It’s no secret that the frequency, and severity, of digital attacks are increasing (GAO). Professionals in both the cybersecurity and information security fields are responsible for helping keep companies — and their employees, devices, and data — safe from theft.
Despite the similarities of both disciplines, cybersecurity and information security are two uniquely distinct practices. Their scopes, objectives, and methodologies differ. Understanding the differences between both fields is particularly important for aspiring professionals who might be considering a career in information technology.
This blog breaks down the difference between both fields and provides direction toward determining which area better aligns with employer and employee needs.
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What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is all about keeping computers, networks, and online data safe from hackers, viruses, and other cyber threats. It involves using tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption to block attacks and protect sensitive information.
This profession also includes monitoring for suspicious activity, preventing unauthorized access, and responding quickly if a security breach happens. Whether it's personal data, business files, or government systems, cybersecurity helps ensure that digital information stays private, secure, and available when needed.
Covering multiple areas to protect digital systems and data from cyber threats, each area plays a crucial role in securing networks, applications, devices, and user access.
Let’s explore a few key areas of cybersecurity:
- Application Security: Ensures that software and applications are built and maintained with security in mind to prevent vulnerabilities like malware and data breaches.
- Cloud Security: Protects data and applications stored in cloud environments by implementing encryption, access controls, and secure cloud configurations.
- Endpoint Security: Secures individual devices, such as computers, mobile phones, and IoT devices, from cyber threats through antivirus software and endpoint detection tools.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Controls user access to systems and data using authentication methods like passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication.
- Network Security: Protects internal and external networks from cyber threats by using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure configurations.
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What Is Information Security?
Information security is about protecting all types of information — whether it's stored digitally, printed on paper, or shared verbally — from unauthorized access, loss, or damage. It ensures that sensitive data remains confidential, accurate, and available when needed. This involves using security policies, encryption, access controls, and risk management strategies to prevent breaches.
Unlike cybersecurity, which focuses on digital threats, information security takes a broader approach, covering both physical and digital data protection to keep important information safe.
Information security maintains three core principles, known as the CIA triad (Tech Target):
- Availability: Ensures that information and systems are accessible when needed by authorized users, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
- Confidentiality: Ensures that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized individuals and protected from unauthorized access.
- Integrity: Maintains the accuracy and reliability of information by preventing unauthorized changes, corruption, or tampering.
Information security uses data encryption to convert sensitive information into unreadable code, ensuring only authorized users can access it. Secure storage solutions, such as encrypted databases and secure cloud storage, protect data from theft, loss, or unauthorized access.
Access control measures, like role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication, restrict who can view or modify information, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Key Differences Between Cybersecurity and Information Security
While cybersecurity and information security are closely related, they have distinct focuses, with cybersecurity protecting digital systems from cyber threats and information security safeguarding all types of data, whether digital or physical.
1. Focus
Cybersecurity focuses specifically on safeguarding digital environments, including networks, servers, and connected devices, from cyber threats like hacking and malware.
In contrast, information security has a broader scope, protecting all types of information — whether stored digitally, printed on paper, or communicated verbally — from unauthorized access or misuse. While cybersecurity is a subset of information security, the latter ensures comprehensive data protection across both digital and physical formats.
2. Scope
Cybersecurity is a specialized area within information security that focuses exclusively on protecting digital assets from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks. It involves securing networks, applications, and devices to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
In contrast, information security has a much broader scope, encompassing all aspects of data protection, including physical security, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
While cybersecurity deals with threats in the digital realm, information security ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all information, whether stored digitally, on paper, or communicated verbally.
3. Techniques and Tools
Cybersecurity relies on technical tools like firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and security information and event management (SIEM) tools to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.
These technologies help safeguard digital environments by blocking unauthorized access, mitigating malware risks, and monitoring for suspicious activity.
On the other hand, information security focuses on broader protective measures, including access control policies, secure data storage practices, and adherence to regulatory compliance frameworks.
While cybersecurity uses specialized software and hardware to defend against digital attacks, information security establishes overarching policies and best practices to protect all forms of data.
4. Goals
Cybersecurity's primary goal is to prevent cyberattacks and secure IT infrastructure by protecting networks, systems, and digital assets from threats like hacking, malware, and data breaches. It focuses on minimizing vulnerabilities and responding to cyber incidents to ensure digital safety.
In contrast, information security takes a broader approach by ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all data, whether digital, physical, or verbal.
While cybersecurity is concerned with defending against cyber threats, information security establishes comprehensive strategies to protect data from unauthorized access, tampering, or loss across all formats.
5. Career Pathways
Cybersecurity careers focus on protecting digital systems and networks, with roles like Penetration Tester, Network Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, and Cloud Security Specialist specializing in threat detection, system defense, and cyberattack prevention. These professionals use advanced tools and techniques to safeguard IT infrastructure and respond to security incidents.
In contrast, information security careers take a broader approach, including roles like Information Security Analyst, Compliance Officer, Risk Manager, and IT Auditor, which focus on enforcing security policies, managing regulatory compliance, and assessing overall data protection strategies.
While cybersecurity professionals work primarily with technical defenses, information security experts ensure that security frameworks, policies, and risk management practices are effectively implemented across an organization.
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Why Are Both Fields Important?
