As more companies expand their network perimeter, they’ve had to rethink cybersecurity tools. The standard trusted and not-trusted posture wasn’t working anymore. Basic perimeter security isn’t as effective either since the perimeter is no longer a single office with devices only working within the network firewall.
East-west traffic has increased, and it has become increasingly more difficult to secure the perimeter.
What Is Microsegmentation?
Before we get in too deep, we first need to define microsegmentation. According to TechTarget, microsegmentation is “a technique used to divide a network into logical and secure units through the application of policies that dictate how data and applications are accessed and controlled.”
Micro Segmentation vs Network Segmentation
Microsegmentation is not the same as network segmentation. Network segmentation is usually focused on north-south data flow — aka the traffic between data centers. Microsegmentation is a software-based service focused on traffic between applications or resources.
By segmenting the network into smaller pieces and restricting the traffic that can move laterally keeps systems more secure.
Micro Segmentation Examples
There are a variety of objects that can be defined as segments in regard to microsegmentation. They include
- Workloads. A specific projected amount of capability for an instance.
- Applications. Software programs that run on a device, cloud, or virtual machine.
- Virtual Machines (VMs). Computers that contain all basic components to run without physical hardware.
- Operating Systems (OS). The fundamental software which enables all other software to run.
Microsegmentation Cybersecurity
Microsegmentation allows for more customized security policies. This enables administrators to reduce network vulnerability by reducing the movement should a security breach occur.
Microsegmentation also increases visibility. Network traffic is broken down into smaller pieces and administrators can greater control over data flows. This also makes it easier to identify traffic that could be a potential threat.
Finally, microsegmentation is a core piece of the zero-trust framework. Microsegmentation makes it possible for organizations to enforce their zero trust policies by creating boundaries between workloads and tight access controls. If a breach does occur, the attacker’s ability to access other parts of your organization’s systems will be greatly reduced.
Microsegmentation Benefits and Challenges
There are many benefits to microsegmentation, including things such as
- Isolation of problem areas
- Gaps between cloud, container, and on-premise infrastructure
- Threats are contained should they occur.
- Attack surfaces are reduced.
- There is greater flexibility in how workloads are secured
While there are many benefits, there are challenges as well such as
- Rules need to be reviewed consistently to ensure they are appropriate
- Performance must be analyzed
- New applications or changes in traffic patterns must be addressed.
- Microsegmentation is complex.
How Anteris Can Help
We’re security-minded to begin with, but we’re taking it to the next level with microsegementation.
Anteris is leveraging human computer interaction (HCI) with microsegmentation from the foundation of our infrastructure. Our data center clients have the advantage of microsegmentation.
Our microsegmentation leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to create a complete visualization of your network — basically to identify what is actually happening in your infrastructure. Through the proper strategy without partners, we’re able to continue to secure as more is learned about how your resources are utilized.
Basically, like the systems, we’re always learning and striving to find solutions that best fit your organization. Cybersecurity isn’t one size fits all, and microsegmentation needs to be instituted properly to truly be effective.
Let us make your technology freeing, not frustrating.
