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Leveraging Multiple Environments: Enhancing Application Security through Dev, Test, and Production Segregation

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Application security has never been more critical, as cyber threats loom large over every piece of software. To safeguard applications, segregation of development, testing, and production environments has emerged as a crucial strategy. This practice not only improves security measures but also streamlines processes, effectively mitigating risks.

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To fully grasp the role of environment segregation, one must first understand Application Security (AppSec) and the common vulnerabilities in app development. Properly segregating environments aids in risk mitigation, adopts enhanced security practices, and aligns with secure software development life cycles. It involves distinct setups for development, testing, and production to ensure each stage operates securely and efficiently.

This article delves into the importance of segregating development environments to elevate application security. From understanding secure practices to exploring security frameworks and testing tools, we will uncover how this strategic segregation upholds compliance and regulatory requirements. Embark on a journey to making application security an integral part of your development process with environment segregation.

Importance of Environment Segregation in AppSec

Separating development, test, and production environments is essential for application security (AppSec). This practice prevents data exposure and unauthorized access, as emphasized by ISO 27002 Control 8.31. Failing to segregate these environments can harm the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of information assets.

To maintain security, it’s vital to implement proper procedures and controls. Here’s why:

  1. Confidentiality: Environment segregation keeps sensitive information hidden. For instance, the Uber code repository incident showed the dangers of accidental exposure.
  2. Integrity: Segmenting environments prevents unauthorized changes to data.
  3. Availability: Proper segregation ensures that environments remain operational and secure from threats.

Table of Environment Segregation Benefits:

Environment

Key Security Measure

Benefit

Development

Access controls

Prevents unauthorized access

Test

Authorization controls

Validates security measures

Production

Extra layer security

Protects against breaches

Using authorization controls and access restrictions ensures the secure separation of these environments. By following these best practices, you can safeguard your software development project from potential security threats.

Overview of Application Security (AppSec)

Application Security (AppSec) is essential for protecting an application’s code and data from cyber threats. It is a meticulous process that begins at the design phase and continues through the entire software development lifecycle. AppSec employs strategies like secure coding, threat modeling, and security testing to ensure that applications remain secure. By focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, AppSec helps defend against vulnerabilities such as identification failures and server-side request forgery. A solid AppSec plan relies on continuous strategies, including automated security scanning. Proper application security starts with understanding potential risks through thorough threat assessments. These evaluations guide developers in prioritizing defense efforts to protect applications from common threats.

Definition and Purpose

The ISO 27002:2022 Control 8.31 standard focuses on separating different environments to reduce security risks. The main goal is to protect sensitive data by keeping development, test, and production areas distinct. This segregation ensures that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets are maintained. By following this control, organizations can avoid issues like unauthorized access and data exposure. It not only supports security best practices but also helps companies adhere to compliance requirements. Proper environment separation involves implementing robust procedures and policies to maintain security throughout the software development lifecycle. Protecting these environments is crucial for avoiding potential losses and maintaining a strong security posture.

Common Risks in Application Development

Developing applications involves dealing with several common risks. One significant concern is third-party vulnerabilities found in libraries and components. These vulnerabilities can compromise an application’s security if exploited. Code tampering is another risk where unauthorized individuals make changes to the software. This emphasizes the importance of access controls and version tracking to mitigate potential security flaws. Configuration errors also pose a threat during software deployment. These errors can arise from improper settings, leading to vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Using the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) helps developers identify and address critical software weaknesses. Regular monitoring of development endpoints helps detect vulnerabilities early. This proactive approach ensures the overall security posture remains strong and robust throughout the software development process.

Understanding Environment Segregation

Environment segregation is vital for maintaining the security and integrity of applications. According to ISO 27002 Control 8.31, keeping development, testing, and production environments separate helps prevent unauthorized access and protects data integrity and confidentiality. Without proper segregation, companies risk exposing sensitive data, as seen in past incidents. A preventive approach involves strict procedures and technical controls to maintain a clear division between these stages. This ensures that sensitive information assets remain confidential, are not tampered with, and are available to authorized users throughout the application’s lifecycle. By implementing these best practices, organizations can maintain a strong security posture.

Development Environments

Development environments are where software developers can experiment and make frequent changes. This flexibility is essential for creativity and innovation, but it carries potential security risks. Without proper security controls, these environments could be vulnerable to unauthorized access and data exposure. Effective segregation from test and production environments is crucial. Incorporating security processes early in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) helps avoid security bottlenecks. Implementing strong authentication and access controls ensures data confidentiality and integrity. A secure development environment protects against potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized access, maintaining the confidentiality and availability of sensitive information.

Test Environments

Test environments play a crucial role in ensuring that any changes made during development do not cause issues in the production environment. By isolating testing from production through network segmentation, organizations can avoid potential vulnerabilities from spilling over. Security measures in test environments should be as strict as those in production. Regular security audits and penetration testing help identify weaknesses early. Integrating security testing tools allows for better tracking and management of potential security threats. By ensuring that security checks are in place, organizations can prevent potential production problems, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access and suspicious activity.

Production Environments

Production environments require tight controls to ensure stability and security for end-users. Limiting the use of production software in non-production environments reduces the risk of unauthorized access to critical systems. Access to production should be limited to authorized personnel to prevent potential threats from malicious actors. Monitoring and logging systems provide insights into potential security incidents, enabling early detection and quick action. Continuous monitoring helps identify any unnecessary access privileges, strengthening security measures. By maintaining a strong security posture, production environments protect sensitive information, ensuring the application’s integrity and availability are upheld.

Benefits of Environment Segregation

Environment segregation is a cornerstone of application security best practices. By separating development, test, and production environments, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Only authorized users have access to each environment, which reduces the risk of security issues. This segregation approach helps maintain the integrity and security of information. By having strict segregation policies, organizations can avoid accidental publication of sensitive information. Segmentation minimizes the impact of breaches, ensuring that a security issue in one environment does not affect others. Effective segregation also supports compliance with standards like ISO 27002. Organizations adhering to these standards enhance their security posture by following best practices in data protection.

