Information Security vs Cybersecurity: What’s the Difference?

For protecting data, information security and cybersecurity are similar terms with distinct meanings. Safeguarding information is the common goal of these activities.

Think of information security as the umbrella—covering all types of data protection. Cybersecurity is a smaller, more specialised field that guards digital data against cyberattacks.

To put it graphically:

• Information Security is like locking all the doors and windows in a building (protecting everything inside, regardless of its form).
• Cybersecurity covers installing alarms and firewalls to stop hackers from breaking into your digital space (specific protection for your technology and systems).

What is Information Security?

Information security (InfoSec) is about protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. The objective is to safeguard any type of information from unauthorized access, use, or damage. The data must remain private, accurate, and accessible when needed.

CIA Triad, the Core of Information Security

• Confidentiality: Only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data.
• Integrity: Data is protected from tampering or unauthorized changes.
• Availability: Data is accessible to those who need it when they need it.

Examples of InfoSec are using encryption to secure sensitive digital records, restricting user access to certain databases, or even physically locking up paper documents.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is concerned with protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks. Professionals deal with threats like hacking, malware, phishing, and denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which exploit weaknesses in online systems.

It’s the line of defence preventing malicious actors from accessing or stealing sensitive information stored in digital environments.

Cyber security has become a massive field because of the need to protect everything from personal emails to corporate networks and government databases. Experts use tools like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems to guard against breaches.

Key Differences Between Information Security and Cybersecurity

This article will explore the core distinctions in information security and cybersecurity fields and how they work together to protect our data.

Overlap Between Information Security and Cybersecurity

While these fields are distinct, they do overlap. Between information security and cybersecurity, cybersecurity is considered a subset of information security.

For example, securing a company’s financial records requires InfoSec and cyber measures.

• Information security would involve setting policies that control who can access the data, limiting access to specific employees.
• Cybersecurity would involve encrypting those files and using firewalls and anti-malware software to protect them from online threats and external attacks.

Why the Differences Matter

Knowing the distinctions between information security and cybersecurity is useful for career planning and job selection. To succeed in InfoSec, you need strong skills in policy development and risk management. You’ll create data protection frameworks, manage access controls, and oversee compliance. InfoSec is about securing data at all levels.

Cybersecurity, on the other hand, involves more technical problem-solving. You'll defend networks, respond to active threats, and adapt to new attack methods. Using tools like firewalls and encryption, you actively protect systems from hackers. It’s fast-paced and requires quick thinking to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Where Network Security Fits In

Network security is a specialized component of information security and cybersecurity. As Lerna Courses states, "Cybersecurity has a broader aim to secure all forms of digital assets, while network security narrows its focus to safeguarding just the IT network of an organization." It deals with protecting infrastructure—routers, servers, and network systems—from threats like hacking, malware, and unauthorized access.

The primary role of network security is to control access to the network, preventing intrusions that could compromise data. It uses tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs to block suspicious traffic and monitor for vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.

While cybersecurity has a wider scope, including all digital threats, network security keeps communication channels safe. It’s a layer in an organisation's defence, working in tandem with broader cybersecurity measures and information security policies.

Career Opportunities

Cybersecurity is growing quickly due to the surge in cyber threats. Professionals in this field take on technical roles, working to defend systems and counter attacks in real-time. You’ll find jobs like security analyst, ethical hacker, and cybersecurity engineer. Network security roles include positions such as network security engineer, firewall administrator, intrusion detection analyst, and network security consultant.

Information security covers broader data protection strategies. These professionals develop policies, handle compliance with regulations such as the GDPR, and manage organizational risk. They focus less on direct attacks and more on long-term data security frameworks. 

Tools Used in Each Field

Cybersecurity tools are highly specialized and include:

• Firewalls
• Encryption software
• Antivirus programs
• Intrusion detection systems

Information security tools focus more on access control, policies, and compliance:

• Data encryption standards
• Multi-factor authentication
• Risk management frameworks
• Access control lists