Key differences between Information Security and Cyber Security

Information security has a more comprehensive scope that covers both physical and digital aspects of information protection while Cybersecurity is a specialized subset that focuses solely on digital data and assets in the context of online threats. Both are crucial elements of a company's overall security strategy, working together to reduce potential threats and provide all-encompassing security.

Key differences between the two areas are as below:

1. Protection Boundaries

Information security covers a wider range of issues pertaining to protecting all forms of sensitive information. This comprises intellectual property, physical documents, digital data, and staff expertise. No matter the medium in which the information is stored (physical or digital), information security attempts to safeguard its availability, confidentiality, and integrity while Cyber security a subcategory of information security, is concerned with precisely defending digital assets and information against online threats. It mainly addresses threats that originate online, including phishing scams, malware, hacking attempts, and denial-of-service (DoS) assaults. Protecting computer systems, networks, and electronic data is a key component of cybersecurity.

2. Threats

There are many different types of risks to information security, including both digital and physical ones. These dangers can include everything from unlawful access to printed documents to staff members handling sensitive data improperly. A wide range of possible dangers are addressed by information security, including insider threats, social engineering, physical theft, and others while Cybersecurity: Threats that are especially digital in nature are dealt with by cybersecurity. Malicious actions including cyberattacks, data breaches, ransomware, viruses, and penetration attempts fall under this category. Cybersecurity focuses on defending digital assets from various online dangers, including databases, servers, websites, and networks.

3. Technology

Technology is a component of information security, although it is not the main focus. Policies, procedures, physical security measures (such locked filing cabinets), access restrictions, personnel training, and awareness campaigns are also key components of information security. Information is safeguarded holistically throughout its existence while Technology-driven defences are heavily emphasized in cybersecurity. To safeguard digital assets and networks, it entails the use of tools and technologies such firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems (IDS), encryption, and multi-factor authentication.

4. Expertise

Information security experts frequently have a wider range of duties. The entire information lifecycle, from creation and storage to transit and disposal, must be taken into account. This could entail user education, data classification, and physical security measures while Cybersecurity experts focus on defending digital assets and data from on-line dangers. They could concentrate on a particular subject, like network security, endpoint security (which safeguards individual devices), incident response (which handles security breaches), penetration testing (ethical hacking), and security architecture.