Information security focuses on protecting data in all formats, while cybersecurity centers on safeguarding digital systems and networks from attacks. Understanding the distinction between these fields can help you guide your career path in the tech industry.
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Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on May 12, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
While these two terms may sometimes be used interchangeably, the primary difference between information security vs. cybersecurity is the role of technology. Cybersecurity involves the safety of computer systems and everything contained within them. In contrast, information security refers to the safety of information in all its forms, whether it’s stored on a computer system or not.1
Information security is of great importance to government agencies and private corporations seeking to protect their proprietary information. Information security is also significant for individuals. It’s why people are advised to shred their paper tax returns and other sensitive documents before discarding them.
When considering the concept of information security, it can be helpful to think about how it affects your own life. The items you possess that contain sensitive information may include the following:
Some of these are actual physical documents (e.g., your birth certificate). Others may exist in both paper and digital formats (e.g., your tax returns and credit card statements). In order to effectively protect your sensitive information, you need to prevent unauthorized access to all the available formats it takes — both paper and digital.
The commonly accepted definition of information security acknowledges that it includes three main elements known by their acronym: CIA.1
Whereas information security refers to the safety of information contained within or on any medium, cybersecurity is concerned with the safety of technology, digital systems infrastructure and administration. If you think of cybersecurity as an umbrella category, you’ll find information security nestled within it as a subcategory.
Yet, cybersecurity encompasses more than just the safety of the information in the environment. Although it’s true that hackers often attempt to gain unauthorized access to a network for the sake of exploiting sensitive data for financial gain, some may disrupt a computer network for other reasons, such as to commit a political attack or act of terrorism. It’s the job of cybersecurity professionals to prevent all types of cyberattacks and investigate them when they do occur.
Now that you know the differences between information security vs. cybersecurity, it’s time to decide which type of degree program best aligns with your career goals. It can be difficult for students to know exactly which type of degree they should earn, as an information technology degree and a cybersecurity degree are quite similar. However, there are some differences to be aware of.
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree will teach you a broad set of skills relating to networks, business cohesion, application security and researching cybercrimes. It will also typically examine topics pertaining to computer programming and improving security within databases.
In contrast, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity takes a different focus. You’ll take a deep dive into specialized topics, such as risk assessment, incident analysis and digital forensic investigations. Since it may be helpful to have both an in-depth and broad skill set, which degree should you choose?
There is also the option to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity degree. This can give you exposure to both worlds — a broad focus on information technology in general combined with a close look at cybersecurity.
Grand Canyon University invites you to explore our broad selection of technology degrees. Choose from the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity, both of which are designed to prepare graduates to confidently pursue their technology-related ambitions. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about joining the learning community at GCU.
There are many career options in cybersecurity and information security. For either field, aspiring technology professionals should work on cultivating technological expertise. Some of the most important technical skills for information security professionals include:3
Cybersecurity professionals should also know about computer networking fundamentals. In addition, they need competencies such as:4
In addition, the following soft skills can be helpful for these career fields:3,4
If you enjoy working with computers, a career in either of these fields could be a good fit for you. Now that you know the main difference between cybersecurity and information security, you should take a closer look at career options in those fields. These include computer and information systems management, information security analysis, computer systems analysis and computer network architecture.
As a computer and information systems manager, you would help accomplish company goals by coordinating activities related to computer systems. You may also:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information systems managers made a median annual salary of $171,200 as of May 2024.5
Information security analysts protect computer systems by implementing security programs. As an information security analyst, you may also:
According to the BLS, information security analysts made a median annual salary of $124,910 as of May 2024.6
Computer systems analysts create solutions to problems within computer systems. As a computer systems analyst, you may also:
According to the BLS, computer systems analysts made a median annual wage of $124,910 as of May 2024.7
Computer network architects build local area networks, wide area networks, intranets and other types of data communication networks. They may also:
According to the BLS, computer network architects made a median annual salary of $130,390 as of May 2024.8
Information security and cybersecurity are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Yet, there are significant differences between information security vs. cybersecurity. Although there is some overlap, the two terms refer to different concepts.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a high-tech career in the technology industry, you’ll want to take a closer look at the differences in these subfields and the differences between various professions, such as an information security analyst vs. cybersecurity analyst. Examining these nuances can help you decide where your career interests lie.
