Understanding the nuances between network security and cyber security is crucial when your company wants to stay ahead of cybercrime.

While used interchangeably, these terms refer to different aspects of protecting information and systems. To build a strong security strategy, you need to know what tools are available and the problems they help to solve.

Network security and cybersecurity share similar best practices and techniques, but there are key differences in their uses and applications.

What is Network Security?

A "network" is a group of connected devices, like computers, servers, and wireless networks. These connected devices are often targets for cyberattacks because they transmit, store, and process valuable data.

Network security, therefore, involves the measures taken to protect that data. As people transmit or access data across the network, it's essential to maintain the data's integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Network security aims to prevent, detect, and respond to infrastructure threats.

In other words, giving authorized people access to the data while keeping unauthorized people away from the data and out of the network. Hardware and software tools guard against unauthorized access and the misuse, malfunction, modification, destruction, or improper disclosure of the network and its resources.

Common Network Security Vulnerabilities

A vulnerability is any weakness in a system that hackers and malicious actors can leverage to gain access to a network and/or steal data.

Misconfigurations, weak or default passwords, bugs, and lack of adequate encryption are all common network security vulnerabilities.

Unfortunately, malicious software such as viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware - commonly known as malware - can infect network devices and spread across networks by leveraging common network security vulnerabilities.

Or, cyber thieves steal passwords using phishing attacks where they pretend to be a trusted business or person. Without added layers of protection against unauthorized access, the stolen password(s) can allow the hackers to infiltrate the network.

Networks may also be vulnerable to hardware failure, service disruptions, and “sniffing” (when attackers “listen in” to data transferred). For example, Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm a network with traffic to disrupt service availability and impact an organization's operations. On the other hand, Man-in-the-Middle attacks (MitM) intercept and alter communications between two parties without their knowledge.

Some threats come from vulnerabilities or bugs in the hardware or software used on the corporate network. For example, SQL Injection exploits vulnerabilities to inject malicious SQL statements. Zero-day attacks target previously unknown vulnerabilities before developers can patch them.

Sometimes, network security vulnerabilities are created by the very people working at the organization. Insider threats come from employees or other internal actors who intentionally or unintentionally compromise network security. Overuse of admin privileges and lack of access management policies can make the network especially susceptible to insider attacks.

Concerns for AI in Network Security

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) introduces opportunities and challenges for network security.

AI can enhance security measures through advanced threat detection, pattern recognition, and automated responses. These abilities offer speed and accuracy in identifying and preventing attacks in real time. Given that many data breaches go undetected for months, leveraging AI has the potential to shorten time-to-discovery and improve cyber attack outcomes.

On the other hand, malicious actors can also leverage AI to develop more sophisticated attacks. AI can automate cyber attacks, making them faster and more efficient. AI-generated deep fake videos or audio can be used for impersonation, fraud, and sowing deep mistrust. Plus, AI can enable malware to adapt and evade detection mechanisms as well as manipulate AI training data to produce invalid outcomes, known as "data poisoning."

As in most cases of new technology, AI would kick off an “arms race” between cybersecurity trans and hackers as each side tries to gain an advantage.

Network security best practices for organizations

• Regularly update software and hardware. Ensure all systems and devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches and firmware updates.
• Implement strong access controls. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) to limit access to sensitive information.
• Employ network segmentation. Divide the network into segments to contain breaches and limit the spread of malware.
• Use encryption. Encrypt data in transit and at rest to protect it from interception and unauthorized access.
• Conduct regular third-party security audits. Review and assess your network's security posture to identify and address vulnerabilities. Use a trusted third-party to simulate real-world attacks and stress-test your systems.
• Develop employee security training programs. Educate employees about security best practices, phishing scams, and the importance of data protection.
• Have a documented incident response plan. Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to quickly and effectively address security breaches. Ensure the plan is easily accessible to all relevant employees and leadership.

What is the difference between Network Security and Cyber Security?

Understanding the distinction between network and cyber security is essential for developing a comprehensive and effective security strategy.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security goes beyond the network. It's a broader term encompassing the protection of all digital data, systems, and networks from cyber threats. This includes safeguarding against attacks that aim to access, alter, delete, or extort an organization or individual's data. Cyber security includes network security, but also application, information, and operational security.

What are the similarities and differences?

Both network security and cyber security aim to protect data and systems from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. Both employ various security measures, including firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and security protocols to assess risks, identify vulnerabilities, and implement measures to mitigate those risks.

However, network security focuses on protecting data as it is transmitted across or accessed from a network, while cyber security encompasses a broader range of digital protection, including endpoint security, application security, and user behavior monitoring.

Network security often involves protecting network infrastructure, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. Conversely, cyber security includes protecting the entire IT ecosystem, including software applications, user accounts, databases, and user devices.

Network security primarily addresses threats that exploit network vulnerabilities and impact data transmission, such as DDoS attacks and MitM attacks. Cyber security addresses a wider range of threats at the system level, including social engineering attacks, data breaches, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).

How to Build a Security Strategy with LogMeIn Rescue

Building a robust security strategy involves integrating tools and best practices to protect an organization's digital assets. LogMeIn Rescue, a powerful remote support solution, can enhance an organization's security strategy by providing secure, reliable remote support capabilities.

A tool like Rescue provides secure remote access to devices, ensuring that support sessions are encrypted and authenticated. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects sensitive information during remote support sessions. Detailed logs of all remote support sessions help IT administrators to monitor activities, detect anomalies, and investigate incidents. Automated monitoring helps to maintain accountability and transparency in remote support operations.

Security can be further enhanced by requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for technicians accessing remote systems. This adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access. Role-based access control also restricts access to sensitive systems and data based on the user's role and responsibilities. This minimizes the risk of insider threats and unauthorized access.

Employees can maximize the benefits of security tools if they know when and how to use them. Train support staff on security best practices, potential threats, and the importance of adhering to security protocols during remote support sessions. Ongoing education ensures that employees know the latest threats and how to counter them.

A solution like Rescue offers capabilities to respond to and manage security incidents quickly. Efficiently addressing malware infections, unauthorized access, and other security breaches minimizes damage and facilitates rapid recovery.

Implementing a cyber security tool like Rescue requires conducting a thorough assessment of your organization's security requirements. You also need to inventory critical assets and data as well as inventory potential threats and existing vulnerabilities.

Stronger Network Security strengthens overall Cyber Security

Understanding the distinctions and intersections between network security and cyber security is fundamental for developing a comprehensive security strategy. Network security focuses on protecting data integrity, confidentiality, and availability within network infrastructure, while cyber security encompasses a broader range of protective measures across digital systems and data.

Both network security and cyber security share common objectives and techniques yet differ in their scope and approach. By leveraging tools like Rescue and implementing best practices, organizations can build robust security strategies that protect against the evolving threat landscape.

Investing in a comprehensive security strategy that integrates both network security and cyber security is essential for safeguarding digital assets, maintaining operational continuity, and ensuring trust in today's interconnected world.