IT Network Security and Cybersecurity: Why You Need Both
IT network security and cybersecurity are two interconnected components of a comprehensive digital defense strategy. Network security governs the protection of information flow and access points, while cybersecurity shields devices, data, and applications that rely on the network. Though often grouped together, each plays a unique and essential role in maintaining an organization’s digital safety.
“A layered approach to cybersecurity is always best. This way, even if an attacker gets through one layer of your defenses, you have additional layers to keep you secure.” — Philipp Graves, CEO of Cytranet
Why Network Security Matters
Network security focuses on safeguarding communication pathways within your systems—using firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, segmentation, and traffic monitoring to ensure that the data moving between users and systems is properly controlled and protected. Without these dedicated network defenses, an organization faces increased exposure to threats that can bypass more generalized cybersecurity measures.
To understand why both are critical, let’s distinguish between them further.
IT Network Security vs. Cybersecurity: Key Distinctions
Although IT network security is actually a component of broader cybersecurity, it emphasizes specific protections that cybersecurity alone does not fully cover. Here’s how they differ functionally:
| Category | IT Network Security | Cybersecurity |
|———|———————|—————|
| Primary Goal | Protect the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of network infrastructure | Protect all digital assets from cyber threats |
| Focus Area | Hardware, routers, switches, firewalls, network traffic | Devices, data, applications, users, networks |
| Common Threats | Unauthorized access, DDoS attacks, data eavesdropping | Malware, ransomware, phishing, insider threats |
| Tools Used | Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN, NAC | Antivirus, IAM, EDR, DLP, cloud security |
| Monitoring Scope | Network traffic and access points | Endpoints, user behavior, data and application activities |
| Compliance | Network-based standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 27033) | Comprehensive frameworks (e.g. HIPAA, PCI DSS, NIST) |
| Incident Response Role | Detects and mitigates network-layer attacks | Handles response lifecycle across all digital threats |
While cybersecurity covers more ground, it tends to focus on endpoints, software, users, and cloud applications. These tools may not always detect exploits hidden in network traffic or lateral movements within internal systems.
Real Risks That Require Network Security
As attackers evolve, they increasingly use network vulnerabilities to move laterally, avoid detection, and bypass traditional controls. Below are seven major risks that network security helps mitigate:
1. Lateral Movement
Once a device or account is compromised, attackers attempt to move across the network to gain deeper access. Although endpoint protection can block some direct attacks, it doesn’t control traffic between internal systems. Network security measures like segmentation and firewalls restrict lateral access, helping to contain threats.
2. Shadow IT
Rogue applications and unauthorized services—also known as shadow IT—can expose sensitive data or fail to meet security standards. These hidden connections are often invisible to general cybersecurity tools. However, with network access control (NAC), DNS monitoring, and intrusion detection systems, organizations can uncover and block these unauthorized activities.
3. Device Spoofing
Attackers may spoof legitimate devices using techniques like MAC or IP address impersonation. Most endpoint and cloud solutions can’t spot spoofed devices. Network-focused controls like port security, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, and DNS protection are essential to stop unauthorized access via impersonation.
4. Legacy Systems
Outdated systems that lack current software or cannot support modern antivirus programs pose security gaps. Network-based defenses like virtual segmentation and intrusion protection can isolate these legacy machines, limiting their exposure and protecting the rest of your network from compromise.
5. Compromised IoT / OT Devices
Connected devices like cameras or smart sensors typically lack onboard security and can’t run traditional cybersecurity software. Network tools that apply anomaly detection and deep packet inspection ensure these devices do not become entry points for attackers.
6. Traffic Manipulation
Accidental or malicious data transfers by employees may go unnoticed without proper network oversight. While cybersecurity controls focus on identity and user behavior, network tools monitor traffic patterns and block sensitive data from leaving the network unexpectedly.
7. Malware Propagation
Once malware infiltrates one system, it can quickly spread via internal traffic. Most antivirus tools either detect malicious files on endpoints or prevent known threats. However, malware can still flow between systems unnoticed. Intrusion prevention systems and traffic analysis help block these attempts, containing outbreaks before they spread.
Why Work with Experts Like Cytranet
Your IT network is the foundation upon which all digital operations run. As threats grow more advanced, protecting this critical layer becomes a strategic necessity. Keeping network defenses up to date requires active monitoring, targeted investments, and most importantly, expertise.
Cytranet partners with businesses to provide layered network and cybersecurity strategies. Our services include 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, firewalls, VPNs, and identity management. Whether your environment involves cloud applications, Io
