Cybersecurity Services vs IT Services: What's the Difference?

Cybersecurity Services vs IT Services: What's the Difference? 

Many people believe cybersecurity and information technology services (IT) to be the same. While the two are often intertwined, they serve different purposes within companies. It is important to note what each entity does and how they differ. This article will help you understand the key differences and help you decide what your business needs.  

What are Cybersecurity Services? 

Cybersecurity service companies specialize in protecting digital systems (computers, laptops, etc.), networks, and data from various cyber threats. These threats include hacking, malware like ransomware, data breaches, and other cyber threats. Cybersecurity service companies focus on checking systems for any vulnerabilities and weak spots where hackers can gain access. They also work to resolve any threats or issues that break through firewalls or protections.  

Cybersecurity professionals may have other priorities depending on the industry they work in. For example, cybersecurity helps protect customers’ financial data in finance or business, and in healthcare, it protects Protected Health Information (PHI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Cybersecurity typically offers services for these protections such as: 

• Risk Assessments 

• Compliance Management (HIPAA, GDPR, NIST, etc.) 

• Endpoint Protection Management 

• Firewall Management 

• Cyber-attack Recovery Planning 

• Cyber-attack Recovery 

• Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) 

• Vulnerability Management 

• User Account Management 

• User Security and Awareness Training 

• Other specific cybersecurity services 

Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) 

Another service offered that cybersecurity companies sometimes offer is a managed security service for businesses. A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) offers specialized services focused primarily on cybersecurity management and monitoring. MSSPs provide continuous, outsourced monitoring and management of security systems and devices. Some of the most common and comprehensive services include perimeter defense (firewall, DNS, IPS), managed anti-virus, managed user security awareness and training, and managed cyber-attack recovery. These services are primarily focused on a proactive basis and can be under a subscription model.  

There can be cybersecurity companies that offer a specific or limited range of services without providing continuous monitoring or management. Services may include cybersecurity consulting, risk assessments, penetration testing, and other services already discussed, but they do not necessarily involve ongoing monitoring or management.  

To sum it up, MSSPs and dedicated cybersecurity service companies aim to safeguard businesses from cyber threats. However, MSSPs offer a more comprehensive approach to the protection of businesses.  

What are IT services? 

IT services manage devices and processes, including hardware, software, networks, and data storage. These devices include computers on a large network and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IT professionals focus on the functionalities of systems, maintaining infrastructure, troubleshooting issues, and overseeing general security. IT has a wide range of concentrations and provides many different services, such as: 

• Software development 

• Systems administrations 

• Information management 

• Project management 

• Technical analysis 

• Troubleshooting systems 

• Resolving technical issues 

• Testing computer programs 

This is only a small list of what an IT service company may do for your business, as it often depends on the company/industry they work in. IT professionals are usually responsible for any technical issues that do not involve hacking or viruses. IT services are primarily focused on the functionality and efficiency of technology in business operations. 

Managed Service Provider (MSP) 

Just like cybersecurity services, IT services offer managed services. MSPs offer a broad range of IT services, including network, application, infrastructure, and security management, along with support and technical assistance. Their offerings are comprehensive and aimed at maintaining and optimizing an organization’s overall IT operations and system health. Like MSSPs IT service companies can offer a managed service under a subscription model.  

Differences Between Cybersecurity and IT 

While they are often complimentary services, cybersecurity and IT services have many differences. You should know before deciding that investing in IT services is enough for your business.  

Scope and Strategic Importance 

The scope and strategic importance of cybersecurity services are centered around defending various digital assets and blocking potential threats. While IT services ensure that technological tools are working smoothly and efficiently, cybersecurity services protect these tools from unauthorized external use, hackers, external threats, and internal vulnerabilities (weaknesses). Combining both cybersecurity and IT services is a solid strategy for any business to implement due to the increase in cyber threats and severe consequences of breaches, including financial loss, reputation damage, and legal repercussions.  

Expertise and Skills Required 

Both Cybersecurity and IT services require different skills. The main difference is that cybersecurity professionals or companies need a broad understanding of IT services to better protect businesses. They also need a unique set of skills that are focused and specific to cybersecurity services. Whereas IT Service companies may only possess a general understanding of cybersecurity services. 

