We’ll go into the idea of network segmentation, as well as its best practices and some practical examples for securing contemporary networks. We will share beneficial insights regarding the field of network segmentation, how it can be used effectively to further protect your network, and how it is key to navigating the digital future more securely.
What Is Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is a network security strategy that involves the division of a network into smaller, separate sub-networks. This approach allows network teams to effectively compartmentalize the sub-networks and implement specific security controls and services for each individual sub-network. Network segmentation is a procedural approach that entails the division of a physical network into distinct logical sub-networks. After the network has been partitioned into smaller pieces for enhanced manageability, controls are implemented on each individual, compartmentalized section.
The Value of Network Segmentation and Why It’s Necessary
By breaking networks into smaller, more manageable sections, administrators can see and control all network activity and improve dependability, speed, and safety. Superior safety comes first. Everyone understands that safety is only as good as your weakest link. Broad, flat networks have broad attack surfaces. Partitioning a large network into smaller sub-networks that segregate network operations helps limit the attack surface and lateral movement. Therefore, network segments stop attackers from spreading laterally if the network perimeter is at risk. Segmentation is a sensible way to stop a network-wide attack. Creating separate networks reduces the danger of malware spreading. Cutting your network into smaller pieces reduces the attack surface and the attacker’s ability to spread harm. Efficiency is next. Segmentation improves network performance by eliminating unnecessary traffic. Medical devices in a hospital can be separated from visitors’ web traffic by constructing separate networks. Divide the network into smaller, more manageable sections to lower the number of hosts and traffic in and out of each subnet.
What Is the Function of Network Segmentation?
Network segmentation establishes distinct, separated segments inside a larger network, each of which can have differing security requirements and policies. These segments hold certain application or endpoint types with the same trust level. Segmenting a network can be done in a number of different ways. We will examine VLAN-based, perimeter-based, and network-virtualization-based approaches to network segmentation.
#1. Segmentation by Means of a Perimeter
With perimeter-based segmentation, you can divide your network into trusted and untrusted zones based on their respective perimeters. Therefore, internal resources are generally unrestricted and run on a flat network with little to no internal network segmentation. Filtering and partitioning occur at predetermined nodes in the network. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) were first implemented to increase network throughput by segmenting broadcast domains. VLANs have become increasingly popular as a security measure, despite the fact that this was not their original intent. The main issue with VLANs is that they don’t have any kind of intra-VLAN filtering, so everyone can access everything. Additionally, a policy is required for transitioning between chapters. Depending on the policies in place, traffic between different segments can be completely blocked or restricted. The network firewall is widely deployed as a perimeter security measure. Its original purpose was to restrict communication between nodes in different segments while still allowing traffic to flow freely from north to south.
#2. Network Virtualization
Today, many businesses keep separate networks for different purposes, necessitating segmentation at various network nodes. There is a wider variety of endpoints the network must now accommodate, each with its own trust requirements. Therefore, it is no longer adequate to rely solely on perimeter-based segmentation. There are no longer distinct boundaries due to the proliferation of technologies like the cloud, bring-your-own-device, and mobile. We now require additional segmentation, deeper into the network, to ensure better security and network performance. In addition, further network segmentation is required to accommodate the current east-west traffic patterns. Here’s where network virtualization comes in, as it’s the next logical step after segmentation. Network virtualization, in its simplest form, is the delivery of network and security services divorced from the underlying physical infrastructure. Network virtualization plays a critical role in promoting effective network segmentation by allowing for network segmentation over the entire network rather than just at the network’s perimeter. In effect, the traditional perimeter-based segmentation has been virtualized and spread to all network segments, together with granular, customizable security settings.
Network Segmentation Best Practice
Check out our list of the best network segmentation practices. This may involve, among other things, including a ZTNA program in your arsenal.
#1. Use Ztna to Secure Your Network
ZTNA is a widely used security solution because of its fine-grained control over a network’s infrastructure. Because it takes a “trust no one” stance, it will require that each user attempting to enter your network first prove their identity. ZTNA’s mandatory login feature is a great way to keep your network secure by ensuring only authorized users have access.
#2. Don’t Over-Segment Your System
The best practice for network segmentation is to divide your network into smaller sub-networks so that each can have its own set of policies. There is, however, such a thing as over-segmentation, and you should never engage in it. When a network is divided into too many subsets, it has been over-segmented. It’s helpful to divide your network into smaller groups so you can better control the spread of any security breaches and provide individual users with more control over their access privileges. Workflow bottlenecks, insufficient security measures, and other system-wide problems are all possible outcomes of micro-segmentation. It can also add unnecessary complexity to your business, increasing the risk of making mistakes and encountering other problems. The sweet spot will vary from business to business. Always check in with your IT department before making any major modifications to the network, and make sure they have a well-thought-out plan for network segmentation practice that takes the possibility of over-segmentation into account. You must also ensure that your operations teams have received thorough training and fully comprehend their responsibilities.
