Cybersecurity vs IT security. Both are very important within a company. But each term is not the same as the other. It has differences.
But what does each term mean? And how do they differ?
Cybersecurity vs IT Security
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity means keeping all company data secure from any threats over the internet. Also, it includes other areas like:
- cloud computing
- networks
- servers
- electronic data
Also, it means making and installing systems to repel risks. But what are some of these risks? Here are some:
- phishing
- malware
- SQL injections
So, that is why making a cybersecurity policy and plan is crucial. Like using:
- technologies
- data analysis
- preventive techniques
- professionals
Yes, it only covers data that is moving over the internet. But it involves a lot of areas. Like each email employees read, the website you open, and more.
What is IT Security?
IT security is about designing and installing measures to protect all company data. Then, these data may be in the form of:
- electronic
- paper
Further, companies today handle a lot of data each day. So, there is a need to have a system to protect all these.
Thus, having IT security means keeping all these data from:
- theft
- misuse
- unauthorized access
- change
Compared to cybersecurity, IT security is broader. It also includes steps to keep data secure across the internet. So, that is why cybersecurity is considered a subset of IT security.
Then, an IT security plan may include:
- cover for all data made and collected by the company
- physical data
- electronic data
- in-house systems
- file cabinets
- and more
Cybersecurity vs IT Security: Key Differences
The roles of both will overlap. Why? Because both of them have an end-goal of keeping sensitive company data safe and secure.
But there are key differences that draw the line on how to apply each one. So, what are these?
The scope of data covered:
- Cybersecurity. Only covers electronic data being transmitted over the internet. Then, a plan will outline policies and steps to protect data from online hacking.
- IT Security. A broader way to keep both physical and electronic data safe and secure. Like how files are printed, shared, kept in cabinets, handling of electronic data, etc.
The approach:
- Cybersecurity. Protects sensitive data from any unwanted access on online channels. So, the main approach is to assess risks and make a risks assessment matrix. Then, make analyze those risks and make a plan to manage them.
- IT Security. The ultimate goal is to keep all data’s CIA triad. Or its confidentiality, availability, and integrity. So, the approach will cover all the ways to collect, store, share, and process data.
The techniques:
- Cybersecurity. Some techniques are password protection, data encryption. As well as network security. So, this is to keep online hacks from happening.
- IT Security. Some techniques are defining who can enter some rooms in an office. Or those who can open file cabinets and give keys to those them. Or outlining how to collect electronic or physical data from customers.
