Zero Trust / Network Zoning

What is Network Zoning

A computer that has infiltrated malware can jeopardise a company's entire network if it gains access to central components such as the Active Directory. This method of attack from system to system is called lateral movement. The example of a submarine can be used to illustrate the damage caused by a ransomware attack. Without micro-segmentation, the entire network or submarine can be submerged. With micro-segmentation, however, only a small section is affected, such as a bulkhead, and the submarine can continue its journey and rectify the error.

Network zoning or micro-segmentation is a concept in which a corporate network is divided into different zones, segments and micro-segments, each of which has different security policies and access restrictions. These zones can be defined based on various criteria such as user groups, applications, locations or data sensitivity. Overall, network zoning is an essential part of a comprehensive security strategy for companies, as it helps to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and resources. It is therefore important to segment the data centre and campus infrastructure into security zones in order to expand the network infrastructure in a future-oriented and future-proof manner and to reduce the risk of a total failure due to a cyber attack.

This includes the reorganisation or definition of the network zones, as well as the migration of the respective endpoints such as servers, clients or similar active components in the network, their communication paths and protocols, the architecture of the firewalls and the perimeter security to the outside world. The aim is to recognise, limit and control attacks and their effects in the best possible way, to implement change processes and to ensure better manageability and traceability.

Benefits of Network Zoning

Increased Security

Network zoning improves security in several areas: it limits access to confidential data and systems to reduce security risks and minimise attack surfaces. It allows confidential data to be stored in separate zones that meet higher security requirements to maintain its integrity. It makes it easier to detect and respond to suspicious activity by isolating network segments. It protects against internal threats by restricting user access to specific zones and isolating unauthorised activity.

Performance Optimization

Network segmentation makes it possible to better regulate data traffic and resource distribution in different areas in order to increase the performance of the entire network. Companies can use this strategy to ensure effective utilisation of resources such as bandwidth and server space in order to provide optimal access to services and applications and achieve greater availability of resources.

Compliance

Network zoning facilitates adherence to regulations and compliance requirements by controlling access to data and facilitating monitoring functions.

Flexibility and Scalability

Network zoning allows organisations to flexibly adapt and scale their network architecture to meet changing requirements without compromising security.

The Risks of A Network Without Network Zoning

More susceptible to attacks from outside and inside, as there is no clear separation between different areas and functions.

Difficult to monitor and control data traffic, as there are no defined rules and guidelines for access and communication.

Reduces the performance and efficiency of the network, as there is no optimisation and prioritisation of resources and applications.

Increases the complexity and maintenance effort of the network, as there is no simplification and standardisation of the network architecture and configuration.

Species and Their Combinations

There are different types of network zoning that can be used individually or in combination to develop a comprehensive security strategy.

The combination of different types of network zoning allows organisations to adapt and expand their security strategy to ensure comprehensive coverage while maintaining flexibility and ease of use.

Network Zoning Types

Network-Centred Zoning

This zoning method divides the network into different zones or segments, depending on network protocols, IP address ranges or geographical locations. The aim is to regulate the flow of data and network access.

Application-Orientated Zoning

The network is divided into different areas depending on which applications are running in it. This makes it easier to control data traffic and access to certain applications and services.

User-Centred Zoning

The aim of this zoning method is to take users and their authorisations into account. It allows access to network resources to be allocated and regulated according to user identity, role or group.

Data-Centred Zoning

The network is divided here according to the protection requirements or category of the data. Data that requires a higher level of security can be compartmentalised in areas with strict rules, while data with lower protection requirements can be placed in zones with more relaxed conditions.

Combinations of Network Zoning

Network-Centred And Application-Oriented Zoning

There are various zones in the network in which traffic is regulated according to network protocols and IP address ranges. In addition, some applications are isolated in their own zones and access to them is restricted accordingly.

Application-Oriented And User-Centred Zoning

Network access is divided up according to applications and regulated depending on the identities and roles of the users. This means that users can only work with the applications that are important for their tasks.

Network-Centred, Application-Oriented And Data-Centred Zoning

The network is segmented according to network protocols and IP address ranges in order to regulate access to different applications and data depending on their sensitivity or categorisation. Confidential data is separated in areas with high security requirements, while data with lower sensitivity is placed in zones with fewer restrictions.

Preparation Is Crucial

Careful planning is essential for a network zoning project as it helps to identify and reduce potential risks and utilise resources effectively. Good planning can ensure that network zoning complies with the relevant regulations and is easily integrated into the existing infrastructure. It can also achieve efficient communication with users to increase their compliance and adherence to safety regulations. Finally, planning sets the benchmark for evaluating the success and continuous optimisation of network zoning.

Through careful preparation and planning, organisations can implement effective network zoning that improves their network security while maintaining operational efficiency and flexibility.

Risk Assessment

Carry out a thorough risk assessment to identify the most important threats and vulnerabilities in your network. Consider internal and external threats as well as the potential impact on your organisation.

Identification of Zones

Determine which areas of your network should be segmented. This can be based on various criteria such as user groups, applications, data sensitivity or network functions.