Risk Mitigation

Thorough environment isolation is vital for risk mitigation. Separate test, staging, and production environments prevent data leaks and ensure that untested code is not deployed. A robust monitoring system tracks software performance, helping identify potential vulnerabilities early. Continuous threat modeling assesses potential threats, allowing teams to prioritize security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. Implementing access controls and encryption further protects applications from potential security threats. Integrating Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools identifies and monitors vulnerabilities in third-party components. This proactive approach aids in managing risks associated with open-source libraries, allowing development teams to maintain a strong security posture throughout the project.

Enhanced Security Practices

Incorporating security into every phase of the development lifecycle is crucial. This approach helps identify and mitigate common vulnerabilities early, reducing the likelihood of breaches. MobiDev emphasizes the importance of this integration for long-term security. Regular security audits and penetration testing are essential to keep software products secure. These practices identify misconfigurations and potential security flaws. A Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) encompasses security controls at every stage. From requirement gathering to operation, SSDLC ensures secure application development. AI technologies further enhance security by automating threat detection and response. They identify patterns indicating potential threats, improving response times. Continuous monitoring of access usage ensures only authorized personnel have access, enhancing overall security.

Secure Development Practices

Establishing secure development practices is vital for protecting software against threats. This involves using a well-planned approach to keep development, test, and production environments separate. By doing this, you help safeguard sensitive data and maintain a strong security posture. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) further prevents unauthorized access. Development teams need to adopt a continuous application security approach. This includes secure coding, threat modeling, security testing, and encrypting data to mitigate vulnerabilities. By consistently applying these practices, you can better protect your software product and its users against potential security threats.

Overview of Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC)

The Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) is a process that integrates security measures into every phase of software development. Unlike the traditional Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the SSDLC focuses on contemporary security challenges. It begins with requirements gathering and continues through design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. By embedding security checks and threat modeling, SSDLC aims to prevent security flaws early on. For development teams, understanding the SSDLC is crucial. It aids in reducing potential vulnerabilities and protecting against data breaches.

Code Tampering Prevention

Preventing code tampering is essential for maintaining the integrity of your software. One way to achieve this is through strict access controls, which block unauthorized individuals from altering the source code. Using version control systems is another effective measure. These systems track changes to the code, making it easier to spot unauthorized modifications. Such practices are vital because code tampering can introduce vulnerabilities or bugs. By monitoring software code and maintaining logs of changes, development teams can ensure accountability. Together, these steps help in minimizing potential threats and maintaining secure software.

Configuration Management

Configuration management is key to ensuring your system remains secure against evolving threats. It starts with establishing a standard, secure setup. This setup serves as a baseline, compliant with industry best practices. Regular audits help in maintaining adherence to this baseline and in identifying deviations promptly. Effective configuration management includes disabling unnecessary features and securing default settings. Regular updates and patches are also crucial. These efforts help in addressing potential vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing the security of your software product. A robust configuration management process ensures your system is resilient against security threats.

Access Control Implementation

Access control is a central component of safeguarding sensitive systems and data. By applying the principle of least privilege, you ensure that users and applications access only the data they need. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. Role-based access control (RBAC) streamlines permission management by assigning roles with specific privileges. This makes managing access across environments simpler for the development team. Regular audits further ensure that access controls are up-to-date and effective. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring multiple forms of identification. Monitoring access and reviewing controls aids in detecting suspicious activity. Together, these measures enhance your security posture by protecting against unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for Environment Segregation

Creating separate environments for development, testing, and production is crucial for application security. This separation helps mitigate potential security issues by allowing teams to address them before they impact the live environment. The development environment is where new features are built. The test or staging environments allow for these features to be tested and bugs to be squashed. This ensures any changes won’t disrupt the live application. Proper segregation also enables adequate code reviews and security checks to catch potential vulnerabilities. To further secure these environments, employing strong authentication and access controls is critical. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access. By maintaining parity between staging and production environments, organizations can prevent testing discrepancies. This approach ensures smoother deployments and increases the overall security posture of the software product.

Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring is a key part of maintaining secure environments. It provides real-time surveillance to detect potential threats swiftly. Implementing a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool helps by collecting and analyzing logs for suspicious activity. This allows development teams to respond quickly to anomalies which might indicate a security issue. By continuously logging and monitoring systems, organizations can detect unauthorized access attempts and potential vulnerabilities. This early detection is vital in protecting against common vulnerabilities and securing environment variables and source code. As infrastructure changes can impact security, having an automated system to track these changes is essential. Continuous monitoring offers an extra layer of protection, ensuring that potential threats are caught before they can cause harm.

Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits are crucial for ensuring that systems adhere to the best security practices. These audits examine the development and production environments for vulnerabilities such as outdated libraries and misconfigurations. By identifying overly permissive access controls, organizations can tighten security measures. Security audits usually involve both internal assessments and external evaluations. Techniques like penetration testing and vulnerability scanning are commonly used. Conducting these audits on a regular basis helps maintain effective security measures. It also ensures compliance with evolving security standards. By uncovering potential security flaws, audits play a significant role in preventing unauthorized access and reducing potential security threats. In the software development lifecycle, regular audits help in maintaining a secure development environment by identifying new vulnerabilities early.

Integrating Security in the DevOps Pipeline

Integrating security within the DevOps pipeline, often referred to as DevSecOps, is vital for aligning security with rapid software development. This integration ensures that security is an intrinsic part of the software development lifecycle. A ‘shift everywhere’ approach embeds security measures both in the Integrated Developer Environment (IDE) and CI/CD pipelines. This allows vulnerabilities to be addressed long before reaching production environments. Automation of security processes within CI/CD pipelines reduces friction and ensures quicker identification of security issues. Utilizing AI technologies can enhance threat detection and automate testing, thus accelerating response times. A shift-left strategy incorporates security checks early in the development process. This helps in precise release planning by maintaining secure coding standards from the beginning. This proactive approach not only lowers risks but strengthens the overall security posture of a software development project.

Frameworks and Guidelines for Security

Application security is crucial for protecting software products from potential threats and vulnerabilities. Organizations rely on various frameworks and guidelines to maintain a robust security posture. The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is one such framework. It categorizes risk management into five key functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Another important standard is ISO/IEC 27001, which ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and access control of security information. Applying a secure software development lifecycle can significantly decrease the risk of exploitable vulnerabilities. Integrating security tools and processes throughout the development lifecycle shields software from evolving cyber threats. Additionally, following the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) recommendations helps strengthen security practices in web applications.

