Overview
Cybersecurity and information (infosec) security both aim to protect critical enterprise assets like data, infrastructure and applications. But they diverge across six key vectors:
- Scope of responsibility
- Types of threats managed
- Strategic approach
- Technologies deployed
- Internal roles
- Compliance considerations
Understanding these distinctions allows organizations to ensure all bases are covered to thwart risks in today‘s threat landscape.
Defining Cybersecurity
First, let‘s clarify what precisely constitutes "cybersecurity". As the name indicates, it entails protecting internet-connected IT infrastructure and data assets specific to the online realm.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework defines it as:
"The process of protecting information by preventing, detecting and responding to attacks."
Per recent surveys, security executives now allocate over 15% of overall IT budgets to cybersecurity. That equates to millions in tech investments to combat growing waves of sophisticated threats.
Some prominent examples include:
- Hacking groups: Whether orchestrating data theft or business disruption via ransomware, malware, botnets and various attack vectors.
- Insider threats: Data breaches via authorized users – malicious or accidental.
- Phishing campaigns: Tricking personnel via emails, texts and sites to obtain login credentials and access systems.
- DDoS attacks: Using compromised internet-connected devices to overwhelm systems and servers via floods of bogus traffic.
These ever-evolving digital risks mandate that cybersecurity serves as the frontline defense to detect and repel threats targeting the organization directly across online channels.
Cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding four key areas:
Network Security
Protecting critical components like routers, switches, VPNs and software-defined perimeters from intrusions.
Cloud Security
Securing company data housed in IaaS/PaaS cloud platforms provided by the likes AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.
Application Security
Ensuring in-house apps and microservices don‘t expose vulnerabilities providing backdoor system access.
Endpoint Security
Safeguarding laptops, tablets, mobiles and other devices employees use to connect to internal networks and access sensitive data.
Now let‘s explore the information security side of the equation.
What is Information Security?
Information security takes a much broader view of protections without just confining oversight to online components. As per leading analyst firm Gartner:
"Information security is a set of principles, frameworks and tools designed to keep an organization’s data confidential, integral and Available."
Essentially, infosec revolves around managing security risks and exposure points related to all critical data assets wherever they reside – on premises, in transit and via third-parties.
While certainly encompassing cyber risks, it also tackles vulnerabilities stemming from:
- Data governance gaps
- Access management oversight
- Unsecured physical documents
- Rogue insiders
- Lax BYOD policies
- Poor backup regimes
- Non-compliant cloud usage
And per recent Ponemon Institute statistics:
- 78% of organizations have experienced a data breach due to negligent employees or contractors.
- Average cost of a data breach now exceeds $4 million.
- 60% of breaches originating via a third-party vendor.
So beyond just cyber protections, information security focuses heavily on other facets like:
Data Rights Management
Classifying data by sensitivity, encryption, retention rules and access restrictions.
Identity & Access Governance
Managing least-privilege permissions, implementing robust authentication safeguards encompassing both legacy and modern apps.
Risk Assessments
Inventorying why, how and where data resides within the organization and with key partners to uncover potential exposure points.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring adherence to numerous statutes like GDPR, NYDFS, HIPAA and PCI DSS depending on sector and data types.
Security Training
Educating personnel on threats like phishing, strong password policies and safe data handling.
Now that we’ve clarified the scope of both domains, let’s examine where they intersect and where they diverge.
Overlap of Cyber & Information Security
Cybersecurity and infosec certainly collaborate closely toward the shared goals of reducing organizational risk and securing critical assets.
After all, cyber risks often provide that gateway putting other information assets in jeopardy. As such, cybersecurity sits under the broader information security umbrella as a key component.
Below are some of the key areas where cybersecurity and InfoSec workflows sync up:
Shared Frameworks
Both leverage foundational principles like CIA (confidentiality, integrity and availability) and risk management practices spelled out in frameworks like NIST CSF.
Incident Response
Though cybersecurity technology detects incidents, Information Security practices guide effective response like containment along with policies preventing repeat occurrences.
Employee Training
Encompassing education on phishing, social engineering, password policies and other areas attackers exploit to breach defenses via human targets.
Third-Party Risk Management
Joint oversight related to cyber risks created by partnering with vendors, outsourcers and others leveraging external access to internal systems.
Executive Alignment
Briefing leadership and ensuring adequate budgetary support for a sound security posture spanning both domains.
While collaboration is critical, some distinct differences between cyber and information security still emerge.
