Key differences between Information Security and Cyber Security

Prerequisites

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Introduction

Although the terms information security and cyber security are frequently used interchangeably in today's digitally first world, they are not exactly the same. Businesses, Information Security Consultants, Cyber Security Engineers, and anybody else worried about safeguarding sensitive data must comprehend the difference.

What is Information Security?

Information Security (InfoSec) refers to the practice of protecting all forms of information—whether digital, physical, or verbal—from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. It’s a broad discipline that includes:

Data governance and compliance (e.g., IS Audit, RBI, IRDAI, NPCI, UIDAI, PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA etc.)
Physical security of documents and devices
Access control and identity management
Risk management and business continuity planning

Alternatively, Information Security (InfoSec) focuses on protecting all forms of information, whether digital or physical. This includes:

Paper records
Verbal conversations
Emails and documents
Business strategies
Digital data available anywhere in any form starting from concept, idea, architecture design, source code, development, operation, maintenance to audit etc.
Online data
Applications, Servers, Operating System, Databases, Middlewares, End Point Systems etc.

The goal is to maintain:

• Confidentiality – Only authorized people have access

• Integrity – Information is accurate and unaltered

• Availability – Accessible when needed

In short, InfoSec is about safeguarding information in any format.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a subset of Information Security that focuses specifically on digital environments. It deals with protecting:

Networks and systems from cyberattacks
Online data from breaches and malware
Devices and applications from unauthorized access
Internet-connected infrastructure from threats like phishing, ransomware, and DDoS attacks

Alternatively, Cyber Security is a subset of information security that focuses specifically on digital systems, such as:

Networks
Computers
Mobile devices
Cloud infrastructure

It aims to protect against:

Malware
Phishing
Unauthorized access
Hacking and breaches

Cyber Security is all about defending the cyber realm—anything connected to the internet or digital systems.

Information security has a more comprehensive scope that covers both physical and digital aspects of information protection while Cyber Security 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.

Information Security vs Cyber Security

While often used interchangeably, they are different:

Information Security protects both digital and physical data.
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting data in cyberspace, networks, and devices.

🔗 Related Read: Information Security & Cyber Security

How They Work Together

While Cyber Security protects digital assets, Information Security ensures all information—whether stored on paper, in conversations, or online—is secure. Together, they form a comprehensive defense strategy for modern organizations.

Summary

Information Security is the umbrella term—it’s about protecting information in any form.
Cyber Security is a subset of InfoSec, focused specifically on digital threats and online systems.

Case Study: Capital One Data Breach (2019)

Capital One, a major U.S. bank, suffered a breach that exposed over 100 million customer records, including credit scores, balances, and social security numbers.

Root Cause

A misconfigured web application firewall allowed an attacker to access sensitive data stored in AWS cloud servers.
The breach was traced to a former AWS employee who exploited a vulnerability in Capital One’s cloud infrastructure.

Lessons Learned

Cybersecurity lapse: The breach stemmed from a digital misconfiguration—squarely in the realm of cybersecurity.
Information Security failure: Sensitive data wasn’t properly segmented or encrypted, showing gaps in broader InfoSec practices.
Cloud security matters: Organizations must understand shared responsibility models when using third-party platforms.

Impact Analysis

Capital One faced lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational damage.
The incident highlighted the need for integrated InfoSec and Cybersecurity strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are InfoSec and Cybersecurity the same?

Not exactly. InfoSec is broader—it protects all types of information. Cybersecurity deals specifically with digital threats and defenses.

2. Who needs cybersecurity?

Everyone. Individuals, businesses, and governments need cybersecurity to protect digital assets.

3. Can physical security be part of InfoSec?

Absolutely. Protecting physical files, offices, and hardware is a major part of info security strategy.

4. What kind of careers exist in these fields?

InfoSec Analyst
Cybersecurity Engineer
Network Security Administrator
Ethical Hacker

5. Which is more important?

They complement each other. You can’t have strong cybersecurity without solid information security policies—and vice versa.

6. What’s the difference between data privacy and information security?

Data privacy focuses on the rights of individuals over their personal data—how it's collected, used, and shared.
Information security ensures data (personal or otherwise) is protected from unauthorized access or breaches.

7. Is cybersecurity only about preventing hacking?

Not at all. Cybersecurity includes threat detection, risk assessment, data recovery, and educating users on digital hygiene—plus fighting malware, ransomware, and insider threats.

8. What are the most common cybersecurity threats?