Introduction

Want to join a security career but are confused about whether to go with Information Security or Cybersecurity. Or which one offers higher career growth?

• Is there any difference between Information Security and Cybersecurity?
• Is information security a subset of cybersecurity?
• How are these security-based terms related to each other?

Struggling with all such questions?...... If yes, stay tuned with us. We have all the answers here.

With the advancement of technology usage, the risk and threats of cyber-attacks have shaken almost every industry. Since COVID-19, the US FBI reported a 300% rise in cybercrimes.

The cybersecurity market(including all industries) was valued at USD 156.24 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach USD 363.05 billion or above by 2025, registering a CAGR of 14.5% during 2020-2025.

Understanding technical security issues are critical for any cybersecurity or information security professional, regardless of the specific field of specialization. Understanding the differences between these two related but distinct fields can help individuals to choose the most appropriate career options that match their goals and interests.

Confused between the terms Information security and Cybersecurity?

These two words “Cyber Security” and “Information Security” are generally used as synonyms in security terminology often used interchangeably, as both are related to the security and safekeeping of a computer system, storage resources against data threats, and information breaches. Going for a Cybersecurity Certification Course educates you a lot about Information security.

Let’s see how they are different in their capabilities and functionality. 

If you’re in information security, your main concern is protecting your organization's data from unauthorized access of any sort — and if you’re in cybersecurity, your main concern is protecting your organization’s data, storage resources, and software from unauthorized electronic access or cyber attack. 

To fully understand the difference between information security and cybersecurity, it’s important to first understand both security terms in detail and how they are related to each other. This article will explain the various important differences between cybersecurity and information security and explain these security-based terms in detail with their career outlook. But Before moving forward to the information security Vs. cybersecurity, let’s try to understand both cybersecurity and information security individually.

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.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks and 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 required technology you have to implement to protect information.

It also protects information and communications technologies, termed ICT (information and communications technology) security. Read more about Cybersecurity – Cybersecurity Certifications, Salaries & Job Trend

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.

Information security vs Cybersecurity: Career Outlook

If you are planning to join information security or cybersecurity career, you might have questions like….

• Which is better, cybersecurity or information security?
• What all skills & certifications are required for a shining security career?
• Is it possible to get into cybersecurity without a degree?
• How to get into a security career with no experience?
• What is the average salary for cybersecurity specialists?

How are these security-based terms related to each other?

Information security deals with protecting all forms of information regardless of the realm. While Cybersecurity deals with protecting anything and everything present in the cyber realm only. So, cybersecurity can be viewed as a subset of information security, ultimately both consider the value of the data and focus on data protection. 

Both information security and cybersecurity personnel need to be aware of the scope and the shared mission to secure your organization.

The Must-Have Skill Sets For Information Security or Cyber Security Careers

If you want to plunge into a career in the security field and reach new heights, you will need to exhibit smart technical skills with specific domain knowledge along with various soft skills. JanBask Training Cybersecurity courses can help you a lot during the process –

 Required Technical Skills 

• SIEM Management
• Audit & Compliance
• Analytics & Intelligence
• Firewall/IDS/IPS Skills
• Digital Forensics
• Intrusion Detection
• Device Management
• Security Development
• Understanding of Hacking
• Security Incident Handling & Response
• Advanced Malware Prevention
• Data Management Protection
• Identity & Access Management

Required Nontechnical Skills 

• Strong Leadership
• Passionate About Learning
• Analytical, Inquisitive, and Insightful
• Hyper Critically thinking
• Project Management
• Collaborative & Consultative

World-Class Certifications for Information Security and Cyber Security Career

These top security certifications are sought after by employers and can help you bring in the most money.

Best Information Security Certifications

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 
• CompTIA Security+ 
• Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) 
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) 
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF) 
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

 Best Cyber Security Certifications

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) 
• GSEC: GIAC Security Essentials. 
• ECSA: EC-Council Certified Security Analyst.
• GPEN: GIAC Penetration Tester.
• SSCP: Systems Security Certified Practitioner.
• CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information System Control. 
• CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor.

Which is better, cybersecurity or information security as a career?

There might be a difference between cybersecurity and information security, but they are both are equally demanding and the fastest-growing careers need qualified security professionals, offering job opportunities with high median salaries, and a challenging, fast-paced work environment. Based on your interest and the above-highlighted differences, you can choose the suitable one.

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

^{Reference : 2019 Tech & Digital Marketing Salary Guide}

How to be a Cybersecurity Professional with no Experience?

Getting a job in the security industry is one of the biggest concerns among interested students/professionals. While the process can seem a bit difficult, it’s a series of essential steps, and each step gets you closer to your dream of working as a security professional.

1. Get a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity domain.
2. Earn relevant Cybersecurity certification. 
3. Get a Security Clearance, essential for working with government, security firms, and multinational organizations. 
4. Get Experience by getting an internship before graduating or right after you graduate and build up skill sets necessary for propelling in the right career path.

There are numerous Cyber certification paths you can take to get into a cybersecurity career. All you need to improve your skills is to stay up on the latest threats and technology.

Is it possible to get into cybersecurity without a degree?

Absolutely! all you need is a credible cybersecurity certification.

It’s wondering but true you don’t need to have a degree to start a career in cybersecurity, relevant certifications, can help you enter the security industry. You just need the practical training from JanBask Training, relevant certification, and the right mindset to move forward.

The industry is suffering from a lack of skilled security talent and on the other hand, demand is on rising.

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of information security analyst jobs is projected to grow 31% by 2029, adding 40,900 jobs.

But, here we want to add, employers, want proof you have the expertise they need. Having a relevant degree and certification can help you transform your professional trajectory and increase your earning potential while rewarding your security career.

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.

Did you enjoy this blog article? Comment below 

FaceBook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Email