Difference between Information Security and Cyber Security

Cyber security and information security terms are associated with computer security to protect systems from threats, information breaches, and other cyber-attacks. Both the terms are often used interchangeably or as synonyms. Yet these terms are closely linked but different from each other in terms of definition, understanding, and working, due to which they can't be used interchangeably.

Cyber security

Experts invent cyber security for defending servers, computers, electronic systems, networks, mobile devices, and data from malicious attacks, ranging from personal devices to business organizations. Eyes can't see communication among internet users, the process can be virtually explained, and all this happens in cyberspace which is only secured with cyber security. Cyber security experts designed distinctive securities for every aspect of cyber security, such as information security, network security, operational security, application security, disaster recovery, and business continuity because attacks are categorized as cyber-terrorism and cyber-crimes (targeting financial gain)  and cyber-attacks (mostly political attacks).

Cyber security protects the data originating in a digital form (digital files), safeguarding the valuable data present in electronic form. Small and large businesses invest in cyber technologies, strategies, and policies for protecting digital networks that change rapidly with time. It keeps businesses up-to-date and helps them defend their cyberspace against cyber threats so that their business reaches the next level.    

Information Security

Usually, data and information are considered the same unit, but they are differentiated with a thin line and are quite subtle. Raw information is named data, but when interpreted in context to depict some meaning is called information.

For example, the number "20092019" is considered data as its meaning is unknown, but when it gets to know that these are years "2009-2019," it is considered information. "Data security" is also called "information Security" that safeguards the information assets from unauthorized access. Information security provides access, procedural, compliance, and technical controls.

Let’s learn about the major difference between information security and cyber security, as differences are simple yet difficult to grasp.

Cyber Security	Information Security
It deals with defending data in cyberspace.	It deals with the security of data in general.
Under this, data is protected from outside resources on the internet.	Under this type of security, information is protected from unauthorized access, user and data modification, or removal to provide integrity, confidentiality, and availability (CIA).
Protect everything related to cyber (internet – onscreen or off-screen).	Protection of information irrespective of the realm.
It protects the whole cyberspace, where data transmission is invisible to humans from cyber-attacks, and also deals with danger in cyberspace.	Data or information is saved from any attack.
Professional cyber security experts deal with advance persistence threats	Here data security experts prioritize the resources first before dealing with threats.
Fight against cyber frauds, cyber-crime, and law enforcement.	This security fight against unauthorized disclosure, access, modification, and disruption of the data.
This security deals with threats that exist in cyberspace, like protecting social media accounts, personal information, etc.	It secures the information assets and secure avenues to access data.
It hardened data using encryption.	It takes policies and compliance into account.
It is responsible for handling the included risk in cyberspace like malware and network attacks.	Information security is required to secure misinformation and entry into the system during work.
Examples of cyber security are: Network security Application security Cloud security Critical infrastructure	Examples of information security are: Technical controls Procedural controls Access controls Compliance controls

Note: Sometimes, both terms overlap, which creates some justified confusion. Criminals can easily access the digitally stored information on computer servers, networks, and the cloud. The securities protection of data is the main concern and motive for security experts. Information security ensures the CIA of the data, and cyber security protects data from unauthorized electronic access. In both cases, security frameworks are established to prevent damage to the organization and individuals from attacks.

Conclusion: Due to the tremendous growth in cyber-crimes, a secure environment is the need of every individual and organization to prevent their data from malicious attacks. But to do this, knowledge of the latest technologies and security threats is a must for the information and cyber security professionals.