What is Information Security?

The practice of protecting information by decreasing information risks through careful strategies and processes is called information security. Also referred to as InfoSec, this stream encompasses a wide range of sub-topics, such as data security and the development of technologies for the same. This ensures the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive data.

Some of the key components of information security include:

• Confidentiality: This principle ensures that information is only accessible to authorised individuals or systems. It involves measures like access control, encryption, and data classification.
• Integrity: Information integrity ensures that data remains accurate and trustworthy. It involves techniques such as data validation, checksums, and digital signatures to detect and prevent unauthorised alterations.
•  Availability: This ensures that information is available and accessible when needed. It involves measures like redundancy, backup systems, and disaster recovery planning.
• Authentication: This involves verifying the identity of individuals or systems trying to access information. Common methods include passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication.
• Authorization: Authorization determines what actions or resources an authenticated user or system can access. Role-based access control and permissions are commonly used to enforce authorisation.
• Security Procedures: Establishing clear policies, procedures, and guidelines for handling information is crucial. These documents set expectations and standards for information security within an organisation.
• Network Security: This involves securing the communication channels through which information is transmitted. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption are common tools in network security.
• Security Awareness and Training: Educating employees and users about security best practices is critical in preventing security breaches. Users should be aware of social engineering tactics and other threats.
• Incident Response: Developing plans and procedures for responding to security incidents is essential. This includes identifying and mitigating breaches and implementing recovery measures.

Popular Information Security Courses

There are numerous information security course offerings from various colleges and universities worldwide, ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate courses to diploma and online certificate programs.  

Bachelor’s Courses in Information Security

1.      Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cyber Security

2.      Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) in Information Technology (Computer Networking and Security)

3.      Bachelor of International Business Management in Data Science, Protection and Security

Master’s Courses in Information Security

1.      Master of Science (MSc) in Information Security (MSIS)

2.      Master of Science (MSc) in Cyber Security

Best Universities for Information Security

Many universities and colleges around the world offer highly regarded courses in information security and other departments related to cyber science. 

Some of the best universities for pursuing information security worldwide are:

Sr. No	University/College Name	Courses Offered	Ranking
1.	University of California - Berkeley	Master in Information and Cybersecurity  Master in Information and Data Science (MIDS)	10
2.	Stanford University	Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science	5
3.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Bachelor of Networking - Major in Cyber Security Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science	1
4.	Carnegie Mellon University	Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS)	52
5.	Tsinghua University	Bachelor in Computer Science and Technology Master of Cyberspace Security	12
6.	University of Cambridge	Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cybersecurity Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity	2
7.	Georgia Institute of Technology	Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Engineering - Cybersecurity and Information Internetworks Master of Science in Cybersecurity	97
8.	University of Maryland - College Park	Bachelor of Science in Information Science Online Master's program in cybersecurity technology	169
9.	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CIA)	33
10.	University of Toronto	Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) in Information Security Master of Science (MSc) in Information Security	21