Information Assurance vs. Cybersecurity: Which One Is Right for You?
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
Access and identity management issues, data breaches, new threats from online hackers—all have the potential to threaten both organizations and individuals. Information technology professionals need to stay on top of the latest advances in cybersecurity and information assurance and security to ensure that data and information is kept safe from hackers and other unauthorized users.
Information technology degree programs may offer the ability to choose a concentration, and depending on your interests and academic goals, it may be hard to choose your focus. Potentially adding to this difficulty is that terms like cybersecurity, information assurance, information security, information technology and IT security sound similar and are often used interchangeably (correctly or not).
So how do you decide whether an information assurance vs. cybersecurity vs. information technology degree program is the right fit for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but a good place to begin is by understanding where these areas overlap and where they differ.
Difference Between Information Assurance, Cybersecurity & Information Security (InfoSec)
What Is Information Assurance?
There are various definitions of information assurance (IA). The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS®) defines information assurance as “The measures that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, and confidentiality.”1 The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) glossary contains an expanded version of this information assurance definition: “Measures that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation. These measures include providing for restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection and reaction capabilities.”2
Notably, these definitions do not specify what medium the information is in, i.e., physical or digital. IA applies to information assets no matter what form they are in.
What Is Cybersecurity?
The field of cybersecurity is focused on protecting electronic devices and data from internet-based threats, and restoring them in the event of a cyberattack. More formally, cybersecurity may be defined as “[p]revention of damage to, protection of, and restoration of computers, electronic communications systems, electronic communications services, wire communication, and electronic communication, including information contained therein, to ensure its availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and nonrepudiation.”3
What Is Information Security (InfoSec)?
According to the NIST glossary, information security (InfoSec) is “the protection of information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction in order to provide confidentiality, integrity and availability.”4
Information Assurance vs. Cybersecurity
Information assurance is concerned with securing and protecting the availability and integrity of all of an organization’s information, regardless of its form. Cybersecurity is focused on protecting devices and data from internet-based risks (cyber risks).
Information Security vs. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity involves protecting devices, data and electronic information from cyberattacks. Information security, meanwhile, is concerned with more than just cyber threat prevention. It is focused on protecting an organization’s sensitive information from all types of threats—whether they originate in cyberspace or not.
Information Technology & IT Security
What Is Information Technology?
The term “information technology” has two different meanings. It may refer to the field of IT: “The art and applied sciences that deal with data and information. Examples are capture, representation, processing, security, transfer, interchange, presentation, management, organization, storage, and retrieval of data and information.”5 Or it may refer to actual hardware, software and related components: “Any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the executive agency.”5
What Is IT Security?
IT security refers to a collection of cybersecurity strategies that prevents unauthorized access to an organization’s assets such as computers, networks, and data. IT security maintains the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.6
According to Cisco, IT security comprises the following types of security:6
- Network security: Protects data that exists inside an organization’s computer network from hackers or other unauthorized users. It also prevents hackers from interfering with authorized users’ ability to access data or use the computer network.
- Internet security: Protects information that is transmitted over browsers or that involves web-based applications.
- Endpoint security: Refers to security at the device level (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.).
- Cloud security: Protects information stored on the cloud versus on a device and includes the usage of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications (software that is purchased as part of a subscription and accessed online) and the public cloud.
- Application security: Ensures that software applications are not left vulnerable to cyberattacks and involves coding applications to be secure at the time of their creation.
Examples of Potential IT/Cybersecurity/Information Assurance Career Paths
Information Security Analyst
- What Do They Do? Information security analysts monitor computer networks for security breaches; investigate breaches when they occur; use firewalls and other security software to protect information; conduct vulnerability testing; develop security standards and best practices; make security recommendations to management; and assist users with security software matters. They must also stay current on IT security measures and on the latest methods hackers are using to infiltrate computer systems.7
- Education & Work Experience: Information security analysts usually possess a bachelor’s degree in a computer and information technology field (e.g., computer science, information assurance and computer programming), or in math or engineering. Employers may also require that candidates have relevant work experience (e.g., as a network and computer systems administrator) and information security certification.7
- Job Growth Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034. As cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency, these analysts will be needed to conduct cyber risk assessments and come up with new ways to prevent hackers from stealing information or compromising computer networks.7
Computer and Information Systems Manager
- What Do They Do? Also known as IT security managers, computer and information systems managers may have different duties depending on the organization they work for. These may include analyzing and organization’s IT needs and making upgrade recommendations; overseeing the installation of hardware and software; establishing processes related to preventing and mitigating IT security threats; conducting cost-benefit analyses for new IT projects; planning and directing the work of other IT staff; and managing IT vendor relationships.8
- Education & Work Experience: To enter the occupation, computer and information systems managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, along with related work experience. Some employers may require candidates to hold a graduate degree in computer science, IT or business administration. For example, candidates for an IT security manager position may need to have prior experience as an information security analyst. Certification is typically optional, although some employers may prefer candidates who have it.8
- Job Growth Outlook: Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034. This demand is expected to result from organizations’ needing to rely on and implement more robust IT infrastructure for cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).8
Other Potential Career Paths
Other examples of computer and information technology-related career paths that may potentially be pursued with an IT degree include computer systems analyst, database architect, computer network architect, and computer and information systems manager.
