Application Security vs Network Security: The Ultimate Guide for Cybersecurity

Application security vs network security comparisons help businesses to devise effective security strategies that can act as a proactive shield from the cyber threats affecting different operations. Both types of security are critical for the overall security plan, and treating each as a fundamental challenge with practical solutions is essential.

Companies can secure the networks that connect their web applications and handle their data transfers by implementing strong network security measures. On the other hand, application security measures can protect the software and web applications that are a part of business operations.

This guide will help you understand the application and network security differences, including their definition, focus and goals. We will also consider what each security system is best used for.

Application security vs network security: what are they, and what are their differences?

Application security in cyber security is the practice of protecting web applications and software from unauthorised access and malicious cyber attacks. On the other hand, network security is meant to secure the entire network infrastructure against cyber threat actors and potential data breaches. The network infrastructure comprises several technical components, including security protocols, software and hardware.

This makes both security systems essential for thorough cybersecurity protection, but there are differences in which parts of the computing environment they protect. Businesses looking to develop comprehensive security plans should give equal importance to both to ensure that sensitive data, company operations and the end-user are protected on all fronts.

In the following sections, we will discuss some of the differences between application security and network security, including the differences in approaches, focus and goals:

Approaches

First, let’s start by understanding the different approaches that security teams implement in network or application security. For network security, teams usually use tools like firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), anti-malware software, network segmentation, intrusion prevention systems, and threat detection systems.

On the other hand, application security is implemented with slightly different security controls, including user authentication measures, penetration testing, strong encryption, password policies, access controls and vulnerability management systems.

Goals

The next big difference between application and network security is their end goals. With network security, businesses are primarily concerned with preventing privacy breaches, data manipulation, data theft and unauthorised access. However, these attacks can potentially disturb and damage the network infrastructure, making it essential to defend against them.

On the other hand, application security is focused on ensuring that the web applications and software solutions used by business operations are protected from cyber attacks, malicious code, unauthorised access and any other attempt to disrupt efficient operations.

Focus

We should also consider the differences in the application and network security focus. As discussed in the earlier sections, network security is concerned with the network and every other component connected to it. This means that everything from IoT devices and firewalls to switches and routers needs to be protected from potential cyber threat actors.

With application security, the focus is primarily on the computing environment’s application layer and ensuring its security. This comprises applications and software of all kinds, whether used in business operations or by the end user.

What is application security best used for?

If you focus on protecting your business’s web applications, it is essential to use web application security testing. It is an integral part of every solid cyber security strategy since threat actors often target software and applications seeking potential vulnerabilities in new updates or the base code. If you are a cybersecurity student, read this guide to avoid eight common mistakes with application security!

These vulnerabilities are exploited to gain unauthorised access to the company’s sensitive data, which is then stolen or manipulated to impact its operations, reputation with the end users, or the user experience it targets. Cyber criminals sometimes use sensitive data stolen from application security breaches to blackmail users and company executives.

There are several commendable benefits to a business of having a solid web application security architecture, including but not limited to protection against malware, maintaining business continuity, preventing data breaches and ensuring compliance standards are met.

Here are some methods for every modern business to use application security solutions to ensure the integrity and security of their operations while protecting their applications and software from cyber attacks:

Business Continuity

Several cyber-attacks are often used to impact business continuity, including SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, malicious bots and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). These attacks usually aim to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities In essential applications. After the cyber threat actors figure these out, they attempt to launch attacks on the business’s infrastructure, operations and reputation that can cause excessive down, financial losses and a loss in productivity.

With the proper application security measures in place, cyber security teams can effectively limit the impact of these attacks and ensure that the software and web applications they use are well protected from every known threat.

Data Security

We have already discussed how pivotal it is to ensure comprehensive data security. Good application security can ensure that data breaches never thwart your operations since they are developed to deal with security issues from the start. Most application security measures focus on the code and try to determine any potential vulnerabilities that cyber threat actors could use to manipulate or steal data.

Much of the sensitive data stored on applications is confidential. This might include medical, social security, credit card, and other personal data and details. Effective application security measures will limit any chances of this data getting impacted by unauthorised access.

Customer Trust

Another benefit of application security is increased customer trust since most modern consumers are very particular about who can see, judge and store their data. When customers trust a business, they hold the firm responsible for taking suitable measures that provide adequate security. This makes application security a tool for increasing brand value and building customer loyalty, and building on this reputation can eventually lead to a potential increase in sales.

What is network security best used for?

Network security measures are best used to protect the network infrastructure and every connected component against cyber threats. It is often considered the most crucial security measure for a successful security strategy since most cyber threat actors start by targeting the network security defences of a company before any other aspect.

Adequate network security has several benefits. It can help security teams maintain business continuity, prevent data loss, prevent unauthorised access, prevent data manipulation, ensure regulatory compliance and protect against malware.

Here is a look into how every modern business can use network security to ensure the integrity and security of their operations while protecting their network infrastructure from cyber attacks and data breaches:

Data security and Controlled Access

Effective network security measures can help improve data security and prevent unauthorised access to core network components. The former is mainly done by implementing security controls like data backup systems, strong encryption, access controls and recovery systems.

On the other hand, it is possible to limit unauthorised access by implementing features like multi-factor user and device authentication and limiting sensitive data access to only the stakeholders it concerns most.

Protection from Cyber Attacks

Network security measures can also help to limit cyber attacks like DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks, social engineering attacks, malware infections, bot attacks, phishing attacks and malware infections. These attacks are intended to expose vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the system and then exploit them for the cyber threat actors.

Identifying the likelihood of these attacks and implementing robust security measures in your network to make it strong enough to counter every security risk is imperative. This can be done using advanced cyber security tools, AI integration, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software and modern firewalls.

Ensuring Compliance

Every company needs to follow a list of ethical rules, operational regulations and standards to stay functional. While these rules can differ slightly for different locations, most require companies to implement adequate security measures that keep their network safe for users.

Therefore, implementing secure network security measures can also help ensure that a business complies with the set standard, which can help increase customer trust and brand value. Feel welcome to read our detailed guide about AI ethics and their influence on business operations!

Business Continuity and Productivity

Lastly, it is crucial to understand that weak network security measures can expose companies to cyber attacks that significantly affect business operations. This can cause multiple issues, including downtime, financial losses and loss of productivity. Furthermore, when business operations are halted, it creates chaos and opens the system to further attacks.

However, with the proper security measures, employees can enjoy working efficiently on a secure network without fearing any risks, thereby reducing downtime post-security crises and increasing productivity.

Conclusion

It is clear that both network and application security are essential for an effective security strategy, but businesses need to understand that they require significantly different approaches. While one is focused on protecting networks from external cyber threats, the other is based on code-level malware and other vulnerabilities. Like any other type of security plan, it is essential to be proactive and informed by monitoring your security systems and ensuring that you continue to update them in light of any new advancements in potential attacks or system-related weaknesses.

If you are ready to break into your role as a cybersecurity expert, book a career consultation with one of our experts today and get the roadmap to achieving your career goals!