ISO 27002:2022 Control 8.31

ISO 27002:2022 Control 8.31 emphasizes the strict segregation of development, test, and production environments. This practice is vital for minimizing security issues and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. Proper segregation helps maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. By enforcing authorization controls and access restrictions, organizations can prevent data exposure and potential vulnerabilities.

Ensuring these environments are separate supports the development team in conducting thorough security checks and code reviews without affecting the production environment. It also helps software developers to identify and address potential security threats during the application development phase. A clear distinction between these environments safeguards the software development lifecycle from common vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the implementation of Control 8.31 as guided by ISO 27002:2022 secures organizational environments. This measure protects sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure, ensuring that security controls are effectively maintained. Adhering to such standards fortifies the security measures, creating an extra layer of defense against suspicious activity and potential threats. Overall, following these guidelines strengthens an organization’s security posture and ensures the safe deployment of software products.

Implementing Security Testing Tools

To maintain application security, it’s important to use the right testing tools. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) helps developers find security flaws early in the development process. This means weaknesses can be fixed before they become bigger issues. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) analyzes applications in real-time in production environments, checking for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyberattacks. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) combines both static and dynamic methods to give a more comprehensive evaluation. By regularly using these tools, both manually and automatically, developers can identify potential vulnerabilities and apply effective remediation strategies. This layered approach helps in maintaining a strong security posture throughout the software development lifecycle.

Tools for Development Environments

In a development environment, using the right security controls is crucial. SAST tools work well here as they scan the source code to spot security weaknesses. This early detection is key in preventing future issues. Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools also play an important role by keeping track of third-party components. These inventories help identify potential vulnerabilities. Configuring security tools to generate artifacts is beneficial, enabling quick responses to threats. Threat modeling tools are useful during the design phase, identifying security threats early on. The development team then gains insights into potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem. By employing these security measures, the development environment becomes a fortified area against suspicious activity and unauthorized access.

Tools for Testing Environments

Testing environments can reveal vulnerabilities that might not be obvious during development. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) sends unexpected inputs to applications to find security weaknesses. Tools like OWASP ZAP automate repetitive security checks, streamlining the testing process. SAST tools assist developers by spotting and fixing security issues in the code before it goes live. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) aggregates data from SAST and DAST, delivering precise insights across any development stage. Manual testing with tools like Burp Suite and Postman allows developers to interact directly with APIs, uncovering potential security threats. Combining these methods ensures that a testing environment is well equipped to handle any potential vulnerabilities.

Tools for Production Environments

In production environments, security is critical, as this is where software interacts with real users. DAST tools offer real-time vulnerability analysis, key to preventing runtime errors and cyberattacks. IAST provides comprehensive security assessments by integrating static and dynamic methods. This helps in real-time monitoring and immediate threat detection. Run-time Application Security Protection (RASP) is another layer that automates incident responses, such as alerting security teams about potential threats. Monitoring and auditing privileged access prevent unauthorized access, reducing risks of malicious activities. Security systems like firewalls and intrusion prevention systems create a robust defense. Continuous testing in production is crucial to keep software secure. These efforts combine to safeguard against potential security threats, ensuring the software product remains trustworthy and secure.

Compliance and Regulatory Standards

In today’s digital landscape, adhering to compliance regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS is crucial for maintaining strong security frameworks. These regulations ensure that software development processes integrate security from the ground up. By embedding necessary security measures throughout the software development lifecycle, organizations can align themselves with these important standards. This approach not only safeguards sensitive data but also builds trust with users. For organizations to stay compliant, it’s vital to stay informed about these regulations. Implementing continuous security testing is key to protecting applications, especially in production environments. By doing so, businesses can meet compliance standards and fend off potential threats.

Ensuring Compliance Through Segregation

Segregating environments is a key strategy in maintaining compliance and enhancing security. Control 8.31 mandates secure separation of development, testing, and production environments to prevent issues. This control involves collaboration between the chief information security officer and the development team. Together, they ensure the separation protocols are followed diligently.

Maintaining effective segregation requires using separate virtual and physical setups for production. This limits unauthorized access and potential security flaws in the software product. Organisations must establish approved testing protocols prior to any production environment activity. This ensures that potential security threats are identified before they become problematic.

Documenting rules and authorization procedures for software use post-development is crucial. By following these guidelines, organizations can meet Control 8.31 compliance. This helps in reinforcing their application security and enhancing overall security posture. It also aids in avoiding regulatory issues, ensuring smooth operations.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

Understanding regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS is essential for application security compliance. Familiarizing yourself with these standards helps organizations incorporate necessary security measures. Regular audits play a vital role in verifying compliance. They help identify security gaps and address them promptly to maintain conformity with established guidelines.

Leveraging a Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) is crucial. SSDLC integrates security checks throughout the software development process, aiding compliance efforts. Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) should include automated security testing. This prevents potential vulnerabilities from causing non-compliance issues.

Meeting these regulatory requirements reduces legal risks and enhances application safety. It provides a framework that evolves with the continuously shifting landscape of cyber threats. Organizations that prioritize these security practices strengthen their defenses and keep applications secure and reliable. By doing so, they not only protect sensitive data but also foster user trust.

Seeking Expertise: Getting More Information and Help from MicroSolved, Inc.

Navigating the complex landscape of application security can be challenging. For organizations looking for expert guidance and tailored solutions, collaborating with a seasoned security partner like MicroSolved, Inc. can be invaluable.

Why Consider MicroSolved, Inc.?

MicroSolved, Inc. brings in-depth knowledge and years of experience in application security, making us a reliable partner in safeguarding your digital assets. Our team of experts stay at the forefront of security trends and emerging threats, offering insights and solutions that are both innovative and practical.

Services Offered by MicroSolved, Inc.

MicroSolved, Inc. provides a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance your application security posture:

  • Security Assessments and Audits: Thorough evaluations to identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps.
  • Incident Response Planning: Strategies to efficiently manage and mitigate security breaches.
  • Training and Workshops: Programs aimed at elevating your team’s security awareness and skills.

Getting Started with MicroSolved, Inc.

