Network security is crucial in today’s business world. Cloud-based environments and remote work models became prevalent. This revolution makes security solutions more vital. Traditional security methods no longer protect businesses against threats. Moreover, cloud environments and remote access are more prone to cyberattacks.
Corporations adopt several security tools on their networks. Their main purpose is to protect users, devices, apps, and data resources. They started to imply developed solutions to pace up with new security requirements. On the other hand, there are regulations regarding data security. Companies have an obligation to comply with these regulations. They must consider security provisions to become compliant.
Network security management
Securing the network is a must for companies. Employees run their daily operations via networks. Companies can not provide data security if their networks are unreliable. Network security management refers to tools and methods to safeguard the network from external and internal threats. Businesses can benefit from different tools such as VPN, anti-virus, and multi-factor authentication.
Beyond all these tools, there are more complex solutions. Zero Trust Network Access is one of them. As the name suggests, Zero Trust embraces the idea of never trusting the users. Companies should monitor and control user identities and access authorizations all the time. There is no difference between the internal and external actors. Zero Trust says that you must authenticate user identities. Furthermore, you should prevent privileges. Companies must prevent users from accessing all company resources. There must be a limit in terms of access permissions. You can classify your employees according to their roles in the corporation. For instance, a user should not have access to financial resources if she does not need them to make her daily operations. The common purpose is to prevent data breaches and attacks.
Business networks
Modern business networks are more complex than the traditional ones. Moreover, there are several multinational companies and they have so many employees from all around the world. The remote work model eliminates the location problem. Companies can hire employees regardless of their residence. The increasing number of employees causes security problems. On the other hand, technological developments add extra components to the networks. Today’s companies have apps, data resources, and users more than ever.
As networks become more complex, it becomes more difficult to secure networks. Here’s where the network segmentation shows up.
Network Segmentation Explained
Network segmentation refers to separating networks into segments. You can consider segmentation as classifying. Companies use network segmentation to monitor their networks in detail. When monitored holistically, some details may be overlooked. This causes breaches and attacks.
It is quite hard to control the whole network. However, dividing the network into pieces provides a detailed perspective. It minimizes the risks and facilitates company network management.
There are two main types of network segmentation: macro-segmentation, and the micro-segmentation. The names can give a hint about the working principle of these segmentation methods. Let’s take a closer look at micro and macro segmentation.
Macro-segmentation
Macro-segmentation divides online traffic into a few sub-segments by using VLAN (Virtual Local Area Networks) Dividing process is operated according to location, branch, etc. Companies can manage their branch offices at ease thanks to macro-segmentation. Macro-segmentation uses traditional models. It relies on core perimeters. The separating is a group or department-based in macro-segmentation. It creates trusted boundaries around firewalls.
Companies prefer macro-segmentation to protect their business networks. The main reason is that the macro-segmentation is not complex. Organizations can tailor the ideal macro-segmentation implementation according to their requirements. Moreover, macro-segmentation offers data traffic control. It is crucial since data security is the major concern of many companies.
Micro-segmentation
Segments are smaller in micro-segmentation because it divides segments into particular units. Companies can control user behaviors efficiently. Micro-segmentation considers workload, process, and application-based segmentation. More granularity means more security and control over user behaviors. Identity and access management are crucial in terms of network security. Micro-segmentation is an efficient role in terms of user access control. Companies can avoid unauthorized access thanks to micro-segmentation.
The benefits of network segmentation in network security
Compliance
It is simpler to meet legal requirements in network segmentation. When companies divide the network into smaller segments, they can know which department requires compliance. Companies are subject to different data security regulations.
These regulations are binding for them. You can learn regulations worldwide at https://unctad.org/page/data-protection-and-privacy-legislation-worldwide
Some part of the business does not need compliance. Companies do not need to be compliant with regulations for these specific departments. They can save time and money. The only way to make a distinction is through segmentation.
Performance Improvement
Complicated networks are hard to monitor, and control. IT teams have a heavy workload in these complex structures. Segmentation assists IT teams in their protection process. On the other hand, IT teams can define problems more accurately.
Reduce Damages
Companies can reduce damages from cyber attacks or breaches. Segmentation avoids breach or attack transmission. Even if a breach or attack occurs in one segment, companies can stop it before spreading. Micro-segmentation enables companies to decrease their attack surfaces by separating networks into smaller pieces. Even if a breach or attack occurs in one part of the network, segmented infrastructure avoid this threat to be spread out.
Increase data security level
It is easier to protect vulnerable data in segmentation networks. Separated layers are safer than traditional ones. Organizations can protect their data resources from leakage. Companies that have amounts of data can prefer micro-segmentation solution because it is more reliable when it comes to data security. Some corporations only use micro-segmentation to safeguard their vulnerable personal data.
Last Thoughts on Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is an efficient tool in terms of network security. As a company manager or IT staff, you can benefit from macro-segmentation or micro-segmentation solutions to level up your security. Security tools are beneficial but not adequate all the time. Modern companies should imply segmentation in their networks to increase security tools’ effects. You can consider the differences while choosing the proper one for your organization. Remember that each company needs a different security solution so you must take your company dynamics into account.
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