The terms information security, IT security and cyber security are often used as synonyms, but they cover different, albeit overlapping, areas. The correct classification is crucial, as each of these disciplines has its own focus and specific tasks. In the following, we clarify what constitutes each term and how they differ from each other in key aspects.
What is information security?
When we talk about information security, we are basically talking about the protection of information – in every conceivable form. This can be digital data, but also information in paper form or even secrets exchanged verbally.
The aim of information security:
This is about ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. These three terms are, so to speak, the “holy trio” of information security:
- Confidentiality: only authorized persons may have access to the information. An example? The password for your favorite streaming portal should only be known to you, otherwise half your circle of friends might soon be looking through your account.
- Integrity: The information must not be manipulated or unintentionally changed. After all, if you save an important file, you don’t want it to be accidentally changed by a bug.
- Availability: The information must be accessible when you need it. Think of a hospital database: medical information must be available around the clock.
Information security therefore deals with all possible risks that could jeopardize the protection of information, regardless of whether they are technical, organizational or human factors.
Example of information security:
Imagine a company has a safe full of sensitive documents. The door of the safe is secured, only certain employees have the code (confidentiality), the lock and the safe itself are well maintained so that no damage occurs (integrity), and the safe is always accessible when someone with authorization needs to access the documents (availability). Voilà, that’s an example of information security!
What is IT security?
IT security refers specifically to the protection of information technology – i.e. hardware and software, networks and data processing systems. Compared to information security, IT security is a little more focused and technical. It is about securing the devices and systems on which information is processed, not the information itself in all its forms.
The goal of IT security:
The aim is to secure systems so that they are resistant to threats such as malware, hacker attacks or technical errors. IT security is therefore the “digital wall” that prevents unauthorized persons from gaining access to data or systems.
Example of IT security:
Think of your home as an IT system. You have a fence (firewall), an alarm system (antivirus software) and a lock on the door (password protection). IT security ensures that no burglar (hacker) can simply come in and tamper with your things. If the burglar does try to break in, the alarm is triggered and the police (your IT security team) intervene.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the broadest term of the three and encompasses the protection of the entire digital space. It refers to everything that is connected to the internet in any way, be it via networks, platforms, devices or applications. Cybersecurity therefore not only affects companies, but also private individuals, governments and even critical infrastructures such as power grids or water supplies.
The goal of cyber security:
The goal of cybersecurity is to protect cyberspace – the entire network of digital connections and systems – from threats. These threats can be very diverse: from malware (such as ransomware or Trojans) to phishing attacks and national cyber attacks by state actors. Cyber security often goes beyond individual systems and requires coordination between different levels, for example through authorities or international cooperation.
Example of cyber security:
Imagine a city where all buildings, streets and parks are connected. Cybersecurity would be about protecting the entire city from criminals who want to gain unauthorized access and get up to mischief. So it’s about creating a comprehensive protection network that secures the city’s inhabitants, their homes and public spaces.
Comparisons: The differences in detail
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: what are the actual differences between information security, IT security and cyber security? Here is a detailed comparison of the individual terms.
Information security vs. IT security
Focus and scope:
- Information security refers to the protection of all information, regardless of the medium – i.e. both digital and physical.
- IT security, on the other hand, is explicitly concerned with the protection of digital systems, hardware and software.
Exemplary measures:
- Information security includes security guidelines for employees, such as keeping passwords secret or the secure disposal of confidential documents.
- IT security tends to include technical measures such as firewalls, encryption and regular software updates.
Summary: Information security is more comprehensive and includes IT security as a sub-area. While information security is concerned with the “what” (the information itself), IT security is concerned with the “how” (securing the technical systems).
Information security vs. cyber security
Focus and threat sources:
- Information security is a broad concept that protects information as a whole without addressing specific threat sources.
- Cyber security focuses on threats that originate from the network and is therefore geared towards digital, often internet-based systems.
Example scenarios:
- Information security focuses on maintaining confidentiality, integrity and availability – regardless of whether the attacker comes from inside (e.g. employees) or outside.
- Cybersecurity is mainly concerned with cyberattacks from outside, such as hackers or malware attempting to gain access to networked systems.
Summary: Cyber security is a special dimension of information security that focuses on threats from the digital space. However, information security remains an overarching concept that aims to protect all information, regardless of whether it is stored online or offline.
IT security vs. cyber security
Perspective on threats:
- IT security focuses on securing individual systems and networks, usually within a company.
- Cybersecurity, on the other hand, goes beyond IT security and focuses on attacks that come via the internet or networked systems. It also includes protective measures that affect networks or even national infrastructures.
Exemplary measures:
- IT security includes protective measures such as installing firewalls on company computers and setting up secure network connections.
- Cybersecurity includes measures to defend against complex threats such as ransomware or targeted state attacks, often on an international level.
Summary: Cybersecurity goes beyond IT security and deals with broader threats that can affect the entire network, even across national borders.
Summary: Where do they overlap and where do they diverge?
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Comparison
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Information Security
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IT Security
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Cyber Security
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Definition
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Protects all types of information (digital, physical, verbal)
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Protects IT systems, hardware and software from threats
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Protects digital networks and infrastructures from cyber attacks
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Protection Area
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Broadly defined, all information in the company
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Limited to technical components such as networks and computers
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Limited to digital systems, especially Internet and networks
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Typical measures
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Access controls, employee guidelines, secure data disposal
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Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption
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Measures against malware, DDoS defense, national and international coordination
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Main source of threat
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Both internal and external threats (employees, technical faults, hacker attacks)
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Internal and external threats, but technology-centered
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External threats through attacks from the Internet, often large-scale and coordinated attacks
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- Information security is the most comprehensive concept and protects information in general, regardless of whether it is digital, physical or in any other form. It is the generic term.
- IT security is effectively a sub-category of information security that focuses on the technical level. It is about protecting the technology itself, i.e. the hardware and software that stores and processes information.
- Cyber security goes far beyond a company’s IT systems and addresses the security of the entire digital network, in which the internet and other networked systems also play a role.
It could therefore be said that IT security and cyber security can be seen as special forms of information security, but with specific focal points and additional levels.
Why this distinction is important
Especially in an increasingly interconnected world, it is important to understand how these security concepts complement and overlap. Every company and every individual should take measures in all these areas in order to be optimally protected. While a small business may only need a basic IT security structure, large companies and public authorities need a comprehensive cyber security concept that also includes protection against targeted attacks and complex threat scenarios.
In short: think of information security as the roof. Underneath, IT security is a supporting pillar, and cyber security is the outside that protects the building as a whole. All three concepts together ensure that information and systems are well secured – and this is more crucial than ever!
