A global banking organization requires its cybersecurity team to

A global banking organization requires its cybersecurity team to minimize the network's vulnerability to cyber threats. The team has divided the network into secure segments, implemented port security, and physically isolated key servers. The team plans to restrict traffic flow between network segments to reduce the threat of attack further. Which of the following approaches can best help with this plan?

1 answer

To enhance the security of network segments and restrict traffic flow effectively, the cybersecurity team can implement the following approaches:

Access Control Lists (ACLs): Utilize ACLs to define what traffic can flow between different network segments. This allows the team to specify which devices or IP addresses can communicate with each other, effectively controlling and monitoring access.
Firewalls: Deploy firewalls between network segments. Configure the firewalls to only allow specific types of traffic (based on protocols, ports, or IP addresses) that are necessary for business operations. This adds a layer of security by preventing unauthorized access and controlling inter-segment communications.
Network Segmentation with VLANs: Create Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to logically separate network segments. Implementing inter-VLAN routing with strict policies will help control the traffic flow between different groups of users, minimizing exposure to potential threats.
Micro-segmentation: This approach involves creating smaller segments within existing network segments, often at the application level, to further control access and movement of data. This can be implemented using software-defined networking (SDN) solutions.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): Adopt a Zero Trust model where every request for access is authenticated and authorized regardless of its origin, whether inside or outside the organization. This involves continuous verification of users and devices.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Implement IPS solutions to monitor and analyze traffic between the segments. If malicious activity is detected, IPS can block traffic in real-time, acting as a barrier against potential threats.
Network Access Control (NAC): Use NAC solutions to enforce security policies on devices trying to connect to the network. NAC can ensure that only compliant devices are allowed access to specific segments.

By employing one or more of these methods, the cybersecurity team can effectively reduce the likelihood of lateral movement by attackers and enhance the overall security posture of the network.