Cyber Security vs Information Security – What’s the Difference? (Explained)

Cyber Security vs Information Security – What’s the Difference? (Explained with Examples). Information security and cyber security are frequently used interchangeably because they are both related to the security of computer systems. This is due to their shared responsibility for maintaining the safety of computers and shielding them from dangers and data breaches.

For individuals unaware of the distinction, the terms’ meanings and interpretations vary considerably and shouldn’t be used interchangeably, as is sometimes the case. In this article, we shall define both terms before delving into the differences between cybersecurity and information security.

Let’s start this article blog Cyber Security vs Information Security – What’s the Difference?. 

What is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is the capacity to secure, protect, and defend electronic data from attacks and exploitation in servers, computers, mobile devices, networks and other electronic devices. For instance, a defence against cyber threats for systems connected to the internet, including their hardware, software, and data, encompasses cybersecurity. 

A solid cybersecurity plan can offer good defence capabilities against malicious assaults intended to gain access to, alter, delete, destroy, or extort sensitive data and systems belonging to a business or user. Individuals and businesses utilize this technique to prevent illegal access to data facilities and other digital systems.

Examples of Cyber Security

Vulnerability management

Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, reporting, managing, prioritizing, assessing and remediating security vulnerabilities in systems and applications. It utilizes IT knowledge and business operations to address vulnerabilities.

Application security

A set of practices and processes that aim to protect applications from cyber attacks and security vulnerabilities. It encompasses security measures carried out throughout an application’s software development life cycle (SLDC).

Network security

This involves protecting networks from misuse, breaches, unauthorized access, intrusions, and modifications. It utilizes both software and hardware technologies to protect the network and its applications.

Cloud security

Cloud security refers to controls, policies, and applications used to secure cloud computing systems, infrastructure, and data. It involves keeping cloud data safe and private, protecting customers’ privacy, and supporting regulatory compliance.

Sandboxing

Sandboxing involves creating an isolated environment that mimics end user operations for the sole purpose of testing unsafe code. In a sandbox, you can open files or run programs without affecting local applications or network resources.

Audit trail

This involves recording interactions with applications, systems, infrastructure, and databases so that malicious activities can be easily detected and reconstructed.

What is Information Security?

Information security, often known as infosec, refers to the protection of data in all its forms, be it intangible or tangible, electronic or physical. It involves minimizing the negative effects of a security incident when one occurs. 

 InfoSec is a set of security tools and procedures which aim is to protect delicate and sensitive information from unauthorised hackers , unauthorized access or a destruction. InfoSec is about physical security, cybersecurity and access control. Often used with DevOps and security testing. 

In infosec, retaining organizational productivity is crucial; however, preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad) of information is always the major priority of any information security program. In some cases, it aids in preventing unauthorized access or modification to data while it is being stored or transferred from one machine to another. 

Examples of Information Security

Access controls

These are techniques that regulate who or what can access information or resources in a company or computing environment. They ensure users are who they claim to be before granting them access to relevant data or information. Access controls can also be applied physically. A good example is limiting access to a room or building.

Internal controls and compliance

Internal controls are systems used by an enterprise to manage risk and prevent fraud. These systems work together to ensure a company operates effectively and efficiently while maintaining compliance with regulations and keeping the integrity of relevant information.

Procedural controls

These are procedures and management practices performed by individuals in a working environment to ensure the safety of personnel and physical assets like computer systems. They are often in the form of written documents provided by the senior management of an enterprise to maximize security in the organization.

Technical controls

These are software and hardware controls that protect systems from cyberattacks. Such controls may include firewalls, multi-factor authentication, encryption, antivirus software, or intrusion detection systems (IDS).

Cryptography

This involves using techniques derived from mathematical algorithms and concepts to secure information in such a way that only its sender and recipient can view its contents. It incorporates encryption and decryption techniques to secure and protect communications and information. Some applications of cryptography include authentication/digital signatures and time stamping.

Disaster recovery

Disaster recovery is a method to bring back the functional technological systems in case of natural disaster, cyberattack, or another disruptive event.

Difference Between Cyber Security and Information Security

Major goal for cyber security

The main goal of cyber security is to create a barrier against external digital threats to an enterprise by securing data on the internet from outside resources. Cybersecurity aims to protect data, storage sources, and devices from cybercrimes, cyber frauds, law enforcement, and other cyberattacks.

Major goal for information security

Information security is concerned with putting policies and procedures in place to safeguard the availability, confidentiality and integrity of all kinds of information assets. It aims to safeguard data from digital and analogue threats, including unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, and disruption.

Scope for protection in cyber security

Cyber security is concerned with the capacity to defend against cyberattacks when using cyberspace, i.e., to safeguard everything online. It addresses issues that might or might not exist in the online world, such as securing your social media account, private data, etc.

Scope for protection in information security

Information security applies to all types of information, regardless of industry, i.e., safeguarding data against all threats, online and offline.

Threats and defenses in cyber security

All threats in cyberspace are addressed through cybersecurity. These attacks target law enforcement and privacy. 

Threats and defenses in information security

Information security is concerned with protecting data from all forms of threats within and outside cyberspace.

Professions in cyber security

Professionals in cyber security work to prevent active threats or Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). They are involved in the security of the network, the cloud, and applications. They also apply critical infrastructure to eliminate viruses and hacking efforts.

Professions in information security

Information security is the basis of data security. Information security specialists are in charge of the organizational roles, processes, and policies that ensure the CIA triad. They have a broader mandate in compliance, procedural, technical, and access controls.

Attacks in cyber security

Common attacks in cyber security include phishing, pretexting, social engineering, quid pro quo, Man In the Middle (MITM), and baiting. 

Attacks in information security

Common attacks in information security include illegal access, modification disclosure, alteration, and disruption.

Overlap for Information Security and Cybersecurity

Significance of the data

If you work in information security, your top priority is preventing unauthorized access to your company’s data. Meanwhile, if you work in cybersecurity, your top priority is preventing unauthorized electronic access to your company’s sensitive data. The importance of the data’s worth is crucial in both situations.

Therefore, you must understand which data is most important to your business in order to apply the proper cyber risk management and monitoring controls on it. A cybersecurity professional may occasionally prioritize data protection with the assistance of an information security professional, who will then decide the appropriate course of action for data protection.

Physical security element

If you have to store sensitive documents physically, you must put security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the data. The same goes for data and cyber systems requiring more sophisticated IT security technologies. Therefore, physical security measures need to be equipped in areas of need, such as server rooms.

To put it another way, whether your data is held digitally or physically, you need to ensure that the appropriate physical controls are in place to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access.

Great! We have gone through Cyber Security vs Information Security – What’s the Difference? (Explained with Examples). Let’s conclude. 

Cyber Security vs Information Security – What’s the Difference? Conclusion

Cyber security vs information security

Before the invention of computers, information security was a priority. Due to the enormous amounts of data and information that are maintained by every organization today and the risk of legal action if they are not sufficiently safeguarded against unauthorized access, information security is even more crucial. On the other hand, cyber risks have been there for a while, have increased dramatically recently, and are still developing at an exponential rate.

While it’s critical to comprehend the fundamental distinctions between information security and cybersecurity, it’s much more crucial to take action. All businesses, regardless of industry and size, must guard against illegal access to their IT systems. 

Avatar for Kamso Oguejiofor
Kamso Oguejiofor

Kamso is a mechanical engineer and writer with a strong interest in anything related to technology. He has over 2 years of experience writing on topics like cyber security, network security, and information security. When he’s not studying or writing, he likes to play basketball, work out, and binge watch anime and drama series.

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