Feb 10, 2022

Cyber Security vs Network Security: Clarifying the Concepts

“I’ve been Saying for Years we’re gonna Have to Spend a Lot more Time on Cyber Security” - Barack Obama

Technology is undeniably the most dynamic aspect of human lives. Given its rapidly changing nature, it becomes crucial to keep oneself abreast with the same. The idea is equally relevant when speaking of the security and safety of the Cyberspace.

Our presence in the digital arena has only increased by leaps and bounds; however, it does call for efforts to institute robust mechanisms, guaranteeing overall security of the digital space.

This has given rise to multiple terms and concepts, each of which happen to be associated with different aspects of security. Consequently, the notion of Network Security vs. Cyber Security has evolved as a significant concern within tech circles.

In this blog, we shall look at the issue of Cyber Security vs Network Security. The two terms are used interchangeably or are thought of as being synonymous. However, the issue of Network vs. Cyber Security is very much a real one and they do happen to intersect as well as diverge in various ways.

Subsequently, we shall also discuss issues of Network Engineer vs. Cyber Security, Network Administrator vs. Cyber Security as well as undertake a tripartite comparison on the issue of Information Security vs. Cyber Security vs. Network Security.

Another duo of closely related terms is that of cybersecurity and information security. However, in this case too, it is important to understand the difference between the two. If you wish to read more on the topic of Cyber Security vs. Information Security, do refer to our blog on “Cyber Security vs. Information Security: A Comparative Analysis”

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security can be seen as a discipline which deals with providing protection and security to servers, computers, mobile devices, programs, systems and networks; with the objective of defending them against malicious digital attacks (Cyber Security threats and Cyber Security attacks as well as Advanced Persistent Threats).

These attacks are essentially aimed at transforming, destroying or acquiring access to sensitive data; demanding ransom from the owners of data, or seeking to disrupt the normal procedure of business. In one way, Cyber Security ensures Data Security.

What is Network Security?

Network Security is the safety mechanism which involves different strategies for safeguarding the integrity of network infrastructure from unwarranted access, malfunction, destruction, misuse and so on.

It aims at protecting networks and programs from different kinds of malicious attacks and cyber threats such as malware, viruses, spyware, Trojans, etc. Network Security solutions encompasses three aspects: humans, hardware and software.

It seeks to acquire control over the transfer of data over the network, in order to avoid its accidental compromise as well as prevent intentional data breaches and unauthorized intrusions.

Network Security vs Cyber Security: A Comparative Analysis

Cyber Security is a branch/subset of Information Security which aims at protecting the cyber realm from potential cyber attack and threats. Network Security is a subset of Cyber Security which aims at protecting a particular line of communication, a specific channel or network infrastructure, in order to safeguard the sanctity of data being transferred therein.

Given their common concern with different arenas of digital security; it is quite often that we end up confusing one with the other. However, the issue of Cyber Security vs Network Security is a real one.

Cyber Security	Network Security
Cyber Security is the subset of Information Security	Network Security is the subset of Cyber Security
Protects Internet connected systems and networks from digital attacks	Protects directories and files in a network of computers against unauthorized access, misuse and hacking
Concerned with providing protection from different kinds of cyber attacks and threats such as phishing, pretexting, baiting and so on	Concerned with providing protection from attack by entities like viruses, worms, DoS attacks and so on
Safeguards data residing in servers and devices	Safeguards data flowing over the network
Ensures the safety of entire digital data	Ensures the safety of only transmit data
Network protection, up-to-date information, software applications, come under Cyber Security	Internet access, ID and Passwords, Backup, Firewalls, come under Network Security
Scope is wider as it seeks to protect the organization concerned from all kinds of digital attacks within the Cyberspace	Scope is narrower as it seeks to protect the IT infrastructure of the organization concerned from different kinds of online threats

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Network Engineer vs Cyber Security

Network Engineers are professionals responsible for setting up the network of a company. They are responsible for the maintenance of the network infrastructure, for the resolution of issues in the network such as those caused by viruses and malware; as well as for technical assistance.

They ensure the sound working of other cyber security measures within the organization. There are five major categories of Network Engineers:

Network Specialists
Network Technicians
Network Administrators
Network Analysts
Network Managers

The issue of Network Engineer vs Cyber Security is essentially the question of Network Security Engineer vs Cyber Security Engineer and the two professionals do diverge on certain grounds.

A Cyber Security Engineer is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the hardware and software components within the overall digital infrastructure. Their job is to ensure protection for each and every entity within cyberspace from potential cyber attacks and threats.

