Businesses face threats to their data in IT systems, including both network and cyber systems. You must protect both network and cyber systems to safeguard data and information. However, it is important to distinguish between network security and cybersecurity for the right security implementation.
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. But, they differ in focus. Network security protects the networks and data of connected devices. Contrarily, cybersecurity protects all digital assets. They include data, devices, and the entire cyber system.
This guide will compare network security and cybersecurity. It will explain the differences between them in detail. This will help you to take informed and strategic actions for both aspects.
Quick Comparison Table of Network Security Vs. Cybersecurity
Before going into the in-depth differences between network security and cybersecurity, here is a quick comparison table. This comparison will help you to get a quick insight into the terms.
| Comparison Aspects | Network Security | Cyber Security |
| Primary Focus and Coverage | Protects the network infrastructure from threats to network devices, connections, and data transmission. | Protects all digital assets, including data, devices, and systems across the organisation. |
| Common Threats Addressed | DDoS attacks, phishing, malware, unauthorised network access. | Insider threats, social engineering, advanced malware, complex data breaches. |
| Key Components | Identity and Access Management (IAM), Endpoint Security, Zero Trust, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Security Audits, and Incident Response. | Identity and Access Management (IAM), Endpoint Security, Zero Trust, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Security Audits, Incident Response. |
| Data Protection | Primarily protects data in transit within the network. | Protects data at rest, in transit, and in use across systems and devices. |
| Risk Management | Focuses on network-level risks and monitoring for intrusions. | Broader risk management approach. Covers all digital threats and vulnerabilities. |
| Incident Management | Detects and responds to network breaches or anomalies. | Comprehensive incident management for all types of cyber threats, with structured response plans. |
| Compliance Focus | This includes broader compliance with standards like the Privacy Act 1988, GDPR, and HIPAA for data protection and privacy for both security aspects. | |
Key Differences Between Network Security and Cybersecurity
Here, we have discussed the key differences between network security and cybersecurity. And yes, in detail.
1. Primary Focus and Coverage
The primary scope, focus, and goal of network security and cybersecurity lie in their names. Here’s how.
- Understanding Network Security-What It Actually Is
Network security is the technology that protects an IT system’s networks. It protects the network from unauthorised access, misuse, or theft. Network security monitors for abnormal activity in the network and devices.
Ultimately, it ensures safe data transfer across the network. To get a more precise idea about network security, we can say it is a subset of cybersecurity. It only focuses on network infrastructure security, such as,
- servers,
- routers,
- firewalls,
- intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS),
- access control mechanisms,
- virtual private networks (VPNs),
- routers with strong security features,
- network monitoring systems,
- endpoint security solutions,
- antivirus software, and
- security information and event management (SIEM) tools.
The network security system monitors the traffic. It also controls and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on the traffic behaviour.
- Understanding Cybersecurity-The Broader Term
Cybersecurity is a broader term for cyber system protection. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting the entire IT system. Along with other security, it also includes network security.
It isn’t just about securing systems and data. It also covers-
- user behaviour,
- threat detection, and
- incident management.
It covers all forms of information security. It protects data at rest, in transit, and across devices.
The common cybersecurity aspects are-
- cloud security,
- endpoint security,
- Data protection,
- ransomware,
- phishing,
- social engineering
- Identity and Access Management (IAM),
- penetration testing,
- Zero trust security,
- Securing devices outside of the network. They include mobile phones, laptops used in remote network settings, etc.
2. Types of Threats Network and Cybersecurity Address
As the focus of network security is particularly fixed, the types of threats they address are also different.
Network Security
Network security primarily addresses direct network threats. The typical attack network security addresses are as follows.
- DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service):
Cyber attackers use DDoS attacks to flood the network with traffic. Attackers run the traffic flooding from different sources. In 2017, 22% of the network attacks were DDoS attacks among all cyber attacks in Australia.
- Malware:
Attackers can use phishing tactics to install malware in the network system. Malware can be injected into the system by phishing links or unauthorised software. So, your system’s files can be encrypted, or attackers can steal your system’s information.
The malware spread through network channels. This compromises the network among connected devices.
- Packet Sniffing or Eavesdropping:
Packet sniffing is a program that attackers use to capture data or traffic sent across a network. Org system admins mainly use this to monitor their network. Nowadays, however, it has also become popular among hackers who steal data from network systems.
- Password Attack:
Hackers use different tricky techniques to gain your system’s password. They include-
- Brute-force attacks. It refers to trying every possible combination of passwords.
- Dictionary attacks- means using common phrases or words that are used to create passwords.
- Trojan Horse:
Trojan Horse is a malicious program. It alters your computer’s settings. It does unusual things, like deleting system files. As a result, your system may hang. Trojan Horse is usually injected into your system via games or social engineering. It allows the attackers to access your system’s security.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity has a broader reach. It aims to address external and internal threats. They could target the network, apps, data, and users. In 2024, 71% of small businesses consider cyber attacks as a major risk.
However, to protect against cyber attacks, some sophisticated and organisation-wide threats include:
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):
APT is a cyber-attacking strategy where the attackers remain unnoticed and undetected. This attack strategy lets cybercriminals stay in your system for a long time. By this time, they will have continuously stolen your data.
- Social Engineering and Phishing:
The attackers manipulate users by tricking them into revealing sensitive data. For example, you may have received a message like “CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE REWARDED $5000.” Or “WIN 2000 SQFT FLAT TODAY.”
When you click such phishing links, the attackers get your personal data and access to your system.
- Insider Threats:
This is not a technical issue. Rather, internal staff may, knowingly or accidentally, compromise the system’s security. They may misuse their access and can hand over the security of your cyber system to attackers.
