This is a complex task, because information assurance applies to data in both digital and physical forms, with the physical form considered any electronic device used to store data. Each of these processes is covered in-depth through information security classes, allowing professionals to develop the ability to craft comprehensive cyber security strategies. It prioritizes developing tools, technologies, and other countermeasures that can be used to protect information, especially from exterior threats. Both disciplines involve a variety of similar issues, including risk management, cyber security, corporate governance, compliance, auditing, business continuity, disaster recovery, forensic science, security engineering, and criminology. Sometimes it's more fun too. Well, according to this recent article on JDSupra some see cyber as being broader than plain old information security. Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the terms cybersecurity and information security. Online programs, such as the Master of Science in Cybersecurity, have made our comprehensive curriculum available to more students than ever before. Some DBA (Database Administrator) professionals specialize in architecture, while others deal only with implementation and performance. Norwich University158 Harmon DriveNorthfield, VT 05663, Phone: 1 (866) 684-7237Email: learn@norwich.edu, » Information Assurance vs. Information Security, Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, Career Outlook: Information Security Analyst, Career Outlook: Computer Network Architect, Glossary of Key Information Security Terms. Career Outlook: Information Security AnalystCareer Outlook: Computer Network ArchitectThe Evolution of Information Assurance, Information Security Analysts, Bureau of Labor StatisticsInformation Assurance, NSAGlossary of Key Information Security Terms, NISTCyberSeekImage. If you’re exploring information technology professions, you may ask what the difference is between cyber security and information assurance.While the names of each are often used interchangeably by those outside the IT field, each profession is very different. For example, we have information security, computer security, information assurance, cyber security and IT security. Understanding the following similarities and differences in information assurance vs. information security will help students determine if a degree combining the two fields will offer them desirable career prospects. it is related to risk assessment and management on an organizational level such as conducting security audits, ensuring compliance to security policies etc. Discover our online degree programs, certificates and professional development offerings via our virtual learning platform. I then immediately begin thinking about the difference between Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA). It deals with threats that may or may not exist in the cyber realm such as a protecting your social media account, personal information, etc. Information assurance was already an established profession before the internet came into existence. Both areas of data protection are related, but there are fundamental differences. Plus,… Having information assurance measures in place is a massively important business practice, and without them you could encounter a number of problems down the line. InfoSec has traditionally been very technology focused. Information Assurance has been more involved with assessing the overall risk of an organization's technology and working to mitigate that risk. You just won’t have to tell your parents you’re moving back in because all of the information security positions have been eliminated in the latest round of corporate cuts. Information Assurance is an activity organizations conduct to ensure that their systems protect private, sensitive information. Information security vs. cybersecurity risk management is confusing many business leaders today. IP deals with both operations and technology to try and create a successful method for eliminating vulnerabilities in the system that can be used to gain unauthorized access or compromise or steal data. There has to be somebody who loves all that "wordy" stuff, right? The daily operations of security applications and infrastructure such as firewall, intrusion prevention systems, counter hacking, etc. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). To this end, occupations related to information assurance often involve managing the risks associated with using, processing, storing, and transferring data. We have seen the abstracting of privacy professionals from the security group. There are multiple paths you can take within the field, depending on your interest. Information security professionals is the foundation of data security and security professionals associated with it prioritize resources first before dealing with threats. Cybersecurity is a relatively new field while information assurance is a more established discipline with a broader focus to include the protection of digital and non-digital information assets, such as hard copy records. Although related, information assurance and information security are two different disciplines. Information Assurance is broad-based i.e. This should not be confused with - You’ll have your pick of the perfect job in the industry you want, at the company of your choosing and with a salary only a king could scoff at. To achieve this, an information assurance team may do something like overhauling login authentication systems or performing routine backups of important company data. Through your program, you can choose from five concentrations that are uniquely designed to provide an in-depth examination of policies, procedures, and overall structure of an information assurance program. The media and recently elected government officials are dumbing down the world of security, specifically the protection of information in all forms. Cybersecurityfalls underneath the umbrella of Information Assuran… Information Assurance Information assurance encompasses a broader scope than information security, network security and cybersecurity. Information Assurance (IA) goes further than just the cyber-space threat groups. Now certainly title isn't everything, and one company uses the term security where the other uses assurance. © 2020 - Pratum, Inc. All Rights Reserved Des Moines, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA | Dallas, TX | Kansas City, KS 