What is Information Security (InfoSec)?

Information security is the foundation of stable and secure digital systems. The rapid advancement of technology exposes sensitive data to an increasing number of threats. According to recent studies, cyberattacks will cost businesses globally $10.29 trillion in 2025. It emphasizes the critical importance of safeguarding digital information.

InfoSec covers the processes, tools, and policies designed to protect digital data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats. It involves safeguarding confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information — collectively known as the CIA triad.

The concept of information security is not just a technical issue, but a business responsibility that directly affects sustainability, customer trust, and brand reputation. In this article, we will explore all necessary aspects of InfoSec for companies.

Definition of information security

Information security is the state of protecting information and related processes from any threats, regardless of their source and nature. This includes protection from theft, modification, destruction, blocking, copying, or other unauthorized use.

Areas of information security are broader than cybersecurity, which covers the defence from attacks via the internet, while InfoSec covers both digital and physical information carriers. For example, stealing a hard drive from a server is not a cyber threat, but it is certainly a threat to information security. If the accounting department stores copies of reports on paper in an open drawer without protection, the data is at risk of theft — this is also a matter of InfoSec.

Network security is a subset of cybersecurity that focuses specifically on protecting the flow of data across communication channels. It relies on firewalls, VPNs, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) for secure remote access. Technologies such as TLS/SSL are used for encrypted connections. These measures ensure that data traveling between devices and systems cannot be intercepted or tampered with. Installing a firewall to block unauthorized traffic is network security, but defining policies for user authentication and system monitoring falls under the broader scope of InfoSec.

Data security narrows the focus to protecting information itself, whether it is stored, processed, or transmitted. Common practices include encryption standards like AES-256 for securing stored files, hashing algorithms such as SHA-256 for integrity checks, and access control mechanisms like role-based access control (RBAC). Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools help prevent sensitive information such as medical records from leaving secure environments. Encrypting customer records is data security, while developing an organization-wide security framework is InfoSec.

Goals

The main goals of information security are to protect valuable data and systems from a wide range of threats. The primary aims include:

• Preventing unauthorized access to information.
• Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data.
• Guaranteeing continuous access to data for legitimate users.
• Minimizing the consequences of possible leaks and failures.
• Identifying, recording, and investigating incidents.

A successful strategy aligns these goals with organizational objectives, creating a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding ongoing cyber threats and safeguarding stakeholder trust.

Key Principles

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) – these three principles form the foundation of information security:

• Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized individuals.
• Integrity guarantees that data remains accurate and unaltered during storage or transmission.
• Availability ensures that information and systems are accessible when needed.

Beyond the CIA triad, information security also relies on several other critical properties. Authenticity ensures that users or data sources can be verified. Accountability makes it possible to track actions back to responsible parties for auditing. 

Non-repudiation prevents individuals from denying their actions, often through mechanisms like digital signatures. Reliability guarantees that systems perform consistently as intended, while privacy focuses on protecting personal data from unauthorized disclosure.

Benefits

First, InfoSec protects sensitive data, such as financial information, intellectual property, and customer records, from unauthorized access or breaches. This protection directly supports regulatory compliance, helping businesses avoid fines and legal consequences tied to frameworks like GDPR or ISO 27001. Servercore’s solutions are hosted in environments that meet international standards such as ISO 27001, ensuring that customer data is managed within secure and compliant infrastructures.

InfoSec also safeguards business continuity by reducing the risk of downtime caused by cyberattacks, technical failures, or data loss. A resilient security posture ensures that operations can continue smoothly even under threat. Moreover, effective security fosters trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders, strengthening the organization’s reputation and competitive position.

Another key benefit is risk management. By applying frameworks such as NIST or COBIT, organizations can identify vulnerabilities early, prioritize resources effectively, and adapt to evolving threats. Finally, investing in InfoSec drives long-term cost savings: preventing breaches and minimizing incidents is consistently less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of data loss or reputational damage.

