Information security, cybersecurity and IT security: What’s the difference?
Information security, cybersecurity and IT security – three terms often used in the same context and with a lot in common. That makes it easy to wonder: what is the actual difference? Continue reading for a definition of each concept.
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Gry Josefine Løvgren is a content specialist at Wired Relations, where she writes about all things GRC, data protection, and cybersecurity for our blog and social media channels. She holds a journalism degree from Roskilde University and uses her professional expertise to communicate complex topics in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
Read more from the authorIT security
is primarily viewed as a technical function focused on the operation and maintenance of an organisation’s IT systems – both software and hardware. The main concern is keeping systems running, up to date, and free from downtime.
Cybersecurity
focuses on protecting systems that are connected to networks, such as the internet, from malicious attacks. This includes managing and preventing incidents like hacking or DDoS attacks by organised criminals, foreign states, terrorist groups, or activists. Cybersecurity is essential as it safeguards an organisation’s data, operations, finances, and reputation.
Information security
is about protecting an organisation’s information and systems from unauthorised access, whether intentional or accidental. The aim is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, whether stored digitally or on paper. It encompasses the processes used to protect sensitive data, including conducting risk assessments, and implementing policies and systems for safeguarding information.
Both cybersecurity and IT security are vital components of this effort – but only as components of a broader strategy that also includes legal frameworks, internal procedures, and staff behaviour. Information security is a fast-evolving field, with new threats and regulations constantly challenging organisations to enhance their data protection efforts.
Together, these three areas contribute to what is known as digital security.
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Confidentiality
The aim of the confidentiality principle is to keep personal data private and ensure it is only visible and accessible to those who own it or need it to perform their organisational responsibilities.
Integrity
The purpose of the integrity principle is to maintain data accuracy and reliability, ensuring that it is not improperly altered – whether intentionally or accidentally.
Availability
The goal of the availability principle is to ensure that technological infrastructure, applications, and data are available when required for an organisational task or to serve a customer.
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