IT security and cybersecurity are both important for businesses to implement. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually mean different things. Here are some basics about each, as well as why using both approaches will help keep your business data secure.

What makes IT security and cybersecurity so different?

In general, these two should overlap somewhat. You will need to focus on each one individually to get the most out of your security measures. Here are some key differences to keep in mind.

• IT security is more hardware-based. This includes things like routers, firewalls, and other physical devices that help keep your network secure. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is more software-based. It focuses on things like data encryption, antivirus software, safe internet practices, and password protection.
• IT security is more about preventing access to your network. Cybersecurity focuses on detecting and responding to threats. Both are important, but you need to have a solid foundation in IT security before you can move on to cybersecurity.
• The scope of IT security is broad while cybersecurity focuses on a smaller aspect of data safety and responding quickly. IT security encompasses all aspects of data protection while cybersecurity focuses on protecting against internet-based threats only.

IT security basics and benefits

Your security framework should focus on protecting your data because it is the lifeblood of your business. This is true whether you are a doctor that collects and stores extremely personal information or a small business that only uses payment information once.

IT security is broad and protects your data and information systems from unauthorized access, theft, misuse, and modification. Both electronic and paper files should be considered in your safety measures.

This type of security should include physical security to work properly, as well as cybersecurity, which is why many confuse the two. This means that you should have some (or all) of the following implemented at your organization, depending on your unique needs.

• An alarm system to deter break-ins
• Locks with keycards or other devices to allow only authorized personnel into the building and specific areas
• Solid and secure data infrastructure (servers, computers, etc…)
• Plans and guidelines that you can use to train all employees
• A data backup strategy

Cybersecurity basics and benefits

Cybersecurity should be considered a subset or feature of your overall IT security. It is meant to protect your business from threats specifically on the internet. Whether you store your information on the cloud or on servers located at your business, you need to have proper cybersecurity in place.

There are criminals online that will try to access your systems through hacking, viruses, and other malicious software. They may try to do this to steal information or money, or they may just want to cause chaos. In any case, you need to be prepared. To do this, you need to have the following.

• A firewall that will prevent outsiders from accessing your network
• An intrusion detection system to find and stop attacks quickly
• Encryption for all active data, information in transit, and anything in storage (archived)
• Proper user authentication measures
• A plan for how to respond to and recover from an attack

Good cybersecurity infrastructure should function in every aspect of your work online. This includes emails, research, basic browsing, social media use, and data transfers on custom systems. You should also have a plan for how you will update these systems as new threats appear.

The bottom line

Having both types of security in place will help ensure your data is safe! At Andrews & Associates, we are passionate about customer service and all things tech. Call us at (806) 242-1088 or Send us an Email to learn more about cybersecurity and protecting your business.