What is network segmentation? All you need to know

Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller subnetworks. Organizations or companies might choose to segment their networks for various reasons, such as enhancing security and optimizing performance. Continue reading to discover the key advantages of network segmentation and understand its significance.

Understanding how network segmentation operates

In modern environments, networks exist both physically and in the cloud. With the increasing number of devices connecting to networks, including BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, network segmentation has become essential for managing access and directing traffic efficiently across the network.

Network segmentation today is largely implemented using software-defined networking (SDN). This method allows for dynamic and adaptable network configurations, catering to the demands of cloud computing, unlike traditional physical network setups. SDN enables administrators to create virtualized segments within the network, ensuring that traffic flows are organized and that sensitive data is securely contained within specific segments. This approach not only enhances security but also optimizes the performance of the entire network, making it more resilient and scalable as organizational needs evolve.

Key advantages of network segmentation

Network segmentation offers significant benefits, primarily in enhancing security and boosting network performance. Strengthening network security safeguards a company over the long term, while improving performance can elevate business value and enhance the user experience.

Enhanced security through network segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical component of a robust security strategy. According to Josh Amishav-Zlatin, founder and CEO of the data breach monitoring company Breachsense, “Organizations typically segment their networks based on the sensitivity and security needs of their systems.”

Segmentation allows administrators to control access to specific parts of the network, ensuring that only authorized users can access certain segments. This is particularly important in the event of a security breach, as it limits the attacker’s access to a single segment rather than the entire network. “Networks lacking segmentation present a broader attack surface, making it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities across the network, escalate privileges, and gain unauthorized access to critical systems or sensitive data,” Amishav-Zlatin explains.

He adds that systems handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII), customer records, or sensitive financial or personal details should be isolated within their own subnet. “In the event of a security incident, segmentation helps contain the attack within a specific segment, preventing it from spreading across the entire network,” Amishav-Zlatin notes.

Additionally, networks without segmentation face greater challenges in recovering from an attack. “If an attack occurs on a flat network, the absence of segmentation complicates incident response efforts, making it difficult to isolate compromised systems and prevent malicious actors from moving laterally to other parts of the network,” Amishav-Zlatin warns.

Moreover, the proactive implementation of segmentation can deter potential attackers by creating multiple layers of defense. This not only protects sensitive data but also ensures that the overall network architecture remains resilient against evolving threats. As organizations continue to expand their digital footprints, network segmentation will remain a vital strategy in safeguarding both data integrity and operational continuity.

Boosting network performance and bandwidth through segmentation

“Segmenting a network can significantly enhance a company's bandwidth and overall performance,” explains Dr. Chris Mattmann, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Different departments within a company have varying needs when it comes to bandwidth and internet speed.

For instance, while the HR department may not require the fastest internet connection, the data science team might need higher bandwidth to run complex analyses and tests. Additionally, a company may prioritize essential services, ensuring they receive the highest speeds and bandwidth. This tailored allocation of resources, based on necessity and priority, is a form of network segmentation.

“You can't effectively implement segmentation and partitioning without relying on network analytics, which involves understanding how the network is currently used, what the business access requirements are, and more,” Mattmann points out. Gaining insight into current and future network usage is crucial for making informed decisions about how to segment the network.

Mattmann offers an example: “A particular project might be so integral to our business's value delivery that it requires a dedicated high-speed network. In such cases, we might partition it for strategic business reasons.”

The impact of network segmentation on speed and performance underscores its importance not just for improved access but also for maximizing business value. Proper segmentation ensures that critical functions operate smoothly without being hindered by unnecessary traffic, leading to more efficient operations and better overall performance. Moreover, this approach can be particularly beneficial in dynamic environments where demand for network resources can fluctuate, allowing for more flexible and responsive network management.

Network segmentation vs. Microsegmentation

“Microsegmentation” extends the idea of network segmentation by adding an extra layer of granularity. While traditional network segmentation involves dividing the network into several smaller sections, microsegmentation goes further by isolating each application within its own dedicated zone.

“The benefit of this approach,” says Josh Amishav-Zlatin, founder and CEO of Breachsense, “is that it allows administrators to enforce access controls directly at the application layer. This enables more precise monitoring of communication patterns and enhances the ability to detect and respond to security threats.”

By implementing microsegmentation, organizations can tailor security measures to the specific needs of each application, reducing the attack surface even further and ensuring that breaches are contained within the smallest possible scope. This approach is particularly valuable in environments where multiple applications coexist, as it provides a higher level of protection and control over sensitive data and operations.

Network segmentation vs. internal segmentation

Internal segmentation is a specific form of network segmentation. “While network segmentation involves dividing the entire network into multiple subnets, internal segmentation focuses on partitioning an organization's internal network into smaller, more manageable segments,” explains Josh Amishav-Zlatin, founder and CEO of Breachsense. This distinction allows for more granular control and security within the internal network, ensuring that different parts of the organization’s infrastructure are adequately protected and isolated.

Network segmentation and zero trust

The zero trust model is a cybersecurity framework based on the principle that no user or asset should be inherently trusted, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. A key aspect of zero trust is the principle of least privilege, which dictates that users should only have access to the specific parts of the network necessary for their roles, and nothing more. This is crucial for cybersecurity, as allowing broad access across the network increases the risk that an internal threat or external hacker could compromise the entire network.

Network segmentation plays a vital role in establishing a zero-trust environment by helping to limit user access. For example, sensitive data, such as credit card information or personally identifiable information (PII), should be confined to dedicated subnetworks to reduce exposure and risk. Amishav-Zlatin further suggests employing “microsegmentation to enforce zero trust and the least-privilege policy, providing even finer control over how applications interact with one another.”

By integrating network segmentation with a zero-trust approach, organizations can create a more secure and resilient network architecture. This combination not only mitigates potential security threats but also ensures that even if a breach occurs, the damage is contained to a minimal scope, protecting critical assets and maintaining operational integrity.

Conclusion

Network segmentation involves dividing a computer network into smaller subnetworks. The primary motivations for implementing network segmentation are to boost performance and enhance security. For any business, adopting network segmentation is crucial, as it not only strengthens network security but also minimizes the risk and potential impact of cyberattacks while improving overall network efficiency.