Describe the use of each of the following network segmentation design

Question

technologies to secure networks using examples.
Zero trust

Answer 1

Zero trust is a network segmentation design technology that focuses on the principle of not trusting any user or device within a network, even those that are already inside the network perimeter. It operates on the assumption that all users and devices are potentially compromised or malicious, and therefore requires strict authentication and authorization mechanisms before granting access to resources.

The use of zero trust helps to enhance network security by minimizing the attack surface and preventing lateral movement of threats within a network. It achieves this by implementing several security measures such as:

1. Micro-segmentation: This involves dividing the network into small segments and implementing strict access controls between them. For example, a financial institution can separate its payment processing system from its customer database, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access each segment.

2. Authentication and authorization: Zero trust relies on strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), where users are required to provide multiple pieces of evidence to verify their identities. Authorization is then granularly enforced based on user roles and permissions.

3. Visibility and continuous monitoring: Zero trust networks have enhanced visibility into the activities and behavior of users and devices within the network. This allows for more effective detection and response to any signs of compromise or abnormal behavior.

4. Secure access controls: Zero trust implements secure access controls based on the principles of least privilege and need-to-know. For example, a user may only be granted access to specific resources and functionalities that are necessary for their job role, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Overall, zero trust aims to prevent lateral movement of threats and enforce strict access controls throughout the network. It ensures that only trusted users and devices can access resources and continually monitors the network for any signs of compromise, enhancing network security and reducing the impact of potential breaches.