Top Security Courses For IT Professionals To Pursue In 2023

Understand the difference between information security, cybersecurity, network security and explore top paid and free security courses for IT professionals.

Planning to launch a career in the booming field of security? You have reached the right place. In this post, we will help you understand the difference between information security, cybersecurity, and network security. We will take a closer look at each of these disciplines to help you decide which path is right for you and explore some of the top security courses for each field. 

Overview

In the last few decades, technology has revolutionized how we do things. It has impacted various aspects of our daily lives, whether it be communication, file sharing, or the way of conducting business. 

Technology has helped us create different tools and resources, putting useful information at our fingertips. With all of these advancements, the digital age has made our lives easier, faster, and better with fewer hassles.

Unfortunately, as technology evolves, so do its side effects. One of the biggest threats to the digital age is the ever-increasing risk of cyberattacks. Despite growing awareness of the consequences, cyberattacks are a part of everyday business for organizations of all sizes worldwide. Cybercrimes are likely to become even more damaging for organizations in years to come.

As the cybersecurity risks have increased in leaps and bounds, organizations are on the lookout for security professionals who can identify the possible cyber-attacks and prevent cybercriminals from breaking into databases to steal sensitive information.

As cybercrimes continue to dominate the threat landscape, job profiles that are responsible for combating those crimes have become the most sought-after, lucrative, and rewarding careers. 

Explore popular Cybersecurity Courses

Information Security vs Cybersecurity vs And Network Security

Regardless of size or industry, every organization needs security solutions to protect it from the ever-growing landscape of cyber threats. Information security, cybersecurity, and network security play a crucial role in the same. 

Let’s now find out the difference in each of these fields, in terms of their description, skills, and courses. 

Also Read: 9 Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills To Learn 

What is Information Security?

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.” The demand is likely to be high, “as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.”

Information Security refers to the process of protecting confidential, private, and sensitive information or data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification. It emphasizes the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, also known as the CIA Triad is a popular model that is designed to maintain privacy policies for information security in organizations.

Information Security Professional Skills

The top skills required for information security jobs include:

Interpersonal Skills 

• Analytical Skills
• Communication across all levels of the organization
• Creativity
• Detail-oriented
• Problem-Solving
• Team Player
• Self-Motivation

Technical Skills

• Information Technology Knowledge
• Understanding of Information Security Software and Controls
• Ethical Hacking Skills
• Understanding of Security System Logs, Security Tools, and Data
• Ability to Create, Modify, and Update Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) & Security Information Event Management (SIEM) 
• Proficiency in Intrusion Prevention Systems and Tools
• Understanding of Risk Management Frameworks
• Knowledge of Vulnerabilities in Information Systems 
• Knowledge of Security Regulations and Standards
• Understanding of Security Frameworks, Firewall, and Data Encryption Programs
• Proficiency in Cyber and Technical Threat Analysis 
• Knowledge of Preventing Hacker Intrusion
• Ability to produce & provide Incident-Related Reports on time
• Staying One Step Ahead of Cyber Attacks
• Up-To-Date on Relevant Technologies

Top Paid and Free Information Security Courses

Here’s the list of top paid and free courses in information security.

Information Security: Context and Introduction on Coursera by the University of London [Enroll for Free]

This course will teach you about cryptography, security management, and network and computer security to help you begin the journey in the field of information security and develop your appreciation of some key information security concepts. 

In this course, you will also explore the skills, knowledge, and roles so that you can determine and analyze potential career opportunities in this profession. 

Duration: 24 Hours | Level: Beginner

Course Content:

• 1 Week: Introduction to Information Security
• 2 Week: Introduction to Cryptography
• 3 Week: Network and Computer Security
• 4 Week: Security Management
• 5 Week: The Cyber Security Industry and Careers 

Intro to Information Security on Udacity [Free]

This course gives a broad overview of crucial concepts and methods for providing and evaluating security in information processing systems. It is designed for both undergraduate and graduate learners who have some prior computer and programming knowledge. 

Duration: Sef-paced | Level: Intermediate

Course Content: 

• Software Security
• Practical Cryptography
• Networks 
• Applications 

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) on Udemy [Paid]

This course is designed for experienced information security professionals. This course helps learners to achieve the CISM certification, offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) to validate the expertise and knowledge of the learners about the relationship between an information security program and the broader business targets. 