Different Approaches 

How cybersecurity and IT services approach their support of businesses’ overall Information Technology strategies differ as well. IT services often operate on a reactive model, addressing issues as they arise (ex. Fixing a computer or laptop failure, setting up computers or laptops, etc.). Cybersecurity services demand a proactive and preventative stance, anticipating cyber threats and preventing them before they cause harm.  

Access to Enterprise-Level Solutions 

Cybersecurity Service Providers (MSPs) can also provide access to security solutions that would otherwise not be available to businesses. Top cybersecurity solution providers like Cisco, Palo Alto, Guardz, CrowdStrike, and others often partner with MSPs to provide enterprise-level solutions to smaller companies, which can often add value to businesses through our next point. 

Return on Investment 

Investing in Cybersecurity services can yield a significant return on investment by preventing potential financial losses due to data breaches. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report and the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) the average direct recovery costs, legal fees, penalties, and lost business due to data breaches or cyber-attacks can be in the millions of dollars.  

Additionally, if a business has a robust cybersecurity service offering to protect their business, it can significantly improve a company’s reputation with clients and vendors who prioritize data security. This can lead to customer trust and potentially more business opportunities. For example, having an MSSP protecting your business can prevent a ransomware attack that could otherwise bring business operations to a halt.

Job Opportunities  

There are many different roles both cybersecurity and IT professionals can apply for. While the recent job market is unpredictable, there are still many titles to look out for. Cybersecurity professionals should look out for the following job titles: 

• Cybersecurity Analyst  

• Security Engineer  

• Cybersecurity Consultant  

• Incident Responder 

• Security Architect  

As with cybersecurity, there are many different job titles to search for when candidates apply for jobs such as: 

• Computer Technician  

• QA Tester 

• IT Technician  

• IT Manager 

• Customer Support Specialist  

• Network Technician 

• Computer Hardware Engineering 

These are just some of the many job titles that exist within the IT sphere. These job titles are broader than those in the cybersecurity field. They range from customer service to technical jobs. A candidate can find a job that suits their skills and area of interest.  

Which Service Does Your Business Need? 

Determining what service your business needs can be a difficult decision. Cybersecurity and IT services are not mutually exclusive and are complimentary services to each other. Combining both into any business’s IT strategy can provide robust and comprehensive coverage for all aspects of Information Technology.  

If a business does find itself in a situation where it can only choose one service out of the two, here are some considerations to make the best decision for the business: 

Choosing Between Cybersecurity Services and IT Services 

Core Business Needs: Determine whether the main priority is maintaining day-to-day IT operations or protecting sensitive information and systems from cyber threats. For companies that heavily rely on digital data and online transactions, cybersecurity may take precedence. 

Resource Allocation: If a business already has a company managing IT services or has an internal IT team. If budget permits, outsourcing cybersecurity services may be a viable option to gain access to specialized skills and advanced technologies. 

Compliance Requirements: Consider legal and regulatory requirements. For industries like healthcare, finance, and government services, which have stringent data protection standards, prioritizing cybersecurity services may be more important. 

Choosing Both Cybersecurity Services and IT Services 

Integrated Strategy:  Opting for both services is often the best route for companies that rely on IT and face cyber threats. This comprehensive approach ensures smooth IT operations while protecting against cyber threats. 

Cost-Effectiveness: While it may initially seem more expensive, using cybersecurity and IT services as part of a business’s overall IT strategy can be cost-effective overall by preventing costly cyber-attacks and downtime. 

Vendor Coordination: If using different providers for IT and cybersecurity, ensure they can coordinate effectively.  

Practical Considerations for Integration 

Vendor Selection: Choosing vendors that offer comprehensive and layered security approach or have proven partnerships with other service providers can streamline management and ensure alignment between IT operations and security strategies. 

Employee Training: A service provider that offers regular training on cybersecurity best practices (e.g., Phishing, User Account Management, etc.) should be part of the service offering. This will help any business cultivate a security-aware culture and can prevent cyber-attacks. 

It is important for businesses to carefully choose their cybersecurity or IT service providers by considering a few factors. Since every business has its own unique needs, there is no one solution that works for all. However, some service providers have shown excellence in providing best practice principles. Ideally, businesses should choose a service provider that offers a multi-layered approach to protecting their data, which provides a wider coverage and helps prevent cyber-attacks. 

Are you looking for protection from cyber threats? Let Castile Security help! Book a call today!