Protecting information has become increasingly critical, as data is being used more and more as a currency. Data is increasingly becoming a target for attacks and with the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices the data sources are varied and limitless. This is why it is essential to have effective information security and cyber security as they secure different part of your organisation.
| Information Security | Cyber Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | InfoSec is broader and deals with protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, regardless of its form (digital or physical). | Cyber security focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks. It encompasses a wide range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to defend against unauthorised access, attacks, and damage. |
| Threat landscape | InfoSec includes not only cyber threats but also physical threats like theft, fire, and environmental damage. | It deals with threats like hacking, malware, ransomware, phishing, and other cyber attacks that target the infrastructure of an organisation. |
| Key Focus Area | Data protection, access control, risk management, incident response, and compliance with regulations and standards. | Network security, application security, endpoint security, cloud security, and more. |
| Approach | Information Security includes policies, procedures, and controls to protect all forms of data. | Cyber security implements technical defences like firewalls, IDS, IPS, encryption. |
Information Security: A Holistic Approach
Information security, or InfoSec, is a broader concept that focuses on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and the availability of information, regardless of whether it exists in digital or physical form. This means that InfoSec not only deals with digital data but also physical records, intellectual property, and other forms of sensitive information.
While InfoSec addresses cyber threats, it also accounts for physical risks such as theft, fire, and environmental damage. For instance, an organisations sensitive data may reside in physical files or on hard drives stored in an office.
Cyber Security: A Digital-First Discipline
Cyber security, focuses primarily on protecting systems, networks, and digital data from cyber attacks. It involves the use of technologies, practices, and protocols to defend against unauthorised access, hacking, malware, phishing, and other forms of cyber crime. As more organisations transition to cloud computing, mobile applications, and IoT, cyber security has become a crucial part of modern defence strategies.
While InfoSec encompasses all types of information, Cyber security’s focus is specifically on safeguarding digital information and ensuring the resilience of IT infrastructure. Common threats include ransomware, phishing, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and data breaches that target an organisation’s digital assets.
Cyber security emphasises technical solutions like firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and encryption to protect against cyber threats. It also covers areas like network security, application security, endpoint security, and cloud security.
Compliance and Regulation
Both Information Security and Cyber security require compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Information Security frameworks often align with international standards such as ISO 27001, GDPR, and NIST 2.0, ensuring organisations follow guidelines to secure sensitive data and protect individuals’ privacy. Cyber security, while also addressing regulatory compliance, is more concerned with technical compliance measures, such as implementing security patches, managing encryption protocols, and regularly testing systems for vulnerabilities.
The Importance of Both Disciplines
Although different in their scope and focus, both information security and cyber security are essential to a comprehensive risk management strategy. Cyber security is vital for defending against online threats and securing digital infrastructure, but information security ensures that all forms of information, including physical files and intellectual property, are secure.
By integrating both disciplines, businesses can achieve comprehensive protection, ensuring that data is secure from both cyber and physical threats. This approach also contributes to business continuity, as organisations that incorporate both InfoSec and cyber security can better handle disruptions, whether from cyber attacks or physical disasters. The combination of both strategies allows businesses to build a resilient security posture, safeguarding all aspects of their operations in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
