With the bulk of business being done online its security as well as its efficiency still remains a concern and a priority at the same time too.
Bigger organizations often deal with a complex network architecture due to their business needs.
Often such organizations are seen struggling in maintaining the efficiency of the business and keeping it secure at the same time.
At such a point network segmentation is the term that needs to be implemented.
Network segmentation improves the efficiency of available networks.
Let us discuss some of the questions related to network segmentation.
Segmentation means dividing.
Thus network segmentation means the division of networks.
Network segmentation divides the network of the computers into different segments or subnets in order to improve the monitoring process, better performances, and localizing technical issues.
It simply works by controlling the traffic flowing from or to different parts of the computer network.
Breaking the network traffic into different segments also allows administrators to prevent unauthorized access.
With network segmentation, the network is divided into multiple zones.
While network segmentation is done, it is executed by applying security procedures in order to make sure that the process is well within the allowed compliances.
With the help of Virtual local area networks traffic is divided among segregated network segments.
This step is then followed by installing security through firewalls in order to protect the applications and data.
Also Read: List of 10 Network Security Audit Checklist: You Need To Follow
Below discussed are some of the key types of network segmentation:
• Network Segmentation
Within this type of segmentation, the network is segmented with the help of a virtual local area network.
VLANs create smaller networks virtually wherein segmented smaller hosts are virtually connected assuming they being on the same local area network.
Further such subnets with the help of IP addresses divide the network into further smaller subnetworks.
This also assists admins to contain the threat from spreading further if any particular subnet is attacked.
• Firewall Segmentation
Firewalls are installed within a network.
Firewall segmentation is done to create separate zones so that the segmented functional subnets are kept independent in order to protect them from any attacks.
This also assists in limiting the threats to spread further.
• SDN Segmentation
Software-defined networking segmentation is dependent on network automation through centralized controllers that are further connected with the network's hardware.
Within an SDN, data packet movements are kept separate allowing network intelligence to be a part of control panels.
It adds flexibility as well as customization for the administrators through which they can boost the performance of the networks.
Some of the key benefits of network segmentation security are discussed as under:
• Better Performance
The performance of the network is increased when there are fewer congestions.
• Device Protection
Segmentations reduce the risk of infected or harmful traffic reaching to connected devices that are vulnerable to attacks and lack the efficiency of protecting themselves from such attacks.
• Limiting Cyber Attacks
Network segmentation limits the effects of any possible attack by not allowing it to spread further to other subnets.
Also Read:Different types of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Some of the key best practices for network segmentation are discussed as under:
Endpoints are often vulnerable to attacks.
Endpoints are connected with the devices that might be mostly outside the network architectures.
In such cases, the endpoint devices can be attacked and the network credentials can be accessed.
Thus it is in the best interest of the organizations to start the network segmentations from such endpoints.
Check the origin of the access as to who has the authority to use the credentials and what type of data they are looking for.
Check what type of data needs to be accessed by which team or person before beginning the segmentation process.
Failure to check the origin of the access can put users in a situation where they have to re-architect the segmentation process again in nearby future.
An efficient segmentation plan has fewer segmentation but necessary ones.
Too much segmentation can make the process of monitoring and controlling complicated.
As a result, poor performance and poor employee productivity will be shown.
Assigning importance to the assets being used in an organization is very important in the segmentation of networks.
Not every asset is of the same value in the organization.
These labels of importance can be further used in various trust zones of the network.
Audits keep you updated with the latest news about the subject in question.
Similarly, network audits can be done in order to fetch the latest update about the health of the networks.
Scheduling network audits can assist users in providing the latest information related to the assets involved in networks too.
Creating a separate access portal for vendors can stop any threats from coming in-network if the vendor's security has been compromised.
Some of the vendors are required to have access to your networks in order to provide efficient services.
A separate access portal will thus isolate any threat that comes with any breached vendor network.
Keeping a track of the flow of data will assist you in understanding what type of segmentation is needed on a certain point.
Users will also be able to understand how they can segment their network.
Penetration testing will assist you in understanding the avenues that the attackers can use in order to gain access to data and other sensitive information.
Conclusion
It is mandatory for every organization to prioritize and efficiently implement network segmentation in order to have better control over the working of their business. Above mentioned points will assist users in evaluating their segmented networks better.
