Network Security vs Cyber Security

What is Network Security?

As described in this previous blog , network security is multifaceted, but its primary objective is protecting critical IT organizational infrastructure, intellectual property, and sensitive personal information from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft. It can encompass physical safeguarding components, protecting the data stored within or traversing the links as well as policies and processes for controlling user access and behavior. Threats for which it protects includes external, for example distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and internal—a common one being data exfiltration.

Techniques and tools frequently utilized include firewalls (for controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules), intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect and prevent potential security breaches, virtual private networks (VPNs to securely connect remotely to the network, and network access control (NAC) to restrict unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.

What is Cyber Security?

In contrast, cyber security includes network security but is also a more expansive concept which includes protecting systems, software, and data residing anywhere within IT resources from hackers and other threats. Like network security, but even more broadly it also includes strategies, procedures, and processes to safeguard critical IT infrastructure and related assets.

Security technologies and tools often implemented here are related to protecting applications, end points, identity and access management, incident response, and threat intelligence. Risks and areas of potential exposure addressed include advanced persistent threats, phishing attacks, ransomware, malware more generally, social engineering attacks, and zero-day exploits.

What is Information Security?

Now that we have defined network security and cyber security, let us provide additional helpful context by discussing how they tie-in to the overarching concept of information security (InfoSec) which includes both. So, what is InfoSec? It is the practice of protecting information and the systems on which it resides, stored, or is transmitted. The threats are many: unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Anything that can potentially compromise sensitive information. As such, InfoSec is a broad field that encompasses various strategies and tools to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

Best Practices for Network Security and Cyber Security

6 Ways to Strengthen your Network Security

There are numerous best practices here. Beyond more obvious ones, such as deploying firewalls and implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) solutions, here are six that can specifically strengthen the edge network that are sometimes overlooked, not fully utilized, or frequently not scrupulously completed:

1. Implement VLANs – Dividing your network into VLAN segments is only the first step. Ongoing auditing and testing are important to ensure proper device isolation is maintained to limit the possible introduction of threats or lateral movement by hackers.
2. Consistent, Periodic Device Patch Updates – Includes up to date firmware and latest security patches for infrastructure such as routers, switches, and firewalls along with user endpoints like laptops. Validating this with ongoing vulnerability assessments is important here as well.
3. Secure Wireless Networks – Ensure strong and only enterprise only grade encryption is used. Checking for things such as SSIDs advertising different security types and one-off APs from different manufacturers are other examples of activities.
4. Protect Physical Port Connectivity – Validate switch ports are properly provisioned and unused/unconnected switch ports are administratively locked down. Confirm individual, open available local connections are properly configured (especially in areas potentially open to guests).
5. Ongoing Network Discoveries – At the network perimeter, specifically where there are many guests or unknown individuals with wireless or physical network access regular discovery of possible new devices “left behind” is highly recommended.
6. Continuous Auditing and Assessments – Conducting reoccurring security audits and vulnerability assessments including penetration testing to identify and resolve weaknesses that could compromise the network is important. Ideally, this would include independent third parties performing unbiased evaluations to quantify the security posture.

6 Ways to Strengthen Your Cyber Security

Likewise, there are many best practices here as well. Here are six key ones:

1. Develop a Cybersecurity Policy – Establish comprehensive cybersecurity policies that outline acceptable use, incident response, and security protocols. Be sure to review and update the policies to address emerging threats on a periodic basis.
2. Employ Strong Password Policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Insist on rigorous enforcement of strong passwords and MFA to lock-down and secure the accounts.
3. Data Encryption – Ensure sensitive data both at rest and in transit are protected using strong encryption standards. Implement encryption key management practices to protect and rotate encryption keys.
4. Security Awareness Training – Regularly train employees on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts and using secure passwords. Foster a security-conscious culture where employees report suspicious activity.
5. Implement Incident Response Plan – Develop and maintain an incident response plan that outlines steps for detecting, containing, and recovering from cyber incidents. Conduct regular drills and tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of the plan.
6. Maintain Situational Awareness – Stay informed about the latest cyber threats by subscribing to threat intelligence feeds. If available, use security information and event management (SIEM) tools to monitor for indicators of compromise (IOCs) and respond to threats in real-time.

In Summary

In conclusion, network security and cyber security fall within the larger concept of InfoSec. Both require a multi-layered and layered approach that combines technology, processes, and people. Developing a holistic, “defense in depth” strategy which includes industry frameworks such as (CIS?) Critical Controls? and by following these and other best practices, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber threats and network breaches.

How CyberScope? Can Help

Specifically at the edge network, CyberScope can be beneficial for IT organizations or all sizes, aiding in successfully adhering to the network security best practices highlighted above. Designed to provide in-depth visibility at the edge network, including the ability to perform comprehensive cybersecurity assessments , CyberScope can serve as a key input into larger, enterprise-wide cybersecurity audits.