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I am a student currently living in Perth, Australia. My interests range from technology to web development and I'm working towards a degree in Data Science with a view of becoming an established writer in the technology space.
August 7, 2018

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Cybersecurity

Understanding the differences between IT security and cybersecurity

Is there a difference between IT security and cybersecurity?

Many people assume they are just alternating terms for the having a form of security on electronic devices. Others believe that they cannot work as separate entities, that they become useless if not combined.

Cybersecurity and IT security do share similarities; they do also create maximum protection and efficiency when combined.  Despite similarities, there are key differences that distinguish the two.

IT security

IT security can be referred to as information security or data security. IT security is utilised to ensure the protection and safety of all information created and available to an organisation. The security process is inclusive of all electronics along with physical data.

IT security allows processes and procedures to be in place to ensure that all information is protected. This prevents unauthorised access, misuse, destruction or disruption of data.

The primary purpose is to ensure that information remains of high integrity, confidential and accessible. This is essential, to ensure that the quality of information is not diminished, along with ensuring that personal or valuable information remains confidential and only available to those authorised.

Physical data is often easier to protect in locked filing cabinets, but electronic data requires greater protection

IT security incorporates various forms of technology and methods to protect all information and information systems. Physical data is often easier to protect in locked filing cabinets, but electronic data requires greater protection.

This can include passwords to access specific files, ensuring all personnel use password protection for all electronic devices along with establishing secure individual and company networks.

IT security procedures allow data to be protected while ensuring the quality and integrity of the information. Incorporating security measures for information and information systems reduces the risk of unauthorised access or misuse of confidential information.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity’s primary purpose is to protect electronic data from unauthorised access gained through cyberspace. Unauthorised access can be referred to as cyber-attacks; they are any form of unauthorised access to a company’s data that corrupts or damages the integrity of the data.

Cybersecurity ensures that all confidential, valuable or vulnerable information cannot be downloaded, shared or utilised by an unknown third party.

Cybersecurity limits and prevents this threat or attack of unauthorised access to a company’s information. It allows the necessary precautions to be in place to ensure the safety of all electronic data.  Cyber threats go beyond securing valuable data, they can influence operations, inhibit actions and have control over networks.

Hacking or corruption of data not only affects the quality of the data but can be expensive and time-consuming to correct. There are also the risks of what a third party can achieve by holding this information, especially if it is financial or highly confidential.

Hacking and unauthorised access of networks can occur for many reasons. Cyber threats include downloading files from websites or apps that contain viruses.  Having weak or easily guessed passwords or storing data in one place, such as the cloud without backups.

IT and cybersecurity go hand in hand; both are essential in protecting the information of your company.  Both security systems should be incorporated into your organisation to ensure that all channels being used are secure and protected against any threat, corruption or misuse. To summarise, below is a table highlighting some key differences between the two security systems.

IT SECURITY                                 CYBERSECURITY

Protects electronic and physical data Protects electronic data only
Secures information for confidentiality, integrity and availability Protects valuable and vulnerable information from unauthorised access, hacking etc
Protects against a more defined threat Protects against a more extensive threat – all of cyberspace
Protects against more channels – goes beyond cyberspace Protects against one area – cyberspace
Focuses on access, integrity and confidentially of information Focuses on the protection of the intranet, channels, servers and networks allowing only those permitted to have access

IT and cybersecurity must be embraced as a daily business issue for businesses to truly mature. It’s worth conducting a security risk assessment and identifying cyber threats to business.

Best practice IT security and cybersecurity willprotect your business and personal information, allow employees to work safely and productively, and inspire confidence in your business among your customers.

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Leon SecurityPro
Leon SecurityPro
August 8, 2018 2:51 am

I do not agree with this article. Historically, when the term cybersecurity first started to be used, it is true that the distinction described existed. However thanks to popular culture there is no longer any distinction. If anything, cybersecurity is now the broader term, incorporating ICT Security, Information Security, Data Security, and any other previously held security domains. Trying to narrow the definition back to solely threats from cyberspace is not the reality of the use of the term. Clinging on to the notion that any remaining minor nuances between these terms mean anything to anyone other than a subgroup… Read more »

Dude
Dude
March 1, 2019 10:20 pm

I totally agree with you

Umesh
Umesh
March 24, 2019 2:47 am

There is difference between IT security and Information Security. This article has messed up

Isaac D
Isaac D
December 4, 2019 6:44 am

What is said in this document is totally incorrect.

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[…] about information security and cybersecurity because many use them interchangeably. According to IFSEC Global, information security refers to the protection of all information and prevents unauthorized access, […]