In a day and age that relies so heavily on computers and hardware to keep the digital world rolling, it is vital to have a strong backbone within your computer systems and protect against virtual threats. This article will guide you through the ins and outs of Information Technology and Cybersecurity and explain how they differ. Hopefully, this article will also give you the information needed to make your business not only succeed but thrive.
What is Information Technology?
Information technology (IT) uses computers, storage, and other physical devices to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data. IT also encompasses the infrastructures that allow your systems to function correctly within your company. Information technology is typically used in a business rather than for personal use. As the IT industry continues to evolve, the capabilities of computers continue to increase while the cost and energy consumption decrease. Thus, proving the importance of information technology regarding your business.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity protects computer systems from the threat of unauthorized access or unlawful use while also ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. There are numerous risks to your business when you rely heavily on computer systems. Some of these risks involve hackers breaking into your system and altering or deleting data, client information being stolen from your databases, and also persons performing attacks on other computer systems using your computer. There are no guarantees that these acts will not happen to your computer systems; however, having a sound cybersecurity plan in place will help deter or minimize the effects of such attacks.
What are the Differences?
The most notable difference between Information Technology and Cybersecurity is that IT is associated with the hardware used in your computer system while cybersecurity is related to the software used. Information technology uses computer system hardware such as motherboards and hard drives. Cybersecurity uses software such as firewalls and anti-spyware to help prevent cyber-attacks. Both information technology and cybersecurity will utilize software in different aspects of your business operations. IT uses software for sales and payroll to keep their business running smoothly. This can overlap with cybersecurity roles if there is an attack within one of the software programs.
Information technology will help support cybersecurity, but it does little else to prevent cyber threats after that. The hardware used in your daily operations needs to be sound to run your cybersecurity software. However, all your critical data protection comes from the various software installed within your computer systems. An intrusion could be a breach of your data or a virus. Good cybersecurity should involve protecting your computer systems by developing key defenses to help keep threats at bay. It should also incorporate plans for your business to recover from cyber-attacks.
Which Should a Business Focus on Most?
From the descriptions given above, it is clear that a business cannot thrive without a strong information technology system and impenetrable cybersecurity protocols. However, there would be no need for cybersecurity without your IT systems. Since information technology is the physical computer system that store, record, and transmit all of your sensitive data, without them, there would be no data for cyber-criminals to attempt to steal. Therefore, a business should focus first and foremost on information technology and maintain a solid backbone for its computer systems.
With so much importance placed into the digital world, you should embed robust information technology and sound cybersecurity into the core of your business. The two work hand-in-hand to keep your daily operations afloat and thrive.
Why Choose Small Enterprise Technology?
Small Enterprise Technology was founded with the concept of providing its clients with a professional, first-class customer experience. They have a proven track record of helping these organizations scale, secure, and manage their IT more effectively. Their goal has always been to be your technology partner, not just another IT helpdesk. Contact a customer service representative for further assistance.