Cybersecurity vs computer science: learn how to differentiate these two key tech career paths.
Computer science is a discipline that touches on all aspects of technology, from software design and programming to networking and programming. Cybersecurity, by contrast, is not only about protecting data from hackers and malware but also about assessing security risks, designing systems, and preparing them for breaches.
While there are many similarities, the two fields are very different. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the differences between the two.
Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity: The Similarities
The two terms are often interchanged to describe someone who designs and programs computer systems in order to keep them secure from cyber attacks.
A computer scientist will generally be working on a larger project, such as a software program or an app. And will be charged with keeping it secure against both known and unknown threats. Security is an important part of a computer scientist’s job. But it is only one aspect of the larger project or program they’re working on.
This is why they are often interchangeable by many in the tech industry. Computer scientists do work on security tasks from time to time. Likewise, just as cybersecurity professionals will also touch on advanced algorithms, data analysis, and design when needed. However, these roles are different enough that they should not consider it the same in every way.
Computer Science vs. Cybersecurity: The Differences
Cybersecurity is a more specialized field that encompasses the design and development of software, hardware, and networks, but with the sole purpose of keeping them protected from threats.
A computer scientist may be working on a program to try to solve a problem in healthcare, for example. This program will use advanced algorithms and data analysis to make predictions about patient health. In order for the program to work properly, it must be secure from outside threats. Therefore, the computer scientist will work on designing ways to secure the program from outside attacks.
A cybersecurity professional is a lot like a computer scientist. For example, in that, they are responsible for designing and developing software and hardware to keep it safe from threats. However, while a computer scientist may be able to code or design an app or program. That has cybersecurity features, their main focus is not necessarily protecting data from outside threats or breaches.
A cybersecurity professional’s job is solely focused on securing data from outside threats – such as cybercriminals – and designing systems and software that are protected against known and unknown cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity vs Computer Science: Which Should You Choose?
While some professionals in both fields may seem to do similar jobs on occasion, they are actually quite different in many ways. A computer scientist’s job centers primarily on the big picture of their project or program’s design and development; security is only one aspect of this role. A cybersecurity professional’s job ensures that their system remains secure from outside threats at all times.
If you want to work in technology but would rather focus your career on security rather than design or programming, it might make sense for you to choose a career as a cybersecurity professional instead of one as a computer scientist. However, if you enjoy solving technical challenges regardless of whether they have to do with security or not, then a career as a computer scientist might be right for you.
