With most organizations adopting digital transformation, network security is more critical than ever. Traditional flat network structures are at a greater risk. While simple and cost-effective, these networks are prone due to their lack of redundancy, difficulty in troubleshooting, and vulnerability to cyberattacks. Attackers can easily move undetected across the network once they enter it.
According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 reached a staggering $4.88 million. That’s the highest total ever and a 10% increase over last year. Even worse, the impact of an attack is big enough to kill a business. Therefore, organizations must be extra vigilant about security threats, particularly if a flat network structure makes them vulnerable.
Network segmentation is a viable solution for keeping your organization safe from cyber threats. By dividing its network into smaller, isolated segments, this strategy improves performance and ensures regulatory compliance.
Table of Contents
Network Segmentation: A Closer Look
Network segmentation is a design approach that segregates a network into multiple segments or subnets based on intended usage and trust levels, notes Forbes. Each of these segments functions as a smaller network within the main network of the organization.
Since network segmentation is a colossal process, you must understand its benefits to justify the effort. Breaking a large network into small chunks can help IT teams in several ways.
Segmentation creates boundaries between sub-segments, controls traffic flow, and restricts access based on location, type, source, and destination. By limiting the spread of malware and unauthorized access within the network, overall network security is enhanced.
Even if an attack hits a business, network segmentation reduces the attack surface and confines breaches to specific segments rather than the entire network. Besides security benefits, this approach limits congestion by dividing traffic into smaller segments. Further, it simplifies compliance by isolating sensitive data.
Organizations can use different methods to achieve network segmentation effectively. These include:
- Physical Segmentation: Hardware devices like routers and switches create tangible boundaries within the network. This method is effective for high-security environments but requires a hefty infrastructure investment.
- Firewall Segmentation: In this method, internally deployed firewalls segment the organizational network into functional zones. Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are particularly effective in managing and monitoring traffic flow between various segments. What makes a next-generation firewall better than its traditional counterpart? It can identify and block malicious applications at the application layer of the TCP/IP network protocol stack.
- SDN Segmentation: Software-defined networking (SDN) segmentation creates network overlays using software-defined automation. This approach enables micro-segmentation for precise control over traffic flow and access policies.
Network Segmentation Best Practices to Reinforce Security
Network segmentation is not about randomly segregating the organizational network into different parts. It should be done strategically to maximize the performance and security benefits of segregation. Here are some proven best practices for achieving the desired results.
Watch Out for Over and Under Segmentation
When segmenting its network, an organization should not go too far, nor settle for less.
Over-segmentation can lead to complexity and inefficiency in managing security policies. Although this approach may create an illusion of control over sub-networks, IT teams may feel overwhelmed.
On the other hand, under-segmentation defeats the purpose by leaving networks vulnerable to attacks. Hackers can easily exploit overlaps between large segments as there isn’t enough separation between them.
A balance is the best approach to achieve an ideal level of security and ease of access management for a network.
Group Network Resources Based on Sensitivity
Grouping similar network resources is another best practice for network segmentation. Classify them based on their business importance and sensitivity. For example, low-sensitivity resources should be combined with similar ones to ensure the same level of control over them. High-risk assets should be placed in isolated segments with enhanced security measures.
With this approach, tighter security controls can be implemented in the most critical areas. At the same time, there is more flexibility when managing less-critical resources. Moreover, the use of low–risk work resources is not hindered by unnecessary obstacles. Employees do not have to worry about too many authentication checks for everything.
This leads to better network performance and enables an organization to build a security suite that matters.
Implement Role-Based Access Control
Dividing your network into different segments is only half the work done. You also need to ensure that users, devices, and applications have only the necessary access for their roles.
Network can be implemented with role-based access control, with users having only the minimum necessary privileges to limit access across the organizational network. For example, an IT manager should be given more network access than a regular employee.
Segment boundaries should also be secured with robust firewalls and access controls. This will prevent unauthorized traffic between different segments of the business network.
Don’t Ignore Endpoint Security
Network segmentation cannot be treated as a standalone solution because it can fall short when multiple devices access different sub-networks. Overlooking endpoint security means you may have a compromised network, regardless of the segmentation efforts.
Endpoint security curbs the risk of malware or unauthorized access to the network segments. All devices connected to the network should be secured with encryption, antivirus software, regular updates, and patch management.
Additionally, implement device management policies to monitor endpoint security. For example, you must ensure that endpoints meet security standards before accessing the network. Similarly, restricting the use of personal devices can prevent security lapses.
Audit Networks and Update Segmentation Policies
Network segmentation is not a once-and-done thing. An attack can happen anytime and in the most unexpected way. Regular auditing and continuous sub-network monitoring keep you ahead of security and regulatory compliance.
You can utilize tools to monitor network traffic, identify anomalies, and respond to threats in real time. In addition to ongoing monitoring, periodic audits can help assess the effectiveness of your segmentation strategy. Be ready to make necessary adjustments to improve network security and performance.
A robust monitoring system sets the stage for security hygiene for your organizational network. By having a network in place, you can identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Segmenting for Security
Network segmentation is a wise decision in security, as it overcomes the weaknesses of flat networks and reduces the attack surface. Integrating IP2 Network into your strategy can streamline segmentation efforts and provide additional layers of protection; however, the efficacy of your network segmentation strategy depends on doing it right. Define your goals from the outset and identify existing gaps to seal them effectively. These best practices can help you reinforce network security and make the most of this approach.
