How To Improve Security with Network Segmentation

Network security is a hot topic these days, and it’s a vicious cycle. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated, causing an elaborate rise in data breaches. As security threats grow, networks become increasingly susceptible to these attacks. Organizations need a proactive network practice, and one clear method stands out: Network Segmentation. The truth is that security breaches in this ever-escalating conflict are bound to occur, it’s not a matter of “if” – it’s a matter of “when.” the function of that security becomes to best survive break-ins without serious impact.

Why Network Segmentation?

Network Segmentation is a critical strategy for bolstering security. It’s a process where a larger network is divided into multiple segments, each acting as its own subnetwork managed with separate controls and users. Network segmentation allows unique profiling, assigning permissions and protocols specific to each user to prevent unauthorized access. Thus, providing an extra layer of data protection to prevent hackers from lateral movement between the profiles. Ultimately, network segmentation provides more control, reducing the risk of losing sensitive data.

Unique Profiling. With network segmentation, a unique profile is created for each user group granting granular access control, meaning each profile is a combination of protocols and rules specifically assigned to that user. For instance, the finance department contains confidential reports for a select group of users, while the HR department allows a different set of users to see personnel files. The HR profile protects employee databases, while the finance profile safeguards financial data. Unique profiling makes it easier to guard sensitive information while preventing hackers from lateral movement between profiles.

Increased Speed. Network segmentation also reduces congestion, which increases speed. Imagine you create a tunnel, a designated expressway—no more going the long way, routing through the entire network among the other traffic. Network segmentation creates a direct path solely for your users. An optimized network means a faster network.

Extreme Solutions

Extreme Network Access Control. This application utilizes granular permissions to define system access, allowing in-depth control of users.

Extreme Fabric Connect. This method for hyper-segmentation offers massive scalability, enabling the network to be segmented from end to end.

What’s the Downside?

There isn’t a downside to network segmentation. However, if there are just a few (10-20) users on a small network with basic access for all and no privacy requirements, then creating different profiles might not be necessary.

How is it done?

The first step in network segmentation best practices involves examining all network traffic. Look closely at the users and utilities. Determine who/what makes up the network, including servers, software, IoT devices, etc. Don’t leave anything out.

Next, organize and define the profiles. Specify functions, settings, and rules for granular access control. Be sure to include databases and services specific to each profile. Remember, profiles apply to personas, things, departments, devices, etc. Apply the conditions and policies defining each profile.

Once all the user profiles are defined, the network is ready for the last step… deployment. Voilà! Network segmentation is complete.

Why Choose PC Solutions?

• Qualified expertise. PC Solutions is the authority on network segmentation services with qualified experts to ensure the right network solutions.
• Technology simplified. PC Solutions is dedicated to making business easier and simpler to run using technology.

Contact PCS to speak with our knowledgeable team