Engaging with MicroSolved is straightforward. We work closely with your team to understand your unique security needs and provide customized strategies. Whether you’re just beginning to establish multiple environments for security purposes or seeking advanced security solutions, MicroSolved, Inc. can provide the support you need.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our official website (microsolved.com) or contact us directly (info@microsolved.com / +1.614.351.1237). With our assistance, your organization can reinforce its application security, ensuring robust protection against today’s most sophisticated threats.

 

 

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

Why Every Small and Mid-Size Business Should Prioritize Network Segmentation

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The safety and efficiency of business operations hinge on robust networking practices. As cyber threats continue to escalate, small businesses must adopt significant protective measures, and one proven strategy is network segmentation. This method can be the difference between maintaining a secure environment and falling victim to a devastating data breach.

Network segmentation involves partitioning a computer network into smaller, manageable sections, enhancing security, and boosting performance. For small businesses, where resources often run thin, prioritizing such a strategy not only helps protect sensitive information but also streamlines compliance with regulations. This makes understanding and implementing network segmentation an essential consideration for any small business owner.

In this article, we will explore the importance of network segmentation for small businesses, its key benefits, and practical implementation strategies. From real-world examples to expert recommendations, we aim to equip you with the knowledge necessary to secure your business’s digital landscape effectively.

Understanding Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical security measure for small and mid-sized businesses aiming to safeguard their digital assets from cyber threats. By dividing the entire network into smaller, isolated segments, businesses can control and monitor traffic flow meticulously, effectively reducing the overall attack surface. This strategic separation means that should one segment suffer a security breach, the unauthorized access remains confined, minimizing the risk to sensitive data across the network.

Segmentation policies play a vital role in maintaining business continuity. Segmented networks allow for targeted fixes in the face of suspicious activity, without disruption to the entire network’s operations. This is a key advantage for smaller businesses that require consistent uptime to remain competitive.

Additionally, network segmentation helps to alleviate network congestion, which can hinder network performance. With security incidents increasingly common, adopting network segregation as part of a broader security strategy is vital for companies to fortify their security posture.

In summary, embracing network segmentation offers the dual benefits of enhanced security and improved operational efficiency. It is a proactive approach to protect a business’s intellectual property while ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted internal network experience.

Importance of Network Segmentation for Small Businesses

Network segmentation stands as a bulwark for small and mid-sized businesses amidst a landscape rife with cyber threats. It reinforces cybersecurity by architecturally delineating the network into smaller, manageable, and independent segments. This systematic compartmentalization impedes the propagation of threats; if a breach occurs within one segment, it is less likely to spread to others. For small businesses, this means that even if one area is compromised, the breach’s impact is curtailed, preserving the integrity of the rest of the network.

A flat network design, devoid of these demarcated boundaries, can be perilous. One vulnerability can cascade, putting the entirety of an organization’s digital infrastructure at risk. Conversely, segmented networks enable more granular control over who or what can access resources, providing greater transparency into the ebbs and flows of network traffic. Moreover, as small businesses expand, their network’s complexity often increases. Transitioning to a segmented approach is not only a defensive maneuver but also simplifies network management. A meticulously crafted network segmentation strategy, resonating with the business’s overall security objectives, is imperative for safeguarding critical data amid growth and changes.

Enhancing Security

When it comes to ramping up the security of a network, segmentation is a crucial undertaking. By subdividing a network into isolated fragments, it acts like a series of firebreaks in a forest, isolating problems and filtering out unwanted or unnecessary traffic. Such compartmentalization substantially diminishes the chances of a cyber onslaught affecting the entire network, thereby fortifying both security and the smooth functioning of operations.

Network segmentation does more than just isolate issues—it stymies the lateral motion of malicious actors. If an attack arises within a particular zone, that segment can be quarantined swiftly, hindering further incursion into the network. Furthermore, with the proliferation of IoT devices, which often fall prey to vulnerabilities, dedicating a specialized network segment for these devices is a prudent move for cybersecurity in small businesses.

Policymakers and regulatory bodies underscore network segmentation as a foundational security measure. It ensures that sensitive data remains shielded and that only authorized personnel can access critical resources, adhering to compliance necessities and elevating the organization’s security posture.

Protecting Sensitive Information

For small businesses that handle sensitive data, network segmentation acts as a guardian. It imposes a structured separation of the network lay-out into more tightly controlled units, empowering security teams to closely guard troublesome areas. An attacker confronted with a segmented network faces significantly increased hurdles to navigate through and access confidential data.

This isolation also plays a critical role in mitigating the spread of malware. If a segment falls victim to such an attack, the segregation prevents the malicious software from infecting adjacent networks, essential for containing the damage. Network segmentation refines access control, limiting reach to authorized users only, which significantly reduces the occurrence of unsanctioned data infiltrations.

Moreover, network segmentation focuses the scope of monitoring and auditing efforts. Security teams can concentrate on sectors housing sensitive information, elevating the chances of detecting and responding to suspicious activities. This targeted vigilance is key in the swift identification and rectification of security incidents, ensuring that the integrity of vital data is preserved and the business’s reputation remains intact.

Key Benefits of Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is an integral strategy for small and mid-sized businesses to enhance their network management and security. By dividing the entire network into smaller, dedicated segments, businesses reap multiple benefits that contribute not only to security but also to the efficiency and regulatory adherence of their operations.

Improved Network Performance

Network segmentation undoubtedly contributes to better network performance. Allocating resources and bandwidth more efficiently, each segment runs more effectively, becoming less susceptible to network congestion. This segmentation allows for issues within a specific area to be resolved with minimal impact on the network’s overall function, essentially reducing system downtime and enhancing productivity.

Simplified Compliance

From a regulatory perspective, network segmentation makes compliance simpler and more cost-effective. By isolating and concentrating on segments that involve sensitive data, an organization can streamline compliance procedures and reduce the scope—and potentially the cost—of audits. This focused approach is particularly advantageous when complying with stringent regulations, such as in healthcare or finance.

In essence, network segmentation is not merely a security solution but a strategic approach that bolsters the security architecture, performance, and compliance of small and mid-sized businesses, ultimately fortifying their position in an increasingly competitive and risky digital landscape.

