Network Segmentation

What is Network Segmentation

Network segmentation (also known as network partitioning or network isolation) is the practice of dividing a computer network into multiple subnetworks in order to improve performance and security.

By isolating (or segmenting) the network into separate contained parts, network segmentation effectively prevents a single point of failure and makes it difficult for unauthorized users to compromise the entire network.

For example, if a bad actor gains access to your network, they will attempt to move around the network to access and exploit sensitive data.

Benefits of network segmentation

Network segmentation has become a key strategy for organizations looking to secure complex networks. And for good reason.

1. Slowing Down Attackers. One of the biggest benefits of using network segmentation is that it can buy you extra time during an attack. If an attacker successfully breaches your network, and that network is segmented, then it will take some extra time for the attacker to break out of that segmented portion of the network to get at the resources they really want.
2. Increasing Overall Data Security. By segmenting networks, it becomes easier to protect the most sensitive data that you have on your internally-facing network assets. The creation of a layer of separation between servers containing sensitive data and everything outside of your network can do wonders to reduce your risk of data loss or theft.
3. Enabling Implementation of a Policy of Least Privilege. Having strong network segmentation makes it easier to restrict user access to your most sensitive information and systems. This can be invaluable for protecting that information if a user’s access credentials are compromised — or abused. In other words, network segmentation helps you to protect your business against insider attacks as well as attacks by outsiders.
4. Reducing Damage from Successful Attacks. Because strong network segmentation can help keep attackers from breaking out of a system before you’ve contained the breach and cut off their access, it can help to minimize the damage caused by such breaches. There’s a world of difference between the time, money, and effort it takes to recover from a breach where the attacker was only able to compromise a single workstation and a breach involving thousands of financial records across your entire network.