Information Security vs. Cybersecurity: What’s the Difference?

With the ever-evolving digital landscape, security and compliance professionals sometimes blur the lines between “information security” and “cybersecurity”. However, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental differences between these concepts to effectively safeguard against cyber threats.

Information security involves protecting physical and electronic data. Cybersecurity defends against cyberattacks and unauthorized access to information, which has become crucial with the rise in cyberattacks. Recognizing this difference allows security and compliance professionals to tailor their strategies, allocate resources efficiently and implement measures in our interconnected world.

In this ISMS Connect guide, we will look into the critical differences between information security and cybersecurity, delving into their respective scopes, objectives, and methodologies.

Information Security vs. Cybersecurity: An Overview

Information Security involves protecting all forms of data within an organization, including:

• Physical data (e.g., customer records)

• Financial data (e.g., credit card information)

• Intellectual property (e.g., proprietary software)

• Personal data (e.g., employee records)

The primary goal of information security is ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data while preventing access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

Cybersecurity, on the other hand, focuses on protecting assets and infrastructure from cyber threats, such as:

• Malware

• Ransomware

• Phishing

• DDoS attacks

The goal of cybersecurity is to safeguard networks, computers, servers, and other digital devices from access, data breaches, and disruptions.

By understanding the nuances of information security and cybersecurity and how they complement each other, professionals in security and compliance can establish a groundwork for a secure digital environment. 

With the support and resources provided by ISMS Connect businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of managing information security while defending against evolving cyber threats.

At ISMS Connect, we simplify information security management through guides, templates, and on-demand support so that SMBs can implement best practices and obtain certifications without incurring large costs.

Key Differences Between Information Security and Cybersecurity

Definition

• Information Security: Safeguards information from unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

• Cybersecurity: Protects data stored digitally, focusing on defending against cyberattacks.

Scope

• Information Security: Covers a broader range of threats, including digital and non-digital threats, physical security breaches, and human error.

• Cybersecurity: Protects digital assets and addresses digital threats.

Threats

• Information Security: Addresses all forms of threats, both digital and non-digital.

• Cybersecurity: Deals with digital threats like hacking, malware, and phishing.

Goal

• Information Security: Ensures the protection of all information types, regardless of the medium.

• Cybersecurity: Guards against unauthorized access, use, and disruption of digital information.

Technologies

• Information Security: Deploys encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention tools.

• Cybersecurity: Utilizes firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.

Skills Required

• Information Security: Demands knowledge of risk management, compliance, and technical aspects.

• Cybersecurity: Requires expertise in computer systems, networks, and programming.

Hardening

• Information Security: Considers compliance and policies to fortify information protection.

• Cybersecurity: Strengthens data with encryption and advanced cybersecurity measures.

While information security and cybersecurity are interrelated and critical components of a comprehensive defense strategy, they differ in many ways. Cybersecurity and compliance officers must work in tandem to establish a strong ISMS that integrates the principles of information and cybersecurity effectively. 

ISMS Connect offers top-notch ISO® 27001 training for cybersecurity and compliance officers. We equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement a robust ISMS and effectively navigate the complexities of information security and cybersecurity.

What Is Information Security?

Information security is the practice of protecting information by mitigating information risks. 

It typically involves preventing or reducing the probability of unauthorized or inappropriate access to data or the unlawful use, disclosure, disruption, deletion, corruption, modification, inspection, recording, or devaluation of information.

To give an example, a CybelAngel report found that a single vendor had leaked 200 pages of confidential blueprints and records belonging to 6 different automotive companies. Had stronger information security systems (such as access controls) been in place, this data breach could have been avoided.

Key concepts in information security include:

• Confidentiality: Only authorized individuals have access to information.

• Integrity: Information is accurate and complete.

• Availability: Information is accessible when needed.

Types of Information Security

Application security

Application security refers to the practice of protecting software applications from potential threats and vulnerabilities throughout their lifecycle. It involves implementing security measures and best practices during the design, development, testing, and deployment phases of an application.

Infrastructure Security

Infrastructure security focuses on safeguarding an organization's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and databases, from potential threats and unauthorized access. It plays a vital role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services. 

Cryptography

Cryptography involves the use of mathematical algorithms to protect sensitive data and communication from unauthorized access or modification. It ensures confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation of information.

Cloud Security

Cloud security refers to the set of policies, technologies, and practices designed to protect data, applications, and infrastructure hosted in cloud environments. It ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data stored and processed in the cloud, safeguarding against data breaches and unauthorized access. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Data Protection: Information security measures safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access, ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of critical information.

• Risk Mitigation: Effective information security practices identify and mitigate potential risks, reducing the likelihood of data breaches, cyberattacks, and other security incidents.

• Business Continuity: Robust information security measures help maintain business continuity by preventing disruptions caused by security breaches or data loss.