Both cybersecurity and information security are essential because they work together to protect organizations from a wide range of threats.
For example, a ransomware attack not only targets digital systems (cybersecurity) but also puts sensitive company and customer data at risk (information security). A strong security strategy requires both — cybersecurity tools like firewalls and antivirus software to prevent attacks, and information security policies like access controls and data encryption to ensure information remains safe.
By integrating cybersecurity into a broader information security framework, businesses can better protect their data, systems, and reputation from cyber threats.
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How to Get Started in Cybersecurity and Information Security
Entering the fields of cybersecurity and information security requires a mix of technical skills, industry certifications, and practical experience to build a strong foundation in data and system protection.
1. Identify Your Career Interests
Start by determining whether you prefer the technical side of security, such as ethical hacking and network defense (cybersecurity), or the broader aspects of data protection, compliance, and risk management (information security).
Cybersecurity roles focus on detecting and preventing cyber threats, while information security careers emphasize policies, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
2. Pursue Relevant Certifications
Earning industry-recognized certifications is a key step in building a career in cybersecurity or information security. Certifications validate your skills, enhance your credibility, and improve job prospects.
Depending on your area of interest, different certifications can also help you specialize in technical cybersecurity roles or broader information security management.
Here are a few cybersecurity certifications to consider:
- CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification covering core security concepts, network security, and risk management, ideal for beginners.
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing techniques and ethical hacking skills to identify system vulnerabilities.
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): A hands-on certification that tests advanced penetration testing and ethical hacking abilities through real-world simulations.
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): A globally recognized certification for experienced professionals, covering cybersecurity leadership, risk management, and security operations.
You can also pursue information security certifications for career growth in that field:
- CompTIA CASP+: An advanced security certification focusing on enterprise security, risk management, and incident response for experienced professionals.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Designed for security management professionals, covering governance, risk management, and information security program development.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance of IT systems, ensuring compliance and risk management in information security.
- ISO 27001 Lead Implementer: Certifies expertise in implementing and managing an information security management system (ISMS) based on the ISO 27001 standard.
Certifications provide valuable knowledge and open doors to new career opportunities in cybersecurity and information security.
3. Enroll in Training Programs
Enrolling in a structured training program provides hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity and information security challenges, helping you develop practical skills.
QuickStart’s bootcamps and certification programs offer accelerated learning paths, covering key security concepts, tools, and industry best practices. These programs fast-track your career by combining expert-led instruction, hands-on labs, and career support to prepare you for in-demand security roles.
4. Build Experience
Starting with an internship or an entry-level IT role helps you gain hands-on experience and learn real-world security practices. Connecting with mentors and industry professionals can provide valuable guidance, career advice, and job opportunities.
Networking through events, online communities, and professional groups can also open doors to new opportunities in cybersecurity and information security.
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Benefits of QuickStart’s Training Programs
QuickStart’s training programs are designed to help aspiring cybersecurity and information security professionals build the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
By combining hands-on experience, expert instruction, and career support, QuickStart provides a comprehensive learning path for beginners and experienced professionals alike.
Here are a few key benefits to consider:
- Career Coaching and Job Search Assistance: Resume building, interview prep, and job search support help students transition into cybersecurity roles.
- Experienced Mentors – Learn from industry professionals who provide guidance, insights, and support throughout the training.
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose between self-paced courses for independent learning or instructor-led programs for a more structured approach.
- Hands-On Labs and Real-World Projects: Practical training ensures students gain real-world experience by working on simulations and security challenges.
- Industry-Aligned Certifications: QuickStart’s programs prepare students for top cybersecurity and information security certifications, increasing job readiness and credibility.
QuickStart’s training programs offer a well-rounded approach to cybersecurity and information security education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed for IT career success.
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Cybersecurity and Information Security FAQs.
Consult common questions, and answers, about cybersecurity and information below.
Can I work in cybersecurity without a degree?
Yes, you can work in cybersecurity without a degree by earning industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP and gaining hands-on experience through bootcamps or entry-level IT roles. Many employers prioritize practical skills, certifications, and real-world experience over formal education.
Which certification should I start with?
For beginners in cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is a great starting point, while those interested in ethical hacking can consider CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). If you're focusing on information security, CISSP is ideal for security management, while ISO 27001 Lead Implementer is best for those working with security compliance and risk management.
Are cybersecurity and information security jobs in demand?
Yes, cybersecurity and information security jobs are in high demand due to the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches. With a growing talent shortage, companies are actively seeking skilled professionals to fill roles in network security, risk management, and compliance.
What is the average salary in these fields?
Salaries in cybersecurity typically range from $89,000 to $148,000, depending on experience, certifications, and job role. In information security, professionals earn an average of $82,000 to $142,500, with higher salaries for roles in risk management and compliance.
What skills do I need to succeed in these fields?
To succeed in cybersecurity, you need skills in networking, programming, and ethical hacking to protect systems from cyber threats. In information security, expertise in risk management, compliance, and data governance is essential for protecting sensitive information and sustaining regulatory adherence.
How can QuickStart help me?
QuickStart provides expert-led training, hands-on labs, and certification prep to help you build the skills needed for cybersecurity and information security careers. With flexible learning options and career support, QuickStart equips you with the knowledge and experience to succeed in the industry.