As companies across every sector become more reliant on data to drive their decision-making, securing and protecting that data becomes increasingly critical as well. With cyberattacks now a constant threat, one of the best ways to mitigate their damage is through network segmentation.
What is Network Segmentation and Why Does It Matter?
Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a connected computer network into several small parts, or subnetworks. For example, a hospital might divide its network by ward, so that all the computers on the same ward are on the same subnetwork and isolated from other wards. Information that travels between these segments is heavily vetted and inspected before it is allowed to pass through. Segmentation works naturally with zero-trust models of network security, which require every message and piece of information to be reviewed, even if it comes from a supposedly trusted source.
The philosophy of network segmentation is that by limiting connections between devices, network owners can also restrict the ability of cybercriminals to jump from one device to another, thereby limiting the damage they can do. In the same hospital example from before, if a cybercriminal breaks into one ward’s medical computers and sabotages them, network segmentation would prevent them from affecting other wards as well.
Who Needs Network Segmentation?
Any business or group that needs to protect sensitive information and operates across a wide footprint can benefit from network segmentation. The sectors most likely to implement this security measure are:
Healthcare
Healthcare remains one of the most frequently targeted sectors in terms of cyberattacks. According to the 2025 Ponemon Healthcare Cybersecurity Report, nearly three out of four healthcare providers have reported experiencing cyberattacks such as ransomware and cloud compromise that disrupted patient care efforts. This means that for healthcare groups, experiencing a cyberattack is a question of when, not if. Thus, healthcare groups must focus on mitigation and damage prevention when a breach occurs, a role which network segmentation naturally slots into. In healthcare, network segmentation typically separates healthcare devices such as medical computers, ventilators, and anesthesia machines from administrative workstations. This helps protect vital equipment from malware or sabotage.
Industry
Many industrial businesses implement some form of network segmentation, especially if that business operates across multiple different worksites. For example, an oil and gas company that manages numerous oil wells will want to segment its operations appropriately, isolating different worksites from each other.
Industrial businesses will also want to segment their information technology (IT) from their operational technology (OT). IT encompasses data-based technologies, including analytics, communications, and account management. In contrast, OT covers technology used to control physical devices and processes, such as machinery on an assembly line and the industrial computers that manage them. Segmenting these two from each other ensures that if an IT-based breach occurs, the company’s OT will not be affected.
Enterprise
Businesses of all kinds implement network segmentation for cybersecurity and compliance. One common practice is to separate production and development traffic so that any malicious activity targeting live elements or software doesn’t affect resources currently in development. A retailer running point of sales systems will use a separate network for them to prevent unauthorized access and protect their customers. Even something as simple as a hotel’s Wi-Fi network for its guests will be segmented so that they can’t accidentally access the hotel’s business computers.
Network Segmentation Best Practices
Every business and sector is different, and will want to segment its operations differently. However, there are certain best practices associated with network segmentation strategy and cybersecurity that are always worth using.
Use Identity-Based Access
Rather than relying solely on IP-based access to different network segments, consider implementing identity-based access as well. This could take the form of various access control methods, such as requiring employees to use physical tokens, such as RFID badges or smart cards, to gain access to their assigned network segment. In extreme cases, it could even mean requiring biometric authentication, such as a facial or fingerprint scan, during the sign-in process.
Limit Third-Party Access
Every business is dependent on partners for success, whether they’re manufacturers supplying subassemblies and components, SaaS providers, or consultants auditing their practices. Unfortunately, third-party data breaches are increasingly common as companies become more and more interdependent. If you use a segmented network, it’s critical that your third-party partners can only access segments relevant to their functions, rather than your entire network. This helps prevent a data breach on their part from compromising your entire operation as well.
Avoid Under and Over-Segmentation
Network segmentation is a balancing act between separating into too few networks and too many. Too few, and there is still too much attack surface for cybercriminals to exploit. Too many, and employees have to jump through multiple hoops just to access the information they need, while also creating an unnecessary workload for IT and security teams. Every network segment needs to be updated separately, which can increase the chances of making a mistake and leaving vulnerabilities unaddressed. There has to be a balance between having enough segmentation to ensure security, while also having enough accessibility that your employees can work efficiently.
Monitor and Audit Regularly
Once your segmented network is in place, you need to continuously monitor traffic and performance to ensure there are no gaps in its security or inefficiencies in its design. This includes risk assessment and penetration tests to ensure that the segmentation design is working correctly, as well as listening to employee feedback. If employees report slow and inefficient workflows due to security protocols that offer no security benefit, it may be time to reassess. You will also need to adapt your network as new users, workflows, and business requirements evolve over time.
Benefits of Network Segmentation
While certainly challenging, implementing an effective network segmentation strategy reaps numerous benefits for businesses and groups that make the effort. The greatest of these benefits include…
Better Cybersecurity
First and foremost, network segmentation significantly improves a company’s cybersecurity efforts. If an attack occurs and a part of your network is compromised, segmentation helps prevent malware from spreading beyond the initial infection site, much like how medical quarantines stop diseases from spreading. This is especially critical for older devices and legacy equipment that don’t have security software installed directly on them.
Improved Monitoring and Response
Network segmentation naturally lends itself to closer monitoring of network traffic, both in and out of a business’s network and between its various segments. This makes it easier to detect suspicious activity, such as large amounts of information transferred to and from unknown addresses. With segmentation, a security team can also know what parts of their network may be compromised and react accordingly, shutting down abnormal traffic and enacting response plans much more quickly.
Greater Compliance
Some sectors are heavily regulated in terms of who can access what information. For example, healthcare groups must maintain compliance with the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which heavily regulates private health information and who is allowed to access it. Under HIPAA’s Privacy Rule, a patient’s health information can only be shared with relevant covered entities, such as healthcare providers and specialists, and only to the degree that their treatment requires. With a segmented network, a healthcare group can share necessary information with outside entities while still protecting other parts of its network.
Improved Performance
Segmentation reduces the congestion that a network has to deal with. By limiting users and partners to specific parts of the network, operators limit the amount of bandwidth that they use and cut down on unnecessary traffic. They can also allocate more resources, such as processing power and server space, to high-demand applications, letting them operate with greater efficiency. This is particularly useful for businesses that rely on resource-intensive services such as media streaming or video conferences.
Achieving Network Segmentation with Cybernet Manufacturing
While implementing a network segmentation strategy can be a demanding task, it is often necessary for businesses to protect their data and devices. Properly used, network segmentation can lock down breaches and contain them before they become an uncontrollable disaster.
If your company is looking for computers compatible with network segmentation strategies and other cybersecurity measures, contact Cybernet Manufacturing. Our range of medical, industrial, and enterprise PCs features a wide range of cybersecurity features, including Imprivata encryption, access control methods, and more.