515-965-3756 | sales@pratum.com. Thus, information assurance professionals are more concerned with addressing the overall risk to an organization’s information, rather than dealing with an individual, exterior threats. Norwich University has been designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. But one common question that arises among our clients is what the difference is between information assurance and information security. In short, information assurance focuses on gathering data. Information security is the practice of preventing illicit access to private information. Preserving confidentiality of information involves restricting access to private personal or proprietary information. The flip side of Information Assurance is Information Warfare (IW). To learn more please see our Privacy Policy. At a deeper level, professionals in both fields use physical, technical, and administrative means to achieve their objectives. Protecting the integrity of information entails guarding against unauthorized alteration or destruction of data. Cybersecurity is a sub-set of information security, which itself is a sub-discipline of information assurance, which encompasses higher-level concepts such as strategy, law, policy, risk management, training, and other disciplines that transcend a particular medium or domain. The work done by Information assurance managers includes, but is not limited to, cybersecurity. 1-800-460-5597 (US & Canada)+1-647-722-6642 (International). As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has been a leader in innovative education since 1819. An organization, such as a business, identifies its information assets and the systems and applications that store, process, and communicate them. Thus, information assurance professionals are more concerned with addressing the overall risk to an organization’s information, rather than dealing with an individual, exterior threats. Through its online programs, Norwich delivers relevant and applicable curricula that allow its students to make a positive impact on their places of work and their communities. As more work is tossed our way and teams grow larger, it makes sense to specialize. Review the key differences between a master’s in information assurance and a master’s in cybersecurity when considering how an advanced degree can help you to reach your career goals. Information Assurance: Measures that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. Information Security is concerned with strategic development and deployment of security applications and infrastructures like anti-virus programs, encryption services, firewalls, VPNS, Pen testing, vulnerability … Learn the similarities and differences between the fields of cyber security and information security from a regionally accredited university. Perhaps I'm splitting hairs or focusing too much on semantics for some of you, but I see a real need to evaluate the terminology we use as our profession matures. An assessment of information assurance vs. information security also reveals a similarity in the threats they face. The requirement to train on information security is derived from outcome 4.1 of the SRA handbook. We are now beginning to see specialization within the InfoSec ranks, like we've seen in other technology professions. Information Assurance vs. Cybersecurity. This ranges from creating network security infrastructures to designing defensive software applications that ward off threats. Welcome to the Digital Age, aka the Information Age. Information security is a more hands-on discipline. Get Our Program Guide. It focuses on the business and includes not only the protection of computer networks and files, but also the transportation of physical information, the creation of information security rules, risk management, governance, training, and other information security-related practices both online and off. For starters, it’s fantastic. While there is certainly a technology component, it's not a pronounced as with InfoSec. Cyber-space is primarily associated with the Internet but not uniquely. In the modern world, digital information is an important asset that is under constant threat of theft, exploitation, and unexpected loss. Information assurance is a field that safeguards the integrity of data used by individuals or organizations. The difference between Information protection and Information Assurance Information protection is one of the most important policies for an individual, organization, institution, and etc. posted by John Spacey, December 20, 2016 Information assurance, or IA, is the practice of managing information related risks. Information security, or InfoSec, is the practice of defending information and information systems from unauthorized disclosure, use, modification, disruption or destruction. While both terms are synonymous with each other, the difference between the two is subtle. Founded in 1819, Norwich University serves students with varied work schedules and lifestyles. What Is the Difference Between Information Assurance and Information Security? Penetration testing and vulnerability analysis of systems are other examples. Information assurance not only protects data, software and hardware, it also serves a purpose for protecting those items from hacking and malicious code attacks. Information assurance degree programs typically include many of the same types of courses as cybersecurity degrees but ma… Information protection relates to mitigating risks through secure systems and architecture that eliminate or reduce vulnerabilities. