Cybersecurity, IT Security and Information Security

Have you ever heard terms like cybersecurity, IT security and information security, and you don't quite know the difference between them? Don't worry, you're not the only one. They look so similar that it's easy to confuse them, but in reality each one focuses on different things. And no, you don't need to be a systems engineer to understand. If you use your cell phone, a laptop or go online every day, it's worth knowing what each one means, how they're related and why it's important to know about them.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is basically everything that is done to protect computers, cell phones, servers, networks and data against malicious attacks. Whether with technological tools or more technical strategies, the idea is to keep cybercriminals who want to steal, damage or hijack digital information at bay. Simply put, cybersecurity focuses on taking care of everything connected to the internet or digital networks. 

Key characteristics:

1. Focuses on preventing cyber-attacks such as phishing, ransomware, DDoS, etc.

2. Protects critical connected infrastructures (such as banking or energy systems).

3. Considers technological, human and legal aspects.

Examples:

1. Detect and block hacking attempts through a SIEM.

2. Raise employee awareness of social engineering and online fraud.

3. Protecting a corporate network against attacks from the Internet.

Read more: Cybersecurity: Stay Safe from Hackers and Threats

What is computer security?

Computer security is about protecting the information that is inside computer systems, that is, in computers, servers and internal networks. Protecting it from what? From people who want to access it without permission, especially for financial gain.

Specifically, this security seeks to manage the risks that arise when information is stored, processed or transmitted through digital systems. From an e-mail with important data, to a database with customers: everything needs protection, and that is where computer security comes in.

Areas of action:

1. Protection against viruses and malware.

2. Access control to devices.

3. Security in internal networks and servers.

4. Management of vulnerabilities in operating systems.

Examples:

1. Installing an antivirus on company computers.

2. Configuring firewalls in corporate networks.

3. Applying security patches in an operating system.

What is information security?

This is the broadest concept of all. Information security encompasses all measures taken to protect information, regardless of its format. It can be on a USB flash drive, on a computer, printed on paper or even spoken out loud.

Its function is to establish rules, policies and best practices to ensure that data is always secure, whether in a company, a school or at home. From protecting a confidential file on your computer, to making sure no one sees the documents you have in a drawer, it all falls under information security.

Main objective:

Protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, also known as the CID triangle:

1. Confidentiality: only authorized people can access the information.

2. Integrity: information must be accurate and complete, without alterations.

3. Availability: information must be accessible when needed.

Examples:

1. Keeping contracts in a safe.

2. Limit access to confidential information through permissions.

3. Protect databases with periodic backups.

Read more: Cloud Backup

What is the difference between Cybersecurity, Computer Security and Information Security?

Now that we have seen what each term means, we can talk about the most important differences between them. And yes, although they may seem the same, each one has its own approach.

First, information security is like the big umbrella that covers everything. Its goal is to protect information in any format, whether digital, paper, spoken or printed. So it goes far beyond the technological.

On the other hand, cybersecurity focuses on protecting digital information and systems that are connected to a network, such as the Internet. In other words, everything that can be attacked by a cybercriminal from the other side of the world. Therefore, it has a lot in common with computer security, which also protects the digital part, but is more focused on the equipment, local networks and software we use every day.

Another important difference is the type of approach. For example, according to Kaspersky, cybersecurity not only defends, but can also be offensive, i.e. anticipating or even counterattacking those who try to breach security. Information security, on the other hand, is more on the defensive side, focused on establishing policies and standards to protect data and prevent it from getting into unwanted hands. Of course, this depends on the context: there are places where the term “cybersecurity” is used to cover both functions (defensive and offensive), although when talking about that offensive side more strategically, something called cyberintelligence comes into play.

Finally, the scope of each also changes. Cybersecurity is tucked into everything to do with networks, devices, software, digital services and even critical infrastructure (such as a city's or a company's technology systems). Meanwhile, information security also includes people, their habits, compliance, access management and much more. Because it's not all about technology; often, the weakest link is the human one.

Main Differences between the Three Concepts

Why is it important to distinguish them?

Understanding the differences allows companies to:

1. Implement comprehensive protection strategies.

2. Designate the right people responsible for each area.

3. Avoid gaps in organizational security.

4. Comply with legal regulations (such as GDPR or ISO 27001).

1. Better protect their personal data.
   
   
2. Understand the risks when browsing the Internet.
   
   
3. Make informed decisions when using technology.
   
   

Conclusion