Reduced Attack Surface

Network segmentation is a proactive security measure that is essential for safeguarding small and mid-sized businesses. It significantly reduces the attack surface by breaking down the entire network into smaller, more manageable segments. Each of these network segments comes with its own set of resources and controls, thereby creating multiple, limited attack surfaces rather than one expansive and vulnerable one. This partitioning is not merely a structural convenience; it’s a strategic security stance that can deter cyber threats and make unauthorized access decidedly more challenging.

The concept of a reduced attack surface is fundamental. Picture a segmented network as a series of compartments in a ship. If a breach occurs in one compartment, it’s contained and doesn’t flood the entire vessel. The application of such a strategy in a network context prevents suspicious activity from sprawling unchecked across the network, as segmentation inherently limits lateral movement. Security teams can more efficiently manage and monitor these individual segments, swiftly identifying and isolating threats.

Here’s a concise overview of the benefits:

Benefit

Description

Concentrated Security

Isolate threats within segments, preventing widespread damage.

Thwarted Lateral Movement

Restricts malware and attackers from moving freely across the network.

Targeted Access Control

Enforces least privilege access, enhancing protection.

By implementing segmentation policies and barriers at each network segment, businesses can maintain a stronger security posture, protect intellectual property, and ensure business continuity even when facing security incidents.

Types of Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a strategic approach to infrastructure security that divides a computer network into smaller, controllable segments or subnets. This process enhances control over traffic flow and bolsters network security. There are several types of network segmentation that organizations can adopt depending on their specific needs and resources. These include:

  1. Physical Segmentation: Utilizes distinct hardware components to create separate network enclaves, thereby providing clear, concrete network boundaries.
  2. Logical Segmentation: Involves partitioning a network into subnets using software-defined network solutions such as Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). This method doesn’t require additional hardware and offers greater flexibility.
  3. Micro-Segmentation: Takes network segregation a step further by breaking down segments into even finer sub-segments at the workload or application layer, which allows for highly specific security policies and controls.

These types of segmentation can play various roles in improving a network’s integrity, from controlling data flows to enhancing security protocols. Understanding these differences is key to determining the most suitable segmentation strategy for a business.

Physical Segmentation

Physical segmentation involves delineating network boundaries using actual hardware. This structural approach to network segregation establishes discrete segments that are physically separated from one another, enhancing the control of data flow and network security. Benefits of physical segmentation include:

  • Targeted Security Measures: With clear network boundaries, security measures can be tailored to each physical segment’s specific needs, increasing a system’s resilience against cyber threats.
  • Operational Efficiency: By reducing network congestion, physical segmentation leads to better performance, lower risk of downtime, and more efficient operational processes.
  • Containment of Security Incidents: In the event of a breach, physical segmentation can confine the impact to one segment, curbing an attacker’s ability to perform lateral movement across the entire network.
  • Enforcement of Access Control: Consistent enforcement of security policies and access controls is more tangible when physical demarcations are in place.

To ensure the effectiveness of physical segmentation, organizations should regularly audit and review their segmentation measures, confirming that policies and controls remain consistently applied across all physical network segments.

Logical Segmentation

Logical segmentation offers an alternative to physical separation by using techniques such as VLANs or subnetting to segment networks on a software level. Main features and benefits of logical segmentation include:

  • Routing Efficiency: VLAN-based logical segmentation facilitates efficient automated traffic routing, streamlining network performance without the need for extensive physical restructuring.
  • Flexibility: Without the requirements for physical infrastructure changes, logical segmentation allows for the swift and flexible creation of network subdivisions.
  • Automated Provisioning: Simplification of network resource management is possible through automated provisioning of subnets, easing the administrative load.
  • Reduced Attack Surface: By isolating network sections from each other, logical segmentation can reduce the overall attack surface, enhancing an organization’s security stance.

Logical segmentation is considered a versatile solution, offering a way to segment networks effectively while avoiding the higher costs and inflexibility associated with physical changes to the network architecture.

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

At the core of logical segmentation, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) are essential tools for small and mid-sized businesses aiming to improve their network’s security and management. With VLANs, it is possible to:

  • Granular Access Control: Pairing VLANs with access control lists (ACLs) can facilitate micro-segmentation, tightening security at a granular level and offering resistance to cyberattacks.
  • Security Zones: VLANs make it easier to limit lateral movement across the network, creating secure zones that shield the wider network from potentially compromised workloads.
  • **Isolation of Devices:**Isolating specific device categories, like personal and IoT devices from crucial data systems and sensitive information, is achievable with VLANs, which plays into a strong cybersecurity strategy.
  • Streamlined Network Management: By organizing devices and traffic into VLANs, businesses can streamline network management and enhance security protocols.

The introduction of VLANs is more than just a segmentation measure; it’s an integral component of a security solution, contributing vastly to the security strategy of small and mid-sized enterprises by effectively controlling and protecting network traffic and assets.

Best Practices for Implementing Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is an essential strategy for enhancing the security and efficiency of small and mid-sized businesses. It is necessary to embrace best practices when implementing network segmentation, which includes careful planning and the robust enforcement of security measures to protect valuable assets. Let’s delve into some of the best practices that businesses should adhere to when segmenting their networks.

Setting Clear Segmentation Policies

One of the initial steps in successful network segmentation is to create a clear, concise segmentation policy. This policy acts as the blueprint for how the network will be divided into manageable and secure segments. It should stipulate criteria for segmentation, which could be based on departments, functions, or the sensitivity of the data being handled. By aligning these policies with overall security objectives, businesses can ensure a strategic approach to network security that is unified and effective. A well-defined policy not only aids in structured implementation but also helps in achieving specific goals within the set timeframes. To remain relevant and strong against evolving cyber threats, it is crucial to regularly assess and refine the effectiveness of these policies.

Utilizing Firewalls and Access Controls

Firewalls serve as the gatekeepers of network security, diligently monitoring and controlling the traffic that traverses between network segments. To bolster network defenses, businesses should deploy both perimeter and internal firewalls, enforcing detailed security policies that cater to different protocols or applications. This multi-layered approach significantly strengthens the network’s security fabric.

