Are Cybersecurity and Information Security the same thing

Question

I’m a bit confused about the difference between cybersecurity and information security. I’ve seen both terms used in various job descriptions and articles, but I’m not sure if they refer to the same thing or if there are specific distinctions between the two.

Could someone clarify if these two fields are the same, or if they focus on different aspects of security? Understanding this would help me determine which career path aligns more with my interests.

Answer 1

Cybersecurity and information security are related but distinct fields. 

Here’s a table summarizing the differences between cybersecurity and information security:

 

Cybersecurity	Information Security
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyberthreats.	Information Security focuses on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in all forms.
The scope is primarily digital, including hardware, software, and the internet.	The scope is broader, including both digital and physical information management.
The key components include Network security, application security, endpoint security, cloud security,  and incident response.	The key components include Risk management, data governance, compliance, and physical security.
The purpose of Cybersecurity includes addressing malware, phishing, ransomware, and other cyberthreats.	The purpose of Information Security includes the maintenance of data integrity and confidentiality, including insider threats and physical breaches.
The objective is to prevent unauthorized access and protect against cyber attacks.	The objective is to ensure information is managed securely and is accessible only to authorized individuals.

Comments

This is really helpful! I’m curious—would roles like data privacy officer fall under information security, or are they more aligned with cybersecurity?