Network segmentation means separating the network into smaller segments. This classification has so many benefits regarding cybersecurity in business networks. When the network has been divided into smaller pieces, it becomes easy to monitor and control each network segment. This approach provides robust control all over the network and affords assistance to the IT managers for network security.
Today’s businesses have a high number of employees, clients, and a huge amount of data. It is quite hard for them to control the whole network and prevent risks properly without the support of the technological solution. Network segmentation is considered a facilitator for controlling the company network and minimizing the risks. Segmentation in businesses also makes corporations compatible with regulations considering data security.
To understand micro-segmentation better, we simply explain what is macro segmentation and what is the difference between them. As the name suggests, micro-segmentation means dividing the network into smaller and more controllable pieces. On the contrary, macro segmentation is another term for traditional segmentation. Macro segmentation divided the network into several pieces to support employee and business needs. Usually implemented on the company’s physical network infrastructure.
Network Segmentation Main Benefits
1. Performance Increase
Dividing the network into smaller segments provides performance improvement fundamentally. When we say performance, we intend network performance. Due to the particular structure of a segmented network, broadcast packet traffic lightens up, and the performance increases.
It is hard to monitor, evaluate, and audit large networks. Sometimes IT managers overlook some departments due to their workload and complex structure. When departments are neglected, they become more vulnerable to cyber threats and risks. The best way of protecting each department with the same care is to classify them.
For instance, micro-segmentation processes are usually used in Zero Trust security models. Zero Trust prompts access verification and makes it hard for employees to access resources. It is an excellent way to protect the company network from malicious threats. However, sometimes it can cause businesses to slow down. Verification at each step might be exhausting at times. If there is no segmentation in a company, managers can not regulate access verification procedures properly and effectively. On the other hand, properly segmented networks are useful for Zero Trust verification processes. Managers can decide on access authentications thanks to divided segments and employees authenticate their ID’S only when necessary.
2. Regulatory Compliance
Being regulatory compliant is vital for corporations because authorities set up strict rules and enforce them seriously. Without the help of a technological cybersecurity solution, it is hard to become compliant. Here, cybersecurity services are recommended to companies to ensure their security and compliance simultaneously. Network segmentation, with Zero Trust and fewer privilege policies, can accelerate your compliance level.
When the network has divided into smaller segments, companies can know whether they should take extra precautions to become compliant or not. Because not every workload requires regulatory compliance. Although there are several regulations in terms of data privacy, client security, etc. some areas have no legal regulations so companies do not need to struggle for them. It saves time and money basically.
Companies should not neglect legal regulations. If they ceased to become compliant, they can face penalties and reputation loss. Both possibilities cause them to destroy.
3. Remote Work and Cloud Security
Companies have been migrating to cloud systems due to increasing demand for remote work. Although remote work has several benefits such as time-saving work processes and a flexible work environment, it also has some adversities. One of the challenges of remote work is access to resources and connection with HQ. Companies use cloud systems to solve this problem. When whole data, information, network, and applications are collected in a cloud server, they can be accessible for remote employees. However, cloud-based systems require advanced cloud protection solutions to provide the same security level. Thanks to cloud infrastructure opportunities, remote workers can access company resources regardless of their location or wi-fi connection.
4. Decreasing Attack Surface
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. Thus, companies can recover their damage easily and cheaper than legacy hardware system costs.
Data security is another concern for companies and they benefit from many technologies to avoid data breaches or data loss. In this context, diminishing the company’s attack surface also adds further protection to the company’s data safety. We should state that legacy segmentation implementations have an influence on Layer 4, not more. On the other hand, micro-segmentation enables protection to reach down to Layer 7. Consequently, micro-segmentation enables security solutions to go deeper and offers comprehensive protection for the whole company network.
Last Thoughts on Network Segmentation
Cyber threats and cybersecurity solutions are advancing at an incredible speed. In such a competitive environment, businesses should consider advanced security solutions to protect their safety, reputation, and financial stability also. Here, micro-segmentation shows up and helps companies on their cybersecurity adventure. Benefitting from the opportunities of network segmentation adds value to your company and takes your company a step forward.