11/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/22/2024 08:17
Network segmentation is a popular topic that has gained more attention in the recent past. Why is this important? It's because network segmentation can limit the movement of potential cyber attackers within the network.
So, if a security breach happens segmentation restricts unauthorized users from freely accessing critical areas of the network. This helps to reduce the risk of widespread damage. The use of segmentation tools (e.g.: routers, switches, and firewalls) guarantees that each segment is properly isolated while maintaining secure communication between the subnets.
Let's dig deeper into this concept in this article.
Network segmentation is an important component of network architecture. It divides a larger network into smaller, isolated segments or subnets. This division helps control the flow of traffic between various segments and limits the movement of potential cyber attackers within the network. Additionally, segmentation improves network efficiency by reducing congestion and enabling targeted monitoring and troubleshooting within each segment.
The goal of network segmentation is to improve the security, organization, and performance of your network. Due to network segmentation, it's easy for users to experience more effective monitoring and management over their networks.
By segmenting a network, administrators can apply unique security measures to each subnetwork. All these measures make sure that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive data and resources.
This is essential for businesses that need to protect valuable assets across hybrid and multi-cloud environments including:
If you're running physical or virtual internal systems, network security should be a priority. When your setup is more complex than the need for network segmentation too increases. The only exception might be fully remote businesses that rely entirely on SaaS security.
Using a flat network (where all devices are connected to a single network segment or broadcast domain) may seem easier and cheaper. But it can make you an easy target for attackers. When you are not using network segmentation it is very easy for the hackers to move across your network. Therefore, investing in network segmentation is always beneficial to businesses. It strengthens security and helps safeguard critical assets from potential threats.
Organizations that need to comply with security and regulatory standards-healthcare sector organizations, financial sector organizations, etc.-are prime candidates for network segmentation. For example, healthcare organizations must protect sensitive patient health information and adhere to cybersecurity compliance standards.
Segmentation helps isolate critical systems and make sure that only authorized users can access sensitive data. Similar to the above, businesses that handle credit card information must meet PCI compliance standards. Network segmentation plays a key role in isolating Cardholder Data Environments reducing the risk of data breaches. It also helps companies meet these compliance mandates.
Network segmentation operates by dividing a larger network into multiple isolated zones. Each zone will work with its own security policies and traffic controls. These segments can be designed to group devices or applications with similar trust levels.
By setting clear traffic rules for each segment, network administrators can regulate how data moves between segments and what types of interactions are allowed within each one. This method limits exposure to potential threats and helps make your system comply with security standards and protocols.
There are several methods to implement network segmentation. Two common approaches are perimeter-based segmentation and network virtualization.
Perimeter-based segmentation uses tools like Virtual Local Area Networks and firewalls to divide networks based on internal and external trust levels. It creates a boundary by allowing unrestricted communication within a segment while filtering external traffic.
However, with the increasing use of mobile devices and cloud environments, traditional perimeter segmentation may no longer be sufficient. This is where network virtualization steps in.
Network virtualization allows segmentation across the entire network, independent of physical infrastructure, providing more flexibility, finer security controls, and better performance for modern network architectures.
(Related reading: What is virtualization?)
Most of the traditional segmentation methods are now facing various struggles due to environmental complexities. Below are a few such drawbacks.
Network segmentation can be achieved through either physical segmentation or logical segmentation. Let's look at each of them.
Physical segmentation divides a network into separate physical subnets using hardware (eg:- switches, routers, and firewalls). Each segment operates independently, with restricted access between them.
While highly secure, this method can be costly and complex due to the need for additional infrastructure and physical resources. It is most effective when strict separation of devices and data is required.
Logical segmentation divides a network into smaller segments without using additional hardware. This method relies on Virtual Local Area Networks and network addressing schemes to virtually separate network traffic. When we consider flexibility, logical segmentation is more flexible and cost-effective than the 1st type.
In this section let's look at a few real-world use cases where network segmentation can be applied.
Network segmentation helps isolate credit card data into secure zones. This helps to allow only essential traffic while blocking everything else. This is vital for meeting PCI DSS standards and protecting sensitive financial information.
Enterprises can segment internal departments into separate subnets. This helps to restrict access to authorized group members. It also helps to prevent insider breaches by controlling access between subnets and triggering alerts if unauthorized users attempt to enter restricted areas.
Network segmentation allows companies to offer secure Wi-Fi to visitors by placing them in a microsegment that only provides internet access (without any access to internal systems).
Implementing a proper network segmentation solution can be broken into 6 major steps.
For effective and secure network segmentation it's highly recommended to follow best practices such as below.
Creating too many segments can reduce visibility and complicate management. So always try to keep the right balance between security and simplicity.
Conducting periodic audits is important to ensure that your network segments remain secure. Regularly check for vulnerabilities. Try to update permissions when required and fine-tune your segmentation policies to stay ahead of potential threats and avoid exploitable gaps in the network.
Least privilege access makes sure that users only have access to the network segments mandatory for their roles. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. This is fundamental to implementing a zero-trust security model.
Granting access to third parties can expose your network to additional risks. Make sure that access is granted only to the necessary segments, and carefully review and monitor any new permissions to maintain security.
Automation can help simplify and streamline network segmentation by quickly identifying new assets and classifying them accordingly. Automated tools also improve visibility and response times. It reduces the burden on network administrators and enhances overall security.
Microsegmentation takes network segmentation a step further. This method applies security policies to individual workloads/devices in the network. It uses software-based solutions and native firewall capabilities in operating systems. This approach tightly controls communication between devices and provides increased security for cloud and data center environments.
The below table illustrates the major difference between network segmentation and micro segmentation.
Network segmentation |
Microsegmentation |
Divide the network into broad segments or subnets. |
Takes a more granular approach by isolating individual workloads. |
Primarily uses VLANs, subnets, and firewalls for separation. |
Uses VLANs, access control lists, and virtual network policies. |
Provides basic protection by restricting traffic between segments. |
Offers enhanced security by limiting lateral movement between workloads. |
Controls traffic at the segment or subnet level. |
Applies policies at the workload or application level. |
Can be complex to manage as the number of segments grows. |
Simplifies management by creating smaller, secure zones for each workload. |
Suitable for broad network divisions and traditional infrastructure. |
Ideal for dynamic, cloud-based, or hybrid environments that need high security. |
Network segmentation has been around for decades. This served as the foundation for dividing networks into smaller, more manageable segments. In the past, this process was relatively straightforward as it used static IP addresses and predefined boundaries like ingress and egress points.
However, as network infrastructures expanded and became more complex with the emergence of distributed networks and multi-cloud environments, traditional network segmentation struggled to keep pace.
To address these challenges, internal segmentation emerged. It offered a more flexible solution that could handle dynamic environments by segmenting assets regardless of location, whether on-premises or across multiple clouds. This method introduced adaptive security policies that monitored access levels. Also, these policies were able to be updated as needed.
But even with internal segmentation, the need for finer control and improved security grew, especially due to constantly shifting workloads in the cloud and hybrid environments. Therefore, people started to migrate to microsegmentation which is the latest evolution in network security.
Microsegmentation takes segmentation to a granular level by applying policies directly to individual workloads. It reduces the ability of attackers to move laterally across the network. It offers real-time, dynamic updates to security and it is the most advanced and widely adopted method today.
Network segmentation is an important concept to improve security by isolating different segments of a network. This strategy protects critical assets and increases network performance by reducing congestion and limiting access to attackers during a cyber-attack. Over time, network segmentation has evolved, with microsegmentation emerging as the latest and most advanced approach.