Information Security Threats

InfoSec threats can emerge from non-digital sources such as social engineering, as well as from advanced technologies like AI-driven attacks. Understanding the range of risks is the first step toward building adaptive defenses.

Unsecured or Poorly Secured Systems
Unpatched software, weak passwords, and outdated hardware create an open gate for cybercriminals. Such systems are easily targeted through malware, ransomware, or direct hacking attempts, putting sensitive data at risk.

Social Media Attacks
Attackers often exploit social media platforms to conduct phishing campaigns, distribute malicious links, or impersonate trusted contacts. For example, fake profiles or posts can trick users into revealing confidential information or installing malware.

Social Engineering
Attackers use human psychology to manipulate people to obtain confidential information or perform actions that compromise security. Common techniques include impersonation, pretexting, or baiting.

Malware on Endpoints
Viruses, ransomware, spyware, and Trojans frequently infect end-user devices. Once inside, malware can steal data, disrupt operations, or spread throughout a network, often evading detection.

Lack of Encryption
Encryption transforms data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted with a specific key. When sensitive data is transmitted or stored without encryption, it becomes vulnerable to interception or unauthorized access, leading to data breaches and loss of confidentiality.

Security Misconfiguration
This occurs when security settings are implemented incorrectly or left at their default settings. Open ports, default passwords, or incorrect permissions make systems vulnerable to attackers.

Types of Information Security

The classification of information security types helps define how organizations protect data across different environments. This framework highlights both active and passive measures, showing how security practices are applied to networks, applications, physical systems, and human factors. Each type of InfoSec has its own scope:

• Physical Security: Protects physical assets and infrastructures, such as servers, data centers, and hardware, through measures like access controls, surveillance, and environmental safeguards.
• Technical Security: Implements technological solutions — including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software — to defend against cyber threats.
• Network Security: Focuses on protecting data as it traverses networks via encryption, secure protocols, and segmentations to prevent eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
• Application Security: Involves securing software applications through code audits, patch management, and secure development practices to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Access Security: Controls user access based on roles and permissions, often through multi-factor authentication, to ensure only authorized users can access systems and data.
• Administrative Security: Encompasses policies, procedures, and training designed to enforce security standards and awareness among employees.
• Data Security: Focuses on protecting data at rest and in transit through encryption, backups, and strict access controls to prevent loss, theft, or tampering.

InfoSec Standards

Among the most recognized is the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, which specifies the requirements for establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It encourages a risk-based strategy, emphasizing continuous monitoring and improvement to address evolving threats. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides widely adopted guidelines that help organizations with cyber incidents. Its framework is structured around five core functions — Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover — making it a practical tool for risk management across industries.

COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) focuses on IT governance and management. It defines processes, control objectives, and performance metrics that ensure information security practices are aligned with organizational strategy, helping businesses balance risk, compliance, and value creation.

The MITRE Corporation contributes through knowledge bases such as ATT&CK, which catalog adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). ATT&CK is extensively used by security teams worldwide to strengthen detection capabilities, design effective defenses, and simulate real-world attack scenarios.

A defense-in-depth strategy, embraced by many organizations, builds on these standards and frameworks by layering multiple security controls across networks, applications, and physical systems. This approach ensures that even if one layer fails, others continue to provide protection.

Information Security and Data Protection Laws

The increasing reliance on digital information has prompted governments worldwide to establish laws and regulations aimed at protecting data privacy and security.

Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States set strict standards for data collection, processing, and storage, emphasizing transparency, data minimization, and user consent.

Compliance with these laws is more than a legal imperative; it is a critical component of an organization’s risk management strategy. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. Many of these regulations also require organizations to adopt specific security controls, conduct regular audits, and promptly notify authorities of data breaches.

Navigating this legal landscape demands a comprehensive understanding of applicable laws and a commitment to implementing best practices in data security. Robust compliance not only mitigates legal risks but also strengthens overall data protection efforts, contributing to a more secure and trustworthy digital environment.

