assessment, Cyber Operations, Computer Security, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Cryptographic Protocols, Network Protocols, Cryptography, Security Awareness, Generative AI Agents, Server Side, Web Applications, Machine Learning Algorithms

    ★ 4.6 (18) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • F

    Fortinet, Inc.

    Fortinet Network Security

    Skills you'll gain: Firewall, Network Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Network Routing, Network Security, Routing Protocols, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Authentications, Network Monitoring, Event Monitoring, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Technical Support and Services, Remote Access Systems, Network Administration, Security Engineering, Application Security, Cybersecurity, Computer Security, Cyber Security Strategy

    ★ 4.6 (139) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
1234…56

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

  • Introduction to Computer Security: University of London
  • Introduction to Cyber Security: New York University
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Logical Operations
  • Information Security: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
  • Cryptography, Network Security, and Application Security: Packt
  • Google Network Security: Google
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification (SY0-701): The Total Course: Packt
  • CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): Packt
  • Information Security Analyst: EC-Council
  • Advanced Network Security: LearnQuest

Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Security

Computer security, also known as cybersecurity, is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks often aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information, disrupt services, or extort money from users. The importance of computer security cannot be overstated; as our reliance on technology grows, so does the potential for cyber threats. Effective computer security measures help safeguard personal data, maintain privacy, and ensure the integrity of systems, making it a critical component of modern society.‎

A career in computer security can lead to various job opportunities, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Common roles include Information Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Consultant, and Security Software Developer. Additionally, positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Security Architect are available for those with more experience. Each of these roles plays a vital part in protecting organizations from cyber threats and ensuring compliance with regulations.‎

To succeed in computer security, you need a blend of technical and soft skills. Key technical skills include knowledge of network security protocols, encryption techniques, and vulnerability assessment tools. Familiarity with operating systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems is also essential. On the soft skills side, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial, as professionals often need to explain complex security issues to non-technical stakeholders. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends are also important.‎

There are numerous online courses available to help you learn about computer security. Some highly regarded options include the Introduction to Computer Security course, which covers fundamental concepts, and the Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization, which offers a deeper dive into managing security systems. Additionally, the Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization provides a comprehensive overview of network security principles.‎

Yes. You can start learning computer security on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many computer security courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in computer security, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn computer security effectively, start by identifying your current skill level and areas of interest. Begin with foundational courses, such as the Introduction to Computer Security, to build your knowledge base. Engage in hands-on practice through labs and simulations, which can enhance your understanding of real-world applications. Joining online forums or study groups can also provide support and motivation as you progress in your learning journey.‎

Computer security courses typically cover a range of topics, including risk management, threat analysis, network security, cryptography, and incident response. You may also learn about security policies, compliance regulations, and ethical hacking techniques. Advanced courses might explore into specialized areas like cloud security or mobile device security, providing a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of protecting digital assets.‎

For training and upskilling employees in computer security, consider courses like the Information Security Analyst Professional Certificate, which equips participants with essential skills for identifying and mitigating security risks. The Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) Professional Certificate is also beneficial for those working in cloud environments. These programs are designed to enhance the security capabilities of teams and organizations.‎

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.

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