Prerequisite: You will need to have a minimum of five years of experience in information security management.

Duration: 21.5 Hours | Level: Expert 

Course Content:

• 1 Domain – Information Security Governance
• 2 Domain – Information Risk Management
• 3 Domain – Information Security Program Development
• 4 Domain – Information Security Incident Management

What is Cybersecurity?

As per Markets and Markets, “the Cybersecurity Market is expected to grow from USD 152.71 billion in 2018 to USD 248.6 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2018 to 2023.”

Cybersecurity is a subset of information security. It refers to the practice of defending electronic devices from being hacked or compromised. Cybersecurity is concerned with protecting internet-connected systems, such as hardware, software, programs, and data from potential cyberattacks. Not just IT companies, but many government agencies and financial institutions rely on cybersecurity professionals to keep sensitive information protected.

Cybersecurity professionals use their technical knowledge and expertise to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and to protect it against unauthorized exploitation of systems.

Also Read: 5 Best Cyber Security Programming Languages to Learn

Cybersecurity Professional Skills

The following are the skills required for cybersecurity jobs:

Interpersonal Skills 

• Interpersonal Skills 
• Technical Aptitude
• Problem Solving 
• Attention to Detail
• Communication 

Technical Skills

• Basic Computer Forensics Skills 
• Understanding of Ethical Hacking
• Knowledge of Cloud Security & Blockchain Security 
• Basic Programming Skills
• Understanding of IoT Security
• Understanding the Management and Architecture of Operating Systems, Networking and Visualization Software
• Ability to Design and Evaluate Network Architecture
• Ability to Write Custom Scripts with a Wide Range of Security Alerts
• Antivirus and Antimalware Knowledge

Also Read: Top 10 Ethical Hacking Courses for Cybersecurity Professionals 

Top Paid and Free Online Cyber Security Courses

The Complete Cyber Security Course: Anonymous Browsing! on Udemy [Paid]

This course will help you develop an advanced practical skill-set in how to stay anonymous online, how to maintain privacy, and how to bypass firewalls and proxies. By the end of this course, you will have a detailed understanding of how anonymity online might be achieved against various types of adversaries. This course will help you start a career in cybersecurity and become a cybersecurity specialist by teaching you the very latest up-to-date information and methods.

Duration: 64 Hours | Level: Beginners and Intermediate Internet users 

Course Content: 

• OPSEC (Operational Security)
• Live Operating Systems – Tails, Knoppix, Puppy Linux, Jondo Live
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• VPN and Tor Routers
• Other Privacy and Anonymising Services
• Censorship Circumvention – Bypassing Firewalls & Deep Packet Inspection
• Chaining/Nesting Privacy and Anonymising Services
• Off-site Internet Connections – Hotspots and Cafes

The Complete Cyber Security Course: End Point Protection on Udemy [Paid]

Covering traditional end-point-protection technologies through to the next generation and future technologies, this course will help you learn a practical skill-set in securing laptops, desktops, and mobile devices from all types of threats, including, advanced hackers, trackers, exploit kits, and thieves. It is an easy-to-follow course that will help you go from a beginner to advanced and become a cybersecurity specialist.

Duration: 16.5 Hours | Level: Beginner 

Course Content:

• Goals and Learning Objectives
• File and Disk Encryption
• Anti-Virus and End-Point-Protection
• End-Point-Protection Technology
• Threat Detection and Monitoring
• Malware and Hacker Hunting on the End-Point
• Secure Deleting, Evidence Elimination, and Anti-Forensics
• Email Security, Privacy and Anonymity

Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks on Coursera [Free]

This course will help you understand basic Cybersecurity.  You will learn the history of Cybersecurity as well as the types and motives of cyber-attacks to enhance your knowledge of current threats to organizations and individuals.  It will teach you the key terminology, basic system concepts, and tools related to cybersecurity. 

Duration: 20 Hours | Level: Beginner 

Course Content:

• History of Cybersecurity
• A brief overview of types of actors and their motives
• An overview of key security concepts
• An overview of key security tools

The Beginners Guide to Cyber Security on Udemy [Paid]

Designed for students who have little to no prior knowledge about the field of cybersecurity, this course covers basic terminologies and hacking methodology. By the end of this course, you would have become familiar with cybersecurity terminologies and would have gained sufficient knowledge that can help to jump-start your career as a cybersecurity professional.  

