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Network Security vs Cyber Security: Key Differences

If you carefully look into Network Security vs Cyber Security, you will see that they are closely related and almost used in every organisation.

Drawing a clear line between these two securities is quite challenging as both provide security to the organisation's sensitive data, hardware, software, and information systems. You need to clearly understand and analyse both securities before choosing a career path between Network Security and Cyber Security.   

Due to increased security threats, almost every industry is concerned about digital and network-related security. According to a report by Statista, the estimated worth of the Information Security market worldwide was about 143 billion GBP, with data privacy and security being the most critical area. Organisations across industries are now prioritising the implementation of robust Cyber Security Essentials to safeguard against evolving digital threats.

This blog explains the definitions, types, and key differences between Network Security and Cyber Security for better analysis and study.

Table of Contents

1) Understanding the differences between Cyber Security and Network Security

2) Common Cyber Security Threats vs Network Security Threats: Explained

3) Types of Cyber Security and Network Security protection

4) Differences between Cyber Security and Network Security

5) Career opportunities in Network Security and Cyber Security

6) Which one is better - Network Security or Cyber Security?

7) Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Cyber Security and Network Security 

A common notion among beginners is that Network Security and Cyber Security are almost the same. But ideally, they are not; instead, they are very much related, as Network Security comes under Cyber Security. But Network Security and Cyber Security differ by numerous factors.   

To clarify all your doubts and misunderstandings, let us discuss how Network Security and Cyber Security differ systematically.  

The main aim of establishing Cyber Security is to restrict all unauthorised access to your system. Often, Cyber Security focuses on eliminating cyber security attacks that are posed due to external attacks.

Network Security involves all the business strategies, processes, and practices to protect its computer network, data, and other network-accessible resources. Network Security usually appears to be in the form of internal threats. 

Further, let us discuss the common Cyber Security threats and Network Security threats.


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Common Cyber Security Threats vs Network Security Threats: Explained 

Cyber Security Threats vs Network Security Threats are discussed below in detail to unravel the differences between these two types of security domains. 

Common Cyber Security issues 

Following is a list of Cyber Security threats or issues that are commonly seen. These issues are often countered by applying feasible Cyber Security measures. 

Here is a list of those threats - 

1) SQL injection – An injection technique used in SQL statements to attack data-driven applications, resulting in unauthorised access to sensitive data. 

2) Malware – A malicious code or file that can come in various variants to infect, steal, or explore over a network. 

3) Phishing – A malicious way to deceive people using social platforms such as email, text, or telephone. 

4) Cybercrime – A crime involving a computer or a network to target someone to harm someone’s Cybersecurity.

5) Denial-of-service attack – A type of cyber-attack that indefinitely disrupts their services or network. 

6) Romance scams – It is a way to gain the victim’s confidence with fake identities through popular social media sites. 

7) Man-in-the-middle attack – MITM attack is occurs when a perpetrator places himself between the user and the web application to either eavesdrop or exchange information without the user's knowledge. 

8) Emotet – A type of cybercrime to infect through a malicious link/script or macro-enabled document files. It is usually spread through spam emails. 

9) Dridex – The main goal of this cybercrime is to gain access to the victim’s financial assets by stealing their online bank account credentials. 

10) Endpoint attack – It is a type of malware used to hold a computer or data hostage by encrypting the files/data till the ransom amount is paid.

Common Network Security issues 

Here is a list of common Network Security issues discussed below - 

1) Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks – It is a kind of malicious attempt to disrupt the services of a host connected to the network. 

2) Internal Security Threats – Internal security threats originate internally and are caused by an individual can be accidentally or deliberately. 

3) Ransomware – A way to threaten the victim to either permanently block access or publish personal data unless a ransom amount is paid. 

4) Malware – A malicious software code or file intentionally designed to disrupt by infecting, stealing, or exploring a network. 

5) Rogue Security Software – A form of malicious software used to mislead users by making them believe their computer is infected with a virus (when it is not). You get an option or are convinced to install a fake malware removal which will have a  virus.

6) Phishing attacks – It is a practice to deceive people using social platforms such as email, text, or telephone to commit fraud. 

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Types of Cyber Security and Network Security protection 

Earlier, we discussed the threats and issues faced through Cyber Security and Network Security. Now, let us understand a few concepts and measures needed to protect them from all types of cyber threats and vulnerability.

Cyber Security protection 

Here is a list of a few significant measures and practices needed to ensure Cyber Security:

1) You must regularly update your Operating System and Cyber Security software

2) Check for vulnerabilities and ensure that the necessary patches are quickly carried out

3) Ensure all your computer systems get updated with anti-virus software. This software can help you fix minute bugs and defend against viruses and threats. Also, it will ensure alarm against serious cyber-attacks

4) Use strong passwords with a minimum length of eight characters—a strong password needs capital & small words, a symbol, and an integer. The purpose is to make it difficult for hackers to guess your password

5) Avoid responding to any email attachments with unidentified links from strangers to avoid any virus or malware attack

6) Also, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as you might become a target of man-in-the-middle attacks

Network Security protection 

Here is a list of notable methods and applications that protect the organisation's interests and information. These measures must be administered to ensure adequate Network Security protection from cyber threats. 