Additional Informational Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the different cybersecurity career paths that exist, CISA’s NICCS® offers a Cybersecurity Career Pathways Tool that allows users to explore various work roles by category. Examples of different featured work roles include Privacy Compliance, Cybersecurity Policy and Planning, Systems Security Management, Enterprise Architecture and Incident Response. The site also offers a cybersecurity career comparison option that allows you to more easily see the similarities and differences between related roles.
Additionally, for those interested in exploring ways that organizations can reduce their cybersecurity risk, NIST offers the Cybersecurity Framework. This framework “helps manage and reduce cybersecurity risks with a taxonomy of high-level outcomes that any organization can use to understand, assess, prioritize, and communicate its cybersecurity efforts. It also links to resources that provide additional guidance on practices and controls for achieving security outcomes.”9
Certification in Information Assurance, Cybersecurity or Information Technology
Third-party certification is one way to demonstrate competency in a particular field or subspecialty. Organizations such as CompTIA, GIAC and ISACA offer certifications in cybersecurity, information technology and more.
The AIU Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) online degree program includes a series of courses that correlate to the respective content and competencies of the specified certification exams offered by CompTIA:*
| Certification | Course(s) |
|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ Certification* | ITCO 103 Introduction to Computer and Network Hardware ITCO 211 Introduction to Operating Systems |
| CompTIA Network+ Certification* | ITCO 251 Network Infrastructure Basics |
| CompTIA Security+ Certification* | ITCO 361 Information Technology Security |
| CompTIA Linux+® Certification* | CYB 320 Linux Fundamentals for Cybersecurity |
| CompTIA PenTest+® Certification* | CYB 325 Ethical Hacking and Penetration |
| CompTIA CySA+® Certification* | CYB 400 Cybersecurity Operations |
* This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation. As such, AIU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
* This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation. As such, AIU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
AIU’s BSIT & MSIT Degree Programs in Cybersecurity
An information technology degree program with a concentration in cybersecurity could be a great way to study the fundamentals of the IT field with an emphasis on digital asset protection. American InterContinental University offers an online cybersecurity degree concentration option at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT)—Cybersecurity online degree program explores how to identify cybersecurity gaps and weaknesses, how to create security protocols and how to bolster IT security to protect an organization’s digital assets. Courses may include Linux Fundamentals for Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Network Defense and Countermeasures, and Cybersecurity Operations.
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)—Cybersecurity online degree program provides an opportunity to study more in-depth cybersecurity topics, including cybersecurity risk management; cyber-risk assessments; cyber-risk management strategies, policies, procedures; disaster recovery; insider threats and more. Courses within the cybersecurity master’s concentration may include Risk Analysis and Planning, Human Factors in Cybersecurity, and Cybersecurity Laws and Ethics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though similar, information assurance and cybersecurity are not usually interchangeable. That’s because cybersecurity is but one component of information assurance—not all documents and records exist within the cyber domain, which means that cybersecurity measures don’t apply to them.
Yet, on the NIST page listing various definitions of information assurance, you will find a note stating that the Department of Defense Instruction 8500.01 “has transitioned from the term information assurance (IA) to the term cybersecurity” and that this change “could potentially impact IA related terms.”2 So, as confusing as it might be, sometimes the terms information assurance and cybersecurity really can mean the same thing—at least when it comes to the DoD.
Different career paths and/or employers may have different preferences or requirements when it comes to a candidate’s field of study. With that said, holding a bachelor’s degree in a computer and information technology field is a typical requirement for entry into a number of potential computer- or cyber-related career paths. Information security analysts,7 computer network architects (network engineers),10 and computer systems analysts11 are just a few examples. For some positions, a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in business administration may be required or preferred.
Majors that fall under the umbrella of computer and information technology include computer science; computer and information systems; information sciences; computer administration management and security; and computer networking and telecommunications.12
Considering a cybersecurity degree concentration? Explore AIU’s information technology online degree programs or apply online today.
1 CISA, National Initiative for Cyber Careers and Studies (NICCS). “Glossary.” https://niccs.cisa.gov/resources/glossary Visited August 18, 2026.
2 NIST, Computer Security Resource Center. “Glossary: Information assurance (IA).” https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/information_assurance Visited August 18, 2026.
3 NIST, Information Technology Laboratory, Computer Security Resource Center. “Glossary: Cybersecurity.” https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/cybersecurity Visited August 18, 2026.
4 NIST, Information Technology Laboratory, Computer Security Resource Center. “Glossary: Information security.” https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/information_security Visited August 18, 2026.
5 NIST, Computer Security Resource Center. “Glossary: Information technology (IT).” https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/information_technology Visited September 3, 2026.
6 CISCO. “What Is IT Security?.” https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-it-security.html Visited August 18, 2026.
7 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Information Security Analysts.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm Visited August 18, 2026. This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
8 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Computer and Information Systems Managers.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm Visited August 18, 2026. This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
9 NIST. “Cybersecurity Framework FAQs.” https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/faqs Visited August 18, 2026.
10 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Computer Network Architects.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm Visited August 18, 2026.
11 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Computer Systems Analysts.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm Visited August 18, 2026.
12 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Field of Degree: Computer and Information Technology.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/computer-and-information/computer-and-information-technology-field-of-degree.htm Visited August 18, 2026.
American InterContinental University cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2257726 08/2026