{"id":2856,"date":"2022-03-22T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sectigostore.com\/blog\/?p=2856"},"modified":"2022-03-03T18:11:04","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T18:11:04","slug":"cyber-security-and-digital-forensics-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sectigostore.com\/blog\/cyber-security-and-digital-forensics-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyber Security and Digital Forensics: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Confused between these two terms? What about cyber forensics as well? No worries! In this article we\u2019ll explore the differences and similarities between cyber forensics, digital forensics and cyber security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some terms in the tech industry are so similar that even people working in the field for years get confused. Cyber security and digital forensics are also two of these terms that people often use interchangeably. But it is important to understand the difference between these two terms, especially if you\u2019re a student or preparing for a job interview in this field. So, let\u2019s explore the digital forensics vs. cyber security topic in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital Forensics vs Cyber Security vs Cyber Forensics: A Look at These Three Terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Digital
A stock image of a man at a computer who represents a cyber security expert analyzing various types of security-related data.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This industry can be confusing because there are a lot of similar yet slightly different terms that get thrown around and used interchangeably. For example, cyber forensics and cyber security are two related but separate functions. Then, sometimes, you\u2019ll see a third term \u2014 computer forensics \u2014 which may leave you wondering what the difference is between that term and the others. With this in mind, let’s break down digital forensics vs cyber security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital forensics, also known as cyber forensics<\/a><\/strong>, is a broad term that describes activities relating to investigating attacks and cyber incidents involving various digital assets. This includes everything from mobile phones and computers to servers, networks and so on. Basically, it\u2019s about gathering as much digital evidence as possible regardless of device or source type. Because it\u2019s about studying things that have occurred (and not preventing them from happening), this is why cyber forensics is considered a reactive<\/em> function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital forensics has three key functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Retrieving data from a system for investigative purposes,<\/li>
  2. Figuring out what\u2019s occurred and the extent of the damages involved, and<\/li>
  3. Finding the source of a cyberattack or incident (i.e., who\u2019s responsible for it, how did they carry out their attack, what tools did they use, etc.).<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This differs from computer forensics<\/strong>, which involves retrieving data from computers only.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cyber security<\/a><\/strong>, on the other hand, largely focuses on protecting systems, devices, and data against cyberattacks through the use of various security controls, tools and policies. It\u2019s about identifying possible threats then putting the necessary defenses in place to protect an organization and its assets against them accordingly. Therefore, cyber security is considered preventative<\/em> in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Put simply, cyber security is all about building strong defenses, whereas the goal in cyber forensics is to find the weaknesses in those defenses that allowed a cyberattack to occur. (In other words, cyber forensics is all about finding out what went wrong.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, this is just a general set of definitions. Now, let\u2019s explore all the facets of cyber forensics vs cyber security in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Goals for Cyber Forensics and Cyber Security Are Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The goals of digital security and cyber security professionals vary greatly. While both fight against hackers, scammers, and criminals, their approaches and tasks differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The goal of cyber security professionals is to make sure the security defenses are strong enough to keep hackers at bay. Some of their main objectives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n