Physical network segmentation and microsegmentation

Physical network segmentation and microsegmentation

Introduction

Network segmentation entails the splitting of the network into subnetwork for efficient performance and improvement of security. The organization in the past have depended on virtual area networks, firewalls, etc. to aid in providing network segmentation. Due to advancement in technology the organization is shifting the attention to microsegmentation (Abdalzaher & Samy, 2019) which assist in creating of the secure zone in data centers and is geared towards the implementation of Zero trust models within the organizations. Microsegmentation ensures separation and protections of workloads. The paper hence, will discuss physical network segmentation and microsegmentation environment, the distinctions between the two approaches. It will also focus on the zero security model and its distinction from the conventional model and, finally, how microsegmentation topology offers the necessary foundation for implementation pf a zero trust model within the organization.

Q1

Physical network segmentation and microsegmentation

Physical segmentation of the data center is usually made through the utilization of physical devices such as routers, core switches, and Top of the rack switches in each of the given hosts. Physical network segmentation is deemed to be a more secure method and a very complex method. The approach stipulates that each segment should always have its own firewalls, physical wiring as well as internet connection hence making it more secure. Microsegmentation, on the other hand, ensures creations of secure zones in the data centers as well as cloud deployment with the primary objective of isolating the workloads and ensuring protections of each workload individually (Abdalzaher & Samy, 2019). Microsegmentation makes the network security within the organization more granular. Microsegmentation enables the organization to manage data center traffics that occurs between the servers effectively. Microsegmentation minimizes the exploration of the network by hackers. Hence offering a secure environment for the organization to execute its roles and achieve its set objectives. This is because the organization’s communication is usually done via the network. It also offers an opportunity for the organization to make an informed decision on ensuring security during transmission and receiving of information via the network.

Q2

Zero trust model requires the organization not to automatically trust anything that emanates from within or outside its perimeters, but it should ensure verification of everything before trying to connect it to their systems or even granting access to it. The zero trust model has assisted in ensuring the security of information; this is because of the increased issue of cybercrimes and malware invasion (Hashemi, 2013). These malicious activities are currently costing the organization a lot since the organization they usually depend on this information for effective decision making. Cybercrimes have increased at a high rate, and they have resulted in the liquidation of many organizations across the globe. The zero trust model hence has contributed towards minimizing data breaches within the organization. Conventional security models emphasized on authentication and authorization concept which did not offer full security to the information and data within the organization. Hence zero trust model has contributed towards the prevention of any form of threats that emanates from both internal and external environments. Cloud information and infrastructure security are of paramount importance to the various organization (Hashemi, 2013). Hence there is a great need to ensure there is adequate security in the cloud due to the vast amount of information it contains. The zero security model hence supports ubiquitous security in a cloud environment through ensuring control of data and information breaches that might occur. While ensuring there exist strict securities for ensuring information security in the cloud.

Q3

Microsegmentation focuses on creating secure zones in cloud deployment as wells as data centers for the organization. Microsegmentation offers great resistance to attacks that emanate from within the organization or outside hence ensuring there exists security for the organization’s information and data (Scott, 2018). Microsegemntation has resulted in the formulation of policies that limits network flows within the organization, improvement of security setting for the organization. This has resulted in a reduction of network attack surfaces within the organizations. Microsegmentation has also resulted in improved organization efficiency resulting in the attainment of the set organizational objectives. Hence microsegmentation topology offers a foundation for ensuring implementation of zero security model. This is because of its emphasis on the security of cloud deployment. This ensures that there is control of traffics within the network. Cybercriminal, they usually utilize a weak network platform to invade into an organization system and perform malicious activities which harm the organization (Scott, 2018). The modern organization hence should consider implementation zero-trust security approach because of the following reasons; it will aid in protecting customers and company data from any form of breach. This will assist the organization to continue with its operations as going concern since zero-trust security approach requires verification of everything before accessing. The organization will also gain significant control over the cloud environment, which will result in improvement in organization performance. Finally, it will result in the provision of security and excellent customer experience resulting in their satisfaction.

Conclusion

Information and data security are very imperative for organizational success in a competitive environment. The organization should embrace the concept of zero trust approach and microsegmentation approaches to ensure the security of information. This is because the information is relied upon for making strategic decisions by the organizations.