Business Security Information

It seems like almost every book or article I read defines computer security a little differently.  Often the terms computer security, information security, network security, information system security and information assurance are used interchangeably even though each of these terms covers a slightly different portion of security.  I feel that computer security is the overall general term used to indicate the protection of a company or organizations data, network and computer systems.  The other terms  (information security, network security, information system security, etc.) fall under the main heading of computer security.

All of the above terms define the similar goals of protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of a company’s data or information.  This is done by protecting the data, network and computer system from attacks, internal failures and human error which might result in the improper modification, disclosure and destruction of the data, network or computer system.  When defining computer security, some people may leave out the protection of data because of the many forms it takes, but since data is stored in electronic form, I include it in the definition.  I also define computer security this way so that there is less confusion by businesses and organizations when they are addressing their security issues.  In organizing the information on this website, you will see that I cover three main categories:  physical security, computer security and fraud.  I use computer security as the generic or overall term to cover the many facets of security outside the area of physical security.  This is the simplest and easiest way for most people to understand this area of security.

Related posts:

1. Security Definitions
2. Data Protection and Your Perimeter
3. Do You Know What Sensitive Information is on Your Computers?