Access control lists (ACLs) are fundamental to maintaining a secure network environment. They require frequent reviews and updates to reflect changes in network configurations or security demands. Furthermore, firewalls can create demilitarized zones (DMZs), which provide an additional layer of security by isolating public-facing services from the core internal network. Strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication, paired with stringent controls over application layer traffic, reinforce the security barriers between network trust zones.

Regularly Reviewing Segmentation Strategies

To safeguard the effectiveness of network segmentation over time, small and mid-sized businesses must engage in regular reviews and adjustments of their segmentation strategies. These reviews should be conducted annually, or more frequently in case of significant changes within the network or its security landscape. Ongoing monitoring and strategy updates enable businesses to address emerging issues within individual segments, thus maintaining network integrity without extensive disruptions.

Isolation of network segments empowers organizations to apply precise security measures, bolstering resilience against cyber threats and confining potential breaches. In today’s dynamic cyber environment, adopting a proactive stance in reviewing and revising network segmentation strategies is a recognized best practice, particularly when the stakes involve the protection of sensitive information and intellectual property.

By integrating these best practices into their network management, small and mid-sized businesses not only strengthen their security posture but also optimize network performance, thereby setting a solid foundation for sustainable growth and resilience against cyber threats.

Real-World Examples of Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is not an abstract concept but a practical, architectural approach integral to modern cybersecurity. In essence, it involves dividing a network into multiple segments or subnets, each functioning like a mini-network. This division has myriad benefits, including enhancing control over traffic flow, improving security monitoring, and bolstering overall network performance. By establishing clear network boundaries, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to their most prized digital assets—whether it be customer data, corporate financials, or intellectual property—thereby securing hybrid and multicloud environments against sophisticated cyberattacks.

The implementation of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and subnets are commonly utilized forms of network segmentation. They not only contribute to more efficient network performance but also play a key role in containing threats, ensuring that any intrusions are confined to a single segment and do not permeate an entire network. Such containment is crucial to minimize damage and rapid response.

An essential component of a robust segmentation strategy is the enforcement of stringent security policies that govern the communication between subnetworks. This involves regulating which users, services, and devices have the permission to interact across these network segments, thereby significantly reducing the chances of unwarranted access to sensitive areas of the network. In the event of a security incident, tailored segmentation significantly limits the affected zone and thwarts the lateral movement of threats within the IT environment—this localized containment simplifies the task of Security teams during incident response and recovery.

Case Study: A Retail Business

In the fiercely competitive and digital-first world of retail, network segmentation becomes critical in protecting not just the company’s assets but also its reputation and customer trust. Retail businesses, regardless of their size, can employ network segregation technologies like firewalls and routers as hardware-based solutions or embrace the flexibility of software-based options such as virtual LANs (VLANs) for effective network segmentation.

A crucial practice for these businesses is the segregation of various device types, including IoT devices and servers, which often store and process sensitive customer data. The impact of a robust network segmentation strategy in a retail business extends beyond security enhancements; it improves operational efficiency as well—by reducing network congestion, streamlining traffic, and thereby minimizing potential downtimes.

Incorporating network segmentation also aligns retail businesses with industry regulations and standards, as it simplifies compliance efforts. Regular audits and assessments become more navigable with clear-cut network boundaries and segmentation policies, ensuring continued compliance and trust in the brand.

Case Study: A Financial Institution

Financial institutions, perhaps more than any other industry, stand to gain significantly from the prudent application of network segmentation. A bank or other financial body can utilize network segregation to isolate sensitive transaction processing systems from more public, customer-facing applications. Such segmentation isn’t merely a barricade for cyber threats—it also serves to enhance system performance by easing the load on core processing networks.

Security policies enforced through network segmentation can serve as a bulwark against unauthorized access, such as by ensuring that branch employees do not gain entry to sensitive financial reporting systems beyond their operational needs. The demarcation established by network segmentation effectively reduces the potential traffic on critical networks, thus enabling a smoother operation of systems—especially those handling intricate financial analytics—for authorized personnel.

Traditional security technologies employed in implementing segmentation policies include internal firewalls, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) configurations. By scrutinizing the implementation journey of other institutions, financial entities can leverage learned best practices and sidestep common pitfalls. This sharing of experiences fosters an ecosystem of improved security measures across the board, ultimately enhancing the security posture of the entire financial sector.

Network Segmentation and Remote Work

With the dramatic shift towards remote work, network segmentation has become more than just a good practice—it’s an operational imperative for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). In a landscape where remote employees are as standard as in-office personnel, the traditional network perimeter has been reinvented, making network segmentation a critical security solution.

By partitioning a network into distinct segments, businesses can cordon off sensitive information, such as customer data and intellectual property, ensuring that unauthorized access is denied even in remote work environments. This is essential because remote connections frequently operate over less secure networks, which can be gateways for cyber threats.

Furthermore, secure remote access capabilities like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are integral to a solid security posture. VPNs, by harnessing network segmentation, enable remote workers to securely access the corporate network, reducing risks associated with data breaches or cyber espionage.

The performance benefits are also significant. Segmentation allows for the effective monitoring and control of traffic flow. This keeps critical network segments operating at peak efficiency—an indispensable feature when remote employees depend on network resources.

However, the security strategy must not remain static. Regular evaluation and updating of segmentation policies are necessary to adapt to evolving risks, to ensure a robust defense against security incidents. As technologies progress and threats evolve, SMBs must pivot and scale their segmentation strategies accordingly.

Moreover, the integration of automated workflows within a unified network segmentation strategy can lead to greater security efficiency. Such automation can immediately isolate compromised devices, preventing suspicious activity from exploiting the entire network and enabling security teams to swiftly contain and resolve issues.

Secure Remote Access Solutions

In the domain of secure remote access solutions, technologies like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) embody the principles of network segmentation. ZTNA operates on the assumption that trust should never be implicit within a network, segmenting network access and enforcing strict adherence to ‘least privilege’ principles. This ensures that remote and mobile employees can only interact with network segments and resources for which they have authorization.

The deployment of VPNs enhances the security of employees who access company systems from home networks or public Wi-Fi hotspots, which are often not secure. By utilizing encrypted connections, VPNs act as a security measure for network isolation, even when the physical network boundaries extend far beyond the office space.

For added security, Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is essential. MFA adds layers to the security architecture by verifying user identities in several ways before granting access to network segments, providing a robust barrier against unauthorized access and bolstering the overall security strategy.

