The practice of dividing a computer network into smaller, isolated segments.
Description
Network segmentation is a crucial strategy in cybersecurity aimed at enhancing security and performance by dividing a large network into smaller, manageable segments. Each segment can have its own security policies and access controls, allowing organizations to limit the spread of malware and unauthorized access. By isolating sensitive data and critical systems from less secure areas of the network, businesses can protect their assets more effectively. For instance, if one segment is compromised, the attacker may not have access to other segments that store sensitive information or critical operations. Additionally, segmentation can improve network performance by reducing congestion and improving traffic management. Companies like Target have implemented network segmentation to protect their payment processing systems, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. This layered approach to security not only helps in compliance with regulations but also enhances overall network resilience against cyber threats.
Examples
- A hospital segments its network to separate patient data from public Wi-Fi access to protect sensitive information.
- A financial institution uses network segmentation to keep trading operations isolated from general office networks, reducing the risk of cyber attacks.
Additional Information
- Network segmentation can be achieved using firewalls, VLANs, and access control lists (ACLs).
- Implementing segmentation is considered a best practice by security frameworks like NIST and CIS.