Difference Between Cyber Security and Information Security

Definition of Cyber Security and Information Security

Cyber Security

Cyber security is the practice of protecting internet-connected systems and networks, including hardware, software, and sensitive information, from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. It involves the use of technologies, processes, and controls to secure the networks, systems, and data that organizations use to store, process, and transmit sensitive information. The goal of cyber security is to prevent cyber attacks, such as hacking, malware infections, and unauthorized access, and to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Cyber security is an ever-evolving field as technology advances and new threats emerge, so organizations must continually assess and update their security measures to stay ahead of potential security risks.

Information Security

Information security is the practice of protecting all forms of information, regardless of the medium, from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This encompasses a range of technologies, processes, and controls designed to secure sensitive information in a variety of formats, including electronic, paper-based, and oral. The goal of information security is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, so that it can be used to support the goals of an organization. This requires a combination of technical, physical, and administrative measures to protect information assets from a variety of threats, including hacking, malware, theft, physical damage, and human error. Information security is a vital aspect of an organization’s overall security posture, and it is essential for organizations to continually assess and update their security measures to stay ahead of evolving security risks.

Difference Between Cyber Security and Information Security

Differences between Cyber Security and Information Security:

1. Scope of protection: Cyber security focuses specifically on the protection of internet-connected systems and networks, while information security encompasses the protection of all forms of information, regardless of the medium.
2. Approach to security: Cyber security focuses primarily on technical measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, while information security takes a more holistic approach that includes technical, physical, and administrative measures to protect information assets.
3. Threats addressed: Cyber security focuses on threats related to the internet and online attacks, such as hacking, malware, and phishing, while information security addresses a wider range of threats, including physical theft or damage to information assets, human error, and natural disasters.
4. Role of people: Information security places a greater emphasis on the role of people in securing information assets, including the need for employees to follow security policies and procedures, as well as to be aware of security risks and best practices.
5. Compliance requirements: Information security often has additional compliance requirements, such as those related to data privacy and protection regulations, that are not typically a focus of cyber security.

While cyber security and information security share a common goal of protecting information, they differ in their scope, approach, and the types of threats they address. Both are important for organizations to consider as part of their overall security strategy.

Overlap between Cyber Security and Information Security: