IT Security vs. Cyber Security

As you look more into IT security vs cyber security, you’ll quickly see that these fields are closely intertwined. They each have similar goals in the sense that both are focused on protecting computer systems and networks from threats and security breaches. 

For any IT professional, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between IT vs cyber security and their varied approaches to data security. 

In this article, we’ll explore the definitions and distinguishing features of cyber security vs IT so that you can understand and apply both practices. Read on to learn more about the nuanced differences between these modes of approaching network security. 

What is IT security?

IT (information technology) security encompasses both physical and digital data security applications and practices. It is especially relevant to maintaining security during both data storage and transmission. Many IT pros break down IT security into what is dubbed the “CIA triad” – confidentiality, integrity, and availability. 

Confidentiality

This ensures that unauthorized individuals do not have access to confidential, private information. Examples of confidentiality policies include password-protecting files and multi-factor authentication for logins. 

Integrity

Individuals have different levels of ability to change said confidential information in a specific manner. This ensures the data is trustworthy and has not been tampered with. Examples of integrity in IT security include data encryption and backing up your data. 

Availability

This means that systems work properly, allowing authorized users to access what they need. One way to ensure availability is to have a backup plan in case of a disruption to services (for example, in the case of a natural disaster). 

IT security covers a broad range of topics and, in some cases, encompasses cyber security. However, since IT security is such a vast collection of concepts, it is possible to be an IT security expert without specializing in cybersecurity specifically. IT security specialists might focus on physical security, administrative security, or technical security. 

What is cyber security?

Cyber security is a subcategory within the realm of IT security. Unlike IT security, cyber security is focused exclusively on data in the digital space. It also aims to keep data safe – but data under the purview of cyber security vs IT is in electronic form. This data might be on tablets, workstations, networks, servers, computers, or mobile devices. 

While IT security will involve endpoint security and physical security of devices and locations, cyber security looks at the storage and transfer of data to determine security measures. To put it simply, cyber security practices strive to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive electronic data and aim to prevent cyber attacks involving malware or ransomware. 

Risk assessment is also a big part of cyber security, and identifying and resolving potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited is a big part of the cyber security job. 

IT security vs. cyber security: a direct comparison

One of the biggest differences between cyber security vs IT is that IT security looks at both physical and digital data protection. Cyber security, on the other hand, focuses solely on protection in the digital space.  

Scope and focus areas

IT security is focused on protecting sensitive information from any type of threat. Cyber security offers a narrower scope, addressing concerns about the software, hardware, and online technology that a company uses. Cyber security is a subset of the IT security space, so overall, IT security offers a larger scope and more diverse focus areas. 

Internal vs. external threats

Any comprehensive IT security and cyber security strategy consists of two parts: defense against both internal and external threats. What is the difference between these threats? 

• Internal threats: These threats originate or primarily take place within the IT network and can typically be detected, investigated, and resolved in that environment. Ransomware and malware threats as well as exploited vulnerabilities fall into this category. 

• External threats: These threats originate outside the network and often come from malicious actors or cybercriminals. One example would be a phishing email scam. 

With both internal and external threats, there are a number of IT security housekeeping tips you’ll want to keep in mind to minimize the risk of IT threats to your organization. For example, focusing on patch management, endpoint protection, and constant risk (or vulnerability) monitoring and management within your organization will help you stay safe from threats.

So how does this discussion of internal and external threats relate to our discussion of cyber security vs. IT security? Well, typically each type of threat is handled differently. General IT security teams are normally responsible for internal threats, although they may also handle external threats. For example, an IT team should have a robust patch management strategy to reduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited. 

On the other hand, a specialized cyber security team will likely manage and protect against external threats that come from malicious actors. Cyber security teams might also hold training sessions for a company’s personnel to help reduce the risk of infiltration from common scams like phishing emails. 

Protection methods and strategies

As IT vs cyber security teams address these threats, they use different protection methods and strategies. Compare security protection methods and strategies in this handy table: 

Overlapping Areas Between IT Security and Cyber Security

While cyber security vs IT security have plenty of differences, they also overlap in more than a few areas that are worth discussing. 

Similarities in goals and practices

Cyber security and IT security have similar goals in the sense that they are both focused on data protection. While they might tackle different areas of this goal, their ultimate aim is similar: ensure that the organization’s data is protected and is not stolen or tampered with. In order to do this, cyber security and IT security professionals sometimes employ similar tactics. 

For instance, both IT security and cyber security teams might use an IT management tool that includes security integrations. Additionally, these teams should work together to ensure a holistic plan for data security, addressing both internal and external threats. 

Where the two areas intersect

Cyber security and IT security professionals will both be interested in establishing a robust vulnerability management plan for their organization. Oftentimes, breaches happen due to patch management lapses – so it is important to ensure endpoint security across the board. Implementing an effective endpoint management strategy marries the responsibilities of cyber security and IT security teams and can serve as a strong foundation for an overall security plan. 

General security and cyber security overlap in many different ways. Plenty of tasks cover both cybersecurity and IT security. For instance, setting policies for credential management, access management, segmentation of users, data and traffic across the network, and more all fall under both umbrellas. Even tasks that don’t seem obviously related to the digital space of cyber security often have a digital component or two. 

Why both IT and cyber security are essential for businesses

Strong security practices are essential for any business. Why? Well, a breach can compromise your company’s data internally – but it can also create issues of trust and lack of confidence with your customer base. Security breaches are much more common than you might think. In fact, 87% of surveyed companies experienced at least one security breach in the past year. 

In addition to threatening customer and/or client confidence, security breaches are also expensive. According to IBM’s latest reporting, the average of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million – in other words, not being prepared with a strong security strategy is incredibly expensive! Companies in industries that have a high risk of becoming cyber attack victims must be especially careful about implementing a strong cyber security strategy. 

If not, millions of dollars are at stake through damages, data theft, asset theft, reputational damage, and more qualms that can arise after a major security breach. 

How to build a strong IT and cyber security strategy

Now that you have developed a strong understanding of the differences in IT vs cyber security and have taken a closer look at the risks associated with IT security breaches, you know how crucial it is to build strong IT and cybersecurity strategies. Oftentimes, it all begins with finding the right IT software. You will want to invest in effective RMM software to give you full visibility into your network so that you can identify and resolve potential vulnerabilities before they have the chance to be exploited. 

Better yet, choose an option with plenty of security integrations – like Atera. In addition to our native security-focused functionality, our robust library of integrations contains fan favorites like Webroot, Emsisoft, ESET, Keeper, Ironscales, Bitdefender, and so much more. We understand the importance of IT security and cyber security alike, and we believe that all of our clients deserve full access to an all-in-one system designed to keep your network safe. 

Atera’s Security Integrations

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Bitdefender

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At Atera, that’s exactly what we offer. Want to learn more about our commitment to security and tips and tricks for security in today’s modern world? We have a ton of security-related blog posts that you can check out, as well as our live and on-demand webinars to explore these pressing topics. 
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