Think of your network like a major open playground. Anyone who gains access to that playground, can roam around freely within, that's the way that many old-school networks work. Microsegmentation changes that by slicing that playground, and protecting each slice differently. Microsegmentation is like creating fenced in sections, now the sections are safe and regulations controlled.
What is the benefit of this? If a hacker breaches a single area, they likely cannot roam freely through the entire network, they are stuck within a small defined area.
• Software based: You control the traffic between areas through the software.
• Firewall per area: Each area has a distinct set of rules defining entry.
• User-based responsibilities: Access is granted based on who you are, not necessarily where you are.
I've worked at a company that kept a payment system separate from the rest of their systems. That was a huge benefit, as it mitigated a lot of security issues by limiting hacker access to other systems on their network.
1. Restricts movement of a hacker: If they gained access, they were stuck in one area and unable to move to the rest of the network.
2. Protection of sensitive data: Easier to prove compliance with regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
3. Reduced risk potential: More zones make it harder for the hacker to find vulnerabilities in the systems.
4. Ability to contain a situation quickly: Stop, investigate and resolve without shutting down the entire network.
What is Microsegmentation?
Microsegmentation is simply segmenting your network into multiple small areas and controlling who can interact with each area. Instead of one network, you now have many small and secure areas.What is the benefit of this? If a hacker breaches a single area, they likely cannot roam freely through the entire network, they are stuck within a small defined area.
How does Microsegmentation Work?
Microsegmentation can be accomplished in different ways, including:• Software based: You control the traffic between areas through the software.
• Firewall per area: Each area has a distinct set of rules defining entry.
• User-based responsibilities: Access is granted based on who you are, not necessarily where you are.
I've worked at a company that kept a payment system separate from the rest of their systems. That was a huge benefit, as it mitigated a lot of security issues by limiting hacker access to other systems on their network.
Benefits of Microsegmentation
Microsegmentation has several key benefits:1. Restricts movement of a hacker: If they gained access, they were stuck in one area and unable to move to the rest of the network.
2. Protection of sensitive data: Easier to prove compliance with regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
3. Reduced risk potential: More zones make it harder for the hacker to find vulnerabilities in the systems.
4. Ability to contain a situation quickly: Stop, investigate and resolve without shutting down the entire network.