What Is IT Security? Definition, Types, and Key Concepts
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
What Is IT Security?
IT security is a set of cybersecurity strategies that prevents unauthorized access to organizational assets such as computers, networks, and data. It maintains the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information, blocking the access of sophisticated hackers.1
Information security, cybersecurity and IT security overlap, but their areas of emphasis differ. Information security concerns protecting information and information systems. Cybersecurity focuses on protection against cyber-based threats. IT security focuses on an organization's technology systems, networks and electronic data.
IT Security vs. Cybersecurity vs. Information Security
Information security focuses on protecting information in any form. Cybersecurity focuses on defending information and systems against digital or cyber-based threats. IT security focuses on protecting technology systems, networks and electronic data.
Types of IT Security
Network Security
Network security uses protective measures to prevent unauthorized or malicious access to computer networks and related devices. Measures may include firewalls, encryption, antivirus tools and multifactor authentication.
Endpoint Security
Endpoint security protects internet-connected end-user devices such as laptops, desktops, phones and tablets. Endpoint protection platforms may examine files and block malware before it reaches a device.
Application Security
Application security involves designing and maintaining software with safeguards that reduce vulnerability to attack.
Cloud Security
Cloud security protects data, applications and services stored or accessed through internet-based computing environments.
Data Security
Data security protects information from unauthorized access, alteration, destruction or loss. It may also address data redundancy, inconsistency and storage concerns.
Internet Security
Internet security includes measures that protect users and systems against ransomware, spyware and other online threats.
Common IT Security Threats
Common threats include malware, ransomware, phishing and social engineering. Malware may damage systems, steal information or disrupt operations. Ransomware may encrypt files or make systems unavailable while attackers demand payment. Phishing and social engineering attempt to manipulate users into revealing information or providing access.2
Core IT Security Controls
Access controls and authentication help limit systems and information to authorized users. Encryption protects data confidentiality, firewalls control network traffic, and monitoring or intrusion-detection tools may identify suspicious activity. Security policies establish procedures for managing systems and responding to incidents.
Why Is IT Security Important?
IT security can reduce the likelihood that malware or unauthorized users will compromise an organization's network. It also supports incident response and internal access management.
An incident response plan documents predetermined instructions or procedures for detecting, responding to and limiting the consequences of malicious activity against information systems.3
Potential Career Paths in IT Security
Information security analyst is one potential career path individuals may choose to pursue in this field. Helpful knowledge and skills may include networking, operating systems, risk assessment, security tools, problem-solving and communication.4
AIU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Master of Science in Information Technology programs may be a good fit to pursue this potential career path.*
* AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The list of potential career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
IT security is a series of processes designed to protect computer systems, networks and data from unauthorized access, misuse, disruption or theft.
IT security broadly protects technology systems, networks and electronic data. Cybersecurity focuses on digital or cyber-based threats.
Common types of IT security include: network, endpoint, application, cloud, data and internet security.
Common IT security threats may include malware, ransomware, phishing and social engineering.
Helpful skills may include networking, operating systems, risk assessment, security tools, problem-solving and communication.
Explore Cybersecurity at AIU
Interested in exploring cybersecurity-focused IT programs? Learn more about AIU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a Cybersecurity concentration and Master of Science in Information Technology with a Cybersecurity concentration, which offer coursework related to IT security and flexible learning options.
1 Cisco. “What Is IT Security?” https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-it-security.html Visited August 14, 2026.
2 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. “#StopRansomware Guide.” https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/ransomware-guide Visited August 14, 2026.
3 National Institute of Standards and Technology. “Incident Response Plan.” https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/incident_response_plan Visited August 14, 2026.
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited August 14, 2026)
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2254046 08/2026