6 Key Differences Between Cyber & Information Security
1. Scope of Security
As covered earlier, cybersecurity specifically concentrates protection efforts on internet-facing systems and digital assets. InfoSec takes a much wider view looking data security enterprise-wide regardless where it resides – on premises, in the cloud, on endpoints or within processes.
2. Range of Threats
On the cyber side, online attacks via threat actors, malware, DDoS and other hacking campaigns draw the most attention. While certainly a crucial piece of the puzzle, InfoSec also tackles threats like data leaks, insider risks, espionage via unauthorized access and even physical damage/theft.
3. First Line of Defense
The technical separation naturally manifests itself in cybersecurity controls and monitoring serving as the outmost line detecting and responding to percussion from the wild internet. InfoSec capabilities like data rights, access governance and auditing provide another layer of protection assuming threats penetrate perimeter defenses. One covers outside-in threats, the other inside-out risks.
4. Security Strategies
Cybersecurity relies heavily on continuously tuning and enhancing technical measures like anti-malware, firewalls, behavioral monitoring and bug bounties anticipating attacker innovation. Information security leans more on comprehensive governance steps like data maps, classification schemes, risk analysis, audits and personnel policies.
5. Job Roles
Cybersecurity job roles like Security Architect, SOC Analyst and Penetration Tester live firmly in the technical domain honing skills like network monitoring, systems hardening and vulnerability discovery. Information security careers like Data Protection Officer, Risk Manager and GRC Director oversee broader governance, risk framework and education concerns.
6. Compliance Considerations
Cybersecurity standards like NIST CSF, CIS Critical Security Controls primarily concentrate on recommending technical safeguards and metrics. Information security compliance mandates like GDPR, NYDFS, and HIPAA take a broader view dictating steps to govern, handle and protect various classes of sensitive data.
While differences emerge in scope and tactics, cybersecurity and information security remain indelibly tied at reducing organizational risk. Examining those nuances simply helps security leaders implement layered controls spanning both critical disciplines.
Now, let‘s explore some of the common certifications these respective professionals pursue to advance their careers.
Comparing Key Cyber & Information Security Certifications
Specialized designations allow practitioners to validate and advance skillsets within cybersecurity and Information Security career paths:
Most Recognized Cybersecurity Certifications
CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from (ISC)2 provides breadth across cyber risk, operations, architecture and governance domains. Over 125,000 have obtained this premier industry credential.
CISM: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) from ISACA suits those managing infosec programs focused more exclusively on cyber protections.
CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council focuses on critical offensive penetration testing techniques security analysts leverage to harden infrastructure.
OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) doubles down on hands-on technical capabilities across ethical hacking, malware analysis, and exploit development.
Leading Information Security Certifications
CISA: As ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) attests, this tailors towards IT audit, risk control and broader data governance concerns beyond just technical cyber protections.
CRISC: Also from ISACA, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) suits IT risk management specializations.
CIPP: IAPP’s Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) builds skills in data protection law, privacy policy and compliance – crucial emerging focus areas with regulations like GDPR.
ISO 27001 Lead Implementer: This credential from leading standards group ISO demonstrates ability to manage InfoSec per ISO 27001 frameworks.
The designations above validate specialized skills in both fields. However, some common training grounds exist for anyone pursuing an engaging career centered on data protections.
Launching a Cyber or Information Security Career
Given foundational knowledge shared between cyber and InfoSec, professionals fluidly transition between related security roles as expertise develops:
- A cybersecurity analyst could evolve into an Information Security Director overseeing broader governance concerns.
- An ISO auditor could leverage that experience to focus on technical testing and controls validation.
However, dedicating time to sharpen domain-specific knowledge remains key when changing disciplines.
A reputable undergraduate degree in computer science, information systems or cybersecurity establishes a solid springboard into either domain. However, certifications, hands-on projects and continuous education around innovations remain essential for advancement.
No matter which path is pursued, cybersecurity and InfoSec present promising careers amidst growing data volumes and threats. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 30% growth for both fields over the next decade – much faster than average job market growth.
Closing Thoughts
To sum up, cybersecurity and information security share the common objectives of shielding institutional data, systems and operations from myriad risks. Though tactics diverge, collaboration between both groups grows imperative to manage exposures.
Understanding those nuances positions security leaders to implement layered controls spanning both disciplines. That in turn enables responses to be more targeted and effective when the inevitable security incidents do materialize.
By comprehensively addressing vulnerabilities, leveraging shared tools and driving better alignment, cyber and infosec teams must continue partnering closely to help future-proof the organization.
I hope this detailed overview dispelling common misperceptions helps provide clarity if you‘re pursuing a promising career or leading strategic efforts in either security domain. Feel free to reach out if any questions pop up along the journey!
