Let’s take a look at the difference between information security vs. IT security. We will use some factors to differentiate these both, such as structure and functions.
Information Security Vs. It Security
Information security is focused on the protection of the company’s information, whereas IT security is focused on the protection of IT infrastructure.
Information security is faced by almost every company, but IT security is only focused on the field of IT.
Structure
Information security usually has a department that focuses on information security. It includes the following:
- Chief Security Officer (CSO),
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO),
- Information Security Manager (ISM),
- The Information Security Analyst (ISA),
- Information Security Officer (ISO)
On the other hand, IT security usually has a department that focuses on network security. So it includes the following:
- Network Security Manager (NSM)
- Network Administrator.
Functions
Information security protects the company’s information against external threats. Such as hack or virus attacks.
The focus of information security is to make sure that the company’s information is not leaked to unauthorized persons or agencies. Also, to protect it from any unauthorized changes.
Information security also includes internal threats. Sop that is generated by employees themselves. Information security protects the company’s information against internal threats as well.
Such as employees leaking corporate secrets or employees browsing through unauthorized websites and applications.
Information security works closely with business units to ensure that they understand their responsibilities and duties. Especially, when it comes to protecting corporate data which are stored in their computers.
IT Security ensures that the network infrastructure is secured against external attacks. The focus of IT Security is to protect the network infrastructure from being attacked by hackers or intruders.
Therefore, it can bring significant damage or loss to the company. IT Security also ensures that the network infrastructure is running properly.
So it should be running without being disrupted by any viruses or hacking attacks. IT Security works closely with business units.
It will ensure that they understand their responsibilities. Also, the following duties when it comes to protecting sensitive data stored in their computers.
- Managing the computer’s operating system
- The responsibilities of each business unit.
- Managing the security features of computers.
- Managing the IT resources
- The responsibilities of the IT department
- Managing the network bandwidth
- Ensuring that each employee has access to only necessary resources.
- The responsibilities of each department towards managing network resources.
Comparison between Information Security and It Security
Both information security and IT security are important for the organization. They are different in every aspect of their work.
But they are both important to ensure the safety of the company’s information. They both have their ways to ensure the safety of the company’s information.
However, it is not easy to distinguish them because they are both related to each other.
Information security is more focused on protecting the company’s information against external attacks. While IT Security is more focused on protecting IT infrastructure from external attacks.
They are both complementary to each other. They secure the company’s information against different attacks that can be generated by external or internal sources.
To determine which one is more important, it depends on the type of business. If a business works with highly sensitive data, it will need more attention from information security personnel than IT security personnel.
