Managed Cybersecurity Services Support Network Segmentation
Whether in data centers, the cloud or campus networks, network security segmentation helps protect devices, workloads and users from attacks that are aimed at compromising those systems. It is a critical component of any Zero Trust strategy and allows organizations to improve their cybersecurity posture by restricting access to sensitive data, users and networks.
Managed security services are designed to managed cybersecurity services monitoring, management and response for organizations that want to outsource these functions. MSSPs typically offer a variety of service plans that include security management, threat detection and response, compliance support, incident handling, and other services. These managed services can be a cost-effective way for companies to get the security capabilities they need without having to staff or maintain an internal security team and associated tools.
In addition, an MSSP can support a range of regulatory compliance requirements that may be required by governing bodies. This can help organizations avoid costly fines and penalties when it comes to breaches or failure to comply with government mandated standards for the protection of regulated customer data.
While firewalls and virtual local area networks (VLANs) are the traditional tools for implementing network security segmentation, they lack granular controls for controlling who can access what part of the network. In addition, they can slow performance by putting too much demand on network infrastructure, especially as the number of network segments increases.
How Do Managed Cybersecurity Services Support Network Segmentation?
A more effective approach is to use micro-segmentation, which breaks down a network into smaller and more granular zones. This offers a more tailored approach to control access, and enables more detailed traffic monitoring and reporting. Micro-segmentation is also a more efficient alternative to using firewalls to create subnets or VLANs, and does not require the complex programming and management of thousands of access control list (ACL) rules that are required for those solutions.
In addition, segmentation can help reduce the scale of an attack if it does occur. For example, a malware outbreak in one segment can be prevented from spreading to other areas, such as IoT devices like connected infusion pumps that cannot be protected by traditional cybersecurity defenses. It can also limit the scope of any compliance requirements or audits by ensuring that the systems that process payment information stay separate from other systems. This helps to keep costs down as the expensive audit and compliance processes apply only to systems that need to be monitored.
For these reasons, it is crucial to find an MSSP that provides network security segmentation as part of its services. Solutions like Illumio’s Zero Trust Segmentation Platform can automatically enforce policy-based granular traffic control between network segments and ensure that all data is encrypted when being transmitted between them, even across different domains with differing security levels.
By outsourcing cybersecurity management, businesses can avoid the high costs associated with hiring and retaining in-house security professionals. Additionally, managed cybersecurity services often include access to advanced security tools and technologies that would be expensive for businesses to purchase and maintain independently.
