1. Cyber Security/Information Security Definitions

2. Cyber Security/Information Security Types
General Security Term
Type / Definition
InfoSec
Broad definition – Generally relates to the IT technical focus of security, including: firewalls, routers/switches and networking equipment security, DMZ (network demilitarization zones), network access controls, CAC (common access cards)/tokens, PKI (public key infrastructure) controls, access point security, secure data backup, NACs (network access controls), etc.
Information Assurance
Broad definition – Addresses a wide variety of information security disciplines (IT, physical security, personnel security, s/w development standards and security, IT outsourcing security, end-user IT security, database/host security, encryption/data security, audit/compliance, etc.)
Mission Assurance
Broad definition – Includes additional aspects beyond Information Assurance, focused on single outcome of the entire system to be protected (frequently includes COOP, BCP, disaster recovery)
Cyber Security
Narrower definition–Generally associated with the technical aspects of data protection (PKI, encryption, access control, data shredding/recovery prevention, etc.)
Information Security Assessments
Narrower definition – Applies to review of systems against standards or requirements (ISO 27001, ISO15408) and determines posture of system. Usually associated with remedial actions and preparation consulting for future certifications/ assessments.
Certification and Accreditation (C&A)
Narrow definition - Detailed technical and management assessments and deliberate assessment/acceptance of risk of IT systems, as measured against specific technical criteria (depends on client – there are many technical standards and ‘customer-specific’ criteria, such as DCIDs, DoD 8500, NIST, etc.).
Vulnerability Assessments
Narrow definition – Usually technical in nature and quite detailed, a system-by-system review and assessment of security settings and security protocols for IT systems. Automated tools to ‘scan’ and assess the security posture of the IT infrastructure are usually used to identify vulnerabilities (e.g, Nessus, nmap)
Penetration Testing (Pen Testing)
Narrow definition – Adversarial ‘attack’ on systems by a friendly player to gain access of systems/data or control entities on a network. “Red Teaming” is done by an external entity and employs a variety of techniques (technical, physical, ‘social’, etc.) to gain access, as if being done by adversaries. “Blue Teaming” is performed by internal entities, usually with partial internal access to all or a portion of the network. Many technical/legal issues must be addressed as part of pen testing to allow for adequate ‘real life’ testing without disrupting operations. Usually requires most senior management approval and ‘get out of jail free’ authority for pen testing personnel.
Security Operations / Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRT) capability
Narrow definition – Focused on operational/’watch center’ and real-time threat monitoring/response issues. Includes intrusion detection, virus detection/virus definition updates, software updates/patch management, IAVA (information assurance vulnerability alert)/STIG (security technical implementation guides) implementation and management, malware detection/removal, incident response and remediation.