The Differences Between IT and Cybersecurity

If you are looking to enter into a tech career and you have done some research, you may find yourself encountering terms you are unfamiliar with. IT and cybersecurity are two of the most common terms you might see, and depending on what sources you have visited, you might have seen the two terms used interchangeably.

Although there is overlap between the two terms, it is important to understand the distinction between them. We are going to break down what the difference between IT and cybersecurity is, and how you can get your tech career started on the right foot with the help of TechnoEdge Learning.

IT

IT stands for “information technology.” This umbrella term covers a variety of fields and activities related to the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information. Because the IT sector is so varied, companies often have entire IT departments to handle all the different aspects of IT as it relates to their business.

There are many different areas of IT to get involved in on a professional level. Common responsibilities in the field include network administration, software development and installation, management and planning of technology life cycles, and one of the fastest-growing areas of IT, cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is exactly what its name implies. If you are looking to protect computer systems, networks and data from theft or damage then you need to be familiar with cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity plays a large role in today’s tech sector. 2020 saw an increase in cybercrimes, particularly those targeting small and medium-sized organizations. As cybercrime increases, so does the need for cybersecurity professionals. Just as with IT itself, there are many different areas of cybersecurity and different ways to find work in the field.

With cloud computing on the rise, many cybersecurity specialists opt to earn security certifications tailored to cloud computing services such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Although there is merit to this approach, a more effective method for building your skills and finding work in cybersecurity is to earn a vendor-neutral certification.

CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+ Certifications

CompTIA manages some of the most widely-recognized certifications in IT and cybersecurity. The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level cybersecurity certification and the CompTIA CySA+ certification is available for intermediate cybersecurity professionals.

Both of these certifications prove that you have practical cybersecurity skills that you can implement in a professional environment regardless of what systems, networks, and software your employer uses. Earning either one of these certifications requires you to pass their respective certification exam, which is administered by CompTIA. The computer-based tests determine your proficiency by asking you a combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. These certification exams can be intimidating, particularly for newcomers to the industry, but they don’t have to be.

CompTIA Security+ Training and CompTIA CySA+ Training

The best way to train for these exams is to get help from CompTIA approved sources. TechnoEdge Learning offers five-day, boot camp style exam prep courses for both the Security+ and CySA+ certification exams. TechnoEdge is an approved training partner of CompTIA, which means the courses are taught using the most up-to-date exam objectives and information. TechnoEdge instructors are CompTIA certified, and skilled at helping students learn course material in an effective and efficient manner.

If you are looking to start a career in cybersecurity or advance your current career, then now is the best time to do so. Register now for one of TechnoEdge’s upcoming cybersecurity courses and become a part of one of the fastest-growing areas of IT.