Key Differences Network Security vs Cyber Security

Key Differences Network Security vs Cyber Security
By DM
Feb 28, 2025
Networking Blog...

Digital safeguarding of information and systems from threats is of utmost importance today. The two major sectors in this field are Network Security and Cyber Security. Usually, these two terms are used mutually and interchangeably. This can create confusion but these two sectors have different focus areas and scopes. However, organizations must have an understanding of cyber security and network security to protect the company’s digital assets. Now question arises what is the difference between network safety and cyber security? 

Even though both fields share the general goal of protecting information, these areas greatly differ in terms of scope, focus, and methodology. In this article, we focus on their unique components, dangers, attitudes, career paths, and how to start a career in this field with the help of cyber security certification and Network Security certification. 

Network Security vs Cyber Security- Key Differences

1. Definition

Cyber Security- is a broader area that includes all protective measures that help to protect data, computer systems, and networks from external cyber threats. Cyber security defends systems of the organizations from attacks such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and refusal-off-service attacks.

Network Security- On the other hand, Network Security is a specialized area within cyber security that protects the integrity and usability of computer networks and data. This secures the company’s computer network from unauthorized access makes sure that the data transmission over the networks is secure and maintains the confidentiality of the data.  

2. Scope and Focus

Cyber Security- The role of cyber security is to safeguard computer systems, data, and computer networks. You can shield sensitive information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, you can also manage user identities and identify potential cyber threats in real-time. Overall, this helps in maintaining confidentiality and integrity. 

Network security- whereas Network security focuses only on the computer network. It is important to safeguard the computer networks from unauthorized intrusion enacting measures against external threats. The vital area, thus, under network security is to safeguard the wi-fi networks as well as all the individual devices connected to the network from possible cyber-attacks.

3. Components 

Cybersecurity: The components of cybersecurity include 

  • Antivirus Software: This gives protection against malware and viruses.

  • Encryption: To protect the data, data at rest and during the transmission too.

  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Interpret real-time analysis of security alerts due to events triggered by application and network hardware. 

  • Incident Response: This includes the procedures for the response to the security breach.

Network Security: The components of network security include

  • Firewalls: open and close a port for both incoming and outgoing traffic, according to certain pre-defined security rules.

  • Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor abnormal activities on the network such as hacking or malicious threats from occurring.

  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Provides devices their own security to remotely access private networks.

  • Access Control: Manage who can access specific resources within the network.

4. Threats Addressed

Cybersecurity: The primary threats that Cyber security takes care of is 

  • Malware, 

  • phishing, 

  • ransomware, 

  • advanced persistent threats (APTs), 

  • and insider threats.

Cyber Security protects all digital assets including data, applications, and systems, from a wide range of cyber threats.

Network Security: The primary threats that network security takes care of is 

  • Unauthorized access, 

  • denial of service (DoS) attacks, 

  • man-in-the-middle attacks, 

  • and network-based malware.

Due to this network remains operational and the data transmitted over the network is secure.

5. Implementation

Network Security: Implementation of network security includes processes like configuring network devices, and implementing security policies. This helps in controlling network traffic.

Cybersecurity: Encompassing everything, including technological measures, policies, and user education to protect against different types of cyber threats.

6. Use Cases 

Cybersecurity:

  1. Shields Sensitive Information: Personal and financial data must be protected from being attacked or authorized access. 

  2. Protection of Cloud Domains: Cyber Security implements security measures to protect any data and any application in the cloud environment.

Network Security:

  1. Securing Corporate Networks: One of the examples of network security use cases is securing corporate networks. Here Network security ensures that only authorized users can access the corporate network. Moreover, it also takes care that data transmitted within the network is secure.

  2. Protecting Wi-Fi Networks: The second use case of network security is to protect wi-fi networks. This network security expert will implement security measures to prevent unauthorized wireless network access.

7. Career Scope 

Cyber Security-  Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand these days because every single organization needs experts who can protect their organization from highly sophisticated cyber attacks. After cyber security certification, you can have the following job roles. 

  • Job Roles- This opens doors to endless employment opportunities. You can work as a cybersecurity analyst, security architect, incident responder, etc. 

  • Salary Scope- Typically, all professionals in cybersecurity have well-paying salaries as the average earnings made by a cybersecurity engineer range from $68,000 to $139,000, on the other hand, the cybersecurity analyst earns anything between $54,000 and $116,000.

Network Security- Furthermore, there is a high scope in the domain of network security jobs. Network security engineering jobs are high in demand, After completing a Network Security certification you can work at different profiles. 

  • Job Roles- Network security engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Network Architect, firewall engineer, network administrator, etc

  • Salary Scope-  The average salary for network security experts ranges between $61,000 to $132,000 per year. 

How to Start a Career in the Cyber and Network Security Field?

The best way to start a career in this field is to look for 100% Job Guarantee Courses.  The Network Bulls is the best Institute for cyber and network security certification course in India.  You will get a 100% Job guarantee cyber security certification and network security certification courses with Network Bulls. They have more than a 100% success rate when we talk about the placement of the students.  Out of this more than 80% of students get a job before taking the certification exam. 

Key Highlights of the 100% Job Guarantee Cyber and Network Security Course

  1. The best platform for the 100% Job guarantee courses 

  2. Received the best placement record award

  3. 80% of Network Bulls students achieve a package of more than 20 lakhs per annum within 4 years. 

  4. World’s largest CISCO lab for the practical experience

  5. Learn directly from the best trainers in the industry

    Download PDF Key Differences Network Security vs Cyber Security
  6. Highly intensive and practical-based Cyber security certification courses and network security certification courses. 

  7. You will get 500+ hours of CCIE Rack access. 

  8. Duration of the cyber and network security certification - 10-15 months (depending on the batch you choose)

  9. Course Fee- Rs 1,45,000/-

  10. Mode of Classes- Online and Classroom 

Curriculum Details- The cyber security and Network security certification includes

  • CCNA and CCNP Enterprise, CCNA Security, VPN, ASA Firewall,

  • Ethical Hacking - Linux Fundamentals, CEH V12, 

  • Cyber Security - Cyber Security Fundamentals, IBM , Wireshark, QRadar, Splunk 

Final words

All in all, although considering network security and cyber-security together protect the assets of an organization. Understanding the differences between them ensures that an organization can craft a strategy that's truly effective and relevant to its particular needs. Cybersecurity and network security are both exciting career opportunities, with high demand and good salary offers. Cybersecurity is broad with several job opportunities, while network security is more technical in consideration of how to secure the network infrastructure. You can kick start a career in this field with Network Bull’s 100% Job guarantee cyber security certification course and network security certification course. 

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