Information Security Techniques

Start building your defenses with a basic audit of all the channels through which information circulates in your company: email, cloud storage, local drives, chats, CRM. This will give you a map of the real risks. Here are the essential aspects that are definitely worth paying attention to: 

• Firewalls remain one of the fundamental defense mechanisms, acting as gatekeepers that filter incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. 
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems aggregate and analyze logs from across the IT environment, enabling security teams to identify suspicious activities in real-time and respond efficiently.
• IDS/IPS play a crucial role in monitoring network traffic and identifying malicious activities before they cause harm. 
• DLP solutions further protect sensitive data by monitoring data transfers and preventing unauthorized disclosures. 
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools focus on securing individual devices, providing detailed insights into endpoint activities and facilitating rapid response to threats.
• Blockchain Cybersecurity Solutions leverage the secure, decentralized nature of blockchain to enhance data integrity and safeguard digital transactions. 
• User Behavior Analytics (UBA) systems analyze patterns in user behavior to detect anomalies that could indicate insider threats or compromised accounts.

Examples in the Real World

Information security principles are embedded in many aspects of daily life and business operations. For example, online banking systems employ encryption to protect user transactions, MFA to confirm user identity, and fraud detection algorithms to identify suspicious activity. Corporate data centers use advanced physical security measures like biometric access controls and CCTV surveillance to prevent unauthorized physical access.

In the context of cybersecurity breaches, companies like Equifax and Marriott have experienced data leaks due to insufficient security measures, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance. Governments worldwide have also adopted robust data protection laws, such as GDPR, reflecting the importance of legal compliance in data security strategies. Additionally, many organizations utilize endpoint detection systems and intrusion detection tools to monitor network traffic, defend against malware, and respond swiftly to attacks.

These examples illustrate that effective information security is proactive, layered, and adaptable — integral to safeguarding assets in an interconnected world.

InfoSec Best Practices

Implementing best practices consistently is vital to maintaining a strong security posture. Some key approaches include:

• Regular Updates: Patch systems promptly to close vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
• Strong Authentication: Enforce strong password policies and use MFA to prevent unauthorized access.
• Employee Training: Provide security awareness sessions, focusing on phishing and safe data handling.
• Data Encryption: Protect information at rest and in transit to prevent interception and unauthorized viewing.
• Security Audits: Conduct regular security assessments to identify weaknesses and address them quickly.
• Incident Response: Establish clear plans to ensure swift, coordinated reactions to breaches and minimize damage.

Servercore Products for Improving Information Security

Information security is not only protection against attacks, but also an investment in business resilience. Servercore offers proven solutions that help build a mature and effective information security system. We provide:

• Cloud servers with built-in protection against DDoS attacks at the L3-L4 levels and automatic resource scaling. They support rapid deployment of monitoring and protection systems with the option to freeze them to save budget.
• Dedicated servers that provide physical data isolation and complete control over hardware configuration. Suitable for projects with increased security requirements and sensitive information processing.
• Object-based S3 storage with triple data replication and encryption. Suitable for secure storage of backups, archives, and critical files with 99.99% availability guaranteed.
• Managed Kubernetes for secure deployment of containerized applications with network-level isolation and configurable security policies.

All solutions are hosted in PCI DSS-certified data centers and comply with international security standards (ISO 27001) and local requirements (GDPR, 94-V) depending on the region.

Conclusion

Information security is no longer optional but a fundamental part of organizational resilience. A comprehensive approach, understanding of risks and potential losses, management involvement, and modern tools are the foundation of effective protection in an environment of rapidly growing threats.

Real-world examples demonstrate the importance of layered defenses and proactive threat mitigation. Implementing best practices like regular updates, encryption, and employee training is crucial to stay ahead of cyber threats. Ultimately, a robust security framework not only safeguards valuable assets but also fosters trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approaches to security. Staying informed, prepared, and adaptable ensures that organizations can navigate the complex landscape of digital risks successfully.