Tag Archive for: Software-Defined Networking

Make Network Security a Zero Trust Priority

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The National Security Agency’s (NSA) Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI) titled “Advancing Zero Trust Maturity Throughout the Network and Environment Pillar” and the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model version 2 underscore the importance of securing network environments in line with zero trust principles. Both documents emphasize an integrated approach to zero trust, placing network security alongside identity management, data protection, and continuous monitoring.

John Kindervag, the creator of zero trust, recently cautioned the cybersecurity industry about its overemphasis on identity management, reminding us of the critical role that network security plays in the zero trust framework. As organizations continue to mature their zero trust architectures, the NSA and CISA outline clear guidelines on how network security fits into the overall security strategy.

Key insights from the CISA and NSA zero trust guidance

1. Data flow mapping

The CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model v2 emphasizes the importance of understanding data flows across the network to enforce zero trust effectively. RedSeal’s network mapping capabilities align perfectly with this requirement. By visualizing network paths, RedSeal helps organizations identify unprotected data flows, ensuring that sensitive information does not traverse insecure network paths. This visibility is crucial for implementing micro- and macro-segmentation strategies.

2. Macro-segmentation and micro-segmentation

Both the NSA and CISA documents stress the need for segmentation as a core component of zero trust. Macro-segmentation involves dividing networks into broad security zones to limit lateral movement by attackers. RedSeal’s “Zones and Policies” feature supports this by enforcing policies that prevent unauthorized access between different zones, such as between departments or IT and operational technology environments.

Micro-segmentation, on the other hand, focuses on further reducing the attack surface within network segments. RedSeal’s policy management capabilities assist organizations in enforcing precise controls at a granular level. With RedSeal’s advanced network modeling, you can identify the most critical areas for micro-segmentation and ensure policies are applied effectively.

3. Software-defined networking (SDN)

RedSeal’s capabilities complement SDN implementations, which are highlighted by CISA and NSA as essential for creating dynamic, adaptable zero trust environments. SDN allows for more granular and flexible control over network traffic. RedSeal enhances these SDN strategies by providing deep insights into network structure and identifying potential vulnerabilities, which is crucial for crafting effective SDN policies.

4. Threat visibility and continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring is a cornerstone of zero trust, as outlined by both the NSA and CISA. RedSeal’s continuous network visibility and monitoring allow organizations to stay vigilant and identify potential risks. The ability to verify network configurations continuously ensures that security policies remain effective and adaptive as threats evolve.

Advancing zero trust maturity with RedSeal

RedSeal is uniquely positioned to help organizations mature their zero trust architectures, particularly within the network and environment pillar. By delivering comprehensive network visibility, enabling effective segmentation, and supporting SDN strategies, RedSeal plays a critical role in limiting attack surfaces and strengthening an organization’s security posture.

Zero trust is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but by leveraging RedSeal’s capabilities, you can ensure your network security is robust, dynamic, and capable of meeting the stringent requirements outlined by both CISA and NSA.

Discover how RedSeal can enhance your zero trust journey by scheduling a demo or attending one of our free monthly Cyber Threat Hunt workshops.

 

The Critical Role of Network Security in Zero Trust

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The National Security Agency’s (NSA) Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CIS) entitled “Advancing Zero Trust Maturity Throughout the Network and Environment Pillar” outlines how organizations can enhance their network security within the Zero Trust model. This involves leveraging advanced cybersecurity strategies to mitigate risks of lateral movement by malicious actors within networks.

In a recent SCmagazine article, the creator of the Zero Trust concept, John Kindervag, pointed out the industry’s current overemphasis on identity management, cautioning against neglecting network security’s critical role. This viewpoint complements the NSA’s guidance on implementing Zero Trust within the network and environment pillar, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that values both identity and network infrastructure. Kindervag’s insights advocate for not only recognizing the network as a foundational component of Zero Trust, but also actively engaging in strategies like data flow mapping, macro- and micro-segmentation, as well as leveraging software-defined networking (SDN) for enhanced security measures​​. This balanced focus ensures a comprehensive and resilient Zero Trust model, and RedSeal can address those network-related challenges effectively.

RedSeal can play a crucial role in implementing these strategies:

  • Data Flow Mapping: RedSeal’s capabilities in mapping the network and understanding how data moves across it align with the document’s emphasis on understanding data flow to identify and secure unprotected data flows. RedSeal can help organizations visualize their network paths and flows, which is foundational for recommended effective segmentation and isolation strategies.
  • Macro Segmentation: RedSeal’s Zones and Policies feature directly supports the concept of macro-segmentation, which is about segmenting the network into different security zones to control access and movement between them. By defining and enforcing network policies, RedSeal can help prevent unauthorized access between different parts of the network, such as between departments or between the IT environment and operational technology systems.
  • Micro Segmentation: While the document discusses micro-segmentation’s role in further reducing the attack surface within network segments, RedSeal’s detailed network models and policy management can assist in the detailed enforcement of policies that control access to resources within these segments. RedSeal’s analytical capabilities can help identify where micro-segmentation can be most effectively applied and help manage the policies that enforce this segmentation.
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Although RedSeal itself is not an SDN solution, its network modeling and risk assessment capabilities are complementary to SDN’s dynamic and adaptable network management. RedSeal can enhance SDN implementations by providing a detailed understanding of the network structure and potential vulnerabilities, thereby aiding in the creation of more effective SDN policies.

RedSeal can significantly aid an organization’s efforts to advance its Zero Trust maturity, particularly within the network and environment pillar outlined in the NSA document. By providing detailed network visibility, facilitating effective macro- and micro-segmentation and complementing SDN strategies, RedSeal helps limit potential attack surfaces, enhances network security posture, and supports continuous verification of all elements within the network environment.

You can find out more by getting a demo of RedSeal and attend one of our monthly free Cyber Threat Hunt workshops.