Which standard segmentation options could a risk assessment consultant offer?

In the context of cybersecurity and network segmentation, offering VLANs and physical segmentation is a robust approach to enhance security within an organization.

VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, allow for the logical separation of network traffic on a shared infrastructure. This is beneficial because it helps isolate sensitive data and systems, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or lateral movement within the network. By creating separate VLANs for different departments or functions, organizations can enforce strict communication policies and control which users and devices can access particular network segments.

Physical segmentation, on the other hand, involves using distinct physical devices or infrastructure to separate network environments. This can be achieved through the deployment of different switches, routers, or even entirely separate networks, which adds an additional layer of security. Since these physically separated networks do not share access points, it becomes significantly harder for attackers to compromise multiple segments from a single entry point.

Together, these methods represent leading practices in network design aimed at minimizing risk and enhancing performance by controlling access to different parts of the network. This approach balances the need for operational efficiency while also focusing on security, making it a prime choice for risk assessment consultants to recommend to organizations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.