Is Your Network at Risk? Discover How Network Segregation Could Save Your Business from a Cyber Nightmare!

Network Segregation: The Key to Robust Cybersecurity

Another day, another breach. You may have read the alarming news that a compilation of 10 billion passwords (a database called “RockYou2024”) has been made available on a popular hacking forum. Where do these passwords come from? Data breaches.

A prime example of such a breach is the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare. Millions of Americans had their sensitive health information exposed, creating chaos and mistrust. This blog post is the second in our series, drawing lessons from the Change Healthcare breach to help you fortify your own cybersecurity defenses. Today, we’re diving into network segregation – what it is, why it’s crucial for compliance, the risks of using personal devices on a secure network, and the different types of segregation.

What is Network Segregation?

Network segregation (or network segmentation) is the practice of dividing a computer network into smaller segments, or subnetworks, to improve performance and security. Think of it as installing walls and doors within a building – each room serves a specific function, and only authorized personnel can access certain areas. This method limits the movement of cyber attackers within the network, making it harder for them to reach valuable data.

Imagine a playground for children located next to a fenced dog park. By keeping the two parks separated, the children and equipment are protected from the dogs, while the dogs are free to roam and play in their area without restrictions. Similarly, network segregation ensures that different types of network traffic are isolated, protecting sensitive data from less secure areas of the network.

Why Do Need Network Segregation?

The Change Healthcare breach is a sobering example of what can happen when network segregation isn’t adequately implemented. Once attackers gained a foothold on Change Healthcare’s network a lack of segmentation allowed them to “see” other critical assets and move laterally within the network. This gave them the ability to extract massive amounts of data.

This incident underscores the importance of robust network segmentation. By isolating sensitive data and critical systems, companies can prevent attackers from gaining extensive access, even if they manage to breach one part of the network.

Types of Network Segregation: Wi-Fi and Wired

Network segregation can be implemented in various ways, primarily through Wi-Fi and wired connections. Each method has its own advantages and considerations.

Wi-Fi Segregation: Creating separate wireless networks for different user groups. For example, a guest Wi-Fi network can be isolated from the main business network. This ensures that visitors can access the internet without posing a risk to the company's internal resources. Each Wi-Fi network requires its own unique password and users/devices should only have the credentials for the network(s) they are authorized to use.

Wired Segregation: Physically separating networks using switches and routers. Different departments can be placed on separate VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), ensuring that sensitive information in one department cannot be accessed by another without proper authorization. Wired segregation is like having separate office spaces with locked doors – only those with the key (or access rights) can enter.

How Network Segmentation Can Benefit You and Your Business

Keeping Smart Devices Secure

Consider a typical home or office setup which includes some smart devices like a TV or Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerator. These devices are often less secure and more vulnerable to hacking. If they share the same network as your computer and mobile phone, a hacker who compromises one of these smart devices could gain access to your more sensitive information on other devices.

By segregating your network and placing these smart devices on a “Guest” network, you can protect your sensitive devices. The smart devices remain on a separate network, able to access the internet, but unable to “see” or communicate with your computer and mobile phone. This way, even if a hacker compromises a smart device, they cannot move laterally to access more sensitive data.

Compliance

Another important use of network segregation is maintaining regulatory compliance. For example, businesses handling payment card information must adhere to security protocols outlined in PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). This regulatory body mandates that companies protect cardholder data through rigorous security measures, including network segregation.

When you segregate your network, you create a controlled environment for sensitive information. This is crucial for PCI compliance, which requires that cardholder data is isolated from other parts of the network. Without proper segregation, a breach in one part of the network could also give an infiltrator access to payment information, leading to severe financial penalties and loss of customer trust.

Using Personal Devices at Work

Imagine a research laboratory with a sterile cleanroom. Everyone is required to adhere to strict policies and wear special suits to prevent contamination. But what if someone brought their pet into this environment? Its presence would contaminate the entire room, jeopardizing all the research being done there. This is akin to using personal devices on a secure network. These devices, often referred to as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), can be a significant security risk. Personal devices likely don’t have the same security measures as company-issued equipment, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. There is also the potential that unapproved possibly malicious software could have been previously installed. The presence of one such device on the secure network would open the entire network up to compromise.

During the Change Healthcare breach, the network’s vulnerabilities were exploited, potentially exacerbated by personal devices connecting to secure segments. This kind of exposure can allow malware to infiltrate the network, bypassing existing security protocols. Personal devices are like party crashers – they can bring a lot of trouble with them. A policy that keeps personal devices on their own “Guest” network effectively protects your primary network from the hazards posed by devices outside company control.

Benefits of Network Segregation

Ensure Your Network is Truly Secure

The Change Healthcare breach offers a stark reminder of the importance of network segregation in protecting sensitive data. By implementing network segregation, you can enhance security, ensure compliance, and reduce the risk of data breaches. Remember, in cybersecurity, it’s not just about building strong walls but also about creating intelligent barriers within your network.

Are you ready to fortify your defenses? Contact allCare IT today to learn more about how our managed cybersecurity services can help you implement effective network segregation and protect your business from cyber threats. Don’t wait for a breach to take action – secure your network now!