The ever-changing digital ecosystem has exposed firms to new and sophisticated cybersecurity risks. As it allows attackers to traverse a network, move from one system to another, and steal sensitive data, lateral movement has become a significant concern for enterprises.
Micro segmentation is essential for preventing lateral movement and protecting your network. It involves separating a network into smaller, isolated sections, making it harder for attackers to propagate throughout the network. This article will explain what micro segmentation is, why it’s necessary, and how to efficiently execute it.
What is the meaning of micro segmentation?
Micro segmentation is a network security solution that divides a network into smaller, isolated pieces using software-defined security controls. This enables the isolation and containment of threats, thereby lowering the risk of data loss and theft. Micro segmentation functions at the application and workload levels, providing enterprises more network security control.
Why is micro segmentation so essential?
Lateral movement is a significant threat to enterprises, and typical security solutions like firewalls and intrusion detection systems are sometimes insufficient to prevent it. Micro segmentation adds an additional layer of protection by making it more difficult for attackers to migrate across systems. It also prevents data theft by separating and restricting access to sensitive data.
Implementing Micro-Segmentation
There are a number of measures you may take to simplify the process of implementing micro segmentation. Here are the essential actions to take:
- Start by identifying the systems and data that are most important to your company. This will assist you in determining which portions to prioritise first.
- Define security policies: Determine which security rules, such as access restriction, data encryption, and monitoring, you wish to adopt.
- Utilizing software-defined security policies, segment the network by dividing it into smaller, isolated portions.
- Monitor and maintain the segmentation: Monitor the segmentation on a regular basis and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it stays effective.
Conclusion
Micro segmentation is essential for preventing lateral movement and protecting your network. By splitting your network into smaller, isolated segments, you can reduce the risk of data loss and theft and prevent intruders from traversing across systems. Implementing micro segmentation might be challenging, but with the correct strategy, you can protect your network and your data.