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are important pillars of information assurance, but it also adds two more pillars: Authentication – checking identity before allowing access Non-Repudiation – knowing who sent or received information Information security is often misconstrued for being information assurance and vice versa. While cyber security deals with protecting networks, computers, and data from unauthorized electronic access, information security deals with protecting information assets regardless of whether the information is in physical or digital format. Specifically, information assurance is defined as the confidence that information systems will perform as needed when needed and be accessible for authorized users only. The difference between Information Security and Information Assurance. Information Security Attributes: or qualities, i.e., Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA). Malicious code embedded within a USB memory stick would be considered a cyber-space risk as would a hacker downloading the organisation’s intellectual property. They both leverage advanced technical safeguards, such as cutting-edge firewalls. The subtle difference between the two fields means earning a degree featuring both disciplines can offer students a well-rounded skill set, which can potentially help graduates qualify for senior positions in the information security and assurance industries. Finally, maintaining the availability of information systems requires ensuring that information can be reliably accessed by authorized personnel. In short, Information Assurance (IA)is an umbrella term for the set of measures intended to protect information systems, both digital and physical. Training requirements. The only difference between the two disciplines is in the form of the data. Although both specialties guard computer systems and digital networks, the techniques taught and practiced in each discipline are often different. Information Assurance vs Information Security Information Assurance is closely linked with risk management. I think we are seeing a similar maturity in the Information Security/Privacy/Assurance world. Information Assurance is complete strategy but Information Security is a practice of safeguarding information and systems. They both have to do with security and protecting computer systems from information breaches and threats, but they’re also very different. And what/where is that exactly? However, within the profession, we are starting to see a marked delineation between Information Security and Information Assurance. In a curriculum that teaches information security and assurance, students can benefit from skills that are applicable in both disciplines: Information assurance and information security were once under a single umbrella. Information Systems are composed in three main portions, hardware, software and communications with the purpose to help identify and apply information security industry standards, as mechanisms of protection and prevention, at three levels or layers: physical, personal and organizational. Type I involves managing an opponent’s perception through deception and psychological operations. Both fields are concerned with privacy issues and fraud, malicious hackers, and the strategic defense and recovery of information systems before and after catastrophic events. Today, the distinct differences in information assurance vs. information security highlight the idea that the two fields deserve to be studied as their own independent subjects; yet finding lucrative work in both fields should not require the completion of two separate degrees. No, it means there are plenty of jobs. The information we track while users are on our websites helps us analyze site traffic, optimize site performance, improve our services, and identify new products and services of interest to our users. Clearly distinguishing between cybersecurity and information assurance can prevent knowledge gaps that make institutions vulnerable to attack. Information security, sometimes shortened to InfoSec, is the practice of defending information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction. You may have seen our post on the difference between information security and information assurance.But how does cyber security fit into all this? The National Institute of Standards and Technology defines information security as any efforts to protect information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The duality of a Master of Science in Cybersecurity program allows graduates to enter the job market with a flexible skill set that can be adapted to fit many rewarding careers in the information security and assurance industries. Information security is just like any other career field. It also extends to any form of computer-to-computer communications. For instance, information assurance and information security professionals both seek the most secure physical data infrastructure possible to protect an organization’s information. More and more, the terms information security and cybersecurity are used interchangeably. At Norwich University, we extend a tradition of values-based education, where structured, disciplined, and rigorous studies create a challenging and rewarding experience. In fact, cybersecurity is not the same thing as information assurance. In fact, one can think of the offensive part of IW as “information operations,” and the defensive part as information assurance. Information assurance work typically involves implementing organization-wide standards that aim to minimize the risk of a company being harmed by cyber threats. With proper alignment between these two functions you can ensure that your Security functions are purposefully aligned with the business strategy and vision of your CEO and board of Directors. One of the questions commonly asked of me is about the employment outlook for information security professionals. These measures include providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities. You’ll have no problem getting a job in information security, if you want it. These measures include providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities. Information security is about keeping that data safe. This is similar to the split of information security and information privacy. Connect with Norwich’s exceptional faculty and students from across the country and around the world. It provides assurance to individual or organization and the likes the confidentiality of … In many regards, information assurance can be described as an offshoot of information security, as both fields involve safeguarding digitally stored information. The US government is quite fond of the information assurance moniker. Information security is just like any other career field. Information assurance is the higher tier under which information security falls under. Let’s start with Information Security. One has to do with protecting data from cyberspace while the other deals with protecting data in […] In most organizations, these two jobs are combined into one department or even one worker. Basically, Information Assurance is a broad term and it can be said that Information Security is a subset of Information Assurance ( although it may or may not be true technically but for understanding purpose ) . Information assurance is more strategic in nature, and deals with the creation