Information Security vs. Cybersecurity: What’s the Difference?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Apr 27, 2026

Two security professionals reading a computer monitor.

In 2024, over 38 million phishing attacks were detected globally. 44% of breaches involved ransomware attacks, and the average cost of a data breach exceeded $4 million, according to IBM. It’s no surprise that companies around the world continue to heavily invest in IT security.

In today’s digital world, information security is more important than ever. Professionals with an education in cybersecurity are in high demand. But what’s the difference between information security and cybersecurity? And if you’re an IT professional, how do you launch a career in cybersecurity?

What Is Information Security?

Individuals, governments, and businesses all want to keep their information secure. The field of information security, also called InfoSec, protects information from unauthorized access. That can mean maintaining privacy, making data available to authorized users, and preventing data corruption.

Because information security covers all types of information, the field focuses on security policies and practices that apply to physical and digital records. Cybersecurity, in contrast, focuses on data stored in computer systems and networks accessible via the internet.

The information security field includes specializations such as information assurance, endpoint security, and physical security. Cybersecurity is considered a subfield of information security.

What Is Cybersecurity?

The field of cybersecurity addresses IT vulnerabilities and protects computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, criminal activities, and damage. In contrast to information security, cybersecurity emphasizes protecting technologies that grant access to information.

For example, cybersecurity specialists implement security technology and test defenses to stop cyber attacks. These efforts prevent cyber attacks that lead to data breaches, putting people’s personal information at risk and threatening organizations and government agencies.

In addition to focusing on protection, cybersecurity also investigates breaches to develop ways to prevent further attacks. This field includes specializations such as cloud security, critical infrastructure protection, and mobile security.

Comparing Cybersecurity and Information Security

Cybersecurity and information security both specialize in securing information. However, the two fields have different scopes, security methods, and career requirements.

Primary Focus

Information Security: Protects all forms of information, including digital data, physical records, and intellectual property; covers both online and offline assets
Cybersecurity: A subset of information security focused on protecting computer systems, networks, and internet-connected technologies from cyber attacks

Scope of Protection

Information Security: Includes physical archives, paper files, organizational processes, and confidentiality rules for intellectual property (IP)
Cybersecurity: Covers digital systems, devices, applications, and network infrastructure

Security Methods

Information Security: May involve physical security controls, access restrictions for records, and policies governing information handling
Cybersecurity: Uses technical defenses such as firewalls, intrusion detection, penetration testing, malware protection, and cybersecurity awareness training

Threat Focus

Information Security: Broader risks including theft, loss, or misuse of any type of information
Cybersecurity: Digital threats such as ransomware, malware, phishing, and system exploitation

Human Element

Information Security: Addresses organizational policies and physical safeguards
Cybersecurity: Emphasizes user behavior, social engineering risks, and training to reduce human-driven breaches

Career Preparation

Information Security: Often includes study in information systems, information assurance, risk management, and IP protection
Cybersecurity: Requires deeper specialization in network security, defensive technologies, incident response, and cybersecurity architecture

Career Pathways: Information Security vs. Cybersecurity

Both cybersecurity and information security offer a strong career outlook. Information security analysts, including cybersecurity specialists, earned a median annual salary of $124,910 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Managerial titles such as cybersecurity manager or information security manager earned a median salary of $171,200, according to BLS reporting.

Information security and cybersecurity careers also show strong demand. The BLS projects that analyst roles are expected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, while manager roles are expected to see 15% job growth during that same period. In particular, there is an ongoing shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel across public and private sectors, according to the Q2 2024 Lightcast Quarterly Cybersecurity Talent Report, which suggests there’s an employment gap of over 225,000 workers.

Education Requirements for Information Security and Cybersecurity Careers

Working in information security or cybersecurity typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree. The most common majors include information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, and information security.

Professionals who want to work in cybersecurity benefit from specialized coursework that covers systems security, information systems assurance, and network security. Technical training in penetration testing, white hat hacking, and security auditing benefits prospective cybersecurity specialists. Industry certifications such as the CompTIA Security+ credential can also help professionals break into these growing fields or advance their careers.

Additionally, a master’s in cybersecurity can help professionals who want to maximize their earning potential, advance more quickly, or work at the cutting edge of this rapidly evolving field.

Job Titles in Information Security vs. Cybersecurity

Many information security and cybersecurity careers include descriptors like analyst, engineer, or tester. However, the job titles in these two fields differ. Professionals considering careers in either field can look for the following keywords and phrases.

Common job titles in information security include:

Information security analyst
Information security engineer
Network administrator
Information security manager

Common job titles in cybersecurity include:

Cybersecurity analyst
Cybersecurity engineer
Penetration tester
Cryptographer
Cybersecurity manager

Experienced professionals in cybersecurity or information security can often move between the two fields because many of the skills are transferable.

Choosing a Path: Information Security vs. Cybersecurity

Choosing between these two paths comes down to how you want to work with data, technology, and risk. Both fields protect sensitive information, but they differ in focus, pace, and day‑to‑day responsibilities.

Information security may be the better fit if you want to take a broad, organizational approach to protecting data in all forms. This path centers on policies, governance, compliance, and managing risk across physical and digital environments. It appeals to people who like big‑picture thinking and designing systems that keep information safe company‑wide.

Cybersecurity may be a good fit if you prefer hands-on technical work and defending systems in real time. This field focuses on stopping attacks, testing defenses, analyzing threats, and securing networks. It’s a strong match for problem‑solvers who enjoy fast‑moving challenges and working directly with security tools and technologies.

Career goals can help clarify the choice. Information security often leads to roles in risk management or security governance, while cybersecurity opens doors to technical specialties like penetration testing, cloud security, or incident response. Both offer strong growth, so picking the right one comes down to personal preferences and long-term goals.

Build Advanced Skills With a Master’s in Cyber Security from The University of Tulsa

As the frequency and cost of data breaches and cyber attacks continue to grow, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. With a master’s degree, you can strengthen your technical skills or move into leadership roles. Most importantly, a master’s degree can position you to have a bigger impact on preventing crime and protecting corporate, government, and personal assets.

The online M.S. in Cyber Security program at The University of Tulsa offers two tracks: a technical track to gain advanced cybersecurity skills and a leadership track to take on decision-making responsibilities. You can also study fintech security, cybersecurity policy, and blockchain security at TU.

Contact TU to learn more about how to earn your cybersecurity master’s degree online in as little as 20 months.

Recommended Readings

C-Suite and Cybersecurity Professionals: How They Collaborate

Preparing for a Cybersecurity Career: Insights from Justin Miller, MA, MS

Visualizing the ROI of a Cybersecurity Degree

Sources:

IBM, “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025”

Indeed, “Information Security vs. Cybersecurity: What Are the Differences?”

Lightcast, “The Lightcast Quarterly Cybersecurity Talent Report”

Mimecast, “Key Ransomware Statistics for Organizations (Updated July 2025)”

Statista, Phishing — Statistics & Facts

UpGuard, “Cybersecurity vs. Information Security: What’s the Difference?”