• Regulatory Compliance: Information security helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements related to data protection, avoiding penalties and legal liabilities.

• Customer Trust: Strong information security practices instill confidence in customers, leading to increased trust in the organization's ability to protect their data.

• Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating robust information security can be a competitive advantage, as customers and partners may prefer to work with organizations with strong security measures.

Cons

• Cost: Implementing and maintaining information security measures can be expensive, especially for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources.

• Complexity: Information security can be complex, involving various technical and procedural aspects, which may require specialized expertise and training.

• User Convenience: Stringent security measures, such as complex passwords or multi-factor authentication, can sometimes inconvenience users, leading to resistance to adoption.

• False Sense of Security: Relying solely on information security measures can create a false sense of security, as human error and social engineering can still lead to breaches.

• Resource Intensive: Continuous monitoring and updating of security measures demand significant resources and time, diverting attention from other business priorities.

• Overemphasis on Technology: Focusing excessively on technology without considering human factors and training can leave organizations vulnerable to social engineering attacks.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity encompasses a comprehensive set of practices, technologies, and processes designed to protect information systems, networks, applications, and data from unauthorized access, disruption, or destruction. 

The threats faced by organizations range from malicious hackers seeking financial gain to state-sponsored actors pursuing espionage or disruption. For example, Hyundai recently fell victim to a hack that exposed customer data like addresses, emails, and phone numbers.

Cybersecurity measures are designed to prevent (or at least limit) events like this.

Types of Cybersecurity

Network Security

Network security focuses on protecting an organization's network infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or disruption. It involves implementing various security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and virtual private networks (VPNs), to create a secure perimeter and defend against external and internal threats. 

IoT Security

IoT (Internet of Things) security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect the vast network of interconnected devices and systems that make up the IoT ecosystem. As IoT devices collect and exchange data, they become potential targets for cyberattacks, posing significant security risks. 

The importance of IoT security lies in safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring privacy for users, and maintaining the integrity of IoT devices and systems. Vulnerable IoT devices can serve as entry points for attackers to infiltrate an organization's network and launch larger-scale attacks.

Cloud Security

Cloud security pertains to the set of policies, technologies, and practices designed to protect data, applications, and services stored and accessed in cloud environments. With data being stored and processed in remote cloud servers, ensuring its protection becomes a shared responsibility between the cloud service provider and the organization. 

Infrastructure Security

Infrastructure security refers to the protection of an organization's underlying IT systems, networks, and hardware from potential threats and attacks. It involves implementing various measures to safeguard critical infrastructure components, such as servers, routers, switches, and data centers, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

By implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and other security measures, organizations can fortify their infrastructure against cyber threats and ensure smooth and secure operations. Regular vulnerability assessments and proactive monitoring are also essential to identify and address potential weaknesses in the infrastructure proactively.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Threat Mitigation: Cybersecurity measures help organizations defend against a wide range of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing, and other types of cyberattacks.

• Data Protection: Cybersecurity safeguards digital assets, including sensitive data, intellectual property, and customer information, from unauthorized access and theft.

• Business Continuity: Effective cybersecurity practices ensure business continuity by minimizing disruptions caused by cyber incidents and maintaining operational stability.

• Reputation Protection: Strong cybersecurity measures protect an organization's reputation by preventing data breaches and ensuring customer trust.

• Compliance and Legal Requirements: Cybersecurity helps organizations meet regulatory compliance and legal requirements related to data protection and privacy.

• Innovation and Growth: Robust cybersecurity practices create a secure environment that encourages innovation and growth without fear of cyber threats.

Cons

• Complexity: Cybersecurity can be complex, involving continuous monitoring, threat analysis, and implementation of sophisticated defense mechanisms.

• Cost: Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures can be expensive, especially for organizations with limited resources.

• False Positives: Cybersecurity solutions may sometimes generate false positives, leading to unnecessary alerts and increased workload for IT teams.

• Skills Gap: There is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the necessary expertise, making it challenging for organizations to find and retain skilled personnel.

• Insider Threats: Despite cybersecurity measures, insider threats remain a concern, as employees with access to sensitive information can intentionally or inadvertently cause security breaches.

• Constantly Evolving Threat Landscape: Cyber threats continuously evolve, requiring organizations to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.

It’s Time to Get Serious About Data Security

The ever-changing digital threat landscape emphasizes the need for robust information security and cybersecurity. 

Cybersecurity and compliance officers play a vital role in protecting organizations against cyberattacks, preserving data integrity, and ensuring confidentiality. Understanding the differences between these areas is crucial for professionals to construct a strong defense strategy.

ISMS Connect offers a valuable solution for enhancing the expertise of cybersecurity and compliance officers. Through top-notch ISO® 27001 training, we empower professionals to implement a resilient ISMS and effectively navigate the complexities of information security and cybersecurity.