Cyber Security vs. Network Security – A Comparison

Before we head on to the topic of interest – cyber security in comparison with network security, let us figure out what is information security. It is a wrong conception that the internet has revolutionized the manner of doing things. Of late social media is a sensation with the presence of e-commerce hubs like Amazon making purchasing a cakewalk. Even Google has made everything accessible at our fingertips. Security is a domain that has been breached with the digital trends, and hence, the role of a cyber-security expert has intensified.

Business is digitally advanced as ever, and with technological advancement, the security infrastructure about business needs has to be tightened. The role of the internet has advanced with vulnerabilities being exposed as people try to cash in on the interconnected systems and tap on weakness. This relates to information security

Information security refers to any techniques or processes that protect any type of sensitive data or information in electronic or print form from unauthorized access. For every individual or business, information is a valuable asset, making it important to protect from damage or theft.

Cyber security is a component of information security protecting internet-connected systems, including software programs, hardware, or data from potential hacks. The integrity of the network from unauthorized electronic access is protected. Network security is a vital cog in the wheel about the integrity of any network that is churned across various devices in a network.

More about cyber security

Among all areas of cyberspace, cyber security seems to be a perennial problem. It is an inlet of information security that deals with protecting devices, programs from unauthorized damage, attack, or outside access. It refers to a set of systems, procedures, or networks protecting from viable cyber-attacks. The integrity of the systems is protected by various security mechanisms or controls in place. The cyber security monitors all the incoming and outgoing traffic to combat the issue of cyber-attacks protecting the organization from unauthorized exploitation of systems.

Network security

Network security is a subset of cyber security implementing network security measures to protect the integrity of the systems against unwanted access. The IT structure of the organization is protected with viable network resources from various types of Trojans, viruses, ID passwords, spam, and encryption falls under the domain of security. The role, along with the responsibilities of a network security professional, is to make the network secure. Here they go on to provide technical help in the form of intrusion detection systems, digital certificates, firewalls, encryption, etc.

A comparison between cyber security and network security

Cyber security is a set of methodologies or techniques put to use for protecting the integrity of networks, programs, attack, or unauthorized access. In hindsight, cyber security ceases to protect interconnected networks along with systems from digital networks. On the other hand, network security is an act of protecting directories or files in a computer network against hacking, misuse, or unauthorized access to the system. Network security is a component of cyber security that provides a stable network of your network with resources accessible from unauthorized access.

Security

Though both the terms might be synonymous with each other in terms of security, yet they are a lot different. If you think on the lines of an organization as a fortified castle, network security is all about maintaining peace within the four walls of the castle. Even the severity of the organization from potential threats is kept intact.

Cyber security protects the organization from outside threats, and the example is a cyber-realm. The programs, networks, along with systems of an organization, are protected from all types of digital attacks like phishing, baiting, etc. For this reason, companies are on the lookout for individuals with masters in cyber security to deal with this issue. Network security is all about protecting an organization from outside threats, mainly online, like a virus.

Data

Data connotes a wide area on the lines of information security, whereas network security falls under cyber security. In both cases, the critical point of consideration is the integrity of programs and data. Cyber securities cover the area of monitoring or coping with threats to a greater level though the main concern of network security is to safeguard the data of the organization from within. On the other hand, cyber security deals with protecting the information of the organization. Even security technologies from viable cyber-attacks could exploit a vulnerability in the system. Back up, password, encryption all fall under the area of network security.

Security professional

Considering the evolution of the internet, the role of cyber security experts has enhanced in the last few years. They are analysts or professionals who go on to take the onus upon them in the protection of network infrastructure along with interconnected systems through their experience and expertise. They are adept in knowledge of encryption, internet security, databases, firewalls, etc. The cyber security expert dons the hat of a security professional who deals with security detection, protection, or even recovery.

The role and responsibilities of a security professional are to monitor all incoming traffic. Even they have to work with various departments in an organization for coordination of risk management tools and methodologies. On the other hand, the role of a network security professional evolves the protection of the IT infrastructure of an organization that includes a screening of financial information, information assets, and any type of confidential information.

Conclusion

To sum it up, cyber security is a part of information security that works with data security at storage and transit. Network security is a subset of cyber security that deals with the protection of the IT infrastructure of an organization. It even restricts access to it.

Both the terms can be used as an alternative to each other, because cyber security is a broader term, whereas network security is a part of cyber security. Taking all these into account, the market has witnessed a significant rise in the number of white-hat hacker who undertakes modules of penetration testing.