Table of Contents
Defining Cyber Security
Protecting Data and Systems
Cyber security refers to the protection of internet connected systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and data from cyber attacks. The goal of cyber security is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT systems and data. It focuses on safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive information from vulnerabilities and malicious activities.
Safeguarding Against Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are constantly evolving and include threats like malware, phishing, ransomware, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Cyber security aims to implement tools, policies, controls, awareness programs, and other measures to protect systems and data from these threats. This includes perimeter security, network security, endpoint protection, application security, and data security.
Maintaining Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
The key principles of information security that cyber security aims to uphold are:
- Confidentiality: Preventing unauthorized access to data
- Integrity: Safeguarding accuracy and trustworthiness of data
- Availability: Ensuring information and systems are accessible when needed
Cybersecurity tools and programs are focused on upholding these principles across interconnected systems and data.
Defining Network Security
Securing Network Infrastructure
Network security refers specifically to the protection of the network infrastructure that enables devices, systems, and applications to connect and exchange data. This includes routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
Controlling Network Access
Network security focuses on controlling access to networks, and enforcing policies on what traffic is allowed to enter/exit networks. This is done by configuring firewall settings, allowing/blocking IP addresses, and establishing user privilege controls to access network resources.
Detecting & Responding to Intrusions
Detecting unauthorized network activity and responding quickly to intrusions is a key network security capability. This requires network monitoring, analysis of vulnerabilities, investigation of threats, and proper incident response plans.
Key Differences
While Cyber Security vs Network Security are interconnected, there are some key differences in scope and priorities:
Scope
Cyber security encompasses the entire range of systems, users, devices, networks, and data. Network security focuses specifically on protecting network infrastructure and access controls.
Priorities
Cyber security takes a data and user-centric approach focused on safeguarding information and systems. Network security takes a perimeter-based approach focused on controlling network access and traffic.
Expertise
Cybersecurity requires both technical expertise and an understanding of business, data, and user needs. Network security requires specialized technical skills in managing network architecture, protocols, and infrastructure.
Relationship Between Cyber Security vs Network Security
While differing in focus, cyber security and network security work closely together to form a robust security posture.
Interconnection
Protecting network infrastructure provides the foundation for securing systems and data that reside on those networks. So network security is interconnected with higher level cyber security.
Overlap
There are certainly overlapping areas between the two, like network monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and incident response processes.
Collaboration
Effective cyber security requires close collaboration between experts across both domains to maintain alignment, share intelligence, and coordinate responses to security incidents.
Developing a Robust Security Strategy
Organizations need to look at cyber security and network security from an integrated perspective and develop security strategies accordingly:
Defense in Depth
Adopt a “defense in depth approach” with controls at multiple levels across network infrastructure, policies, procedures, software, and hardware systems.
Unified Viewpoint
Bring teams together to establish coordinated processes for threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response processes.
Ongoing Adaptation
As technology and threats continuously evolve, processes and controls need to adapt. Stay up-to-date and keep staff trained.
The Future of Connected Security
As connectivity and data flows accelerate, the need for integrated cyber and network security will intensify:
Emerging Technologies
Cloud computing, IoT, and 5G adoption will introduce new cyber and network security challenges that require coordinated strategies.
Evolving Threat Landscape
Threat actors are getting more sophisticated. Shared intelligence and uniform security policies will provide greater resilience.
Focus on Resiliency
Businesses need strategies focused on cyber resilience the ability to quickly adapt and continue operating through a cyber incident. This requires alignment between cyber and network security.
Conclusion
While cyber security takes a big-picture view focused on securing data, systems, and users, network security operates at a lower level oriented around controlling infrastructure and access. These distinct yet interconnected functions must work hand-in-hand to provide a resilient security posture able to withstand the complexity of modern cyber threats.
Ultimately businesses need to promote collaboration between Cyber Security vs Network Security leaders and adopt integrated strategies centered on defense in depth, shared intelligence, coordinated responses, and continuous adaptation to the threat landscape.
FAQs
What are the main components of cyber security?
The key components are perimeter security like firewalls, network security, endpoint protection on devices, application security for software and systems, access management, data security, and protecting against vulnerabilities.
What are the primary goals of network security?
The key goals are securing network infrastructure like routers, switches, and Wi-Fi networks, controlling what traffic enters/exits the network, detecting intrusions via network monitoring, and responding to incidents when they occur.
Is network security part of cyber security?
Yes, network security provides a key foundation in the overall cyber security framework by protecting core infrastructure, though it differs in focusing specifically on network access controls.
What does a “defense in detail” strategy refer to?
Defense in depth means implementing multiple layers of security across network infrastructure, endpoints, applications, user access policies, and backups/recovery to provide redundancy if any one layer fails.
Why is adaptation important for security strategies?
As new technologies emerge and threats evolve, security controls and processes need to continuously adapt to effectively identify and respond to new vulnerabilities and attack methods over time.