#3. Set up Reliable Endpoint Security
You should pay special attention to the security of network endpoints (such as laptops and smartphones) because they are frequently the targets of attacks. These gadgets are rife with vulnerabilities and are a common source of sensitive data breaches on corporate networks.
An endpoint protection solution is a useful tool for ensuring the safety of your endpoints. Incorporating many layers of security, such as strict access rules, will help you keep your network safe. In addition, endpoint security software can be managed from a centralized server. This saves time and manpower because you won’t have to deploy security software to each individual endpoint.
#4. Investigate Unofficial WiFi Hotspots
In order to improve certain processes, most businesses work with a few different external companies and/or pieces of software. Third-party access points can be a great convenience, but they can also pose a serious security risk if they aren’t set up correctly. If you want to make sure your access points are secure, we advise checking them regularly. The addition of access notifications and/or access approvals is one of the best practices that can help you reduce vulnerabilities. It’s also important to make sure that external users can only do a restricted set of tasks. This is one example of where micro-segmentation may become very beneficial since it enables you to grant specialized permissions to people like IT support experts and other external contractors. The deployment of a new program, for instance, may necessitate the hiring of an outside expert. You may make sure they don’t cause any problems for your business by limiting their network access to only what they need to complete their job.
#5. Perform Regular Network Audits
Regular network auditing can assist you in guaranteeing that your network segmentation initiatives are effective. Monitoring your network in this way can also help you catch any problems early on, whether they are related to segmentation, security, or performance. Gathering information about your network’s status and efficiency is what an audit is all about. This data can be reviewed and studied to help guide management’s future decisions and shed light on the effectiveness of management’s previous initiatives, if any. To begin, draft an exhaustive audit strategy. Checking for unwanted access, analyzing access logs, updating software, and examining security procedures are all standard practices.
Network Segmentation Example
There are two main approaches that businesses take when attempting network segmentation.
#1. Perimeter-Based Segmentation
Network segmentation best practice is based on a network’s perimeter, which is an example. It creates internal and exterior zones. The protocols of a network instruct its infrastructure to give more weight to data coming from within than to data coming from outside. The difficulty arises from the oversimplification of the internal/external divide. The network does not restrict the quantity of internal traffic that can enter. Virtual local area networks (VLANs) were originally implemented as a stopgap method for protecting data during system upgrades. Because Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) allow administrators to segment the broadcast domain, they have become a popular security mechanism. But they were never supposed to be used that way, as VLANs lack the required filters within their own architecture to be safe. Moreover, you will need to design protocols to regulate data transfer over the network.
#2. Virtualization
Perimeter-based networking is an example of network segmentation. It is now obsolete due to virtualization, which is used in cloud, mobile, and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) contexts. The boundary between networks became increasingly porous as a result of this cutting-edge technology. Virtualization serves to control the intricate layouts and traffic patterns of modern networks. This breakthrough allows for more granular security protocols in cloud environments, taking advantage of the advantages of both the cloud and traditional perimeter-based segmentation.
What Are the 3 Main Purposes of Network Segmentation?
Provide three examples of how network segmentation helps. There are a lot of upsides for companies when it comes to network segmentation. Some examples are lowering the attack surface, blocking attackers from moving laterally within the system, and increasing performance.
Is Network Segmentation the Same as Vlan?
The usage of firewalls, virtual local area networks (VLANs), and networks built on software (SDNs) in tandem is commonplace. Networks can be cut down into more manageable chunks, or subnets, with the help of virtual local area networks (VLANs). To virtually link hosts together, VLANs divide networks into smaller networks.
What Is the Process of Network Segmentation?
Computer networks are segmented. To improve network performance and security. Network divide, division, and isolation are similar words.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Network Segmentation?
The benefits of network segmentation include enhanced network security, enhanced network performance, compliance, and streamlined network management. The intricacy, cost, and possibility of misconfiguration, however, are not without their drawbacks.
Is Network Segmentation the Same as Subnetting?
Network segmentation is the process of breaking a network into many smaller networks (subnets and segments). IP subnetting allows for the subnet and device address within a network to be specified with absolute precision.
What Choice Is a Good Reason to Segment a Network?
The ability to regulate network traffic, enhance network performance, and fortify security posture are just some of the benefits that may be gained from segmenting a network.
- SUBNETTING: What Is It & How Does It Work?
- AWS NETWORK FIREWALL: Everything You Need to Know
- WHAT IS HYPERVISOR: Definition, Types, and More
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