Cybersecurity and IT Security: What's the differences?

IT security and cybersecurity both play distinct roles in safeguarding against threats and hacking including other online threats and internet scams.

In this informative guide, we discuss their distinct roles, differences, and how they both work to protect against cyber crimes.

IT security and cybersecurity are mostly used or share common goals in protecting an organization's data, information, computer networks, and devices, although they focus on different issues and use different approaches to solving problems.

IT security, which is also regarded as Information Security, utilizes computer networks, hardware, and software to safeguard and transmit digital information. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, focuses on protecting computer systems, data, and digital devices from unauthorized access.

Both of them play well-specialized roles and responsibilities in organizations. As an IT expert or a cybersecurity professional, you will be responsible for safeguarding people's devices and computer networks against various cyber threats.

Cyber attacks can result in identity theft, data theft, authorized access to internal computer networks and databases, and even the introduction of malicious software. In this post, we explain what IT security and cybersecurity have in common and how they differ.

What is IT security?

IT security encompasses various measures of technology to protect data, computer networks, devices, and applications from cyber threats. IT security is an umbrella term for cybersecurity, which means it focuses on a more specific area of security.

Roles of IT security encompasses the following:

1. Physical security: In this role, physical securities are implored to protect unauthorized access from accessing very important components.
2. Technical security: This role protects and monitors information that is stored on a computer network, including data that is transmitted and shared.
3. Administrative security: This role is a form of IT security that monitors the policies and frameworks that control user behavior on the network. 

In addition, IT security is governed by the three fundamental principles known as CIA, which stands for:

1. Confidentiality: Making certain that private or confidential information is not revealed to outsiders or unauthorized users.
2. Integrity: Taking notes and ensuring that information is changed only in an authorized way.
3. Availability: Making sure that services are delivered on time and to intended users.

All those roles mean that if you are an IT expert or intend to work in an IT firm, you can know about cybersecurity without actually studying it or having to work in both of them.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a term under IT security that focuses on protecting data, information, and computer networks from theft and unauthorized access. However, it doesn't have anything related to the physical security of devices and locations. Instead, it focuses on data, where it is going, and where it is coming from to protect against cyber attacks or thefts.

Cybersecurity experts don't deal with the physical security of devices, they work to ensure that the data within those devices, including networks, servers, smartphones, tablets, modems, etc are protected.

Key differences between Cybersecurity and IT Security

What are the key differences of IT and Cybersecurity? In rare cases, you will need to have both cybersecurity and IT security in place as you cannot work with one in the absence of the other. For instance, if you are hiring cybersecurity experts, you are already solving the aspects of IT security. Although, in the present internet age, not all aspects of IT security are required.

This is because many organizations now store and share data in the cloud environment. The responsibilities of IT security have been shifted to the cloud environment by implementing a cybersecurity framework to handle everything.

In today's digital landscape, it is important to implement cybersecurity infrastructure to enable you to safeguard critical data, which involves monitoring your traffic coming and leaving your environment, setting up and moderating data protection policies, protecting devices on your network, from any form of attack, installing computer security software, and various other responsibilities.

The Different Roles in IT Security and Cybersecurity

To differentiate the countless security demands in today's internet age, many IT and cybersecurity roles carry out the day-to-day affairs and on-demand needs. These roles can be assumed to have different names in most cases, but we have compiled and put together a list of these roles by their most commonly referred titles. Here's a list of roles from lowest to highest ranking:

1. Information Security Analyst (ISA)/Cybersecurity Analyst

• This is generally an entry-level role in IT and cybersecurity and is also the most common.
• ISAs create, test, and implement network disaster recovery architectural plans.
• They evaluate and measure security architecture tools for effective controls.
• Senior ISAs usually train and examine staff on network and information security workflows and effective systems controls.

2. Systems Administrators

• They are in charge of supervising networks and computers in organizations or companies they work with to effectively protect against vulnerability and to ensure systems work correctly.
• Create and examine network and data rules to ensure that compliance standards are not broken by the users.
• They arrange and repair hardware anytime there are system failures.

3. Penetration Tester

• Penetration Testers are also known as 'ethical hackers'.
• They are exposed to breach computers and network security systems to protect and protect against potential security theft.
• They are hired to conduct security audits.
• Report problems and mitigate security breaches
• Sometimes they are contracted to the organization rather than direct staff.

4. Forensic Computer Analyst

• Retrieve information from a computer and storage devices
• Hired to assist law enforcement agencies with forensic reports and to recover assets
• Analyze security breaches and work with security agencies to mitigate against threats and vulnerabilities.
• They are similar to penetration testers since they can be hired to perform specific objectives in the organization

5. Reverse Engineer

• Breaks down malware code to identify any potential security breaches on a computer network
• Test malware to identify its effectiveness on existing security in a sandboxed area
• Tests programs and software and documents their findings
• Has a solid knowledge of code and systems engineering 

6. Security Architect

• Highly responsible for creating, designing, testing, and implementing cybersecurity systems 
• Solid knowledge of systems and staying updated with security standards, protocols, and solutions
• Anticipate potential security breaches and build project pipeline to mitigate those threats

7. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

• Highly regarded executive who manages security architecture, operation, policy, and budget. Also regarded as a C-suite-level executive
• Responsible for security and communication including development and management of application software
• Translate technical requests into business use cases and report the findings to other C-level executives including the CEO and Chief Financial Officer
• Head of the security management team

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyber and IT Security

Is IT security necessary? 

IT security is very important in organizations as it helps ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The physical part of IT security helps the environment to fight against external threats like inversions and terrorist attacks.

It prevents data breaches which can lead to billions being lost in an organization.

What are the most common threats to IT security?

We have many threats in IT security. The most common ones are malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, social supply chain, social engineering, and advanced persistent threats. Malware is the most common threat in cybersecurity and it can destroy and encrypt important files until something is done about it.

How many people should be on an IT security team?

The number of people would depend on various factors including the size of the organization and the infrastructure involved. For example, a small business may need the hands of a few people like 2 to 3, while a large business may need dozens.

How much does IT security cost?

The cost of IT security also depends on various factors like size, complexity, and the infrastructure of the organization. If the business is small then you may have to spend on a few IT infrastructures and it continues like that.

What are some IT solutions for small businesses?

We have a lot of IT solutions that organizations in various industries cannot do without. The most common ones are antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, data backup, and recovery architecture.