How does cyber security enhance IT security?

With cyber threats achieving increasing complexity, organisations can no longer rely solely on IT security to protect their digital infrastructure. While IT security provides essential protection against unauthorised access and data loss, cyber security goes a step further by specifically focusing on the dynamic, evolving threats posed by the internet and cyber criminals. But what exactly does cyber security add that IT security alone cannot provide?

A narrower focus with a purpose

While IT security is concerned with safeguarding all information systems—whether they are connected to the internet or not—cyber security zeroes in on protecting systems and data from external, online threats. This distinction is important. Cyber security is much more focused on defending against digital threats like hacking, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks that originate from the web.

Here’s how cyber security adds layers to the IT security framework:

1. Proactive Threat Identification and Monitoring 
   • Unlike traditional IT security, which is often more reactive (fixing vulnerabilities after they are discovered), cyber security uses threat intelligence to identify and monitor potential attacks before they can do harm. This includes studying hacker tactics, understanding patterns of behaviour, and using predictive tools to foresee possible breaches.
     
     
2. Real-Time Detection and Mitigation
   • Cyber security professionals are constantly on the lookout for suspicious activity. With tools like Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), they can detect breaches as they happen, often before damage occurs. In addition, Incident Response Plans ensure that, if an attack does occur, it is handled swiftly to minimise impact.
     
     
3. Defensive and Offensive Measures
   • While IT security might set up a strong perimeter with firewalls and encryption, cyber security takes this a step further by using Penetration Testing and Red Teaming to simulate real-life attacks. These offensive techniques help identify weaknesses in your defences before cyber criminals can exploit them.
     
     
4. Adaptation to Evolving Threats
   • Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, using sophisticated techniques to bypass traditional security measures. Cyber security provides the adaptability organisations need by focusing on evolving cyber threats. For instance, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) require specialised monitoring and response capabilities that standard IT security does not provide.
     
     
5. Focus on Compliance and Risk Management
   • Cyber security often works in tandem with regulatory frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001, ensuring that organisations comply with legal and industry-specific standards for protecting digital assets. It helps organisations mitigate the risks of cyber crime, and align their security practices with the latest regulatory requirements, making it an essential layer for industries dealing with sensitive data, like healthcare and finance.

Cyber security as a dynamic layer

Cyber security adds layers of protection that are specifically tailored to counter digital threats. For instance:

• Network Security: Protecting online data and communications from being intercepted or compromised.
• Cloud Security: Securing cloud-based services, ensuring that data is encrypted and safe from unauthorised access.
• Digital Forensics: Helping organisations understand the nature and scope of a cyber attack after the fact, enabling them to prevent future breaches.

In essence, cyber security complements IT security by safeguarding against the internet-based threats that IT security often overlooks. While IT security ensures the overall integrity and protection of your organisation's infrastructure, cyber security adds the specialised capability to detect, deter, and respond to attacks that target your digital presence.

Adapting to emerging threats

As technology advances, particularly with the rise of AI, both IT and cyber security must evolve to address new risks. With IT security providing the essential foundation, cyber security plays a vital role in defending against the more dynamic and sophisticated threats that come with AI adoption.

AI brings exciting potential for innovation but also opens the door to new vulnerabilities. Cyber criminals can leverage AI for more complex attacks, such as AI-driven malware or phishing. Cyber security teams are crucial in detecting these threats in real-time and developing adaptive strategies to stay ahead of attackers.

Additionally, AI raises new compliance and data security challenges. Cyber security ensures that AI systems remain secure and compliant with regulations, while IT security safeguards the infrastructure and data at the core of these technologies. Together, they offer a comprehensive defence against the evolving threat landscape.

Conclusion: why you need both

While IT security lays the foundation for an organisation’s defence strategy, cyber security provides the advanced tools, processes, and expertise necessary to defend against online, evolving threats. A robust security posture requires both—IT security for fundamental protection and cyber security for a proactive, adaptive response to modern cyber risks. Together, they form an impenetrable fortress for your organisation’s most valuable assets.

At CSA Cyber, our team has accumulated years of experience from across the public and private sectors, giving us first-hand knowledge from the frontline of cyber threats. We provide managed services, offensive strategies, and consultation to enable your organisation to operate securely amid the modern threat landscape. We are also a proud member of the FluidOne Group, who provide secure Connected Cloud Solutions through IT, cyber, and comms products and services.

To learn more about how we can protect your organisation, talk to our team today.