How to Choose Between Network Segmentation vs Segregation? in '24

The worldwide average expense associated with a data breach reached $4.45 million in 2023, marking a 15% rise over the span of three years. ¹Network segmentation and segregation are crucial components in the realm of cybersecurity. Network segmentation involves dividing network traffic into separate subnets, allowing access only to authorized devices. On the other hand, network segregation goes beyond this by not only splitting the network but also creating more isolated and secure zones within it.

This article examines and contrasts network segmentation and segregation concerning network performance, traffic regulation, and the range of systems they encompass. It also outlines strategies for utilizing each method to strengthen your network’s defenses against constantly changing cyber threats.

What is network segmentation and segregation?

Network segmentation and segregation are two network security techniques that improve security in different ways. Network segmentation divides a broad network into smaller, separate sub-networks, facilitating the division of the network into manageable sections and enabling the implementation of specialized security measures for each section.

On the other hand, network segregation ensures the complete isolation of networks from each other, blocking all direct communication between them, which offers enhanced protection for systems that are critical or hold sensitive information.

How network segmentation and segregation work

Network segmentation divides a larger network into distinct segments or sub-networks, each subject to its own set of security protocols and policies. On the other hand, network segregation goes beyond merely partitioning the network, aiming to create environments within the network that are more stringently separated and nearly completely isolated from one another.

Network segmentation:

1. Division of network: Divides a broad network into more manageable, smaller networks. The segmentation process can be customized based on various factors like organizational departments, specific functions, or the types of data handled. Virtual LANs (VLANs) are commonly employed as tools for implementing network segmentation.
2. Policy implementation: The security requirements for each segment can vary depending on the nature of the data it contains and its function within the organization. Organizations have the ability to determine the users or devices granted access to a particular network segment and can also delineate the kinds of traffic that are permitted.

3. Traffic monitoring and filtering: Tracks and analyzes the traffic moving across various network segments to identify anomalies and recognize potential security risks. During this phase, tools for network segmentation employ analytical methods to grasp standard traffic behaviors. Segmentation technologies filter network traffic according to specific protocols and applications, incorporating authentication processes, IP/MAC address filtering, and access controls based on user roles.

4. Threat containment: Limits the damage caused by a security breach. Containment facilitates targeted remediation activities, enabling security teams to concentrate on the details of the breach in a specific segment, undistracted by activities in other parts of the network.

Network segregation:

Network segregation establishes separate and secure network zones, ensuring that critical systems are separated from less protected areas of the network.

• Separate physical hardware: Separates infrastructure like routers and cabling for different network segments to ensure that there’s no direct connection between the segregated networks.

• Define dedicated resources: Each isolated network might employ distinct Internet Service Providers (ISPs), enabling unique routing setups. The use of exclusive resources helps reduce the risk of extensive disruptions.

• Employs virtualization technologies: Establish distinct virtual networks (VNets) on the same infrastructure. At this phase, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is commonly employed to dynamically generate and oversee logically separated network sections.

• Implements access control policies: Utilizes authentication techniques, role-based access management (RBAC), and multi-factor verification (MFA) to regulate traffic across isolated networks. Implements surveillance and anomaly detection mechanisms in every segregated network to detect unusual behavior.

• Encrypt data and utilize communication protocols: Data encryption safeguards data during transmission across networks. Network segregation tools can generate data backups for potential recovery from data loss incidents and deploy Data Loss Prevention (DLP) methods to prevent unauthorized access, usage, and transmission of sensitive data.

• Conducts regular security audits: Examines the proper execution of segregation policies by ensuring firewalls, routers, and switches adhere to the planned segmentation approach. Given the dynamic nature of networks, consistent audits are essential for identifying any misconfigurations that may emerge due to modifications.

Key similarities between segmentation and segregation

Network segmentation and segregation share several key similarities, including:

1- Enhance the overall security of a network 

Both approaches divide a large network into smaller, more contained sections or isolated areas, hindering attackers who penetrate one section from spreading their reach to others. By constraining an attacker’s ability to navigate across the network, segmentation and segregation play an important role in reducing the potential damage from a security breach.

2- Isolate sensitive areas of the network

Segmentation and segregation involve dividing the network into protected areas, each governed by unique access rules and security measures. Within these secluded zones, sensitive information is frequently encrypted for added security. Isolation is attainable both physically and virtually. Physical isolation entails using separate physical devices to demarcate network segments. The access to these devices and the supporting infrastructure for critical network sections is regulated. On the other hand, virtual isolation employs software-driven solutions to establish distinct network sections within a unified physical system, utilizing tools like Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), along with Firewalls and Access Control Lists (ACLs).

3- Utilize similar network devices

Depends significantly on network devices and technologies such as firewalls, routers, and switches for operation. Firewalls serve as the primary barrier between various segments of the network, managing both incoming and outgoing traffic according to established security guidelines. These can be implemented as physical devices, software solutions, or a hybrid of both. Routers link different parts of the network together, guiding data traffic using IP addresses and employing mechanisms like Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) technology to ensure secure and efficient data flow.

