What’s The Difference Between Information Security Vs Cyber Security

When it comes to keeping your organisation safe, “cyber security” and “information security” are often used interchangeably. But while the two are closely related, they’re not the same, and understanding the difference is more than a matter of semantics.

Information security protects all forms of information (digital or physical) from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Cyber security is a subset of information security focused specifically on protecting digital systems, networks, and data.

It’s the difference between reacting to threats and building resilience.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, why both matter for your business, and how you can build a calm, structured approach that protects your data, systems and reputation long before a breach ever happens.

What Is Information Security? A Simple Definition for SMEs

Information security (infosec) refers to the protection of all information, whether it’s stored digitally, written on paper, spoken in meetings, or even remembered.

It’s guided by the CIA triad:

• Confidentiality – only authorised people have access
• Integrity – information is accurate and reliable
• Availability – information is accessible when needed

Information security involves not just technical tools, but policies, behaviours and culture. A secure environment might include:

• Encryption and access control for digital files
• Lockable cabinets for physical documents
• Policies for email etiquette and device usage
• Staff training on handling sensitive conversations

In short: information security is the umbrella. It protects all forms of information, no matter how it’s stored or shared.

Cyber Security Explained: How It Fits Into Information Security

Cyber security is a subset of information security focused exclusively on digital systems, networks and data.

It deals with the tools and strategies used to defend against:

• Malware and ransomware
• Phishing and social engineering attacks
• Unauthorised access to digital systems
• Vulnerabilities in software and hardware

Cyber security is what most people picture when they think of IT security: antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and response plans.

Where information security is strategic and wide-reaching, cyber security is more technical, responsive, and focused on the digital battlefield.

Information Security vs Cyber Security: A Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Information Security	Cyber Security
Scope	All forms of information	Digital systems and data
Threats	Human error, theft, process failure	Malware, hacking, phishing
Methods	Policies, training, physical controls	Firewalls, encryption, monitoring
Examples	Data classification policies, file retention rules	Endpoint protection, patch management
Compliance Focus	ISO 27001, GDPR	Cyber Essentials, NCSC guidance
Responsibility	Whole organisation	Typically led by IT team
Goal	Protect all information	Defend digital assets

Both are essential and they work best when integrated into one clear security framework.

Why It’s Not One or the Other

Cyber security is part of your information security strategy, but it’s not the whole story.

Let’s say you’ve got excellent anti-virus and a strong firewall. That’s great. But if a team member prints off a sensitive client file and leaves it in a taxi, that’s an information security failure (and potentially a GDPR breach).

Similarly, if you have brilliant password policies but no multi-factor authentication (MFA) or threat detection? That’s an open door for attackers.

The most secure organisations take a layered, joined-up approach, combining technical tools with clear processes and human understanding.

UK Compliance: Why Both Information and Cyber Security Matter

The UK’s upcoming Cyber Security & Resilience Bill signals an increasing regulatory expectation, especially for SMEs and public sector contractors. Certifications like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 are becoming critical for winning tenders, maintaining trust, and meeting insurance requirements.

• ISO 27001 provides a globally recognised framework for managing information security (including cyber).
• Cyber Essentials focuses on the core controls that reduce digital risk.

Both reinforce the idea that security isn’t just IT’s job, it’s a business-wide responsibility.

Executive Checklist: Do You Have the Right Foundations?

Here’s how to assess whether you’re covering both sides of the security coin:

• Do you know where all sensitive business information lives (not just digital files)?
• Do you have up-to-date cyber defences: antivirus, patching, MFA?
• Are policies in place for data classification, retention and access control?
• Is there a clear process for handling breaches, leaks, or phishing attempts?
• Do staff receive regular, practical security training?

If the answer is no (or you’re not sure), now’s the time to step back and get structured.

How CYAN Approaches Security

At CYAN, we embed security into everything we do. Not just because it’s best practice, but because it’s what our customers expect.

We’re ISO 27001 certified, with recent audits completed with zero non-conformities and praised for being “the cleanest transition [auditors] had seen.”

What does that mean for you?

It means we take your data as seriously as you do. And we’ve got the systems (and people) to prove it.

Final Thoughts

Information security protects all information. Cyber security protects digital systems.

You need both.

If you’re relying solely on firewalls and antivirus, you’re only solving half the problem.

If you’re still managing physical records without access controls, you’re exposed.

And if you’re growing, or subject to compliance, it’s no longer optional.

Written by Team CYAN

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