Information security vs. cybersecurity: Key differences explained Par :Kiana Seitz September 24, 2024 Estimated reading time: 7 minutes. What in-demand career combines tech knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a love of staying on top of digital trends? A career in information security or cybersecurity hits all three, plus other related skills you probably already have. But which is a better job for you? What are the differences between information security and cybersecurity? Information security (often abbreviated to “InfoSec”) protects unauthorized access to physical and digital information. Cybersecurity is a part of information security that protects digital systems and networks from unauthorized access. Both roles are tasked with protecting information and access, but their focus and methods are different. In this article, we’ll compare these two in-demand career paths. We’ll discuss their critical role in your organization's overall security strategy and what you need to get a job in information security or cybersecurity. Understanding information security Information security focuses on protecting physical and digital data. It includes procedures to protect physical information (such as paper records) and digital information (such as passwords and customer data). It also includes overall security procedures and practices like security controls, policies, and training to ensure information security across the organization. The goals of information security are confidentiality, integrity, and availability (known as the CIA triad): Confidentiality protects information from unauthorized access. This may include trade secrets, customer information, and business or marketing strategies. Integrity refers to the accuracy and completeness of an organization's information. It guarantees that data is reliable and untampered with, serving as a single source of truth. Availability refers to granting authorized user access. Strategies used to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data include: Access controls Access and security controls grant who (or what systems) can view or use resources and information. It may include protecting access to physical information or assets like a file cabinet or storage room, or digital access to computer drives and data. Data encryption Information security professionals may protect digital data by encrypting it with ciphertext. A computer can’t interpret this information without an encryption key only granted to approved users and systems. Security policies Information security teams protect information by enacting high-level goals and access policies for the organization. These Information Security Policies (ISP) may include: Organizational policies - High-level blueprints for organization-wide security rules (e.g., Passwords must be cycled every three months) Acceptable use policy - Guidelines for how, where, and when authorized users can access information (e.g., Rules for the use of company cell phones outside of working hours) Remote access policy - Rules to support security for remote employees (e.g., Secure internet guidelines required for employees to work from home) Data security policies - Details regarding data ownership, encryption rules, and data (e.g., Who is responsible for adding, updating, or archiving customer records) Firewall policies - Traffic and third-party applications to which your organization is willing to grant access to your data (e.g., Blocking TikTok from being viewed on company phones and computers). Understanding cybersecurity Cybersecurity falls under the information security umbrella and focuses on protecting digital systems and data from attacks. It includes: Creating strategies to mitigate risk Setting up security protocols and software Continually testing systems for vulnerabilities Stopping active attacks Mitigating damage from attacks Remediating information and systems Reporting to stakeholders regarding cybersecurity procedures, attacks, and added security measures Common attacks cybersecurity protects against include: Social engineering: Exploiting human vulnerabilities to share sensitive information Phishing: Attempts to gain access to your personal information (like passwords and account numbers) Pretexting: Uploading false information to get access to digital systems or data Malware and viruses: Software installed on computers that can damage or corrupt data DOS attacks: Flooding networks with access attempts to prevent authorized users from gaining access Protection strategies used by cybersecurity professionals include: Firewalls Firewalls are security software that protects your system from cyberattacks. They act like a shield between your organization’s systems and data and the outside world (the public internet), letting legitimate traffic through and blocking suspicious sources. Anti-malware and virus software Anti-malware and anti-virus software are used to identify, quarantine, and delete suspicious code or software on devices. While running this software on systems is helpful, it only works for “known” malware and viruses. A security expert or IT team member must regularly update the software to catch emerging threats. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor computer systems for suspicious activity or access attempts. Once an intrusion is identified, a cybersecurity expert with incident responder experience can investigate and remove the threat before it causes too much damage. Penetration testing Penetration testing involves proactively attempting to hack computer systems to check the security of an organization's digital systems. Penetration testers look for weaknesses to remedy them ahead of a real cyber attack. Key differences between information security and cybersecurity Both cybersecurity and information security are part of the information technology (IT) ecosystem. Use this chart to compare the two career paths: Information security Cybersecurity Main objective Protect data (physical and digital) Protect systems and networks (digital) Scope Physical and digital information Limited to digital data and systems Example security threats Identity theft Data integrity threats Threats to continuity of service Intrusion threats Social engineering Social engineering Phishing Pretexting Malware and viruses DOS attacks Strategies used to mitigate threats Access control User authentication Data encryption Security policies Password cycling Firewalls Anti-malware and virus software Intrusion detection systems (IDS) Penetration testing