Information Security vs. Cyber Security: Understanding the Key Differences and Overlap
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, safeguarding data and information is more critical than ever. With the rise of cyber threats, data breaches, and a growing reliance on digital systems, the difference between Information Security vs. Cyber Security is often difficult to distinguish. However, these two fields have distinct focuses, roles, and responsibilities. Understanding their differences, as well as how they overlap, is crucial for anyone involved in the protection of data and systems. Because, while both are essential for the protection of digital assets in any business, they address information security differently.
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is a subset of information security focused specifically on protecting electronic systems, networks, devices, and data from cyberattacks. Using technical security controls, it safeguards information stored in digital environments from threats like:
The world of cyber security is constantly evolving as cyber criminals develop new tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems. This is particularly concerning given the heavy integration of AI into everyday business operations. Therefore, cyber security professionals are tasked with identifying these vulnerabilities and implementing technical countermeasures to prevent breaches.
Cyber security professionals often use tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) (the newest evolution of classic antivirus software) to protect against these attacks. They also implement measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users have access to sensitive information.
What is Information Security?
Information security, also known as InfoSec, is managing risk to the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of information through Administrative, Physical and Technical controls. It involves the processes and tools implemented to safeguard information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction. Therefore, it encompasses a variety of security tools, solutions, and processes designed to safeguard information across devices and locations. Together, these help businesses and individuals defend against cyber attacks and other forms of cyber incidents.
Historically, information security professionals focused on securing physical assets, such as paper documents, files, and records. For instance, sensitive company documents were once stored in physical filing cabinets, with strict access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from viewing or altering the information. Today, while much of the world’s data is stored digitally, the fundamental principles of information security remain as relevant and critical as ever.
In the modern landscape, information security involves:
Key Differences Between Information Security and Cyber Security
While there is significant overlap between information security vs. cyber security, they are distinct in several ways:
1. Scope and Focus
Information security is an umbrella term that covers the protection of all types of data, including the same protections as cyber security. This includes whether it is stored digitally, physically, or intellectually. So, it’s concerned with implementing a wide range of business policies, procedures, and systems to protect information in all forms. This includes security awareness training, physical records (e.g., documents in filing cabinets), compliance and governance and vendor risk assessments.
Cyber security, by contrast, focuses solely on the technical protections. It is concerned with securing things like hardware, software, and networks that store and transmit data across the internet, internal networks, and cloud services. Companies that only provide cyber security services specifically address risks such as hacking, phishing, and data breaches in the digital realm.
2. Threats and Solutions
In information security, threats include but are not limited to unauthorized access to physical records, improper handling of sensitive data, or insider threats. Solutions involve physical measures (e.g., locked cabinets, secure offices) and access controls, along with cyber security measures like encryption, firewalls, and data loss prevention (DLP) systems to secure digital records.
In cyber security, threats are primarily digital, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing. Their solutions include firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to defend against these specific threats. Cyber security professionals are trained to anticipate and mitigate attacks on systems, networks, and devices from malicious actors.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
Chief Information Security Officer responsibilities
The role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is to oversee and implement strategies for safeguarding all forms of organizational data. This includes managing the classification of information, implementing policies for data access and storage, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations like PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).
An CISO must assess not only digital vulnerabilities but also physical risks and threats to data. In a traditional sense, InfoSec professionals started by physically securing records—like locking filing cabinets and safeguarding paper documents from unauthorized access. As digital systems became more prevalent, the role of information security expanded to encompass cyber threats and broader data protection measures.
Virtual Chief Information Security Officer responsibilities
Virtual CISO (vCISO) services, similarly, offer the same strategic direction and oversight for an organization’s information security program as a CISO. However, vCISO services are provided on a flexible, part-time, or outsourced basis. This role delivers the same expertise and leadership as a traditional CISO but without the expense and commitment of hiring a full-time executive.
Cyber Security Officer responsibilities
In contrast, a Cyber Security Officers (CSO) only focus on protecting electronic assets from cyber threats. Cyber security professionals are tasked with securing systems and networks against external attacks, detecting vulnerabilities, and responding to breaches. Their job is to ensure that digital systems remain protected from evolving online threats and remain operational without interruptions.
Therefore, CISO or vCISOs are much better suited to strengthening the overall security position of a business.
4. Data Protection Methods
In information security, data protection methods include encryption, access control systems, backup systems, and disaster recovery plans. Information security professionals focus on ensuring that data is protected at all stages, including storage, transmission, and disposal.
In cyber security, methods are more focused on protecting the digital environment and preventing cyberattacks. This is done by implementing and monitoring firewalls, antivirus software, security patches, network segmentation, and secure coding practices. Cyber security professionals constantly survey systems for signs of intrusion and use sophisticated tools to detect and neutralize cyber threats.
The Overlap: How Information Security and Cyber Security Work Together
Because cyber security is a subset of information security, the two fields share many common practices and objectives. Both aim to protect valuable data from unauthorized access and destruction, and both use the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) as a guiding principle.
For instance, both information security vs. cyber security professionals:
- Work to ensure confidentiality, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Ensure integrity, making sure that data is accurate, reliable, and tamper-free.
- Focus on availability, ensuring that information is accessible when needed by authorized users.
But information security expands on the strategies involved; going beyond the technical controls that cyber security focuses on.
Why Both Are Crucial for Data Protection
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, businesses must consider both physical and digital threats when developing a comprehensive security strategy. While cyber security professionals protect systems from online threats, information security professionals ensure that critical data—whether stored in the cloud, on laptops, or on paper—is fully protected from unauthorized access, misuse, or destruction.
As digital threats continue to evolve, the line between information security vs. cyber security will continue to blur, but their shared goal will remain the same.
Where To Begin with Information Security
Without the right guidance, establishing and maintaining effective security measures can be challenging in the face of ever-evolving cyber crime, particularly with the evolution of AI. However, there are three key strategies to develop the foundational knowledge necessary to strengthen business security:
This is a process that helps establish a baseline by identifying and evaluating the current security posture of a business and comparing it to where it should be. There are even self-guided assessments available for free online—here’s an example.
2. Network Vulnerability Scan:
A technical tool used to detect weaknesses in computers, networks, or other IT assets that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
3. Penetration Test:
A “pen-test” involves simulating an authorized cyber-attack on an organization. One type is a physical pen-test to assess how well the organization prevents unauthorized physical access to its premises or assets. Another type is digital, evaluating the effectiveness of technical controls that safeguard the organization’s information. Smaller-scale versions, known as mini pen-tests, are also available.
The cost of these assessments and tests varies based on their scope, but they represent a valuable investment. As the saying goes, “an ounce of information security is outweighs a pound of financial loss.”
Information Security vs. Cyber Security: Information Security Is A Better, More Holistic Approach to Security
For businesses, when it comes to investing in their business, information security vs. cyber security is a clear decision. Information security provides a better, holistic approach. Whereas cyber security only covers the technologies and technical controls involved in a wholesome security strategy. But, the two fields ultimately share a common goal: protecting valuable information from both digital and physical threats.
By establishing robust information security measures and ensuring adherence to your own policies and procedures, businesses can greatly minimize their cyber risk.
The financial impact of a cyber-attack can be a daunting concern for any business. However, it’s crucial to assess the full scope of potential liability from a cyber incident to ensure you have the appropriate level of insurance. Birmingham’s free cyber liability calculator allows you to determine your company’s overall potential financial risk.
