It is easy to get confused between cyber security and cyber forensics, as there is a seeming overlap between the two. They are often used interchangeably, though there’s a fine line between the two. Both these services are provided by industry leaders like Elijaht computer forensics.
Cyber security and cyber forensics are two disciplines that have to work together and follow similar methods. But they are not the same and it is important to understand what differentiates one from the other.
- Definition
Cyber Security: Protection and defense of information systems from dangers like hackers, data theft, misuse of systems, system outages, and malware attacks is the central function of cyber security.
Cyber Forensics: Cyber forensics deals with the acquisition, analysis, preservation, and presentation of digital evidence to be utilized in the court of law
- Function of the Professionals
Cyber Security: They prepare the systems to look for and fight against any compromise. They have a security plan in place and keep a check to identify any breach. If there is an issue suspected, this team would try and control it.
Cyber Forensics: Once it has been confirmed that a compromise has happened, the forensics team steps in. They would then reconstruct the scenario and find out what exactly happened. They will then confirm whether the compromise has led to any data theft. The investigation takes place and the evidence collected is handed over to the attorneys to be presented in the court of law.
- How Do They Support Each Other?
The cyber security team supports the findings of the forensic team in providing all the technical details related to the case so that they can defend their information systems. Due to several cases of system breaches and consequent data theft, professionals from both the disciplines work with each other in tandem
- The Future
Cyber Security: With the increasing storage in data clouds, storage devices, and smart devices, cyber security is becoming essential. As we continue to become digitally dependent, our data needs to be kept safe.
Cyber Forensics: The demand for forensic examiners is on the rise. They are seen as an important member of the cyber defense team. In places where there are valuables, there will be thieves. To nab the cyber thieves, help is required from forensics professionals.
In a nutshell, we can describe cyber security as the police of the digital world and forensics as the investigation team. One prevents crime and the other figures out why and how it happened. As with the growing population, the police force needs to grow and with growing crime, the investigation teams become indispensable.