Tools, languages, and software used Cryptography tools Password managers Operating system networks Intrusion detection systems Python (coding language) Shell commands Wireshark Syslog Firewall software Anti-virus software Educational requirements < Computer systems or IT education Information technology training Cybersecurity training Computer systems or IT education Cybersecurity training Salary expectations $83,000 - $119,000/yr $59,000 - $101,000/yr Learn more about the key differences between IT security and cybersecurity. Importance of integrating information security and cybersecurity For comprehensive security coverage, organizations require information security professionals and cybersecurity team members. Due to some crossover in the responsibilities, integrating these teams so they work together will significantly benefit the organization with the following: Improved threat detection Better response capabilities (and team members to execute them) Better overall security position As a cybersecurity or information security professional, working in an integrated team has great professional and career development opportunities, including: More opportunities for mentorship to learn new skills Less “reinventing the wheel” by adopting similar policies as your counterparts More collaboration opportunities to expand your soft skills (teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving) On smaller teams, these roles may be combined into one position, so knowing the basics of each can make you a more attractive candidate for these roles. Stay up to date on significant information and cybersecurity industry developments. Sign-up for our newsletter Information security vs cybersecurity: Career outlooks The need for skilled information security and cybersecurity professionals will grow as our digital transformations continue. Here’s what you need to know about these two in-demand careers: Cybersecurity career paths Cybersecurity is a smart career choice, as jobs are expected to increase in the coming years. It’s estimated there are millions of vacant cybersecurity jobs available globally. This rising demand is spurring competitive salaries and benefit plans. Currently, you can expect to earn $59,000 - $101,000/yr in a cybersecurity position. Cybersecurity career paths include both entry-level, mid-career, and senior positions: Entry-level roles: You may begin your career as an IT Support Specialist or Junior Cybersecurity Analyst with a certification course or Cybersecurity Bootcamp course. Mid-career roles: Through hands-on experience, upskilling or reskilling, and/or a college diploma or certificate, you may earn mid-level promotions to roles like Cybersecurity Specialist, Vulnerability/Penetration Tester, and Cybersecurity Supervisor. Senior roles: After earning your bachelor's or graduate degree and more industry experience, you may qualify for senior positions like Cybersecurity Engineer, Digital Forensic Analyst, Information System Security Manager, or Cybersecurity Manager. Common industries hiring cybersecurity professionals include: National defence or the military Telecommunications Banking and finance Utilities and infrastructure Digital security Healthcare Government organizations In addition to IT knowledge and strong soft skills, understanding science, math, business, social sciences, computing, and engineering is helpful. Information security career paths Between 2022 and 2031, Canada will have 143,700 information security roles available, with 157,000 job seekers available to fill them. Those who earn meaningful employment in this field can expect to earn $83,000 - $119,000/yr. Here's a sample of the diverse job titles that await you in the information security field: Entry level: Information Security Analyst IT Security Consultant Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst Network Security Administrator Mid-career: Security Analyst Incident Response Analyst Security Consultant Vulnerability Analyst Information Security Project Manager Senior-level: Senior Information Security Analyst Senior IT Security Consultant Senior Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst Senior Network Security Administrator Skills needed for an information security career You’ll need a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or security. Potential employers also value your niche education from a Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Bootcamp curriculums are hyper-focused on the course subject, giving you an in-depth education and experience in that area. The Cybersecurity Bootcamp from Lighthouse Labs is no exception. Download the Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum Secure your future with our Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Partial funding available for a limited time. Attend an Info Session The other skills employers will be looking for include: Strong soft skills: Innovativeness, stress management, analytical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving Industry knowledge: Information and computer systems, law, and public safety and security Interests: Procedures, routines, investigations How to transition into information security or cybersecurity If you have a passion for problem-solving and security, with an aptitude for technology, a career as an Information Security or Cybersecurity Specialist might be right for you. In either role, you’ll protect an organization's sensitive or proprietary information from theft, hacks, or compromise. The best way to transition into an IT or cybersecurity career is through upskilling or reskilling. Earn your diploma in cybersecurity when you complete the 12-week (full-time) or 30-week (part-time) Cybersecurity Bootcamp through Lighthouse Labs. This program prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career as a cybersecurity or information security professional. You’ll learn: Network security Incident response Digital forensics Threat defense operations Threat detection engineering Encryption Coding (as it relates to cybersecurity) Learn more about what to expect in this bootcamp. Students get more than lessons and lectures, with on-demand mentorship to hone their skills, proactive student support from our industry expert instructors, lifetime career support, and more. Do you have a passion for security and IT? Are you determined to work hard? Do you have an aptitude for problem-solving? Are you ready to contribute to a diverse team? If so, learn more about the Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp.