Segmentation

Segmentation security controls involve the strategic division of a network into isolated segments or zones to bolster security and contain potential security breaches.

Key aspects of segmentation security controls:

• Isolation: Segmentation separates network components to prevent the spread of threats and restrict unauthorized access.
• Lateral Movement Prevention: By isolating segments, the ability of threats to move laterally across the network is minimized.
• Access Control: Controlled access points between segments ensure that only authorized entities can communicate.
• Minimized Attack Surface: Reducing the potential pathways for attacks decreases the overall attack surface of the network.
• Containment: Segmentation helps contain security incidents within specific segments, limiting their impact.

Examples of segmentation security controls:

• Network Segmentation: Isolating departments or services on separate VLANs to prevent cross-departmental threats.
• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): Creating a separate network zone for publicly accessible services to minimize the risk to internal resources.
• Microsegmentation: Isolating workloads within virtualized environments to enhance security between applications.
• Perimeter Segmentation: Separating internal and external networks to control traffic entering and leaving the network.

Segmentation security controls are a fundamental strategy for maintaining a secure network environment, protecting critical assets, and preventing the spread of security threats.