Are network security and information security the same thing? Or is information security a subset of cybersecurity? Today we will understand the similarities and differences between them.
Let's first look at how network security and information security are defined. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, cybersecurity is " the ability to protect the use of cyberspace from cyberattacks . " The organization defines information security as "the protection of information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, interruption, modification, or destruction in order to provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability. " In other words, the difference is scope.
Network Security and Information Security
The debate continues on whether cybersecurity and information security mean the same thing, but it makes sense to think of cybersecurity as a form of information security. Think of information security as an umbrella that encompasses cybersecurity and other security topics such as cryptography and mobile computing.
However, it is difficult to make a clear distinction, given the possible impacts of different regions. For example, the term cybersecurity is widely used in the United States, but in other countries around the world it is also commonly referred to as information security. These factors have also led to the debate over cybersecurity and information security.
There are other differences in cybersecurity vs information security discussions. Cybersecurity involves protecting information in cyberspace, while information security means protecting data in and out of cyberspace. In other words, the internet or endpoint devices may only be part of the bigger picture. Both involve protecting cyberspace from hackers, which can include ransomware, spyware, malware, and other types of unwanted software that can wreak all kinds of damage. However, cybersecurity professionals have a narrower focus.
Cybersecurity professionals protect servers, endpoints, databases and networks by discovering vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. In other words, they have a responsibility to prevent breaches. The most talented people think like hackers, and may been hackers. Of course, information security professionals are also concerned with data loss prevention. They work alongside their cyber counterparts, but may be more focused on prioritizing the most sensitive data and developing plans for recovery from breaches.
It is also helpful to think about the difference between data and information on a more fundamental level. Data can be anything — such as a series of numbers — but not all data is created equal. What this data represents and how sensitive it is is entirely within the purview of the information security professional. For example, if a series of numbers is a customer's credit card number, it is the responsibility of the information security team to ensure they comply with government regulations. Likewise, they work closely with their cybersecurity colleagues to ensure the most critical data is safe. But information security professionals have a greater responsibility for the overall security of the organization.
| Cyber SecurityNetwork Security |
Information SecurityInformation Security |
| Focuses solely on online threats Watch out for cyber threats |
Takes a mile-high view of the security landscape See the security situation from a higher perspective |
| Learns to think like a hacker think like a hacker |
Deals with the protection of data from any threat Protect data from all threats |
| Develops a deep understanding of malicious software |
Oversees unauthorized access / modification / disruption |
in conclusion
In the end, cybersecurity and information security are complementary, with both roles protecting data from theft, access, alteration or deletion, the main difference being the breadth of their concerns.
Looking to get certified in cybersecurity or information security? St. Pullen offers various certification trainings, including Certified Cyber Security Professional (CEH) , CISSP , CISA , CompTIA Security+ , CISM , Certification in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) , CCSP , Certified Cyber Defender (CDN) , COBIT 2019 , and Computer Intrusion Investigation Forensics Certification (CHFI) . You can also complete the Specialist Master in Cyber Security in St. Pron to advance in your career.