Protecting the integrity of information entails guarding against unauthorized alteration or destruction of data. Some DBA (Database Administrator) professionals specialize in architecture, while others deal only with implementation and performance. This ranges from creating network security infrastructures to designing defensive software applications that ward off threats. An assessment of information assurance vs. information security also reveals a similarity in the threats they face. In fact, cybersecurity is not the same thing as information assurance. Now certainly title isn't everything, and one company uses the term security where the other uses assurance. 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. Let’s start with Information Security. Discover our online degree programs, certificates and professional development offerings via our virtual learning platform. 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 has been more involved with assessing the overall risk of an organization's technology and working to mitigate that risk. 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. Online programs, such as the Master of Science in Cybersecurity, have made our comprehensive curriculum available to more students than ever before. Information security is a more hands-on discipline. Information Assurance is an activity organizations conduct to ensure that their systems protect private, sensitive information. The difference between Information protection and Information Assurance Information protection is one of the most important policies for an individual, organization, institution, and etc. Information assurance is more strategic in nature, and deals with the creation of policies for keeping information secure. 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. There are multiple paths you can take within the field, depending on your interest. 1-800-460-5597 (US & Canada)+1-647-722-6642 (International). Founded in 1819, Norwich University serves students with varied work schedules and lifestyles. 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. An organization, such as a business, identifies its information assets and the systems and applications that store, process, and communicate them. The work done by Information assurance managers includes, but is not limited to, cybersecurity. If you are ready to learn more about our programs, get started by downloading our program guide now. InfoSec has traditionally been very technology focused. Information assurance is a broader discipline that combines information security with the business aspects of information management. The only difference between the two disciplines is in the form of the data. 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 … And what/where is that exactly? Training requirements. Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the terms cybersecurity and information security. 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 security professionals is the foundation of data security and security professionals associated with it prioritize resources first before dealing with threats. 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. posted by John Spacey, December 20, 2016 Information assurance, or IA, is the practice of managing information related risks. In the modern world, digital information is an important asset that is under constant threat of theft, exploitation, and unexpected loss. It also extends to any form of computer-to-computer communications. Information security, or InfoSec, is the practice of defending information and information systems from unauthorized disclosure, use, modification, disruption or destruction. Information assurance is a field that safeguards the integrity of data used by individuals or organizations. It prioritizes developing tools, technologies, and other countermeasures that can be used to protect information, especially from exterior threats. Information security, sometimes shortened to InfoSec, is the practice of defending information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction. Why perform all the policy development if you just love reading hexadecimal TCP dumps all day? Connect with Norwich’s exceptional faculty and students from across the country and around the world. Cyber-space is primarily associated with the Internet but not uniquely. In fact, one can think of the offensive part of IW as “information operations,” and the defensive part as information assurance. 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. Although related, information assurance and information security are two different disciplines. For instance, information assurance and information security professionals both seek the most secure physical data infrastructure possible to protect an organization’s information. The media and recently elected government officials are dumbing down the world of security, specifically the protection of information in all forms. To this end, occupations related to information assurance often involve managing the risks associated with using, processing, storing, and transferring data. What Is the Difference Between Information Assurance and Information Security? 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. There has to be somebody who loves all that "wordy" stuff, right? Information security is just like any other career field. Information security is often misconstrued for being information assurance and vice versa. They both have to do with security and protecting computer systems from information breaches and threats, but they’re also very different. Information Assurance Information assurance encompasses a broader scope than information security, network security and cybersecurity. Professionals who specialize in either information assurance or information security are experienced in delivering services that can protect against digital threats. 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. Information assurance is the higher tier under which information security falls under. it is related to risk assessment and management on an organizational level such as conducting security audits, ensuring compliance to security policies etc. 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. 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. Information security is about keeping that data safe. However, within the profession, we are starting to see a marked delineation between Information Security and Information Assurance. Information protection relates to mitigating risks through secure systems and architecture that eliminate or reduce vulnerabilities. Sometimes it's more fun too. I then immediately begin thinking about the difference between Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA). I think we are seeing a similar maturity in the Information Security/Privacy/Assurance world. Information security is just like any other career field. Information assurance was already an established profession before the internet came into existence. You’ll have no problem getting a job in information security, if you want it. Although both specialties guard computer systems and digital networks, the techniques taught and practiced in each discipline are often different. As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has been a leader in innovative education since 1819. Information Assurance (IA) goes further than just the cyber-space threat groups. This is similar to the split of information security and information privacy. Penetration testing and vulnerability analysis of systems are other examples. While cyber security refers only to electronic security, information security is a broader term that encompasses all data, both physical and digital. These measures include providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities. 