Difference between Cyber Security and Information Security

With so many new technologies coming out every day, there are doubts and confusion among people not only in the general world but also those working in the field of IT. It was only a matter of time before individuals started questioning the difference between Cyber Security and Information Security.

Let’s understand the importance and difference between cyber security and information security.

Table of Contents

• What is Cyber Security?
• Types of Cyber Security
• What is Information Security?
• Types of Information Security
• Information Security vs Cyber Security
• Conclusion

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security refers to protecting our computer system, data, and network from unauthorized access and from being attacked and exploited. Identifying the critical data, the risk it is exposed to, its residing region, etc., plays a crucial role in protecting this data. It aims to protect significant and sensitive data from any external threats and unauthorized attacks.

Now that we have understood Cyber Security and how it protects the data of individuals and organizations, let’s briefly understand Information Security before moving on to read about the various similarities and differences between them.

Types of Cyber Security

Professionals deal with various types of cyber security regularly. Some of them are listed below:

1. Network Security

This type of security deals with securing networks from any misuse, interruption, unauthorized access, and service interruption.

2. Cloud Security

It is a blend of several procedures, controls, technologies, and policies designed to keep cloud-based systems and infrastructure secure.

3. Application Security

This process helps detect, fix, and enhance application security, enabling companies to prevent hackers from stealing their code and data.

4. Critical Infrastructure Security

It involves a combination of tools that offer a range of security services, including anti-malware software, virus scanners, and more.

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What is Information Security?

Information Security, otherwise referred to as InfoSec, mainly relates to data security, be it in any form. As professionals in this domain, we are responsible for ensuring that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of the data remain the same. Most of the data today is stored on electronic gadgets, such as desktops, servers, or the cloud. However, that was not the case a decade or so ago. The data was then stored in rooms and file cabinets secured by locks before they were transferred online.

Information Security is a much broader field than Cyber Security, as it allows one to protect not just digitally stored data but also confidential and essential data that requires security and protection.

Types of Information Security

Mentioned below are the different types of Information Security that help organizations secure their data:

1. Access Controls

These controls are responsible for deciding who can access the company’s network and data. They restrict users’ physical access to virtual access and the company’s infrastructure.

2. Compliance Controls

They deal with cybersecurity standards and privacy laws that aim to reduce security threats. They enforce data security requirements and require data security risk assessments.

3. Procedural Controls

They aim to detect and reduce security risks to all the organization’s physical assets, including data centres, computer systems, etc. They also involve compliance training, security awareness education, incident response procedures and plans, and a security framework.

4. Technical Controls

They include the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) during login, in antivirus software and firewalls, etc., to add an extra security layer.

Let us discuss the difference between Cyber Security and Information Security in detail.

Information Security vs Cyber Security

So far, in this blog on Information Security and Cyber Security, we have read about the two domains and why people often confuse one with the other and vice versa. Now, let us read in detail about the difference between Cyber Security and Information Security so that we can differentiate between the two and understand which technology to implement in which scenario.

Now that we have learned in detail about the differences between Information Security and Cyber Security, we will read about the importance of each of them.

Importance of Cyber Security

Both Cyber Security and Information Security are significantly important for organizations to keep their data secure from various threats. Mentioned below are a few of the significant reasons why Cyber Security plays an essential role in organizations:

• Cyber-attacks affect both individuals and companies
• The rapid changes and advancements in technology have given rise to the number of cyber attacks
• Without Cyber Security, hackers and attackers can create a lot of damage to the organization and its business and a loss of data and jobs
• Cyber attacks not only impact businesses, but individuals also face these threats
• Cyber Security can help in creating new and improved laws that can protect individuals and organizations from potential threats

Importance of Information Security

Information security, like cybersecurity, plays a vital role in companies’ data protection. Some of the significant roles of Information Security are as follows:

• Protection of the company’s ability to function properly
• It secures data that is collected, stored, and used by the organizations
• It allows organizations to conduct the operation of applications securely in the IT systems
• It protects the technology of the organization

Conclusion

In this comprehensive blog on Information Security vs Cyber Security, we have learned about the two fields of data security, their various similarities and differences, why they are often confused with one another, the importance of each of them, and more. If you are aiming to be a certified cybersecurity professional with a high income at a well-known organization, you must enroll in one of the best cyber security course online in this domain and prepare yourself for this sector.