Take These 6 Steps Now To Lower Your Cyber Risk

IT network security and cybersecurity are related concepts but they are not the same thing.

IT network security is a subset of cybersecurity that focuses specifically on securing the organization’s network infrastructure. Cybersecurity is a broader concept that encompasses all aspects of protecting digital assets from cyber threats.

No matter what kind of business you run, it’s important for executives to understand the differences between IT network security and cybersecurity. Both are essential components of protecting your organization’s digital assets from cyber threats but they require different approaches when it comes to implementation.

What Is It Network Security

IT network security is a branch of cybersecurity that focuses on protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or other malicious attacks. It involves a set of practices, technologies, and policies designed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data transmitted over a network.

Network security measures can include the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other technologies to secure network traffic and prevent unauthorized access. It also involves implementing access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network resources.

IT network security is crucial for organizations that rely on computer networks to transmit sensitive information, such as financial data, personal information, or trade secrets. A successful network security strategy requires a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s network infrastructure, vulnerabilities, and risk factors. It also requires continuous monitoring, testing, and updating to stay ahead of new threats and evolving security challenges.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting electronic devices, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or other malicious attacks. It involves various technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard computer systems, mobile devices, and the internet from cyber threats such as viruses, malware, phishing attacks, hacking, and other forms of cybercrime.

Cybersecurity measures can include installing antivirus software, implementing firewalls, enforcing password policies, using encryption to protect data, and educating users about safe online practices. Cybersecurity is critical for individuals, businesses, governments, and other organizations to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their digital assets and to maintain public trust in the internet and digital technologies.

How Are IT Security and Cybersecurity Different?

IT network security focuses on protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or other malicious attacks. It is a subset of cybersecurity that specifically deals with securing the network infrastructure, including hardware, software, and data transmissions.

Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of protecting electronic devices, networks, and sensitive information from cyber threats. It includes IT network security but also covers other areas such as application security, data security, cloud security, mobile security, and social engineering.

While IT network security is focused on securing the network infrastructure, cybersecurity takes a more holistic approach to protect the organization’s digital assets from a range of threats. 

Cybersecurity is also concerned with protecting against threats that may not originate from the network, such as phishing attacks or social engineering.

IT network security is a subset of cybersecurity that focuses specifically on securing the organization’s network infrastructure. 

Cybersecurity is a broader concept that encompasses all aspects of protecting digital assets from cyber threats.

Six Steps For Your Business to Add Cybersecurity

The best way to start securing your business with cybersecurity is to take a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of your digital operations. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

  1. Assess your risks: Conduct a risk assessment to identify the potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities that your business faces. This includes identifying the assets that need to be protected, the potential impact of a cyber attack, and the likelihood of it happening.
  2. Develop a cybersecurity plan: Based on the results of your risk assessment, develop a cybersecurity plan that outlines the steps you will take to protect your business. This plan should include policies and procedures for data protection, access controls, incident response, and employee training.
  3. Secure your network: Implement strong network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs), to protect your network from unauthorized access.
  4. Protect your devices: Implement device-level security measures, such as antivirus software and regular updates, to protect your computers, mobile devices, and other electronic devices from malware and other threats.
  5. Educate your employees: By educating your employees on safe online practices, such as password management, phishing awareness, and social engineering awareness, it will prevent human error that can lead to cyber incidents.
  6. Measure and monitor progress: Regularly monitor and update your cybersecurity measures to ensure that they are effective and up-to-date and that track your level of risk over time. This includes installing software updates, conducting regular vulnerability scans, and testing your incident response plan.

Conclusion

By taking a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, you can help protect your business from cyber threats and reduce the risk of a cyber attack. It’s important to stay vigilant and proactive about cybersecurity to ensure that your business remains protected in the face of evolving threats.

Recommended Resources

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