Cybersecurity vs information security- all deals with computer security that every organization must-have. Both terms are most often interchanged, but are they the same?
Both deal with security. But they are not the same.
Each of them deals with specific areas in computer security, for instance. Yet, they function differently.
Understanding how each of the functions, you can create a proper security framework. So in this post, we will be covering that for you. Make sure to read on to learn more.
Understanding Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity deals with the protection and defensive use of cyberspace. You can find plenty of definitions about this, but they are most likely the same.
Moreover, cybersecurity deals with any attacks that may come from the inside or outside of an organization. So it deals with anything that can harm your system. Attacks, hacks, and illicit access, for instance. Of which may be affecting your servers, computers, devices, networks, and programs.
And lastly, cybersecurity also deals with the protection of data in digital form.
Here are some of the examples of the application of cybersecurity:
- Network security- protects networks from any illicit access, interference, or interruption
- Application security- detects, fixes, and improves the security of applications. By doing so, it prevents any stealing of data or code within applications.
- Cloud security- works to protect cloud-based infrastructures and systems. For instance, it involves the use of controls, policies, procedures, and technologies.
- Critical infrastructure- uses foundational tools to protect the systems and networks. This includes antivirus software, scanners, intrusion prevention systems, and a firewall.
Understanding Information Security
Information security deals with the protection of data, no matter its form. So it can be like protecting a physical cabinet of files with sensitive information in it. Perhaps today, we are dealing with data in different digital formats. Of which should also be protected.
Specifically, information security stands with its three basic pillars. Namely, confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The three pillars connect to each other but differ in key functions, for example:
- Confidentiality focuses on the preserving of data from any illicit access and disclosure.
- Integrity aims to keep the “integrity” or proper state of data. For instance, from any illicit destruction and changes.
- Availability makes sure that data should be available for reliable access and use.
Cybersecurity vs Information Security
Cybersecurity and information security do meet at some point- that is, security. Both do value the weight and protection of data.
Information security focuses on data. Also, 3 major pillars govern it- confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This is where information security experts focus on.
On the other hand, cybersecurity also deals with the protection of data from any malicious access or intent. But cybersecurity focuses only on digital formats of data. Also, cybersecurity concerns the overall cyber health. So it takes time to identify risks, security gaps, and assess accordingly.
Key Difference
Cybersecurity involves the overall security health. While information security deals mainly with any data through the CIA principles. Information security is a part of cybersecurity. So cybersecurity is the bigger picture, and information security is a branch of it.
