Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Cyber Security: Essentials for AI Specialization

Cyber Security: Essentials for AI Specialization

Security Essentials for Artificial Intelligence. Harness AI to defend systems, secure data, and protect against evolving cyber threats

Instructor: Matt Bushby

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

Apply AI and machine learning techniques to detect, analyse, and respond to cyber threats.
Identify vulnerabilities in AI systems and defend against adversarial and malicious attacks.
Implement data security and privacy frameworks that meet global compliance standards.
Design and apply privacy-preserving methods to protect sensitive data in real-world contexts.

Overview

This Specialization brings together three advanced courses Cyber Security: Application of AI, Cyber Security: Security of AI, and Cyber Security: Data Security and Information Privacy, to give learners a comprehensive foundation at the cutting edge of cyber security. It is designed for professionals who want to understand how AI is transforming both the opportunities and the risks in digital security, and for leaders who need to build resilient systems that inspire trust.

You’ll begin with the practical application of AI in cyber defence, exploring how machine learning and intelligent systems can detect anomalies, predict attacks, and automate responses at a scale beyond human capability. You’ll then focus on securing AI systems themselves, learning how to identify vulnerabilities in algorithms, defend against adversarial inputs, and strengthen the resilience of AI models used in critical business and government systems. Finally, you’ll dive into the essential principles of data security and information privacy, mastering how to safeguard sensitive information, ensure compliance with global regulations, and apply privacy-preserving technologies.

Developed by Macquarie University’s Cyber Skills Academy, ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and recognised as Australia’s leading cyber security school. By the end, you’ll be able to leverage AI as a powerful tool for defence, secure AI systems from manipulation, and implement robust data protection frameworks.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Macquarie University

Specialization - 3 course series

Cyber Security: Application of AI

Course 115 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Understand core AI and ML concepts applied to cyber threat detection and defence.
Use machine learning to analyse malware and detect anomalies in networks.
Explore AI-driven tools for fraud prevention and incident response.
Identify and defend against adversarial attacks on AI systems.

Skills you'll gain

Machine Learning, Anomaly Detection, Applied Machine Learning, Malware Protection, Machine Learning Methods, Fraud detection, Network Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Threat Detection, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Artificial Intelligence, Threat Modeling, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Cyber Security Strategy, Machine Learning Algorithms, Cybersecurity, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Artificial Neural Networks, and Cyber Threat Intelligence

Cyber Security: Security of AI

Course 213 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Identify emerging threats targeting AI systems and applications.
Apply defences to protect AI from adversarial attacks and model leakage.
Evaluate AI security controls, testing methods, and trade-offs.
Understand regulation, responsible AI principles, and future risks.

Skills you'll gain

Artificial Intelligence, Responsible AI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Cybersecurity, DevSecOps, Security Controls, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Governance, Governance, Data Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Application Security, Threat Modeling, Encryption, Machine Learning, Application Programming Interface (API), Risk Management, Security Engineering, and Regulation and Legal Compliance

Cyber Security: Data Security and Information Privacy

Course 314 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Understand key risks to data security and privacy in digital environments.
Apply de-identification and anonymisation methods to protect sensitive data.
Navigate global privacy frameworks like GDPR and local legal obligations.
Implement controls to secure data across storage, access, and sharing systems.

Skills you'll gain

Information Privacy, Data Security, Cybersecurity, Data Ethics, Cyber Risk, Risk Management, Compliance Management, Data Governance, Security Software, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability, Data Access, Security Strategy, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Personally Identifiable Information, Vulnerability Assessments, NIST 800-53, Security Management, Data Encryption Standard, and Threat Detection

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Matt Bushby

Macquarie University

15 Courses8,073 learners

Offered by

Macquarie University

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Frequently asked questions

No advanced technical background is required. A basic familiarity with computers, networks, and workplace technology will be helpful, but all key concepts are introduced from the ground up. Learners with an interest in AI, cyber security, or data protection will benefit most. The courses are designed to support professionals from diverse fields including IT, business, and leadership, who want to understand how AI impacts security, protect data, and apply practical strategies in real-world contexts.

You can take the courses in any order, depending on your interests and professional goals. However, we recommend starting with Cyber Security: Application of AI to understand how AI is used in cyber defence, followed by Cyber Security: Security of AI to learn how to protect AI systems themselves. Concluding with Cyber Security: Data Security and Information Privacy will give you the frameworks and tools to secure the data that powers AI. This sequence ensures a smooth progression from application to protection and governance.

By completing this Specialization, you will be able to use AI and machine learning to strengthen cyber defence, detect and respond to digital threats, and protect AI systems against adversarial attacks. You’ll also be able to design and apply data security and privacy frameworks that meet global compliance standards, ensuring sensitive information is safeguarded. These skills will enable you to confidently secure AI-driven environments, reduce organisational risk, and build digital trust in an AI-powered world.

Cyber Security: Essentials for AI Specialization

What you'll learn

Overview

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

What’s included

Advance your subject-matter expertise