Today, there exist several fields of expertise where an individual can study and excel and set their career. As the world is changing and becoming advance, there are several fields that are being introduced to the education system, and there are several subjects that are also introduced to these courses. One can study these courses and obtain a degree depending on their preferences. In the vivid field of computers and technology, there are two of the most popular courses, namely, 1. Cyber Security and 2. Computer Science.
Cyber Security vs Computer Science
The main difference between cyber security and computer science is the subject matter that the respective course deals with. The cyber security course deals with subjects like security and design of the database, cryptography, network security etc., on the other hand, the computer science course deals with subjects like data structures and analysis, algorithms etc.
The course that deals with programs that include protection of operating systems, operating networks and data from any cyber threats are known as cyber security. There are several law enforcement agencies today that have built an independent department for cyber security. Different crimes are committed by people when they violate cyber ethics, and the cybercrime department deals with it.
The course that deals with programs that include practical and theoretical information regarding computing and computers are known as computer science. Computer science is a vivid field and has got a lot to learn regarding computer systems and computers in general. There are several job opportunities that one can opt for after their bachelor’s or master’s degree in this field. It is one of the most popular and rapidly growing fields because it directly deals with technological advancements.
Comparison Table Between Cyber Security and Computer Science
| Parameters of Comparison | Cyber Security | Computer Science |
| Meaning/ Definition | The course dealing with programs that include protection of operating systems, operating networks and data from any cyber threat is known as cyber security. | The course dealing with programs that include practical and theoretical information regarding computing and computers is known as computer science. |
| Difficulty level | Less | More |
| Fundamental aspect | Protection and safeguarding of the information and maintaining its confidentiality. | Problem-solving. |
| Concerned with | Protection of computer networks and systems from cyber menaces. | Design, maintenance and formation of systems and networks. |
| Career options | Information and Security Analyst, Network Administrator, Computer System Administrator etc. | Network Architect, System Analyst, Software Developer, Database Administrator etc. |
What is Cyber Security?
The course that deals with programs that include protection of operating systems, operating networks and data from any cyber threats are known as cyber security. It is a vast field. Unethical hacking and other cyber threats that are done to the computer systems can be protected if one has enough knowledge about cyber security.
People often confuse cyber security with IT security, but these two courses are slightly different from each other, and the programmes and study material is also different in both courses. The course structure is different in different countries. For example, in some countries, the duration of the bachelor’s degree is three years, and in some countries, it is four years.
An individual can work with the law enforcement agencies after completing their education in cyber security as well. One can also opt for jobs in the private sector depending on their preferences. However, one must understand and master the fundamental aspect of the field that is the protection and safeguarding of the information and maintaining its confidentiality.
Nowadays, most of the fields get their work done by using computers and various software that are installed in it. However, maintaining the confidentiality of the information that is stored and protecting it from various cyber threats that may occur in the computer is a very important part of the process. That is when cyber security is needed the most.
What is Computer Science?
People often confuse cyber security with computer science, but these two courses are quite different from each other, and the programmes and study material is also different in both courses. Computer science also includes coding and programming and designing small or big web pages or websites.
Computer science is a vivid field and has got a lot to learn regarding computer systems and computers in general. It is easier for a person to understand cyber security if he or she knows a thing or more about computer science. It is also necessary that the person acquires extra skillsets like different computer languages.
An individual can work with the law enforcement agencies after completing their education in computer science as well. Other than that, one can also work in both the private and public sectors by giving the necessary entrance exams. Problem-solving is one of the most important skills that is required in a student that is studying computer science.
Today computers are used and required almost everywhere to carry out several tasks. However, introducing new information to the respective computer system and giving it the necessary changes from time to time is also crucial. Understanding and then implementing those changes is extremely important, and that is when the knowledge of computer science is needed the most.
Main Differences Between Cyber Security and Computer Science
- Both courses are closely related, but the subject matter in them is different from another.
- The job opportunities offered after studying cyber security are different from the job opportunities offered after studying computer science.
- The fundamental aspect of cyber security is the protection and safeguarding of the information and maintaining its confidentiality. On the other hand, the fundamental aspect of computer science is problem-solving.
- Cyber security is concerned with the protection of computer networks and systems from cyber menaces. On the other hand, computer science is concerned with the design, maintenance and formation of systems and networks.
- In cyber security, a person studies how he or she can protect a certain computer system from various cyber-attacks. On the other hand, in computer science, a person studies how he or she can design and maintain a certain computer system, web page or website.
Conclusion
Both fields are extremely important and are developing rapidly because of the extreme usage of computers in a maximum number of fields. People make use of computers in several areas, and that is why these degrees are also useful enough, and they have enough scope in the future.
However, people must keep themselves updated on the newest updates and technologies. They must know enough theoretical and practical information about various technologies and advancements.
References
- https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203859483-23/cyber-security-myriam-dunn-cavelty