With the increasing use of cloud technologies the significance of cyber security grew. Since cyberattacks are becoming vital threats to companies, implementing cyber security solutions has become inevitable.
Even though no cyber security solution can guarantee perfect protection against cyberattacks, they can drastically reduce the attack surfaces and impacts of them. Also, creating a cyber security culture in a company has other important features such as increased brand trust and reputation.
Also, the increasing adaptation of remote or hybrid work models forced companies to utilize different solutions. Because users in hybrid work models access the corporate network from numerous places, maintaining the company’s cyber security may be difficult at times.
Some user behaviors may expose the enterprise network to breaches or cyberattacks. As a result, a corporation may face a range of liabilities since it is required to satisfy regulatory compliance obligations.
In today’s article, we will talk about one of the solutions that can provide companies with the needed security: Network segmentation. Also, we will cover the best practices of network segmentation best practices. With that all said, let’s get started with the definition of network segmentation.
Table Of Contents
What is Network Segmentation?
Network Segmentation is the concept of creating distinct divisions within a network system. This division helps network operators to set granular policies for each segment which creates a comprehensively protected network.
When the network is divided, network operators may have better visibility and control over the systems and apps. The segregation procedure also prevents attackers from reaching the entire network and limits their actions even if they manage to breach into the network system.
The goal of network segmentation is to isolate a problem until it can be resolved by enclosing it in a predetermined zone. With a well-segmented network, cyber security and networking teams may monitor all data flows across their various workloads, allowing them to better understand the interdependencies across workloads and spot any abnormalities that may indicate hacks or vulnerabilities
Even though there are different types of network segmentation, they, in essence, all aim to execute the same solution: dividing the system into independent divisions and safeguarding them separately. As we covered what network segmentation is briefly we may now proceed to how to implement it.
How to Implement Network Segmentation: Best Practices
Even though it may look challenging, implementing network segmentation is quite simple if you follow specific best practices. These best practices can easily be applied to different types of segmentation such as VLAN segmentation, Firewall segmentation, and SDN segmentation. There are some practices that a company should do before starting to adopt network segmentation as well as during the segregation process.
Evaluation of Current Systems
Before segregation networks, a company should evaluate current network systems to have a clear vision of what should be done. Successfully identifying key competencies assists businesses in determining how to segment their network.
Implementing network segmentation might be easier than it appears if you have a clear vision and a good self-evaluation. In this way, companies can prevent false implementation and enjoy the benefits of network segmentation.
Identify Users and Required Data
After perceiving what your system needs, the second thing to do is identify users and evaluate the data which should be restricted. This process is essential because the system should identify each user so that only necessary access may be granted. Also, with this process, you can evaluate the importance of assets and avoid incorrect deployment.
When segregating your network, you should limit who and what has access inside and throughout systems based on legitimate requirements.
Establishing Additional Access Gateways
Creating a more secure access gateway helps prevent other parties from accessing or collecting data from your network. Having additional access gateways help you to deliver customized and specialized apps and services to your customers and associates which can be highly beneficial. Access gateways may improve user experiences by providing more lines of contact. Customers perceive you as sensitive to their demands when you provide correct, timely information.
Avoid Under-segmentation and Over-segmentation
If your network is separated into too many parts, assigning individuals to the proper division may become complex. In the meanwhile, having too few pieces may jeopardize your security.
If you fail to evaluate access rights properly you may end up segregation your network too much which may increase the workload of employees or you may create too less divisions which may result in security breaches since some of the divisions would be accessible to unwanted users.
Regularly Audit and Monitor Segments
Monitoring and auditing your network regularly allows you to guarantee the design is safe and to find weaknesses in your partitions that might be compromised. Audit your network to swiftly detect and eliminate volume or security concerns. Then, regularly, perform audits to identify architectural flaws. Periodic assessments may aid you in determining if and how your network segregation architecture needs to be modified for maximum efficiency and protection.
Avoid Compromising Network Performance
The system partitioning approach should not endanger the network’s efficiency. Most information security systems have difficulty keeping up with current, variable internal network activity. Corporate segregation, for example, may limit the digital advancements on which your company relies to perform efficiently. Nonetheless, when correctly done, network segmentation should increase rather than degrade network operation.
It is critical to ensure consistent, dependable performance while maintaining policy enforcement across all segments.
Deploy Robust Endpoint Security
Network endpoints are frequently the focus of attacks, thus you should pay extra attention to maintaining their security. These devices frequently store confidential material and are among the most common sources of failure in network systems.
An endpoint protection solution is one of the most effective methods to safeguard your endpoints. These normally contain a variety of defensive procedures, such as strict access restrictions, that allow you to effectively safeguard your network.
Conclusion
Traditional cybersecurity measures, such as perimeter security methods, are losing effectiveness as a result of evolved and sophisticated cyber attacks. Segmentation, a thorough and advanced cybersecurity strategy, may assist you in reducing the blast radius of assaults or data breaches.
By maintaining strong security and monitoring behavior, companies may establish a secure atmosphere for visitors. For example, when a user logs in using guest credentials, they can enter a micro-segment with just internet access.
Network segmentation ensures compliance by allowing secure access to private data which increases both brand trust and the company’s reputation.
Simply said, segmentation may strengthen your security policy by limiting access authorizations, preventing you from mass cyberattacks, and lowering the number of users in certain zones, all while increasing network performance.
