The terms Cyber Security and IT Security are often used interchangeably, but they encompass distinct scopes and objectives within the realm of information protection.
IT Security (Information Technology Security)
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Scope: Encompasses the protection of all forms of information, whether digital or physical.
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Focus: Safeguards data across various mediums, including paper documents, physical storage devices, and digital formats.
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Objectives: Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, regardless of its form.
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Threats Addressed: Mitigates risks such as unauthorized access to physical files, theft of hardware, and digital data breaches.
Cyber Security
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Scope: A subset of IT security, concentrating specifically on digital information and the systems that process and store it.
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Focus: Protects electronic data and the infrastructure supporting it, including computers, networks, and online platforms.
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Objectives: Defends against cyber threats that target digital assets, ensuring their security and resilience.
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Threats Addressed: Counters cyber attacks such as malware infections, phishing schemes, and hacking attempts.
Illustrative Examples:
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IT Security Example: Implementing physical access controls, like security badges, to restrict entry to data centers, thereby protecting both digital and physical information assets.
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Cyber Security Example: Deploying firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and defend against unauthorized access to an organization's network.
In summary, while both disciplines aim to protect information, IT Security offers a broader approach by securing all forms of data and the technologies that handle them. In contrast, Cyber Security zeroes in on protecting digital information and the cyber realm from specific online threats.
