Introduction

If you’re confused between information security and cybersecurity, you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, and while they share a common foundation, their functions, goals, and implementations are quite distinct.

In this blog, we’ll break down the fundamental differences between information security and cybersecurity. You’ll gain clarity on each domain’s unique responsibilities, required skill sets, career opportunities, and earning potential—so you can confidently understand or pursue a path in either field.

Still wondering if one is more important than the other? Or which offers better career growth? Don’t worry—we’ll address all of that and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of how cybersecurity and information security differ, how they overlap, and which direction might be the right fit for your career.

But before we dive into Information Security vs. Cybersecurity, let’s first understand each field individually to set the foundation.

Give this blog a thorough read to clear all doubts that linger in your mind and have no second thoughts on cyber security vs information security. If this blog piques your interest, you can even pursue a cyber security or information security career.

What is Information Security?

Information security is the practice of protecting information as well as information systems against unauthorized access, disclosure, disruption, destruction, modification, removal, or use. It generally focuses on the confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA) aspects of the information.

• Confidentiality – Refers to preserving authorized restrictions on access and disclosure of information, including a means for protecting personal privacy as well as proprietary information.
• Integrity – Refers to defense against inappropriate information, destruction, or modification ensuring information authenticity and non-repudiation.
• Availability – Refers to ensuring reliable and timely access to information.

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What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity protect networks, servers, electronic systems, computers, programs, and data from malicious cyber-attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at assessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information. It is also responsible for identifying critical data, its risk exposure, and the technology you must implement to protect information.

It also protects information and communications technologies, termed ICT (information and communications technology) security. You can explore this field and learn about Cybersecurity, its certifications, salaries, and job trends.

Information security vs Cybersecurity Based On Different Factors

How Information Security and Cybersecurity  Differ In Definition

Information security is the process of protecting information as well as information systems against unauthorized access, disclosure, destruction, undesired modification.

Primarily focuses on information and ensures its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Whereas…

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting data, its related technologies, and storage sources from malicious attacks. It is all about the cyber realm and the data associated with it.

How Information Security and Cybersecurity  Differ In Domain

Information security deals with protecting both digital and analog forms of information regardless of the realm. It deals specifically with information assets and ensures integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information.

Whereas…

Cybersecurity deals with the protection of anything and everything present in the cyber realm, such as data, information, storage resource or devices, and associated technologies.

How information security and cybersecurity differ in  Process

Information security simply protects information from any form of threat and forms the foundation of data security.

Whereas... 

Cybersecurity primarily deals with protecting the use of cyberspace from advanced persistent cyber threats. 

How Information security and Cybersecurity differ in Functionality

Information security deals with all forms of threats against information. Disclosure modification and disruption, and unauthorized access are the most important issues tackled by information security specialists.

Few more information security functionalities are:

• Procedural controls: These controls prevent, detect, or minimize security risks to any physical assets such as computer systems, data centers, involve security frameworks, compliance training, and more.
• Access controls: These controls regulate who is allowed to access and use company information, network, and resources. 
• Technical controls: These controls involve using multi-factor user authentication, firewalls, and antivirus software.
• Compliance controls: These controls deal with privacy laws and cybersecurity compliances designed to minimize security threats.

Whereas…

Cybersecurity deals with all dangers lurking in cyberspace specifically cybercrimes, cyber frauds, and law enforcement. Also responsible for identifying critical data,  and its risk exposure, and the required technology to protect it.

Few more cybersecurity functionalities are:

• Network security: the practice of securing networks against unauthorized access, misuse, interruption of network services.
• Application security: the process that involves detecting, fixing, and enhancing the security of applications. 
• Cloud security: the process of protecting cloud-based infrastructures and systems
• Critical infrastructure: Set of antivirus tools that provide security services such as virus scanners, intrusion prevention systems, anti-malware software, and more.

What is the Average Salary for Cybersecurity?

With the rise in cybercrime, there is an unsurprising corresponding increase in demand for information security or cybersecurity professionals. Not only do opportunities abound, but also offer solid job security with generous compensation. 

Here’s a sample of popular cybersecurity job roles with their average salary range:

• Information Security Manager: $125,000 to $215,000
• Cybersecurity Engineer:$120,000 to $200,000
• Application Security Engineer: $120,000 to $180,000
• Cybersecurity Analyst: $90,000 and $160,000
• Penetration Tester: $80,000 to $130,000
• Network Security Engineer: $125,000 to $185,000

How to be a Cybersecurity Professional with no Experience?

Absolutely. A formal degree isn’t your only ticket into the world of cybersecurity—what really matters is relevant certifications, hands-on training, and the right mindset.

It may sound surprising, but many professionals have successfully launched cybersecurity careers without a tech degree. In fact, with the industry facing a severe shortage of skilled professionals, companies are increasingly open to hiring candidates who can prove their expertise through practical skills and certifications.

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, jobs for information security analysts are projected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

So what’s the catch? Employers still need proof that you can deliver. While a degree can help, earning a recognized cybersecurity certification and gaining practical experience through platforms like JanBask Training can be just as powerful—if not more so.

If you're someone coming from a non-technical background and wondering how to break in, check out this helpful guide: How to Transition into Cybersecurity from a Non-Tech Background

With the right training, certification, and mindset, you can confidently step into one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers today.

Cyber Security Training & Certification

• No cost for a Demo Class
• Industry Expert as your Trainer
• Available as per your schedule
• Customer Support Available

Enrol For a Free Demo Class

Conclusion:

Whether information security and cybersecurity both deals with data protection but differs in the breadth of their focus. Both are the two most demanding traits as they are complementary to each other. Become the part of the JanBask Training Community to get connected with the top industry professionals and cyber experts.

As cyber threats become a growing reality for businesses, organizations need to prioritize developing and maintaining a team of highly trained Information security or cybersecurity experts. Such security solutions help an organization monitor, detect, report, and counter cyber threats to maintain data and information confidentiality. This growing demand for cyber security professionals opens up the door for those who want to become security professionals. All you need is to polish your skills, get a relevant degree and certifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the benefits of the cyber security training & certification course?

Ans: Cyber security training & certification course is crucial as it proves and verifies an individual’s cybersecurity knowledge, capabilities, and professionalism. The cyber security training course also allows people to stand apart from the rest of the crowd in the job scenario and support them in their career path with extra confidence.

Q2. What are the various career paths that one can dream of on attending cyber security training?

Ans: Cybersecurity training is necessary to advance in this domain. It validates your knowledge and introduces you to various new terms related to the concept. The cyber security training course leads to different careers, such as chief information security officer. Security architect, cybersecurity engineer, malware analyst, and many more.

Q3. What are the prerequisites needed to take up the cyber security training online?

Ans: There are particular prerequisites to taking up cyber security training online. An individual must have a bachelor's degree in technology in cyber security. Also, the candidate must have passed his 10+2 with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.

Q4. What are the subjects included in the cybersecurity training classes?

Ans: The cybersecurity training classes include business intelligence, data security, risk analysis, penetration testing, network security, and others.

Q5. Are cybersecurity training classes difficult for freshers?

Ans: The cybersecurity training classes are tough to learn. However, like other domains, the candidate must be interested in learning cybersecurity. A detailed comprehension of networking is needed to begin a career in this domain. It will enable you to know the data transfer’s technical dimensions, which will protect the sensitive data.