Network Security Engineers are responsible for the management and protection of the network infrastructure alone.

The difference in the scope of job roles is another significant point within the topic of Cyber Security vs Network Engineer. While a Network Engineer happens to be concerned with strengthening the network infrastructure of an organization; a Cyber Security Engineer adopts a wider role and needs to fortify the security of the entire IT infrastructure of any organization.

In the course of this whole debate, the issue of Network Engineer vs. Cyber Security Salary is another valid point of consideration. When comparing the two, the salary range of the respective professions, certainly do diverge. In general, Cyber Security professionals happen to be paid slightly higher than Network Engineers.

Aspiring to be a Cyber Security Engineer? Check out our blog on "How to become a Cyber Security Engineer?"

Network Administrator vs Cyber Security

The point of concern under this topic is essentially a comparison of administrative roles of Network Administrators and System Administrators. In his professional capacity, a Network Administrator is responsible for:

Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Ordering Network Equipment, along with Configuring, Testing and Racking them
Cabling
Regular periodic Network Maintenance

In contrast, given the wider scope of Cyber Security as a field, when compared to Network Security; Administrators in the field of Cyber Security are responsible for:

Operation, Configuration and Maintenance of Computer Systems and Servers
Ensuring regular Installation and Update of Software
Resolution of Issues with Server and Computer Systems
Participating in R&D in order to develop a better understanding of the need of the organization

It is important to note that the issue of Network Administrator vs Cyber Security is not necessarily one against the other. Since both the job roles happen to be eventually rooted in Information Technology, there is bound to be some kind of an overlap. This is especially true for responsibilities which pertain to the daily operation and functioning of computer systems and networks.

Information Security vs Cyber Security vs Network Security

In this section of the blog, we shall make an attempt to undertake a tripartite comparison on the issue of Information Security vs Cyber Security vs Network Security.

Basis of Comparison	Information Security	Cyber Security	Network Security
Origin	The idea of Information Security dates back to times when humans began keeping secrets in the form of physical files, kept in lockers.	The advent of the Internet, generated new vulnerabilities and gave rise to a new industry- Cyber Security.	When business organizations started using computers, Network Security became indispensable for safeguarding the electronic network infrastructure of these systems.
Definition	It is the process of according protection to information systems (electronic, print, or any form of confidential and sensitive information and data) in order to prevent it from being exposed to destruction, disclosure, modification and unauthorized access	Cyber Security deals with providing protection to servers, computers, mobiles, programs, systems and networks; with the objective of defending them against malicious digital attacks.	It safeguards the integrity of network infrastructure from unwarranted access, malfunction, destruction and misuse. It aims at protecting networks and programs from different kinds of cyber threats such as malware, viruses, spyware, Trojans, etc.
Scope	It is concerned with safeguarding the safety of the overall security landscape.	It is concerned with safeguarding the safety of the cyber realm.	It is concerned with safeguarding the safety of the network infrastructure.
Nature	It is all encompassing and inclusive.	Cyber Security is the subset of Information Security.	Network Security is the subset of Cyber Security.
Operation	Information Security deals with the safety of all kinds of data – physical or digital.	Ensures the safety of entire digital data.	Ensures the safety of only transmitting data.
Job Designations	Some of the job titles within the field include: Chief Information Security Officer, Information Security Risk Analyst, Information Security Manager, Information Systems Security Officer, Information Security Engineer, Information Security Risk Analyst, and others.	Some of the job titles within the field include: Cyber Security Analysts, Cyber Info Systems Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Security Engineer, Application Security Engineer and others.	Some of the job titles within the field include: Network Security Engineer, Network Security Lead, Network Security Architect, Network Security Consultant, and others.

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Conclusion

It is evident that the three disciplines of Information Security, Cyber Security and Network Security, are not mutually exclusive. There are considerable overlaps between all three of them as they happen to operate as supersets or subsets of each other.

Even then, one cannot displace the idea of Cyber Security vs Network Security, completely. There are certain technical differences between the two fields, along with the similarities.

Hence, as an individual looking to develop expertise in the field of digital security, it is imperative to be well versed with the attributes of the issue of Network Security vs. Cyber Security.

Even as the demand for Cyber Security professionals happens to be soaring; the supply for the same is quite limited. This implies that Cyber Security as a career is here to stay, and is meant to guarantee lucrative remuneration to professionals in the field.

We, at Syntax Technologies, offer you an attractive opportunity to make your way into this esteemed tech domain. Be a Cyber Security expert; enroll now for our Cyber Security course.