Definitions, key differences, real world examples, and a checklist for businesses and public sector organisations. Automatically identify and prioritise vulnerabilities with OPENVAS.
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Digitalisation creates opportunities and risks. Successful organisations protect information and systems with clear processes, reliable technology, and well trained teams.
Key points at a glance
IT security protects technology and the processes that keep business operations running. This includes operational processes as well as the safety of people in critical environments such as healthcare, manufacturing, and other critical infrastructure.
Information security focuses on protecting information and privacy, ensuring that sensitive data is handled, stored, and accessed securely.
Data security concentrates specifically on safeguarding the data itself, regardless of where it resides or how it is used. For additional context, it is also worth taking a look at the data security page.
Key benefits for compliance, risk management, and auditing include:
IT security covers technical measures designed to protect systems, networks, and applications from attacks, damage, and outages. Its aim is to safeguard confidentiality, integrity, and availability across all IT supported processes.
OPENVAS dashboard with a concise overview of IT assets, identified vulnerabilities, CVSS severity ratings, and how they evolve over time.
Information security protects information regardless of its form. It considers people, processes, and technology. The aim is to preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability for all business critical information.
Information security involves people, processes, and technology. Only when all three areas work together can information be protected effectively and risks reduced sustainably.
Information security provides the overarching framework. IT security and data security are specialised sub areas. The relationship is illustrated in the diagram.
| Area | Focus | Typical measures | OPENVAS support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information security | Overarching framework | ISMS, training, roles, and policies | Risk overview, reports for audits |
| IT security | Technical systems | Patch management, segmentation, monitoring | Automated scans, CVSS based prioritisation |
| Data security | Data layer | Backups, encryption, DLP | Audit ready evidence, trend reports |
You can find more on data security and vulnerability management on the respective pages.
An incident can quickly lead to downtime, costs, and loss of trust. Preventive measures make economic sense and strengthen operational resilience.
Resilience assumes that incidents will happen. What matters is preparing, detecting, responding, and recovering. This includes backups, incident response plans, clear responsibilities, and continuous vulnerability analysis.
Cyber resilience grows through proactive protective measures and a fast, coordinated response to attacks.
Both frameworks support the development of an information security management system. They structure risks, controls, and evidence, and establish clear responsibilities.
| Aspect | ISO 27001 | BSI IT baseline protection |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | An ISMS with a risk based approach | Building blocks with threats and controls |
| Evidence | Internationally recognised certification | A methodology with strong roots in Germany |
| Practical use | Flexible depending on context | Standardised and very detailed |
Helpful resources: Vulnerability management, OPENVAS products, Greenbone Blog.
An ISMS defines what needs to be done. OPENVAS helps with how to do it. The platform automatically identifies risks, assesses them, and provides clear recommendations for action. This reduces the attack surface and generates audit ready evidence without additional effort.
The path to comprehensive security starts here. This checklist gives you a clear roadmap to minimise risks in your IT infrastructure and strengthen your organisation’s resilience.
What is the difference between IT security and information security?
IT security focuses on technology and systems. Information security also considers processes, people, and information in all formats.
How does OPENVAS support information security?
OPENVAS provides the technical data foundation for the ISMS. It identifies vulnerabilities, prioritises risks, and generates reports for audits.
When does an ISMS make sense?
When complexity increases and in regulated industries. It creates structure, clear responsibilities, and robust evidence.
What does data security mean?
Protecting the data base from loss, manipulation, and unauthorised access. Details are available on the data security page.
Start with a free initial consultation. We will support you in reducing risks and protecting your IT in the long term.
