IT Security and Cybersecurity: What's The Difference?
When most people think of cybersecurity, they think of protecting their computer networks from hackers. And while cybersecurity is certainly important, it's just one part of the larger field of information technology security (IT security). In fact, cybersecurity and IT security are two very different things.
Information technology (IT) uses computer networks, hardware, and software to store and share digital information. Cybersecurity focuses more narrowly on protecting computer systems, digital devices, and data from unauthorized access.
So it's important to understand the difference between cybersecurity and IT security in order to protect your business from cybercrime.
Differences in approach
IT security is a broad field that includes cybersecurity. But the two disciplines take very different approaches to protecting people, devices, and data.
IT security focuses on preventative measures, such as installing firewalls and anti-malware software. Cybersecurity focuses on detection and response, such as identifying hacks and malicious activity and then taking steps to mitigate the damage.
IT security is also concerned with physical security, such as protecting data center servers from theft or tampering. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with digital threats.
Different types of threats
IT security and cybersecurity both aim to protect against unauthorized access. But the type of access they're protecting against is different.
IT security is concerned with unauthorized physical access, such as someone breaking into a data center to steal servers or gaining access to confidential information by stealing an employee's laptop. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is concerned with unauthorized digital access, such as hackers gaining access to a company's network or customer data.
IT security is also concerned with unauthorized access to information, such as someone stealing trade secrets or customer data. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with unauthorized access to computer systems, which can be used to launch attacks or commit fraud.
Techniques Implemented
IT security and cybersecurity both use a variety of techniques to protect against unauthorized access.
IT security uses physical security measures, such as locks and alarms, to protect data centers and other computer facilities. Cybersecurity uses technical measures, such as firewalls and encryption, to protect data in transit.
IT security also uses access control measures, such as user IDs and passwords, to control who can access confidential information. Cybersecurity uses authentication and authorization measures, such as two-factor authentication, to verify that users are who they say they are.
In short, cybersecurity is a subset of IT security. Both disciplines aim to protect people, devices, and data from unauthorized access. But cybersecurity focuses on digital threats, while IT security focuses on a wider range of threats.
If you're responsible for protecting your business from cybercrime, it's important to understand the difference between cybersecurity and IT security. By understanding the unique roles that each discipline plays, you can develop a comprehensive security strategy that will keep your business safe from all types of threats.
The bottom line
IT security and cybersecurity share common goals of protecting people, devices, and data - but they focus on different issues and take very different approaches.
IT security is a broad field that includes cybersecurity. IT security focuses on preventative measures, such as installing firewalls and anti-malware software. Cybersecurity focuses on detection and response, such as identifying hacks and malicious activity, and then taking steps to cybersecurity is primarily concerned with unauthorized access to computer systems.
When it comes to protecting your business, it's important to understand the difference between cybersecurity and IT security and take steps to address both. Ignoring either one could leave your business vulnerable to attack.
Formatech offers a variety of cybersecurity and IT security courses that can help you protect your business from cybercrime. Our courses cover topics like firewalls, encryption, access control, and more.
Enroll in one of our cybersecurity or IT security courses today to learn the skills you need to keep your business safe from all types of threats.