Duration: 9 Hours | Level: Beginner 

Course Content:

• Basic Introduction to Cyber Security & Information security
• Some basics about a hacker
• Attacks from Hackers
• Malware
• Digital Wallets
• Defenses
• Emails & Security

Also Read: Top Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers

What is Network Security?

Network security is a subset of information security and cybersecurity. It refers to the technologies, tools, devices, and processes that are focused on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, usability, and availability of computer networks and data with the help of software and hardware technologies. 

A network security professional makes the network more secure by providing using various tools, such as intrusion detection systems, encryption, and digital certificates.

Network Security Professional Skills

Below are the top skills required for network security jobs:

Interpersonal Skills 

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Communication

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of Secure Network Architecture
• Proficiency in Vulnerability Testing
• Threat Modeling Knowledge 
• Understanding of Virtualization Technologies
• Knowledge of Cloud Security
• Understanding of Secure Coding Practices
• Understanding of Security Frameworks, Firewall, and Data Encryption Programs

Top Paid and Free Online Network Security Courses

Here are some top recommendations for paid and free online network security courses to help you brush up on your network security knowledge.

The Complete Cyber Security Course: Network Security! on Udemy [Paid]

By the end of this course, you will be able to identify security vulnerabilities across an entire network, by using various network hacking techniques and vulnerability scanning. This course will teach you how to architect your network for maximum security and prevent local and remote attacks. You will also explore the use of custom router firmware to provide you with better network security services.

Duration: 14 Hours | Level: Beginner 

Course Content:

• Goals and Learning Objectives – Volume 2
• Routers – Port and Vulnerability scanning
• Firewalls
• Network Attacks, Architecture, and Isolation
• Wireless and Wi-Fi Security
• Network Monitoring for Threats
• Browser Security and Tracking Prevention
• Passwords and Authentication Methods

Network Security Basics on PluralSight [Free]

In this course, you will explore critical network attacks as well as tools, techniques, and policies that can help reduce network attacks and data breaches. This course will help you learn about the different types of attacks used to bring down networks or steal data from them. You will also learn about techniques for mitigating these attacks. 

Duration: 2 Hours | Level: Beginner

Course Content:

• Physical Security Devices 
• Authentication and Access Controls
• Wireless Network Security
• Attack Vectors
• Device Hardening
• Network Attack Prevention

Communications and Network Security on PluralSight [Free]

This course will teach you about network and communications models such as OSI and TCP/IP. You will also explore the area of security protocols as well as network attacks. By the end of this course, you will have a good understanding of network and communications security, protocols, and network encryption needed to help you audit, operate, and manage secure communications.

Duration: 3 Hours | Level: Intermediate 

Course Content:

• Secure Communications Models
• Secure Network Communications
• Network Protocols and Network Security 

Also Read: Top Network Security Interview Questions and Answers

Difference Between Information Security, Cybersecurity, And Network Security

The main differences between information security vs cybersecurity vs network security are:

Information Security	Cybersecurity	Network Security
It aims to protect both physical and digital data from unauthorized access, use, and misuse.	Cybersecurity is a subset of Information security. While Information security aims to keep data in any form secure, cybersecurity protects only digital data.	It is a subset of Cybersecurity.
Information Security is the act of protecting print, electronic, or any other form of sensitive information or data from unauthorized access.	It is focused on protecting internet-connected systems, such as hardware, software, programs, and data from cyber-attacks.	Network Security is the process of protecting data flowing over the network against unauthorized access.
An information security professional is responsible for protecting the networks, infrastructure, and systems of an organization.	A cybersecurity professional searches for risks and vulnerabilities in software and hardware.	A network security professional protects the IT infrastructure of the company.

Also Read: Difference between Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking

Conclusion

The technology is evolving and so are its vulnerabilities with more and more hackers trying new exposure surfaces to exploit and new ways to steal the personal and secret data of organizations. Businesses have become more digitally advanced than ever, which calls for a tightened security infrastructure. For the same reason, nowadays every organization is relying on security professionals to protect their sensitive data. 

If you are ready to pursue a career in the exciting field of security, the next step is to choose the right course as per your interest and career goals. The top security courses listed in this post will equip you with the knowledge and skills that top recruiting firms desire in applicants.