Definition of Security Guidelines

Develop clear security guidelines and access controls for each network zone. Take into account the different requirements and risks in each area.

Inventory

Carry out an inventory of your current network infrastructure to obtain a precise overview of existing resources, devices and applications. This is important to identify potential vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.

Define Segmentation Strategy

Determine how segmentation should be implemented, whether physically through separate network devices such as firewalls and switches or virtually through software-defined networking (SDN) technologies.

Planning The Network Topology

Design a new network topology that takes segmentation into account and enables the necessary connections between the zones. Also take redundancy and reliability into account.

Consideration of Compliance Requirements

Ensure that the planned network zoning meets the applicable regulations and compliance requirements, particularly with regard to data protection and data security.

Staff Training And Education

Train your employees on the new security policies and procedures related to network zoning. Make sure they understand the importance of security and how they can contribute to it.

Pilot Phase And Tests

Conduct a pilot phase to test and validate network zoning in a limited area before extending it to the entire network. Carry out regular tests and security checks to ensure the effectiveness of zoning and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Server And Application Communication

One of the most difficult tasks is to identify the communication of the applications of the endpoints.

Capturing connection information in a network zoning project is crucial to identify existing communication patterns and enable informed zoning planning. It also enables the analysis of data traffic, the identification of security threats and the optimisation of network performance.

Firstly, all your applications must be defined and the required communications between the endpoints must be documented. If this is not the case, this must be worked out in advance in order to reduce communication to what is necessary and avoid attack surfaces and unauthorised access.

Depending on how your organisation is structured with processes, value streams and applications, the responsible system, service or application owner must provide you with this information.

If this information is not available, a strategy must be developed together with the departments in order to obtain this information.

Network monitoring tools such as network sniffers or network analysers can be used to track network traffic and collect connection data.

Connection data can also be recorded and stored by network devices such as routers, switches and firewalls if they are configured accordingly.

Network flow analysis tools can also be used to analyse data traffic on the basis of network flows and obtain connection information.

Another way to get an overview of the network is to take a manual inventory of the network resources and connections. This requires architecture diagrams and documentation. (If these are not available, they must be created!)

This may be one of the most difficult tasks in the project to fully capture the connection information, but it is the cornerstone of a Zero Trust strategy.

Difficulties With Network Zoning

Complexity of The Infrastructure

Existing network infrastructures can be complex, especially in large organisations or those with legacy systems. Restructuring and segmenting such a network can be a challenge. Implementing and managing network zoning can be complex and may require specialised knowledge and resources.

Lack of Resources

Implementing network zoning requires time, money and expertise. Organisations may struggle to allocate the necessary resources for planning, implementation and maintenance.

Business Interruptions

A segmented network architecture may result in operational downtime, especially if it is not well planned and implemented. Organisations need to ensure that their systems continue to function during the process. Network zoning must be configured correctly so that performance is not affected, especially if there is a lot of traffic between zones.

Compatibility Problems

The change in network zoning may require existing systems, applications and devices to be adapted. Compatibility issues may arise, especially if old systems or different technologies need to work together. If new applications or technologies are introduced, they may also come into conflict with the existing network zoning solution, which can cause further difficulties.

Resistance To Change

Employees may resist changes to the network architecture, especially if they need additional training or if their work processes change.

Security Concerns

Organisations may have concerns about potential security gaps or vulnerabilities that could arise from the introduction of network zoning. It is important to carefully plan and implement security policies to address these concerns.

Complex Governance & Compliance

Adhering to data protection regulations and compliance requirements can be a challenge, especially when sensitive data is stored and transmitted in different network zones.

Long-Term Maintenance & Updating

Network zoning requires continuous maintenance and updating to remain effective. Organisations need to ensure they have the resources and processes in place to maintain the security and performance of their segmented networks.

Network Zoning - The Road to Zero Trust

Zero trust and network zoning are both concepts in the field of network security that are deeply intertwined in order to massively strengthen the security of an IT infrastructure.

Based on the basic assumption that threats can come from both outside and inside, this is also known as the zero trust approach. Therefore, no network segments or resources should be categorised as trustworthy. Instead, all attempts to access network resources, regardless of their origin, must be verified, authenticated and authorised. Zero Trust requires a continuous review of the security status and authorisations of users and devices.

Benefits of Zero Trust

  • Strengthening Security Through Segmentation

    Network zoning can be seen as a method of implementing the zero trust model. By dividing the network into security-relevant zones, "zero trust" can be effectively implemented by strictly controlling access between the zones. Any attempt to move from one zone to another requires verification and authentication in line with the principles of Zero Trust.

  • Minimisation of Risks

    By applying Zero Trust to network zones, the risk of threats spreading within the network is minimised. Even if an attacker is able to penetrate a zone, strict access control and monitoring prevents the threat from spreading to other parts of the network.

  • Increased Overview and Control

    Zero Trust improves visibility and control over activity within the network by monitoring and logging all access requests. This supports network zoning by providing detailed information about traffic and user activity, which improves detection and response to security incidents.

In summary, the integration of Zero Trust into network zoning enables a stronger and more dynamic security architecture that can adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.

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