April 15, 2022

Information Security vs. Cybersecurity: What Makes Them Different from One Another?

Information Security vs. Cybersecurity: What Makes Them Different from One Another?

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly common word in everyday vocabulary thanks to all the technology society relies on each day. Like many other words in the common lexicon, cybersecurity has become interchangeable with another phrase: information security. But there are some differences between the two, and “information security vs. cybersecurity” is a standard topic where information technology is concerned.

When working with technology, you need to be as accurate in your descriptions as possible. So, you’ll want to learn more about the differences between cybersecurity and information security. At Tech Eagles, we understand that there can be some confusion about the two, so we wanted to clarify their differences and how they impact your business and personal life.

What Is Cybersecurity?

You likely think of hackers trying to infiltrate your computer systems to steal valuable information when you think of cybersecurity. You can base your definition of the term around this thought. Cybersecurity is the defense or defenses a person or business sets up to keep their devices safe from a security breach to keep the integrity of their confidential information intact.

For example, a business partnering with an IT services company can be one part of their cybersecurity plan. Criminals will attempt to compromise cybersecurity measures through threats like malware, viruses, or phishing scams. Servers, online accounts, mobile cellular phones, networks, and computers are all technologies that need cybersecurity measures to protect the data they house. When a company partners with an IT company, they take a significant step at mitigating their risk and upping their cyber security measures for all the aforementioned technologies.

What Is Information Security?

Information security has been around for a long time because everyone has data they wish to keep safe and private. Personal information is everywhere, from hospitals to the online shopping accounts people create daily. Everyone wants to keep their data secure, and information security helps with that.

To best understand information security, think of your Social Security card. Your unique Social Security number is what you use to prove that you are you for official documents like hospital records, taxes, or even job applications. What do you do to keep that information safe?

Likely, you store your card in a safe place with other necessary documents. Many people memorize their numbers so they don’t have to carry the card around, decreasing the chance of compromised information. Both the storage of the card in a secure spot and memorization of the number for the ability to keep the card in one place are forms of information security.

What’s the Difference Between the Two?

Many use these terms interchangeably, but you should consider information security separate from cybersecurity. One can help the other, but they are not the same thing. The main difference between cybersecurity and information security is that information security focuses on the data itself. In contrast, cybersecurity focuses on the measures taken to protect data in a digital sphere.

When talking about the differences in a business setting, you can compare easily. Information security includes:

  • Have a security policy in place that your company reviews and updates regularly.
  • Give each member of your team a role in keeping data secure.
  • Physical security of company property. For example, a locked office or locking the workstation when you step away.

Cybersecurity is an additional measure taken to increase information security’s effectiveness. Some cybersecurity measures you may incorporate into your business include:

  • Data Backups: Having backups ensures data retrieval after a hack or other cyberattack.
  • Dedicated Hardware: All business transactions should occur on company-owned hardware and company-approved software. You know exactly what your employees use to keep your data safe with company-approved computers and software. You cannot be sure what your employees do on their personal computers or how they compromise their data! You don’t want your company’s data to fall victim to unsafe personal computers.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Also known as multi-factor authentication, it is a crucial cybersecurity tool. It adds a second layer of protection to your digital accounts to make it more difficult for others to access your accounts and personal information.

And, of course, partnering with an IT company to ensure your cybersecurity measures are up to date can help keep your network safe and protect your data is a cybersecurity measure.

Why Do Information Security and Cybersecurity Matter?

Information security and cybersecurity matter because they perform hand in hand to keep your data safe and secure. You deserve to feel comfortable sharing your data online with banks, job posting websites, and even retailers. As the world’s focus continues to propel us into a future that relies more on the digital than the analog, keeping our data out of the wrong hands becomes a more challenging task.

Do You Need Help Keeping Your Data Safe?

Implementing both information security and cybersecurity measures can help keep your data safer. The professionals at Tech Eagles can help with all your information security vs. cybersecurity needs so you can turn your attention to the other things that matter to your business. When you are ready to discuss your IT needs, you can trust the experts at Tech Eagles! Get in touch with us today, and let’s get started.


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