Information Security vs Cyber Security: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

In a world where data is constantly being created, shared and stored, the need to protect that information has never been greater. Whether it’s your personal details, business records or customer data, keeping it safe is essential. But when people talk about protecting information, they often use terms like “information security” and “cyber security” as if they mean the same thing. While they’re closely related, they’re not identical, and understanding the difference can help you make better decisions about how to protect yourself and your business.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is Information Security?

Information security is the broader concept. It refers to the protection of all types of information, regardless of how it’s stored or shared. That includes digital files, printed documents, verbal conversations and even handwritten notes. The aim of information security is to ensure that information remains confidential, accurate and available when needed. These three principles, confidentiality, integrity and availability, form the foundation of what’s known as the CIA triad, a key model used in the field of security.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security, on the other hand, is a specific part of information security. It focuses solely on protecting digital systems, networks and data from threats that come through the internet or other digital channels. This includes things like hacking, malware, phishing attacks and data breaches. Cyber security is all about defending against online threats that could compromise your devices, your data or your digital identity.

To put it simply, information security is the umbrella, and cyber security is one of the spokes underneath it. You can have information security without cyber security, for example, by locking a filing cabinet or shredding sensitive documents, but you can’t have cyber security without dealing with digital information.

Examples You Can Relate To

Let’s look at some everyday examples to make this clearer.

Imagine you run a small business. You keep customer records on your computer, but you also have printed invoices stored in a drawer. Information security would involve protecting both the digital and physical records. That might mean using strong passwords and antivirus software for your computer, while also locking the drawer and limiting who has access to it. Cyber security, in this case, would focus only on the digital side, making sure your computer is secure, your network is protected, and your data is backed up and encrypted.

Even in your personal life, the distinction matters. If you throw away old bank statements without shredding them, you’re risking an information security breach. If you click on a suspicious email link and your computer gets infected, that’s a cyber security issue. Both situations involve the protection of sensitive information, but they come from different angles.

So why do people often confuse the two?

One reason is that most of our information today is digital. We use smartphones, laptops and cloud services for everything from banking to shopping to socialising. Because of this, the threats we hear about, like data breaches, ransomware and identity theft, are usually digital in nature. That leads many people to think of information security and cyber security as the same thing. In reality, cyber security is just one part of a much bigger picture.

Another reason is that organisations often use the terms interchangeably. Job titles, policies and training materials might refer to “information security” when they’re really talking about cyber security, or vice-versa. This can make it harder for people to understand what’s actually being discussed, especially if they’re not working in the field.

But understanding the difference isn’t just about getting the terminology right, it has real-world implications.

Why It Matters to You

For individuals, knowing the distinction helps you take a more complete approach to protecting your personal information. It’s not enough to install antivirus software and use strong passwords. You also need to think about how you handle physical documents, who you share information with, and how you store sensitive data offline.

For businesses, the difference is even more important. A comprehensive security strategy needs to cover both digital and physical risks. That means investing in cyber security tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems, but also implementing policies for physical access control, secure document disposal and staff training. It also helps with compliance, as many regulations, such as the GDPR and the Australia Privacy Act 1988 require organisations to protect all forms of personal data, not just the digital ones.

It’s also worth noting that the two areas often work together. Cyber security supports the goals of information security by protecting digital assets from online threats. But it doesn’t cover everything. For example, if someone gains access to a locked office and steals a printed customer list, that’s an information security breach, but not a cybersecurity one. On the other hand, if a hacker breaks into your network and steals the same list from your server, that’s both a cyber security and an information security issue.

In the end, both information security and cyber security are essential. They’re not competing ideas, they’re complementary. By understanding how they differ and how they overlap, you can take a more informed and effective approach to protecting what matters most.

Whether you’re a casual internet user or a small business owner, it pays to think beyond just digital threats. Information is valuable, and it comes in many forms. Protecting it requires more than just technology, it requires awareness, good habits and a clear understanding of the risks.

So next time you hear someone mention cyber security, remember: it’s just one piece of the puzzle. And if you’re serious about keeping your information safe, you’ll want to look at the whole picture.

If you’re looking for expert support to protect your digital and physical information, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you stay secure.