Protecting an enterprise becomes more and more complicated over time. There are several reasons for this. First, enterprises are now more based on cloud systems. They keep their data, resources, and even networks on cloud services. Cloud-based systems are more compelling to protect. Another reason is remote working. Since the remote working rates increased, enterprises face cyberattacks more often. Because remote employees and also cloud systems are quite vulnerable to cyberattacks. And they are perfect targets for hackers. Now, most of the malicious people, hackers, are trying to access company resources and data via using online methods.

A Brief Explanation of Hacking

Hacking is an unlawful activity that targets devices, networks, and data for harmful purposes. But not all hacking activities are illegal. Some of them are legal and it is called ethical hacking and is run by white-hat hackers. It functions for good reasons such as evaluating security. But, other hackers take advantage of the weaknesses of devices and enter the network without authorization. They can access personal and company data resources. When they reach data, they capture it and use it for illegal and also harmful intentions.

Misuse of networks, devices, and data resources inflicts damage on the enterprises. Post-hacking consequences are not pleasant. It costs companies both their finances and dignity. Data leakage leads to loss of commercial reputation. Enterprises also have legal responsibilities in terms of data protection. Although there are several Acts regarding data protection, each enterprise should evaluate their type of data and determine which code they have to comply with.

The prior motivations of hackers are to gain money, take revenge, and for other political or financial reasons. Most hackers have a great range of information and talent for using hardware/ software systems. They also know how to code and hack into devices.

How to Protect Your Enterprise Against Hackers?

Enhancing cyber security is the key to protecting yourself against hackers. Enterprises keep vulnerable data in their digital data resources. Hackers can easily gain access to these resources via various methods. Employees are the main concern when it comes to online security. Because some of the cyber attacks occur via using employees or third-party vendors as a gateway. If an enterprise’s policy is not adequate for total network protection, it is inevitable for them to protect themselves from malicious attacks. Even in the most secure systems, a breach or attack can occur. But diminishing the number of attacks and decreasing the harm is always possible.

Network Segmentation in Enterprise Cyber Security

What is Network Segmentation?

The principle of network segmentation is to break the network into subsections. This provides a network with great visibility and further protection. Because when an enterprise’s network is divided into smaller pieces, administrators can monitor and audit them at ease.

In an enterprise network, employees should have access permission as much as they need to function in their job. Over-accessing the resources increased the attack surface and put company assets on the line. To avoid privileges, enterprises need a policy that regulates who can access which resource. Thus, they can observe user activities and detect suspicious behaviors. Overabundant data traffic can be prevented via network segmentation. For instance, when each individual in the company has access to financial data resources, financial assets are exposed to more attacks. But in a segmented network, specific data centers can be protected.

How to Start Performing Network Segmentation

Network Segmentation requires preparation. First, an enterprise should determine if network segmentation is the right methodology for their company. Then, they need to assess which parts need further attention and should be improved. After deciding on these and creating a roadmap, network segmentation can be performed effectively.

Segmentation Policy

A network has different parts. Deciding and managing how the movement will be between these parts forms your segmentation policy. You can limit data access traffic based on identities, sources, and destinations. A comprehensive policy will simplify your network segmentation process.

Network Segmentation Best Practices

To assure an enterprise with total security, network segmentation best practices should be implemented. Implying best practices to the network not only robust network security but also facilitates enterprises’ work to maintain it.

While implementing security solutions, enterprises should continue to work effectively. Network segmentation should not slow down the activities. If functioned correctly, network segmentation does not block your work pace, it accelerates it. In this context, network segmentation security best practices by Nord Layer can help enterprises to pick the most appropriate solution to adapt their businesses.

Enterprises should consider over-segmentation. Breaking the network into smaller pieces is beneficial in most cases. But over-segmenting the network is not a good idea. Because it can slow down your business and affect your managing ability negatively.

Having guidelines and policies can help enterprises in their network segmentation journey. To avoid disadvantageous parts of segmentation, companies should have a realistic and also actual plan.

In Conclusion

Hacking is inevitable for modern enterprises due to their online-based business structures. But, minimizing the risk and undesirable consequences is always possible. To provide a secure and hacking-proof business environment, enterprises must consider new and effective solutions. Network segmentation is one of the latest reliable and effective methods to ensure network security. It complies with other modern cyber security solutions such as Zero Trust.

Enterprises should catch up with new technologies and adapt their business to the new cyber security perceptions. While performing it, getting help from a professional is a must. Adopting a new solution is always complex and when it comes to network segmentation, it needs to be processed properly. Although when applied correctly, it can robust enterprise security, if it is not, it causes a disaster.