Difference Between Cybersecurity and Network Security


Both these terms "cybersecurity" and "network security" are related to security measures that organizations employ to protect their data, systems, and network infrastructure from online threats. However, cybersecurity is used in a much broader sense, while network security is a subset of cybersecurity. Read through this article to find out more about cybersecurity and network security and how they are different from each other.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cyber security refers to the use of technology, methods, and policies to reduce the danger of cyber-attacks while also protecting the systems, networks, programs, devices, and data from unwanted access.

The field of cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as people become more reliant on computer systems, the Internet, and wireless network standards like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. "Smart" devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, and numerous other devices that remain connected to the Internet are always in danger of cyber-attacks. Hence, the primary objective of cybersecurity is to ensure data protection and maintain the reliability and authenticity of such devices.

Why is Cybersecurity Important?

Cybersecurity is important because it safeguards all forms of data against theft and loss. This category encompasses sensitive material, personal identifying information (PII), personal health information (PHI), personal info, copyrights, data, and governmental and corporate information systems.

The integration of cloud services like Amazon Web Services to hold sensitive data and personal information raises both inherent and residual dangers. Because of widespread insufficient cloud service design and increasingly proficient cyber criminals, your company's chances of being the next target of a major cyber-attack or security breach are on the rise.

Common cyber-threats include −

  • Malware that includes ransomware, botnet software, RATs (remote access Trojans), rootkits and bootkits, spyware, Trojans, viruses, and worms.

  • Remote access through backdoors.

  • Formjacking that inserts malicious code into online forms.

  • Cryptojacking which is the practice of installing unauthorized bitcoin mining software on a computer.

What is Network Security?

The term "network security" refers to a wide range of technology, devices, and processes. Its most basic form is a set of rules and configurations that use both software and hardware technologies to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks and data.

Network security refers to the network administrator's control over the permission of access to data on a network. Organizations, corporations, and other types of institutions are all concerned about network security.

Network security does exactly what its name implies: it secures the network while also protecting and managing activities. Assigning a unique name and password to a network resource is the most popular and straightforward method of safeguarding it.

Types of Network Security

Following are some of the forms and types of network security −

  • Network Access Control − To assure that potential attackers are unable to breach your network, you must have comprehensive access control policies in place for both people and devices. The configuration of network access control (NAC) can be taken to any level.

  • Antivirus and Antimalware Software − Antivirus and antimalware software protect a company from a variety of dangerous software, such as viruses, ransomware, worms, and Trojans.

  • Virtual Private Networks − Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) establish a connection to the network from a remote endpoint or location. Data is encrypted between the two locations, and the user must authorize before their device may connect with the network.

Why is Network Security Important?

Network security is among the most important issues to consider when working through the Internet, LAN, or other networks, regardless of how small or large your firm is. While no network is impervious to attacks, securing client data requires a trustworthy and robust network security solution. Businesses can reduce the risk of data piracy and damage by using a reliable network security solution.

Network security can ensure that your desktops and laptops remain safe from harmful applications. It also ensures that shared data is secure. Several tiers of defense against man-in-the-middle attacks are provided by network security infrastructure, avoiding scenarios such as eavesdropping, by breaking it down up into multiple components, encrypting these bits, and transferring them via distinct paths.

Difference between Cybersecurity and Network Security

The following table highlights the differences between Cybersecurity and Network Security.

CybersecurityNetwork Security
Cybersecurity defends a company against all types of digital threats in the cyber world. It is the process of defending internet-connected systems and networks from cyber-attacks.Network Security can be regarded as a subset of Cybersecurity. It is the act of securing the files and folders in a network of computers against unwanted access, hacking, and misuse.
Cybersecurity includes network protection, apps, and up-to-date information.Network security includes user names and passwords, internet access, firewalls, backup, and encryption.
Cybersecurity professionals normally deal with how to defend and protect the systems from all kinds of digital threats. Expert professionals can also assess an organization's security levels and suggest ways to strengthen the system infrastructure.A network security professional's job includes safeguarding an organization's IT infrastructure and managing its firewalls, password security policies, and encryption standards.

Conclusion

To conclude, cybersecurity is the overall security mechanism that an organization uses to protect its data, devices, and systems from unauthorized access and cyber-threats. Network Security is a subset of cybersecurity and it is a mix of tools and techniques that an organization employs to safeguard its network infrastructure.

Updated on: 22-Aug-2022

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