Cyber Security and Network Security: Differences and Similarities

Staying secure in the modern, connected world is more challenging than ever before. Recent research has revealed that a cyber attack occurs somewhere around the world once every 39 seconds, costing the world US$9.5 trillion this year. With such a large number of attacks occurring every day, demand is surging for IT security specialists who have studied accredited online IT courses in network security and cyber security.

Network security and cyber security sound like interchangeable terms, however they differ slightly in their scope and coverage. Cyber security is a broader, overarching concept, while network security focuses specifically on securing and protecting network systems. This guide will provide in-depth definitions of both disciplines, in addition to the differences and similarities between the two.

What is Network Security?

Network security focuses on protecting the integrity of data and resources contained within a network, ensuring they remain confidential yet accessible to those who need to do so. A thorough network security framework protects hardware, software and data from a range of security breaches, including unauthorised access, misuse and disruption.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is a broader field that encompasses network security and protects the entire online presence of a business, including its computer systems, devices and data. Cyber security incorporates tools, practices and frameworks that are unique to particular systems and devices, which help to defend businesses against attacks, security breaches and any other malicious activity.

Cyber Security vs Networking Security: Understanding Key Differences

Both network security and cyber security aim to protect various elements of an organisation’s computer systems from malicious attacks. However, the way each discipline goes about doing so, and what they protect, does differ. Below, we have listed the most prominent differences between network security and cyber security.

Main Objective

Network security and cyber security differ in their main scope and objectives. Network security has a specific focus on securing networks and devices connected to them. Cyber security encompasses the safeguarding of networks, alongside devices, data and the cloud itself from any threats or breaches. 

Threats & Risks Mitigated

The range of threats that cyber security aims to protect against includes potentially costly ransomware and phishing attacks, as well as data breaches that could compromise the integrity of confidential information. Network security, on the other hand, involves securing a business’ computer systems from malware and other attacks on hardware.

System Components

While network security is designed to protect data flow within both wired and wireless networks, cyber security protects all digital assets in a computer system, including applications, devices and cloud systems.

Defence Tools

There are a number of defence tools that are specific to both network security and cyber security. Tools used in network security include firewalls, monitoring systems and VPNs, all of which add a layer of protection against malicious attacks. Cyber security measures are broader and can include antivirus programs, threat detection measures and incident response tools.

Management

Both network security and cyber security require professional teams to coordinate responses. Because of its scale, cyber security policies are often enforced by entire teams of qualified professionals, while network security can be managed by network administrators of IT specialists. Both disciplines put into practice the skills learned in Lumify Learn’s cyber security courses, whether you specialise in ethical hacking or security administration. 

How Network Security and Cyber Security Work Together

Network security is an important part of a business’ wider cyber security strategy. The two disciplines work together in a number of ways to minimise overall threats and protect users from having sensitive or classified information accessed by unauthorised individuals. Here are a number of ways in which network security and cyber security work together to create a layered defence system for businesses.

Protection Against Cyber Attacks & External Threats

Regardless of whether you’re discussing cyber security or network security, their main goal is to protect assets from external threats. Network security concerns itself with protecting the integrity of data flowing throughout the network, identifying suspicious activities and blocking external intruders from gaining access to the network.

Cyber security creates a more complete defence of an organisation’s IT infrastructure, securing individual devices, applications and cloud-based systems from malicious cyber attacks. An effective cyber security strategy protects against phishing, ransomware and data breaches by incorporating encryption and identity management solutions.

Guarantees Secure Connection Between Users & Devices

While both disciplines play a technical role, network security and cyber security also protect business computer systems on a personal level. Cyber security protects these endpoints with measures such as the popular multi-factor authentication to validate user identities, and downloadable antivirus software that can be installed on individual devices to detect any unauthorised activity.

Network security, meanwhile, also employs measures that ensure data is securely transferred between users. Using a VPN on each device guarantees secure communication, even on a public network, while network segmentation measures help limit access to only authorised users and devices.

Enrol in an IT Security Course With Lumify Learn

Both cyber security and network security offer businesses protection and peace of mind in an era where malicious attacks are increasingly common. However, there are still a number of critical differences in the way the two disciplines protect both individual devices and wider computer systems.

Whether you are interested in a career in cyber security or network security, there is currently an increasing demand for talented and trustworthy IT specialists in businesses across Australia and the world. Now is the perfect time to upskill with one of Lumify Learn’s cyber security certifications, such as the Diploma of Cyber Security or Certificate III in Cyber Security; and enter the industry in one of the many jobs managing or maintaining these measures. Browse the full range of courses available at Lumify Learn today, and fast-track your journey to a career in either cyber security or network security. 

All course are delivered 100% online by our expert trainers and mentors, so you can tailor your studies according to personal needs and schedule. And with our Lumify Edge Job Placement Program, you can connect with potential employers looking to hire cyber security professionals.

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