Both areas of data protection are related, but there are fundamental differences. Learn the similarities and differences between the fields of cyber security and information security from a regionally accredited university. 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 Assurance has been more involved with assessing the overall risk of an organization's technology and working to mitigate that risk. Information Assurance Information assurance encompasses a broader scope than information security, network security and cybersecurity. posted by John Spacey, December 20, 2016 Information assurance, or IA, is the practice of managing information related risks. Welcome to the Digital Age, aka the Information Age. 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. It also extends to any form of computer-to-computer communications. Information security is just like any other career field. Information assurance degree programs typically include many of the same types of courses as cybersecurity degrees but ma… Information Assurance vs. Cybersecurity. You’ll need to put in the time and effort to build the skillset and experience to be hired into your dream job. I then immediately begin thinking about the difference between Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA). 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. We are now beginning to see specialization within the InfoSec ranks, like we've seen in other technology professions. Finally, maintaining the availability of information systems requires ensuring that information can be reliably accessed by authorized personnel. What Is the Difference Between Information Assurance and Information Security? 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 security professionals is the foundation of data security and security professionals associated with it prioritize resources first before dealing with threats. In fact, cybersecurity is not the same thing as information assurance. Information assurance is a broader discipline that combines information security with the business aspects of information management. They both leverage advanced technical safeguards, such as cutting-edge firewalls. An assessment of information assurance vs. information security also reveals a similarity in the threats they face. In many regards, information assurance can be described as an offshoot of information security, as both fields involve safeguarding digitally stored information. However, within the profession, we are starting to see a marked delineation between Information Security and Information Assurance. Training requirements. For starters, it’s fantastic. Now certainly title isn't everything, and one company uses the term security where the other uses assurance. Although related, information assurance and information security are two different disciplines. Preserving confidentiality of information involves restricting access to private personal or proprietary information. Information assurance is the higher tier under which information security falls under. In short, information assurance focuses on gathering data. 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. Although both specialties guard computer systems and digital networks, the techniques taught and practiced in each discipline are often different. It provides assurance to individual or organization and the likes the confidentiality of … Information Assurance (IA) goes further than just the cyber-space threat groups. Penetration testing and vulnerability analysis of systems are other examples. As more work is tossed our way and teams grow larger, it makes sense to specialize. 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. In short, Information Assurance (IA)is an umbrella term for the set of measures intended to protect information systems, both digital and physical. 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. Information security is often misconstrued for being information assurance and vice versa. For instance, information assurance and information security professionals both seek the most secure physical data infrastructure possible to protect an organization’s information. Information Assurance is closely linked with risk management. I then immediately begin thinking about the difference between Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA). To achieve this, an information assurance team may do something like overhauling login authentication systems or performing routine backups of important company data. Professionals who specialize in either information assurance or information security are experienced in delivering services that can protect against digital threats. Sometimes it's more fun too. 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. And what/where is that exactly? Let’s start with Information Security. 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. This is similar to the split of information security and information privacy. 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 daily operations of security applications and infrastructure such as firewall, intrusion prevention systems, counter hacking, etc. If you are ready to learn more about our programs, get started by downloading our program guide now. 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. The flip side of Information Assurance is Information Warfare (IW). Information assurance is more strategic in nature, and deals with the creation of policies for keeping information secure. The difference between Information protection and Information Assurance Information protection is one of the most important policies for an individual, organization, institution, and etc. 1-800-460-5597 (US & Canada)+1-647-722-6642 (International). For example, we have information security, computer security, information assurance, cyber security and IT security. Plus,… 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. Information security, sometimes shortened to InfoSec, is the practice of defending information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction. 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. Specifically, information assurance is defined as the confidence that information systems will perform as needed when needed and be accessible for authorized users only. Karan Phougat. One of the questions commonly asked of me is about the employment outlook for information security professionals. 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. Information assurance is a field that safeguards the integrity of data used by individuals or organizations. Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the terms cybersecurity and information security. 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. 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. 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. 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 security is a more hands-on discipline. InfoSec has traditionally been very technology focused. Information assurance work typically involves implementing organization-wide standards that aim to minimize the risk of a company being harmed by cyber threats. Cybersecurityfalls underneath the umbrella of Information Assuran… 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. But one common question that arises among our clients is what the difference is between information assurance and information security. We have seen the abstracting of privacy professionals from the security group. 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