Network Micro-Segmentation: Using Software Defined Networking

Micro-segmentation is similar to segmentation in that you create walls within the network which are very difficult to break through, however the walls in a micro-segmented network are around every device instead of groups of related devices. Using software defined networking (SDN) is a simple, cost-effective way to harden industrial networks from attack, while at the same time providing more effective management and troubleshooting for network issues. If you think micro-segmentation is right for you, reach out to us for a demo.

Benefits

1. Segmentation and Isolation: SDN enables network administrators to create virtual network segments, isolate network traffic, and establish strict access controls. This can help prevent lateral movement of attackers within the network, limit the attack surface, and contain security incidents to specific network segments, reducing the potential impact of security breaches.
2. Dynamic Access Control: SDN allows for dynamic and fine-grained access control based on policies, user roles, and contextual information, such as time of day, location, and device type. This helps ensure that only authorized users and devices are granted access to critical assets in the industrial network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Centralized Management and Control: With a centralized management and control plane, SDN allows for consistent and unified security policies across the entire industrial network. This simplifies network security management, reduces the risk of misconfigurations, and enables rapid response to security events and policy changes.
4. Visibility and Monitoring: Network administrators gain real-time insights into network traffic, monitor for anomalous behaviors, and detect potential security threats. This enables proactive threat hunting, timely detection of security incidents, and effective incident response, enhancing the overall security posture of the industrial
5. Rapid Response and Remediation: SDN allows for dynamic reconfiguration of network policies and routing based on security events, enabling rapid response and remediation actions. For example, in case of a detected security breach, network administrators can quickly block or redirect traffic to contain the incident, preventing further damage or data exfiltration.
6. Automated Security Orchestration: When integrated with security orchestration tools and technologies, SDN enables automated response actions based on predefined security policies and threat intelligence. This can include automated isolation of infected devices, automated patching or updates, and other security mitigation actions, reducing response time and minimizing the risk of human error.
7. Enhanced Resilience: SDN can improve network resilience by providing dynamic and flexible network configurations, automated failover mechanisms, and network redundancy. This can help organizations better withstand and recover from network disruptions caused by security incidents or other operational events.
8. Compliance and Auditing: SDN can provide improved compliance and auditing capabilities by enforcing consistent security policies and logging network activities. This can aid in meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance with industry standards, providing a stronger security posture for industrial networks.

Challenges

1. Switches: Not all switches support SDN. There are many major switch vendors, such as Cisco, that have support in some switches, but installed switches may need to be upgraded.

Want to learn more? Check out our OT Defense in Depth Cyber Security Buyer’s Guide.

Notable Vendors