- Zero-Day Exploits:
Zero-Day Exploit means the attackers already attacked the system. But, the admin or developer doesn’t know about the vulnerabilities. By this time, attackers access data before the vendor implements any security patch.
3. Tools and Techniques Both Security Methods Use
You will also see the differences among the tools for network security and cybersecurity.
The common tools used by both security protocols are as follows.
Network Security
The common tools used for network security are as follows.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS):
This is a security monitor application. It monitors network traffic and activities to find security risks. If it detects any security risks, it alerts the system administrator.
- Firewall:
A firewall is a device that monitors a network. It checks all incoming and outgoing traffic. If it detects any suspicious traffic and activities, it blocks the traffic based on the security rules set.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):
VPN is used for secure and encrypted connections. This is implemented from an endpoint to a network or over the internet for the entire network infrastructure.
- Antivirus Software:
Antivirus software finds and removes viruses and malware from the system.
- Access Control:
Access control lets certain people access specific networks, apps, and data. A pre-approved traffic list prevents unwanted access to the system.
These tools work mainly at the network layer. They ensure secure and controlled communication. At the same time, they block suspicious traffic and unauthorised access. So they can’t reach critical assets.
Cybersecurity
All cybersecurity uses network security tools since it covers all security approaches. Other cybersecurity tools that are used include:
- Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing (VAPT):
These are two types of vulnerability testing in the cyber system. The tests help the admin find weaknesses in the system, apps, and devices.
- Endpoint Security Solutions:
This is a combination of cybersecurity strategies. The endpoint security secures the end devices. They include mobile phones, desktops, laptops, IoT, medical devices, etc…
- Identity and Access Management (IAM):
The IAM system ensures that only verified users can access the organisation’s IT system. But unauthorised people can’t.
- Zero Trust Security:
The zero trust model of security applies authentication and authorisation at every stage of system access. Whether an insider or outsider, you must go through ZTNA.
ZTNA uses multi-factor authentication, device access control, etc…, to access any organisation’s IT system.
4. Compliance and Data Protection
Network security is part of cybersecurity. So, they share the same compliance requirements in Australia. The Privacy Act 1988 is the central governing body of these efforts.
However, different legislations under the act govern the data safety of people. They include-
- Australian Privacy Principle 1 and Australian Privacy Principle 11: These two mandate that organisations manage personal information transparently. At the same time, they will secure personal data against unauthorised access.
- Notifiable Data Breach Scheme(NDB): Under the NDB scheme, organisations must notify OAIC about the data breach.
- Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024: This bill further strengthens data breach obligations. This also expands data protection requirements and increases penalties for non-compliance.
On the other hand, in America, organisations must protect the medical data of individuals under HIPAA. If you operate in Europe or with European clients, you must comply with GDPR compliance.
These rules make sure organisations handle individuals’ data with care. They include
- encryption,
- identity and access management,
- data safety,
- proper handling of data,
- incident response, etc…
They will secure sensitive data and stop breaches. They will also ensure the accountability of data handlers in all digital spaces.
Similarities and Overlaps in Network Security and Cybersecurity
Network security and cybersecurity differ in their main goal. But they have similarities, too.
Common Goals
- Both aim to protect sensitive data and mitigate risks against cyber threats.
- They prevent breaches. They keep data confidential, intact, and available.
Shared Tools and Technologies
- Antivirus Software: It reduces malware risks in networks and beyond.
- Firewalls: They control traffic and secure networks and apps.
- Encryption: Protects data in transit and at rest.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS/IPS): They detect and block intrusions in networks and apps.
Incident Management and Response
- Both use incident response plans to detect, contain, and recover from breaches.
- Security audits check for vulnerabilities. They focus on networks and cybersecurity.
- Assess and guard against threats. Keep systems resilient.
Why Organisations Need Both Network and Cybersecurity
Both network security and cybersecurity are vital. You need them to protect against cyber threats. Network security protects the network. Cybersecurity protects all digital assets.
Before knowing how they secure your network and cyberspace, you should learn how severe the cybersecurity issue is in Australia. The data will help you to understand why you need both network and cybersecurity.
- On January 11, 2020, Canva, one of the biggest online design software, pointed out that around 4 million Canva account passwords were stolen.
- Australia’s Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) received more than 76,000 cybercrime reports in the 2021-2022 time period. The report shows that cybercrime increased by approximately 13% from the 2020-2021 period. Among them, 43% of cyberattacks targeted small- and medium-sized enterprises.
- A study shows that 82% of Australian organisations faced a cyberattack in 2023.
- Another OAIC report shows that notifiable data breaches increased by 9% in the period of Jan 1 to Jun 30 2024, from Jul 31 to Dec 31 2023.
Integrated Security Measures
Network security manages access and traffic. Cybersecurity adds risk management and incident response. Both create a strong defence.
Adaptability and Threat Mitigation
Rising threats demand comprehensive security. They range-
- endpoint protection,
- identity and access management (IAM), and
- countercomplex attacks.
Both security measures can ensure comprehensive security.
Final Words
When you understand the difference between network security vs. cybersecurity, it helps you to implement a comprehensive defence strategy. The summary is network security focuses only on the security of network infrastructure. On the other hand, cybersecurity extends these protections across all digital assets, data, and users.
However, if you are looking to implement security for your network or cyber system, ITTechBox can be your most reliable partner in Brisbane. We have been serving businesses across Brisbane with managed IT support for years.
We ensure your data is in safe hands if you choose us as your IT security partner. And yes, we will ensure our security system will comply with all national and international standards and regulations.