Special consideration should also be given to the segmentation of personal devices. By designating a guest network specifically for non-corporate devices, SMBs create an additional buffer against lateral movement within their networks, thereby maintaining the integrity of their security posture. This segregation is pivotal for adhering to security requirements and regulatory compliance across industries.

Continuous monitoring and the implementation of access controls further strengthen these security solutions. They provide the security teams with the visibility needed to detect any suspicious activity and enforce security policies, ensuring that only authorized users gain access to critical resources.

In summary, network segmentation presents a viable security solution that complements remote work by enhancing both network performance and security. As SMBs navigate the complexities of this new work dynamic, they must be strategic and proactive in embracing network segmentation as a core component of their security measures.

Getting Help

To learn more, or get help with architecture and design of your network segmentation strategy, get in touch with MicroSolved (Info@microsolved.com or 614.351.1237) to arrange for a no-hassle discussion of how our 30+ years of experience can help your small and mid-size business. 

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

 

Understanding the Core Tenets of Zero-Trust Network Access

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Zero-Trust Network Access: Strengthening Your Cybersecurity

In an era where cyber threats loom at every corner, “never trust, always verify” has become the mantra. The concept of Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) challenges conventional cybersecurity models that relied on too much optimism. Originating from the notion that internal networks can be just as vulnerable as external ones, ZTNA reshapes our approach to digital protection.

Initially a niche idea, ZTNA quickly became a core strategy against data breaches and compromised credentials. It’s a philosophy advocating continuous verification of all entities—both users and devices—regardless of their location relative to the network perimeter. The substantial reduction in security incidents demonstrates its value on the cyber frontlines.

What is Zero-Trust Network Access?

Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) serves as the foundation of a robust and comprehensive security strategy known as Zero Trust architecture. This modern security model operates on a principle of skepticism, withholding implicit trust from any individual or device seeking to interact with a network. Key principles include:

  • Explicit Verification: Every entity is authenticated before accessing network resources, regardless of location.
  • Microsegmentation: Access is granted based on one-to-one connections, reducing lateral movement risks.
  • Least Privilege Access: Permissions are limited to only what’s necessary.

By upholding these principles, ZTNA shifts the security paradigm from an assumed trust model to an explicit trust architecture.

Benefits of Zero-Trust Network Access

Transitioning to Zero-Trust Network Access offers several key benefits:

  • Reduced Unauthorized Access: Comprehensive verification significantly diminishes the likelihood of data breaches and unauthorized disclosures.
  • Mitigated Lateral Movement: One-to-one secure connections minimize the risk of attackers moving laterally within the network.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Streamlined compliance with regulations like PCI DSS and NIST 800-207, simplifying audits and adherence to mandates.
  • Enhanced Oversight and Control: Microsegmentation offers unparalleled governance, allowing tailored controls around high-value datasets.
  • Improved Security Posture: Overall, ZTNA leads to better data protection, reduced risk and detection time for breaches, and stronger command over both cloud and on-premises environments.

Conclusion

ZTNA transforms network security from a traditional trust-centric model to one that presumes risk, advocates continuous verification, and restricts access. This shift aligns with the need for proactive defense mechanisms amid an ever-expanding attack surface, where potential threats can arise from virtually any vector. Security teams are empowered with the tools and protocols to uphold a high-security posture, strengthening their overall strategy against unauthorized access.

Ready to enhance your cybersecurity with Zero-Trust Network Access?

Contact MicroSolved today and let our experts help you implement a comprehensive Zero Trust architecture to protect your organization’s most valuable assets.

Visit MicroSolved’s Contact Page or call us at (614) 351-1237 to get started on fortifying your security posture with cutting-edge ZTNA solutions.

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.

 

Meeting PCI-DSS 1.1.7 with MachineTruth Global Configuration Assessments

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Explanation of PCI-DSS requirement 1.1.7

The process for reviewing firewall, router, and network device configurations and rule sets every six months involves several steps to ensure compliance with PCI DSS Requirement 1.1.7 and maintain network security controls and router configuration standards.

Organizations can effectively conduct these reviews by utilizing services such as MachineTruth™ Global Configuration Assessments to analyze the configuration settings of firewalls, switches, routers, applications, and other network devices. By conducting regular audits and involving key personnel from the IT and security teams in the review of the results, organizations can ensure that their network device configurations and rule sets comply with PCI DSS Requirement 1.1.7 and maintain strong network security controls.

FirewallDC

Conequences for failing to meet PCI-DSS 1.1.7

Compliance with PCI-DSS is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of sensitive payment card information. Failing to meet the requirements of PCI-DSS can have significant implications for a company, including legal and financial consequences.

One specific requirement of PCI-DSS is 1.1.7, which addresses the need to test security systems and processes regularly. Failing to comply with this specific requirement can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential legal action. Companies may also face damage to their reputation and loss of customer trust. In some cases, non-compliance with PCI-DSS requirements may lead to the inability to process payment card transactions, causing significant operational disruptions. Ultimately, the consequences of failing to meet PCI-DSS 1.1.7 can have far-reaching impacts on a company’s bottom line and long-term viability. Therefore, businesses must prioritize and invest in maintaining compliance with PCI-DSS to avoid these detrimental consequences.

Importance of securing inbound traffic

Securing inbound traffic is critical for maintaining the cardholder data environment’s security and integrity, as PCI DSS Requirement 1.2.1 mandates. Organizations can effectively prevent unauthorized access and potential security breaches by limiting inbound and outbound traffic to only what is necessary for the cardholder data environment. Traffic restrictions are crucial in controlling and monitoring data flow into the network, ensuring that only authorized and necessary sources and protocols are allowed entry. This helps to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches, as any unnecessary or unauthorized traffic is blocked from entering the network. By implementing and enforcing these traffic restrictions, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of data breaches and maintain compliance with PCI DSS standards. Therefore, organizations must prioritize and effectively secure their inbound traffic to safeguard their cardholder data environment.

Importance of securing outbound traffic

Securing outbound traffic is paramount for protecting an organization’s sensitive information and preventing potential risks such as data breaches, exposure to malware, and unauthorized access to critical data. Unsecured outbound traffic can lead to data leaks, theft of intellectual property, and compromise of confidential information, causing significant financial and reputational damage to the organization.

