IT Security vs Cyber Security: the foundation vs the frontier

Securing IT infrastructure is crucial for modern business. But while IT security forms the foundation of protection, it alone is just one piece of the puzzle, with cyber security filling the critical gaps.

IT Security: the foundation

IT security is comprehensive, covering everything from hardware and software protection to managing access, ensuring data integrity, and disaster recovery. It acts as a brick-and-mortar defence—locking doors, securing networks, and safeguarding sensitive information. IT security focuses on protecting the infrastructure itself, ensuring only authorised access to vital resources and keeping systems operational against internal and external threats.

Typical IT security measures include:

• Endpoint Security: Safeguarding devices like computers and phones from malware.
• Data Security: Encrypting sensitive data to prevent unauthorised access.
• Disaster Recovery Plans: Ensuring rapid recovery from breaches, data loss, or outages.
• Access Control: Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for account protection.

These measures are essential for securing internal systems and sensitive data. However, they often lack the flexibility and focus needed to tackle modern cyber threats.

Why IT Security needs Cyber Security

IT security provides the foundation, but it doesn’t address the dynamic nature of cyber dangers. Threats like ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) evolve rapidly, requiring specialised, proactive defenses. That’s where cyber security comes in.

Cyber security focuses on protecting internet-connected systems from real-time threats such as hacking and malware, which can bypass traditional IT security. It brings an extra layer of defence, emphasising the detection and response to attacks as they happen. Key aspects of cyber security include:

• Threat Intelligence: Identifying emerging cyber threats before they can cause damage.
• Incident Response: Having a plan to mitigate the impact of an attack.
• Continuous Monitoring: Keeping a watchful eye on systems for signs of compromise.

Without cyber security, your organisation could remain vulnerable to threats that IT security is not designed to handle.

The future of security

As technology evolves, security strategies must adapt. AI, for example, offers huge benefits but also exposes organisations to new security risks. Both IT and cyber security are needed to manage these risks and ensure compliance. Cyber security helps organisations prepare for secure AI adoption, while IT security protects data and enforces security policies.

The necessity of both

In conclusion, IT security provides the essentials for protecting infrastructure, while cyber security actively defends against the evolving cyber threat landscape. A robust defence requires both, ensuring systems are not only secure but resilient against future cyber challenges.

At FluidOne, we provide comprehensive IT and cyber security solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in the AI era. For more information, you can reach us through https://www.fluidone.com/contact, call us at 01273 384100 or email us at brighton@fluidone.com.