1) Firewall – A Firewall is a Network Security system or software used to control and monitor network traffic per the predetermined security rules.  

2) Remote Access VPN – A remote access Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all the traffic the user receives and sends, securing remote access and use of applications available in the data centre.  

3) Email Security – Email security is a practice to protect email accounts and communications against unauthorised access.  

4) Hyper-Scale Network Security – It is about ensuring scalability and flexibility of Network Security to protect the IT systems of an organisation.  

5) Cloud Network Security – Focuses on using all the security measures to secure public, private, and hybrid cloud networks. 

6) Network Segmentation – This divides a network into multiple subnets or segments to improve network performance and security.  

7) Data Loss Prevention (DLP) – This provides complete visibility of data loss, data in use, and all the other data available on the network. 

8) Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – ZTNA provides secure access to data, services, and applications based on clearly defined access control policies.  

9) Sandboxing – Sandboxing is a security mechanism or practice where a code is run, observed, and analysed in a secure environment that mimics end-user operating environments.   

10) Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) – A Network Security device or software application that monitors and prevents a network from malicious activity or policy violations. 

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Differences between Cyber Security and Network Security 

The following table will help you analyse and understand a few differences between Cyber Security and Network Security.
 

Cyber Security 

Network Security 

Cyber Security safeguards an organisation's digital data by defending it from all kinds of malicious hackers and cyberattacks. 

Network Security offers limited protection to the organisation’s IT infrastructure from all cyber threats and attacks. 

Cyber Security is a part of Information Security. 

Network Security is a part or subset of Cyber Security. 

Cyber Security covers Network protection, Software & Applications update, Information updates, and Secure network solutions. 

Network Security covers Firewalls, User ID and Passwords, Internet access, DLP, IPS, Regular backups, and Cloud security. 

It protects data stored in the devices and servers. 

It protects data flowing over Network. 

It strikes against Cyber Crime and cyber fraud. 

It strikes against deceptive Trojans, giving it a hint as a harmless file. 

It ensures that the entire data stored in the digital format is protected. 

It ensures that network transmission data gets protected. 


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Career opportunities in Network Security and Cyber Security 

To understand what kind of job opportunities each domain (Cyber Security and Network Security) can provide - You can compare the possibilities before applying for a particular job. Also, you can understand the salary variances offered in each of them. 

Following is the table depicting the jobs & salaries related to Network Security:
 

SL No.  

Job Role 

Annual Avg. Salary  

1  

Network Security Engineer  

£36,000 

2  

Network Security Analyst 

£32,000 

  3   

Security Consultant 

£48,000 

Network Security Administrator 

£27,000 

5

Network Security Manager 

£41,000 

6

Network Security Specialist 

£42,670 

7

Information Security Specialist 

£49,700 

Source: PayScale

Next is the salary analysis for the Cyber Security related job roles. 

According to PayScale, the annual average salary for someone with Cyber Security skills is about £45,000.  

Further, look at the related Cyber Security jobs in the table below:
 

SL No. 

Job Role 

Annual Avg. Salary  

1

Cyber Security Analyst   

£33,500 

2

Information Security Analyst 

£33,000 

3

Cyber Security Engineer 

£55,000 

4

Information Security Manager 

£56,000 

5

Security Engineer 

£39,000 

6

Security Analyst 

£32,000 

7

Chief Information Security Officer 

£100,000

Source: PayScale

Which one is better - Network Security or Cyber Security?

When choosing between Cyber Security vs Network Security, it is crucial to consider your area of expertise and specific goalsNetwork Security is a subset of Cyber Security, but still, both are significant for maintaining a secure online environment. For example, Network Security focuses on securing networks and computers. In contrast, Cyber Security protects data and information from malicious attacks.    

Not many entry-level jobs are available in Network Security and Cybersecurity domains. To achieve remarkable milestones - Your pursuit to gain more knowledge and updates should not stop once you graduate.  

The security fields need a lot of effort, dedication, and cutting-edge abilities and continue progressing with an ambition of lifelong learning. Both computer security professionals and criminal hackers spend their days attempting to breach networks and information systems while never stopping to learn new techniques.   

Nevertheless, incorporating both Network Security and Cyber Security is essential to ensure a secure online environment. 

Conclusion

By reading this blog Network Security vs Cyber Security, you understand the difference between Cyber Security and Network Security. Network Security focuses on the safety and security of networks and computers. In contrast, Cyber Security focuses on protecting data and information. 

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