Implementing egress filtering, encryption, data loss prevention, and threat detection measures can help mitigate and/or minimize these risks. Egress filtering is the single most powerful tool in preventing data exfiltration. By implementing best practices around all network traffic leaving the network or segments, most data exfiltration can be disrupted. Encryption ensures that data transmitted outside the organization’s network is securely ciphered, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. Data loss prevention tools enable organizations to monitor and control the transfer of sensitive data, thereby reducing the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access. In addition, threat detection methods allow real-time visibility into outbound traffic, enabling prompt detection and response to unauthorized or malicious activities.

By securing outbound traffic through these measures, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of data breaches, exposure to malware, and unauthorized access to sensitive information, thus safeguarding their critical assets and maintaining the trust of the card brands and customers.

Description of MachineTruth Global Configuration Assessment capabilities

This assessment leverages MicroSolved’s proprietary analytics and machine learning platform, MachineTruth, to review device and application configurations in mass at a global scale. The assessment compares device configurations against industry standard best practices, known vulnerabilities, and common misconfigurations. It also allows organizations to ensure control homogeny across the enterprise, regardless of using different vendors, products, and versions.

Adopted security standards and security policies can be used as a baseline, and configurations can be compared holistically and globally against these universal security settings. Compensating controls can be identified and cataloged as a part of the assessment if desired.

Various analytics can also be performed as a part of the review, including trusted host hierarchies, reputational analysis of various sources for configured rules and access control lists, flagging of insecure services, identification of deprecated firmware, log management settings, protocols, encryption mechanisms, etc. MachineTruth can hunt down, flag, and provide specific mitigation and configuration advice to ensure these issues are fixed across the enterprise, architectures, and various vendor products.

If needed, the MachineTruth platform can verify network segmentation and serve as proof of these implementations to reduce the compliance scope to a subset of the network and data flows.

How MachineTruth helps organizations meet PCI requirements

MachineTruth Global Configuration Assessments help organizations simplify the process of meeting PCI-DSS 1.1.7 and other relevant regulatory requirements. By working across vendor platforms, and reviewing up to several thousand device configurations simultaneously, even the most complex networks can be reviewed holistically and quickly. Work that would have taken several man-years to perform with traditional methods can be accomplished quickly and with a minimum of resources.

Multi-level reporting also provides for an easy, prioritized path to mitigation of the assessments, and if you need assistance, MicroSolved’s extensive partner network stands ready to help you make the changes across the planet. The output of the assessment includes technical details with mitigations for each finding, a technical manager report with root causes, and suggestions for improvement across the enterprise, as well as an executive summary report that is designed to help upper-level management, boards of directors, auditors, and even business partners performing due diligence, understand the assessment outcome and the state of security throughout the organization’s networks. The reporting is excellent for establishing the true state of network compliance, even on a global scale.

This not only allows organizations to easily and rapidly meet PCI-DSS 1.1.7, but also allows them to quickly harden their networks and increase their security posture at a rate that was nearly impossible in the past. Leveraging the power of AI, machine learning, and analytics, even the most complex organizations can make solving this compliance problem easy.

How to Engage with MicroSolved, Inc.

To learn more about a MachineTruth Global Configuration Assessment or the 30+ years of security expertise of MicroSolved, Inc., just drop us a line at info@microsolved.com. You can also reach us at +1.614.351.1237. Our team of experts will be more than happy to walk through how the platform works and discuss the workflow and costs involved with this unique option for meeting PCI requirements and other relevant regulatory guidance. While MicroSolved is a small firm with more than 30 years in business, some clients prefer to work through our larger partners who are likely already on established vendor lists. This is also possible, and the protocols and contractual arrangements are already in place with a number of globally recognized professional services firms. Whether you choose to work with MicroSolved directly, or through our partner network, you will receive the same excellent service, leading-edge insights and benefit from our proprietary MachineTruth platform.

Network Segmentation with MachineTruth

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network segmentation with MachineTruth

About MachineTruthTM

We’ve just released a white paper on the topic of leveraging MachineTruth™, our proprietary network and device analytics platform, to segment or separate network environments.

Why Network Segmentation?

The paper covers the reasons to consider network segmentation, including the various drivers across clients and industries that we’ve worked with to date. It also includes a sample work flow to guide you through the process of performing segmentation with an analytics and modeling-focused solution, as opposed to the traditional plug and pray method, many organizations are using today.

Lastly, the paper covers how MachineTruthTM is different than traditional approaches and what you can expect from such a work plan.

To find out more:

If you’re considering network segmentation, analysis, inventory or mapping, then MachineTruthTM is likely a good fit for your organization. Download the white paper today and learn more about how to make segmentation easier, safer, faster and more affordable than ever before!

Interested? Download the paper here:

https://signup.microsolved.com/machinetruth-segmentation-wp/

As always, thanks for reading and we look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, please drop us a line (info@microsolved.com) or give us a call (614-351-1237) to learn more.

Secure Networks: Remember the DMZ in 2012

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Just a quick post to readers to make sure that everyone (and I mean everyone), who reads this blog should be using a DMZ, enclaved, network segmentation approach for any and all Internet exposed systems today. This has been true for several years, if not a decade. Just this week, I have talked to two companies who have been hit by malicious activity that compromised a web application and gave the attacker complete control over a box sitting INSIDE their primary business network with essentially unfettered access to the environment.

Folks, within IT network design, DMZ architectures are not just for best practices and regulatory requirements, but an essential survival tool for IT systems. Punching a hole from the Internet to your primary IT environment is not smart, safe, or in many cases, legal.
 
Today, enclaving the internal network is becoming best practice to secure networks. Enclaving/DMZ segmentation of Internet exposed systems is simply assumed. So, take an hour, review your perimeter, and if you find internally exposed systems — make a plan and execute it. In the meantime, I’d investigate those systems as if they were compromised, regardless of what you have seen from them. At least check them over with a cursory review and get them out of the business network ASAP.
 
This should go without saying, but this especially applies to folks that have SCADA systems and critical infrastructure architectures.
 
If you have any questions regarding how you can maintain secure networks with enclaving and network segmentation, let us know. We’d love to help!