Have you ever thought about Information assurance vs information security? In today’s era, digital information is an important asset. But it’s under constant threats. Incidents of theft, exploitation, and unexpected loss may happen anytime.
So how does that concern information assurance and security? Well, this post will discuss that. As well as the similarities and differences between the two.
What Does Each Term Mean?
The meaning of Information Assurance
It is the protection of the integrity of data that is used by individuals or organizations. Also, information assurance tasks involve the management of risks. Associated with using, processing, storing, and transferring data.
Information assurance also applies to data in both digital and physical forms. Besides, it ensures data availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation.
The Meaning Of Information Security
It is the practice of preventing not permitted individuals from accessing private information. Besides, it focuses on developing tools to keep data safe.
Moreover, information security has 3 key principles. These are:
- Integrity
- Confidentiality, and
- Availability of information systems.
Information Assurance VS Information Security
What Are Their Common Functions?
The following are common for information assurance and information security:
- Both of them involve protecting digitally-stored information.
- Both also use physical and technical ways to achieve objectives.
- IT professionals from both also seek the most secure physical data infrastructure possible.
- They both leverage advanced technical safeguards.
- They also face the same threats.
What Are Their Differences?
Aside from their common things, there are also differences between the two.
For example, information assurance has broader coverage. That’s because it combines information security. With the business aspects of information management.
Its work also involves implementing organization-wide standards. And these standards aim to minimize the harm risks from cyber threats.
Given that, an information assurance team may do overhauling login authentication systems. As well as performing routine backups of important company data.
Therefore, information assurance is more concerned with addressing the risk to an organization’s information. Rather than dealing with an individual, exterior threats. So, that’s the difference.
Information security, on the other hand, is a more hands-on discipline. One of its priorities is to develop tools and technologies. And other countermeasures as well. To protect information from exterior threats.
Skills Than Can Benefit Professionals In Both Fields
The following are the skills that can IT professionals. Both for information assurance and information security.
Investigative Skills
IT professionals can find vulnerabilities before criminal exploits them. Thus, professionals can plan actions to manage any associated risks.
Risk Management Skills
This means they know when and how risks may become problematic. This also enables them to determine the best way to limit the impact of a risk.
Technology Skills
Computer systems can be complex. But they can simplify the process. And that is by building a significant level of comfort using related technologies.
As digital technology evolves, so as the need to upgrade their technological skill. And adapt to new tools and techniques.
Leadership
When facing risks, the professionals in both fields may need to rely on their co-workers. To cut the risk. Thus, skillful leadership can unite team members. And achieve remarkable goals.