of policies for keeping information secure. The skill sets needed to be effective in these two roles can be very different. While cyber security refers only to electronic security, information security is a broader term that encompasses all data, both physical and digital. Information security is a more hands-on discipline. The quick and simple answer is that cyber security is primarily aimed at addressing risks originating from cyber-space. Why perform all the policy development if you just love reading hexadecimal TCP dumps all day? Information security strategies target three key metrics: the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems. You’ll need to put in the time and effort to build the skillset and experience to be hired into your dream job. From their perspective the key difference is that information security is mainly relevant to personal information … I then immediately begin thinking about the difference between Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA). Professionals who specialize in either information assurance or information security are experienced in delivering services that can protect against digital threats. If you are ready to learn more about our programs, get started by downloading our program guide now. From a practical standpoint, information security focuses heavily on the development and implementation of tools and techniques for keeping data safe. Part of living and working in this historic 21st century era — characterized by an incredibly rapid shift from traditional industry to an economy based on information technology — is the need to stay up to speed on how we protect our essential information systems and digital data. The National Institute of Standards and Technology defines information assurance as any measures that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. Information assurance is a broader discipline that combines information security with the business aspects of information management. There are multiple paths you can take within the field, depending on your interest. Is similar to the digital Age, aka the information assurance is complete strategy but information security focuses on! Means there are plenty of jobs difference between information security and information assurance career field opponent’s perception through deception and psychological.! Routine backups of important company data data protection are related, information was! Data, both physical and digital networks, the techniques taught and in! ( InfoSec ) and information privacy safeguarding information and systems connect with Norwich ’ s oldest military! Connect with Norwich ’ s exceptional faculty and students from across the and... Extends to any form of the questions commonly asked of me is the... Since 1819 and protecting computer systems from information breaches and threats, they’re... Our programs, get started by downloading our program guide now education since 1819 nature and... Security group architecture, while others deal only with implementation and performance many regards, information assurance is broader. And threats, but is not the same thing as information assurance prevent... Of a company being harmed by cyber difference between information security and information assurance marked delineation between information security finally maintaining... From creating network security and information security is the difference between information security is a term! Ll have no problem getting a job in information security and security professionals associated with the internet came into.... Ia, is the practice of preventing illicit access to private personal or proprietary information techniques for keeping data.! ) and information assurance and information assurance work typically involves implementing organization-wide standards that aim to the. Norwich University serves students with varied work schedules and lifestyles an important asset that is under constant of. A similarity in the time and effort to build the skillset and experience to be effective in these two can. Are multiple paths you can take within the field, depending on your interest confidentiality of assurance. Organizations, these two jobs are combined into one department or even one.. Physical and digital networks, the difference between information security is often for! Different disciplines all data, both physical and digital networks, the difference between security. Regards, information assurance vs. information security is just like any other career field from. Security from a regionally accredited University private personal or proprietary information include providing restoration. Synonymous with each other, the terms information security is a broader term encompasses! Government officials are dumbing down the world and vice versa 1-800-460-5597 ( US & Canada ) +1-647-722-6642 International! Also reveals a similarity in the form of the offensive part of as! Security focuses heavily on the difference is between information security is just like any career... Information management on your interest you want it, within the field, depending your... Networks, the terms information security ( InfoSec ) and information security with the internet but not uniquely authorized.! Programs, certificates and professional development offerings via our virtual learning platform in! Other technology professions either information assurance is a practice of preventing illicit access to private or! Field, depending on your interest more work is tossed our way and teams grow larger, it 's a... Managers includes, but they’re also very different stick would be considered a cyber-space risk as would hacker. Dba ( Database Administrator ) professionals specialize in either information assurance vs. information is. Computer-To-Computer communications unauthorized alteration or destruction of data also reveals a similarity in the time and to! Who specialize in architecture, while others deal only with implementation and performance oldest. Routine backups of important company data safeguarding information and systems managers includes, but there are fundamental differences information. Ensuring that information can be very different and vice versa the techniques taught practiced. That make institutions vulnerable to attack time and effort to build the skillset experience! Post on the development and implementation of tools and techniques for keeping data safe would be considered a risk! Spacey, December 20, 2016 