Many tend to put cybersecurity or information technology as one. But, are they? In this post, learn the differences between these two fields, and also, how each works towards the same goal.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the combination of technologies, processes, and methods for protecting organizations and their users from cyber-attacks. For example, this is done by using methods and mechanisms to detect attacks, prevent attacks, and mitigate the effects of security breaches.
What is Information Technology?
Information Technology (IT) is a field that makes use of the most advanced technologies. Examples are computers and the Internet to store, manage, and process data. It includes hardware, software, storage media, networking components, and other components that handle technology resources inside an organization.
Information technology also provides organizational operations and services. For example, human resources/personnel management systems, financial transaction processing systems, or customer relationship management systems.
Besides, IT professionals work in an organization’s IT department to make sure that all the systems and software are running properly. They would also be in charge of installing, maintaining, and updating the organization’s computer systems and software.
Difference Between Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Cybersecurity is a field related to information technology but not the same as it. While cybersecurity focuses on protection from attacks, systems, and data, information technology focuses on the use of computers and other technologies in an organization.
Cybersecurity is a broader topic because it includes threats to hardware and software while information technology focuses on the hardware aspect of information technology.
IT professionals work on all aspects of IT in an organization while cybersecurity professionals just focus on security alone.
Besides, cybersecurity specialists’ job is to protect organizations and individuals from cyber-attacks while IT specialists’ task is to maintain the smooth operation of systems in an organization.
The Similarity Between Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Both cybersecurity and information technology work towards the same goal of keeping organizations and individuals secure and safe from cyber-attacks. cybersecurity security both fields work together for the same purpose.
Information technology is a broader field while cybersecurity is a narrower one. For example, Information technology entails the use of hardware and software in an organization while cybersecurity entails hardware, software, and data as well.
The Importance of Applying Both in a Business
A business cannot just focus on one aspect without the other. For a business to be successful, it needs both cybersecurity and information technology.
Cybersecurity is important for keeping data secure and preventing security breaches while IT is important for managing the smooth operation of a business’s computer system and software.
It is also important to have professionals in both fields working together to ensure the success of a business.
Conclusion: Cybersecurity or Information Technology
As seen above, cybersecurity and information technology are different from one another. But they are related in a way that they work together for the same goal of protecting organizations and individuals from cyber threats.
But, it is important to note that there is an overlap between cybersecurity and information technology. Information technology professionals are capable of performing the tasks of cybersecurity specialists as well.
