Difference Between Information Security and Cyber Security

Is there really a difference between information security and cyber security? 

Cyber security and information security are two such terms used by professionals in the same industry, yet both are quite distinctive from each other. 

Any business or individual looking for cyber security services must immediately distinguish between them. 

However, one thing that is common between them is they are becoming highly popular in today’s fast-paced digitalized world. Keeping this in mind, it is now high time to unravel each point of difference between information security and cyber security. 

So, without wasting any more time, let’s get started!

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security deals with the practice of safeguarding computer systems, networks, programs, and data against digital attacks, unauthorized access, damage, or theft.

The main goal behind cyber security is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in the digital realm.

Furthermore, cyber threats come in multiple forms:

• Malware – It includes malicious software like viruses, trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware.

• Phishing – Deceptive techniques aimed at tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.

• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks – Attempts to make a computer or network resource unavailable to users by overwhelming it with a flood of traffic.

What is Information Security?

Information security refers to IT security that heavily emphasizes protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

Some of the key principles behind such security are:

• Confidentiality – Providing information that is only accessible to authorized individuals or systems and is protected from unauthorized access.

• Integrity – Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information by protecting it from unauthorized modification or tampering.

• Availability – Giving the information and information systems are accessible and available when needed by authorized users.

Thus, as we are done with the meaning behind these two terms, let’s now explore the point of difference between information security and cyber security. 

Exploring the Difference Between Information Security and Cyber Security

It is now already understood that information security and cyber security are related concepts but come with different scopes and focus areas. 

Check them out below:

1. The Main Scope

Information security is a much broader term that revolves around protecting all forms of information, regardless of the medium or any specific threats involved. 

Cyber security is a subset of information security that primarily deals with the protection of digital information from cyber threats. Furthermore, it secures computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access attacks and damage.

2. The Point of Focus

Information security comes in both digital and physical forms of information. Its main concerns relate to data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

Cyber security focuses on digital information and the technologies that store it. It continues to protect computers, networks, software, and electronic data against cyber threats.

3. The Landscape of Threat

Another point of difference between information security and cyber security is the initial one considers a broader range of threats, including physical threats like theft or damage to physical documents, social engineering, and other non-digital risks.

Cyber security primarily deals with threats that originate in the digital realm, such as malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats.

4. Encryption of Data

Information security comes with encryption methods for digital and physical data forms, including secure storage of physical documents and cryptographic protection of digital information.

Cyber security emphasizes digital data encryption to secure information during transmission, storage, and processing within electronic systems and networks.

5. Focus on Technology 

A vast array of technologies, including digital and physical security measures like firewalls, access control systems, surveillance cameras, and encryption software, are used in information security.

Cybersecurity studies digital security technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus programs, and other network and system protection tools.

6. The Evolution of Terminology 

The word “information security” is more conventional and all-encompassing, having been around for a while longer—it predates the widespread usage of digital technologies and the internet.

The phrase “cyber security,” which refers to a more specific focus on the security of computer systems and networks, sprang to prominence with the development of the internet and our growing reliance on digital technologies.

So, these were the points of difference between information security and cyber security that every business or individual must know.

Information Security and Cyber Security: The Fundamentals

To establish a solid and effective security posture, knowing the fundamentals of information security and cyber security is important. 

Here is what you need to know:

1. Information Security

• Ensuring that only individuals with permission can access information.

• Preserving the dependability and correctness of the data while guarding against illegal alteration.

• Ensuring the availability of resources and information as needed.

2. Cyber Security

• Defending computer networks with tools including intrusion detection/prevention systems, firewalls, and VPNs against attacks, unwanted access, and interruptions.

• Antivirus software, encryption, and device management are used to secure individual devices, such as PCs, smartphones, and servers.

• Creating and executing a secure architecture for networks and computer systems while taking the least privilege, segmentation, and defence in depth into account.

Conclusion

Finally, the points mentioned above about the difference between information security and cyber security are what everyone must know before getting started with any online security services. 

Besides, it is always a better option to look for a cyber security company that is expert in providing all these solutions. Therefore, don’t think twice about getting the right service to quell your quest for properly securing your business. 

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