4- Rely on the enforcement of security policies

Segmentation and segregation strategies enable organizations to control the types of interactions permitted between distinct sections or isolated areas, guaranteeing that only approved traffic is able to traverse these boundaries.

Factors for choosing between segmentation and segregation

When deciding between network segmentation and segregation, it’s important to weigh several important considerations, including:

The level of security required

Segregation generally delivers a higher level of security through physical isolation, making it ideal for sectors handling extremely sensitive or classified data, like financial and healthcare institutions. On the other hand, segmentation presents a more adaptable solution for network security. Although it doesn’t achieve the same degree of isolation as segregation, segmentation enhances security by confining potential attackers’ access within the network.

The complexity and scalability of the network

Considering the growth and evolving needs of an organization’s network infrastructure, it’s crucial to select a network security strategy that can accommodate future developments and scale accordingly. Physical segregation in complex networks can present obstacles, such as the necessity to implement and oversee several sets of hardware for distinct segregated areas.

On the other hand, software-driven segmentation offers versatility, enabling administrators to establish, alter, and oversee network segments without the requirement for extra physical assets. Expanding a network that relies on physical segregation typically demands incorporating more hardware, a process that can be both costly and time-consuming. Segmentation, however, facilitates quicker adjustments to meet evolving needs, allowing for the creation and software-based configuration of new segments without disrupting the entire network infrastructure.

Regulatory compliance

Regulatory security requirements can shape whether an organization chooses network segmentation or segregation. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) employs strict security measures for entities dealing with credit card data to ensure a secure handling environment. In high-security demand scenarios, segregation may be employed, including the use of entirely distinct networks for cardholder data environments (CDE). 

Alternatively, segmentation can fulfill PCI DSS stipulations by isolating the CDE from other parts of the network with security tools such as firewalls. The decision between adopting segmentation or segregation hinges on the regulatory obligations an organization faces, the criticality of the data, and the associated risk factors.

Interoperability and access

Interoperability enables communication and collaboration between various segments or systems within a network. However, segregation, particularly when it involves physical isolation, can impede this interoperability by establishing barriers that restrict communication and data exchange between isolated network areas. By keeping these areas separate, segregation can hinder the flow of information between them. In contrast, network segmentation provides a more adaptable framework for interoperability, allowing different segments to interact more freely. 

Segregation can also complicate access management, creating challenges that stem from the network’s division into distinct, isolated zones. This may result in users having to deal with multiple authentication processes to gain access to resources spread across segregated network parts. On the other hand, segmentation offers the flexibility to implement nuanced and customizable access controls, offering easier and more efficient user access to network resources.

Incident response and recovery

Incident security response involves immediate measures taken after identifying a security incident or attack to mitigate its effects. In a segregated environment, the chances of a breach extending to other network areas are minimized due to the strict separation. Recovery pertains to the steps taken to restore organizational operations to their pre-incident state following a breach. However, the segregation of resources might necessitate extra measures for data or system restoration.

The differences between network segregation and segmentation

Network segregation and segmentation are two strategies employed to improve network security and manageability, yet they vary in their implementation and the degree of separation they achieve.

1. Implementation complexity

• Network segmentation: Utilizes software configurations in network devices, including routers and switches, to establish these segments.
• Network segregation: Segregation can take two forms: physical and virtual. Physical segregation entails the establishment of separate hardware for different network segments. Virtual segregation, on the other hand, is achieved through technologies that provide logical separation within the network.

2. Purpose

• Network segmentation: Divides computer networks into smaller, manageable sub-networks to enhance security and performance. This approach helps minimize the likelihood of extensive network breaches and optimizes traffic flow by decreasing congestion in these segments.
• Network segregation: Achieves a higher level of security by establishing isolated network zones with more stringent access controls. This strategy extends beyond mere traffic and access management, focusing on safeguarding sensitive network sections by completely isolating them from the rest.

3. Flexibility and scalability

• Network segmentation: Provides a degree of flexibility and an adaptable method for distributing and controlling network resources tailored to the unique requirements of various subnets. It allows for the establishment of new subnets without interfering with the current network configuration.
• Network segregation: The rigid barriers imposed by segregation can complicate the process of sharing resources between distinct segments of the network.

The impact of micro-segmentation and zero trust on network architecture

Micro-segmentation and the Zero Trust framework are modern methodologies within the larger scope of network segmentation and segregation. Micro-segmentation enhances traditional network segmentation by breaking down the network into even smaller and more specific segments, enabling tighter control over the traffic flow within the network.

On the other hand, the Zero Trust model is a security strategy based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This approach mandates rigorous identity authentication and minimal access permissions for every request to access resources, irrespective of the request’s origin. Contrary to traditional technologies, Zero Trust operates under the assumption that potential threats can originate from any location.

Further Reading

• Top 8 Network Segmentation Tools
• Top 10 Microsegmentation Tools 
• Microsegmentation: What is it? Benefits & Challenges
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Definition & Benefits

If you have questions or need help in finding vendors, reach out:

External Links

• 1. Fight back against data breaches. IBM