Information Security vs Cyber Security – what’s the Difference? Information security and cybersecurity are not separate concepts—they are the same discipline applied in different eras. Information security existed long before digital technology, focusing on protecting physical records and sensitive information. As data moved online, cyber security emerged as its digital counterpart, following the same fundamental principles.

From Physical Records to Digital Security

Information security has always focused on protecting data from unauthorised access, corruption, or loss. Before the digital age, this meant securing physical records—locking filing cabinets, restricting access to sensitive documents, and preventing fraud or theft.  As technology advanced and businesses moved from paper-based records to digital systems, information security had to adapt. The underlying principles remained the same, they just apply to digital information stored on computers, networks, and online platforms.

The CIA Triad: A Consistent Security Foundation

Both information security and cybersecurity follow the CIA Triad, ensuring:

Confidentiality: Only authorised individuals can access data.

  • Then: Locking sensitive documents in a safe.
  • Now: Encrypting digital files and enforcing access controls.

Integrity: Ensuring data remains accurate and unaltered.

  • Then: Using paper trails to prevent document tampering.
  • Now: Implementing checksums, digital signatures, and blockchain technology.

Availability: Keeping data accessible to authorised users.

  • Then: Storing duplicate records in secure locations.
  • Now: Using cloud backups, redundancy, and disaster recovery plans.

Cyber Security: Information Security in the Digital Age

While cybersecurity is a relatively new term, it remains part of information security. The only difference is the medium—cybersecurity protects digital data and systems from cyber threats such as:

  • Hacking – Unauthorised access to IT systems.
  • Malware – Viruses, ransomware, and spyware attacks.
  • Phishing – Fraudulent emails tricking users into revealing sensitive information.
  • Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks – Overloading systems to disrupt operations.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Businesses must take a holistic approach to security, protecting both physical and digital assets. Since cybersecurity is an extension of information security, companies should:

  • Apply traditional security principles to digital systems.
  • Invest in encryption, firewalls, and access controls for online data.
  • Train employees to recognise both physical and digital security threats.

By understanding that cybersecurity is simply information security in a digital world, businesses can develop stronger, future-proof security strategies.

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