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. Information Assurance vs. Cybersecurity. These measures include providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities. Information Assurance is closely linked with risk management. Information security is the practice of preventing illicit access to private information. Well, according to this recent article on JDSupra some see cyber as being broader than plain old information security. Information Assurance: Measures that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. 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. The flip side of Information Assurance is Information Warfare (IW). 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. 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 ) . 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. 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. 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 US government is quite fond of the information assurance moniker. There are multiple paths you can take within the field, depending on your interest. © 2020 - Pratum, Inc. All Rights Reserved Des Moines, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA | Dallas, TX | Kansas City, KS 515-965-3756 | sales@pratum.com. Information Assurance vs Information Security Both areas of data protection are related, but there are fundamental differences. 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. Finally, maintaining the availability of information systems requires ensuring that information can be reliably accessed by authorized personnel. Information security is a more hands-on discipline. 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. Specifically, information assurance is defined as the confidence that information systems will perform as needed when needed and be accessible for authorized users only. Information security vs. cybersecurity risk management is confusing many business leaders today. Type I involves managing an opponent’s perception through deception and psychological operations. 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. Welcome to the Digital Age, aka the Information Age. While there is certainly a technology component, it's not a pronounced as with InfoSec. In short, information assurance focuses on gathering data. 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. One of the questions commonly asked of me is about the employment outlook for information security professionals. As more work is tossed our way and teams grow larger, it makes sense to specialize. We are now beginning to see specialization within the InfoSec ranks, like we've seen in other technology professions. Information Assurance is complete strategy but Information Security is a practice of safeguarding information and systems. It provides assurance to individual or organization and the likes the confidentiality of … While both terms are synonymous with each other, the difference between the two is subtle. The difference between Information Security and Information Assurance. But one common question that arises among our clients is what the difference is between information assurance and information security. The requirement to train on information security is derived from outcome 4.1 of the SRA handbook. From a practical standpoint, information security focuses heavily on the development and implementation of tools and techniques for keeping data safe. You may have seen our post on the difference between information security and information assurance.But how does cyber security fit into all this? To achieve this, an information assurance team may do something like overhauling login authentication systems or performing routine backups of important company data. More and more, the terms information security and cybersecurity are used interchangeably. 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. Get Our Program Guide. Information assurance degree programs typically include many of the same types of courses as cybersecurity degrees but ma… At Norwich University, we extend a tradition of values-based education, where structured, disciplined, and rigorous studies create a challenging and rewarding experience. You’ll need to put in the time and effort to build the skillset and experience to be hired into your dream job. 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. 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. The daily operations of security applications and infrastructure such as firewall, intrusion prevention systems, counter hacking, etc. Information assurance work typically involves implementing organization-wide standards that aim to minimize the risk of a company being harmed by cyber threats. Learn the similarities and differences between the fields of cyber security and information security from a regionally accredited university. To learn more please see our Privacy Policy. They both leverage advanced technical safeguards, such as cutting-edge firewalls. 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. 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. In most organizations, these two jobs are combined into one department or even one worker. Karan Phougat. 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. No, it means there are plenty of jobs. In many regards, information assurance can be described as an offshoot of information security, as both fields involve safeguarding digitally stored information. 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. 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. The quick and simple answer is that cyber security is primarily aimed at addressing risks originating from cyber-space. Not only have these names changed meaning over time, there isn’t necessarily a clear consensus on the meanings and the degree … Information Assurance is broad-based i.e. Cybersecurityfalls underneath the umbrella of Information Assuran… 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 We have seen the abstracting of privacy professionals from the security group. 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. At a deeper level, professionals in both fields use physical, technical, and administrative means to achieve their objectives. The skill sets needed to be effective in these two roles can be very different. For example, we have information security, computer security, information assurance, cyber security and IT security. Plus,… One has to do with protecting data from cyberspace while the other deals with protecting data in […] I then immediately begin thinking about the difference between Information Security (InfoSec) and Information Assurance (IA). Each of these processes is covered in-depth through information security classes, allowing professionals to develop the ability to craft comprehensive cyber security strategies. 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. For starters, it’s fantastic. Clearly distinguishing between cybersecurity and information assurance can prevent knowledge gaps that make institutions vulnerable to attack. Preserving confidentiality of information involves restricting access to private personal or proprietary information. 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. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Information security strategies target three key metrics: the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems. In short, Information Assurance (IA)is an umbrella term for the set of measures intended to protect information systems, both digital and physical. Information Security Attributes: or qualities, i.e., Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA). 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. 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