People often interchange information security vs cybersecurity. These two may sound similar but they are actually different in many aspects.
Indeed, information security vs cybersecurity are both associated with computer systems. In fact, most people view them as synonyms. Yet, we should not interchange these two terms as it is done often. One of them deals with the security of data in general. Meanwhile, the other one deals with the defending of data in cyberspace.
Sounds simple, right? Yet, beginners find that thought hard to understand. In this article, let’s take a deeper look at information security vs cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity defends different technological devices from malicious attacks. These include computers, servers, and cellphones. Those devices range from business organizations to personal devices. Such devices are prone to the following attacks:
- Network security – secures computer networks
- Application security – keeping software and devices free from threats and vulnerabilities
- Disaster recovery – in events where an organization failed to protect data. Disaster recovery comes in. this is how an organization reacts to the data loss. Furthermore, disaster recovery gauges the capability of an enterprise to return to normal.
Hackers have different motives. Generally speaking, most hackers hack for financial gain. Meanwhile, many hackers also start political attacks. Some hack as an act of cyberterrorism. Hackers use different methods for such attacks. Most of them use malware such as viruses and ransomware. Moreover, many hackers still use traditional methods such as phishing.
Businesses now rely on technology for various processes. Hence, hackers see that as an opportunity to steal data. The year 2019 saw a massive spike in data breaches. Hackers compromised more than 7.9 billion records in that year.
Hence, companies invest in cybersecurity. Experts predict that the worldwide spending for cybersecurity will reach $133.7 billion. That is by 2022.
Information Security
In simple words, information security prevents hackers from gaining unauthorized access to information. Information security is not limited to digital data. It covers social media profiles, biometrics, and etc.
Information security deals with these three known as C.I.A.:
- Confidentiality – ensuring that no unauthorized person will gain access to information
- Integrity – organizations must protect information from any unauthorized modification or alteration. Hence, data must be kept at all times
- Availability – authorized personnel must access data anytime
Companies put in place measures to ensure information security. Those measures deal from password security to intrusion detection systems. Furthermore, companies also ensure that they comply with legal requirements. That is to avoid hefty fines.
Difference Between Information Security Vs Cybersecurity
From the word itself, cybersecurity protects data from attacks in cyberspace. It also deals with cybercrime and cyberfrauds. Moreover, APT professionals handle cybersecurity. APT means advanced persistent threats.
Meanwhile, information security protects data from any form of threat. That is regardless of being analog or digital. Also, it upholds the C.I.A. Confidentiality. Integrity. Availability. Furthermore, information security is the foundation of data security. Infosec also emphasizes the need to focus on resources. That is before eliminating threats or attacks.
Hence, we can conclude that cybersecurity is a subset of information security.
