Cyber VS Information Security AND NETWORK SECURITY
Information reigns king in companies these days. So, security matters more than ever. Thus, Info Sec, Cyber, and Network Sec are crucial. Hacks and breaches, can disrupt a business to its core. That’s why this trio of protection matters. It helps keep business vital world wide. In fact, leaders must thrive to keep position. So, these security measures are now standard to stay alive.
Info Sec covers all types of info in any form. Cyber Sec is a sub set that covers cyber space or internet based info. While Network protection can focus on a company’s network field within cyber space. Some still interchange these terms without distinction. But regulatory bodies asked banks to separate Cyber Sec and Info Sec policies. These finance regulators include:
- Reserve bank of India
- Hong Kong Monetary Authority
- Monetary Authority of Singapore
- and many more…
Using “Cyber Sec” and “Information Sec” as synonyms creates confusion. This happens even among security pros.
| Info Sec | Cyber Sec | Network Sec | |
| Subset of | Comp Sci | Info Sec | Cyber Sec |
| Who it protects | Organizations, Employees, Network users, Clients & Partners | Network users, employees | Network users |
| Where it protects | Computers, Cyber space: Internet, Intranet, Systems, Connections, Procedures & Processes, ICT | Cyber space and Digital Network systems such as intranet and internet connections, ICT | Cyber space and Digital Network systems such as intranet and internet connections, ICT |
| What it protects | Physical and digital files, Emails, Payment info, Usernames, Passwords | Digital files and data, Emails, Payment info Usernames, Passwords | Digital files, Emails, Payment info, Usernames, Passwords |
| How it protects | Data encryption programs, pen testing, security standards & practices, staff training programs, work place procedures | Firewalls Anti virus software Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)Virtual private networks (VPN) | Firewalls Anti virus software Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPN |
What is Info Sec?
Info Sec protects information. That means physical data such as what you find in a filing cabinet. It also means digital and encrypted data. This most basic form of security maintains a focus, though. It breaks down into three aspects. They are the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of the info.
- Confidentiality keeps info accessible only to authorized people.
- Integrity maintains that proprietary status and ensures its accuracy.
- Availability executes maintenance and updates to keep info ready for authorized users.
What is Cyber Security?
A subset of Info Sec, Cyber Sec guards all weakness in cyber space. It also secures an org’s ICT. That stands for Info and Communication Tech. This includes where data storage and the systems used to secure it. Protection of hardware and software like this is sometimes also called ICT security.
What is Network Security?
Network sec protects the usability and integrity of networks and their data. A subset of Cyber Sec, it includes both hardware and software tech. In that way it’s much like ICT Security. Effective network sec manages access to the network. It targets threats to prevent them from entering or spreading on a network. That means protecting information sent through devices in the network. They also shield weaknesses.
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What Cyber VS INFORMATION SECURITY, and Network Security Have in Common
These security categories have a lot in common because they share the same goals. All three protect and secure information to keep an organization running. Interference arises in many forms. They sometimes intersect in complex ways.
For instance, a system hack might penetrate a companies email lists. That affects all three aspects of security. It’s part of the company’s Information, Cyber, and Network Sec. But a physical file theft would impact only Information Security… Unless that physical file held info about the company’s Cyber and/or Network system. Even then, a culprit would have to use that information for a hack, breach, or theft for it to be a Cyber or Network impact.
So, the three types of security are similar in fundamentals but differ in features. It’s like a Russian doll relationship with sets and subsets. Thus, the category of Info Sec includes all that lies in the subsets. Cyber Sec and Network Sec break down into smaller sets. They include less. No matter the set, these three security types all have the same purpose, to protect information. Sometimes it’s Network info and other times Cyber. But regardless, it’s all information.
Differences Between Network, Information and Cyber Security
Threats, protections, and vulnerabilities make the biggest difference between security sets. For instance, threats specific to Cyber and Network security include:
- Viruses, worms and Trojans
- Hacker attacks
- Denial of service attacks
- Spyware and adware
Non digital threats would only apply to Info Sec and not its subsets. Instances of these might be product or physical file theft. Another case would be a phone call or face to face competitive intelligence hack. This would involve divulging proprietary company info in a conversation.
