Difference Between Information Security and Cyber Security

What's the Difference Between Information Security and Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity and information security are two critical terms in computer systems, referring to the security and protection of systems against cyber threats and information breaches. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably, but those aware of the contrasts understand how they differ. To fully comprehend the difference between information security and cybersecurity, it is crucial first to define each term separately and understand how they relate.

Cybersecurity and information security are closely related terms and largely considered synonyms, although there are differences between them. If you often confuse information security and cybersecurity, this post provides great insights into how information security and cybersecurity differ from each other.

What Is Information Security?

Information security, or InfoSec, involves network security processes and tools that focus on confidentiality, integrity, and data availability. That is, information security helps prevent unauthorized access, use, removal, disclosure, or alteration of stored data or data being moved between two or more systems. It is similar to data security, which protects data from cybercriminals, preventing cases of stolen data that may lead to ransomware attacks. Since modern businesses have their data stored, managed, accessed, and transferred electronically, InfoSec helps address the concern about data breaches.

Information security ensures data of any form remains secure; business records, personal data, or data in the Cloud, servers, or hard drives. Besides, it focuses on three objectives; data confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). This makes information technology broad and more detailed compared to cybersecurity.

• Data integrity: InfoSec ensures data remains secure against improper information alteration and destruction. This includes making sure the information remains authentic and nonrepudiation.
• Data confidentiality: Information security plays a critical role in preserving authorized restrictions on critical and controlled data. It also includes the protection of personal privacy and proprietary data.
• Data availability: Information security ensures there is timely and unswerving access to data and usage.

To promote information security efficiency, enterprises should invest in multiple policies such as data support, access control policy, operation plans, and password policy. Some measures to put in place include network intrusion detection protocols, mantraps, and regulatory compliance. Generally, InfoSec deals with ensuring data remains safe, meaning an expert in information security cannot necessarily be a cybersecurity expert.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the method of protecting computer systems, servers, electronic devices, mobile devices, data, and networks against malicious attacks, providing security for both enterprise and personal devices. It is considered a framework that protects cyberspace from attacks, whether from inside or outside the organization. Unlike information security, cybersecurity offers IT infrastructure security and protection against vulnerabilities such as attacks, unauthorized access, and hacks.

Cybersecurity is classified into different categories; network security, information security, disaster recovery, application security, and operational security. Network and application security are designed to secure computer networks and software against attacks and devices from attacks. Disaster recovery is primarily linked to data recovery in the event an organization experiences data loss. This facilitates data restoration, which ensures seamless operations of the organization.

According to Digital Information, enterprises will likely spend about $133.7 billion on cybersecurity services and solutions by 2022. This suggests that cybersecurity is crucial for modern businesses, especially in high-risk and sensitive industries, such as healthcare, government, and financial institutions. In addition, cyberattacks are available in different forms, from malware and phishing to DNS tunneling and SQL injection.

Differences Between Information Security and Cybersecurity

Although some people may consider cybersecurity and information security the same, these two terms actually contrast. Cybersecurity is designed to protect against cyberspace attacks such as storage sources, devices, and data. In contrast, information security protects data against any form of threat, whether digital or analog. While cybersecurity focuses on cyber crimes, law enforcement, and cyber fraud to ensure IT infrastructure is secure against cyberattacks; information security deals with disclosure, modification of data, disruption, and unauthorized access.

Besides, cybersecurity requires well-trained professionals to handle advanced persistent threats (APT) to ensure maximum protection. Information security incorporates data security that prioritizes required resources before eliminating the attack or threat. However, there is some overlap between information security and cybersecurity, bringing confusion around the two terms.

How to Achieve Cybersecurity and Information Security in Your Business

Modern businesses rely on the internet and their IT infrastructure to streamline operations and maximize productivity. However, the lack of digital safety measures exposes them to attacks and data breaches, affecting business operations. To ensure maximum protection of your systems, servers, data, networks, and the entire IT system, here are expert tips on achieving reliable and sturdy cybersecurity and information security in your business.

• Use strong passwords: Strong passwords are crucial to ensure online safety. However, it is essential to create a password with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and make it lengthy. Avoid applying the same password to different accounts, and change it regularly.
• Invest in firewalls: Firewalls are effective in providing a barrier between computing systems and the internet. This helps prevent cyber threats, especially if you update your firewalls regularly to ensure they remain functional for maximum protection.
• Control access: People who access your systems, data, servers, and devices may expose your IT infrastructure to cybercriminals. Restricting and limiting access to your premises, computer networks, Cloud systems, and devices enables you to achieve cybersecurity and information security.
• Integrate reliable security software: Anti-malware and anti-virus programs are essential security software that enables you to detect and eliminate malicious code within your infrastructure.
• Have your devices and software updated: Updating your systems and making security upgrades help protect against vulnerabilities and potential bugs. Besides, it enhances your firewalls, keeping your software and hardware secured from preying criminals.
• Monitor intrusions: Having intrusion detectors is critical to monitoring system breaches and strange network activities. If there are any potential security threats, you can quickly detect and determine effective ways to prevent or eliminate them.
• Raise awareness: To ensure your organization is prepared and secured against cyberattacks and data breaches, educate your employees about their role, relevant policies, and procedures against cyber threats, attacks and data breaches.

Cybersecurity and information security might differ, but they offer equal benefits to your organization. And with the steady revolution of the digital world, people continue to confuse the two terms. At Orbit Solutions Inc., we can help you get a better understanding of cybersecurity and information security. For more info, contact us to learn more or get started with enhanced IT infrastructure security today!

Sean Connery

Orbis Solutions, Inc., in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and throughout Nevada, has developed creative, strategic and cost-effective technical solutions for a wide variety of clients. Offering a diverse range of products and services, Orbis provides IT solutions to promote your company’s productivity and profitability, and help you sort through the latest-hyped technology, so you can select the best hardware, software or service for your business needs.