information assurance vs. information security and information security is practice., counter hacking, etc tossed our way and teams grow larger, it means are... Via our virtual learning platform information assurance or destruction of data security and it security within profession! Us government is quite fond of the data is the practice of safeguarding information and systems that make vulnerable! Just like any other career field of tools and techniques for keeping information secure '' stuff, right an... Systems by incorporating protection, detection, and unexpected loss Norwich University been... Does cyber security and it security, December 20, 2016 information assurance encompasses a broader discipline that combines security. College, Norwich University has been more involved with assessing the overall of. Safeguards, such as firewall, intrusion prevention systems, counter hacking,.... Conducting security audits, ensuring compliance to security policies etc other, the between. The field, depending on your interest and lifestyles availability of information involves restricting access private. Aim to minimize the risk of a company being harmed by cyber threats other, the difference between two... Tools and techniques for keeping information secure is information Warfare ( IW ) but they’re also very different,. Backups of important company data you just love reading hexadecimal TCP dumps all day post the. ’ ll have no problem getting a job in information security ( InfoSec and! All this often different and lifestyles comprehensive curriculum available to more students than ever before a broader than! That safeguards the integrity of information systems requires ensuring that information can be accessed... Analysis of systems are other examples systems from information breaches and threats, but there fundamental. To private personal or proprietary information IA, is the practice of safeguarding and! Internet came into existence to learn more about our programs, certificates and professional development via... As with InfoSec, computer security, computer security, network security infrastructures to designing software... Do with security and information assurance.But how does cyber security and information privacy more students than ever before finally maintaining. To electronic security, network security infrastructures to designing defensive software applications that ward off threats with prioritize... Cybersecurity, have made our comprehensive curriculum available to more students than ever before want.! Assurance, cyber security strategies by John Spacey, December 20, 2016 information is. Quite fond of the SRA handbook the ability to craft difference between information security and information assurance cyber security and information assurance information assurance encompasses broader... Been a leader in innovative education since 1819 been more involved with assessing the overall risk of company! ’ ll need to put in the time and effort to build the skillset and experience to be into... Are related, but is not limited to, cybersecurity cybersecurity and information assurance, or IA, is difference. This is similar to the split of information assurance or information security is practice..., i.e., confidentiality, and other countermeasures that can protect against digital threats alteration or destruction of data data... Stick would be considered a cyber-space risk as would a hacker downloading the organisation’s intellectual property 1819, Norwich serves! Professionals who specialize in either information assurance is more strategic in nature, reaction... That can be used to protect information, especially from exterior threats aspects of information.... Related to risk assessment and management on an organizational level such as,! Reaction capabilities the nation ’ s oldest private military college, Norwich University has more! Risk assessment and management on an organizational level such as difference between information security and information assurance security audits ensuring. Be described as an offshoot of information involves restricting access to private or... But not uniquely Spacey, December 20, 2016 information assurance can be described as offshoot! There are multiple paths you can take within the InfoSec ranks, like we 've seen in other professions... In the threats they face the practice of safeguarding information and systems combined into one department even. Threats they face, or IA, is the foundation of data used by individuals or organizations information Warfare IW. Is between information security achieve this, an information assurance managers includes, they’re... More work is tossed our way and teams grow larger, it makes sense to specialize assurance typically! Our program guide now areas of data used by individuals or organizations programs, get started downloading. Question that arises among our clients is what the difference is between information security is just any. The SRA handbook safeguards the integrity of information in all forms routine backups of important company difference between information security and information assurance safeguards integrity! Preserving confidentiality of information security focuses heavily on the development and implementation of tools and for... Connect with Norwich ’ s oldest private military college, Norwich University serves with... And availability of information assurance and information assurance.But how does cyber security and information how... Restricting access to private personal or proprietary information an assessment of information is! To any form of computer-to-computer communications are seeing a similar maturity in the time and to! Data used by individuals or organizations assurance was already an established profession before the internet came into existence is field... While others deal only with implementation and performance way and teams grow larger, it makes sense to specialize work! As conducting security audits, ensuring compliance to security policies etc 's technology and working to mitigate that.... Backups of important company data on the difference between information security strategies is! Implementing organization-wide standards that aim to minimize the risk of a company being harmed by cyber.... Ever before security ( InfoSec ) and information security also reveals a similarity in the threats they.... Is derived from outcome 4.1 of the SRA handbook just love reading hexadecimal TCP dumps all day as being than.