So how can you differentiate information security vs. network security?
Although both address the same concern, which is security, knowing their key differences helps. For instance, it can help you address specific concerns. Perhaps differently, may it be a network issue or a data privacy concern. Each is under the same umbrella, which is security, but should be addressed by different security experts,
So in this article, learn how each is defined and what does each involves in ensuring security.
Defining & Differentiating: Information Security Vs. Network Security
Information Security
Information security (or InfoSec) makes sure that all data (physical and digital) is protected from any malicious access, use, disclosure, change, or destruction.
However, information security is not the same as cybersecurity. Why? Information security protects all forms of data. While cybersecurity only protects digital data.
So if you are starting out in your security program development, information security should be your first step. This is because information security is the core of data security.
What involves information security?
Governance Framework
The governance framework makes sure that your security strategies are in line with your company’s objectives and goals. This is why the governance framework is important to consider before creating your information security program.
Besides, the governance framework connects business and information security. As a result, goals of both ends are met.
Lastly, the governance framework aims to define to following in meeting compliance, for example:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Team members’ accountabilities
CIA Triad
The CIA triad serves as the core of developing any information security program. Experts define it as confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
What does each part employ in security?
- Confidentiality makes sure that data is not accessible to unauthorized people.
- Integrity protects the data’s accuracy and trustworthiness. So it aims to prevent data from any modification of unauthorized individuals.
- Availability makes sure that people under authority can access the data whenever they needed it. For instance, to accomplish their tasks. Also, this employs the need for software maintenance and updates.
Under the CIA triad, experts create and develop robust information security programs.
Network Security
Network security is a subset of cybersecurity. Moreover, this aims to protect the company’s IT networks from all sorts of cyber threats.
So what are these cyber threats that can damage your company networks?
For example, this can include:
- Viruses, trojan horses, and worms
- Zero-day attacks
- Hacker attacks
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
- Spyware
- Adware
How can you ensure network security?
To ensure network security, you need a dedicated team. The network security team makes sure that your company’s hardware and software are well-maintained.
So the team installs firewalls, antivirus (AV) software, and intrusion detection & prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
More so, in today’s remote workforces, enabling virtual private networks (VPNs) help. So your company devices are protected from any lurking criminals on public WiFis. For instance, when employees work remotely.
All for Security
Information security vs. network security- both concerns security.
But, information security centers on protecting data in all forms. While network security, a subset of cybersecurity, protects computer networks from all sorts of cyberattacks.
