Network segmentation security, an essential component of modern cybersecurity, has a rich and fascinating history
Network segmentation security involves the division of a computer network into subnetworks, each being a network segment. This not only improves performance but also enhances security.
As a (somewhat venerable) tech and security writer, I decided it was time I learned more about how network segmentation security came to be and where we fit into that journey, so here are my notes from exploring the intriguing development of network segmentation, the history of zero trust, and the advent of microsegmentation.
Early Beginnings: Pre-Segmentation Era
The Monolithic Network
Imagine that scene from 2001 where the big black slab appears amongst a tribe of apes – that’s how I remember it, anyway…
The roots of monolithic architectures reach deep into the formative era of software development, specifically with the advent of massive mainframe computers during the 1950s and 1960s. In these initial stages, the architecture of computing systems was highly centralized. A singular mainframe computer acted as the core hub for all computational tasks, consolidating control and processing within one entity. As technology evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, personal computers made their mark, and the client-server paradigm began to gain traction. This shifted the emphasis toward more decentralized systems. Despite these changes, monolithic architectures maintained their foothold, particularly in the sphere of large-scale software applications. Notably, systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP) kept the concept of a centralized architecture alive and relevant, showcasing the adaptability and continued relevance of monolithic designs.
- Unsegmented Era: In the early days of networking, systems were monolithic. They lacked isolation between various parts, resulting in poor performance and high vulnerability.
- Mainframe Dominance: Mainframe systems required physical presence, and there was minimal risk of unauthorized external access.
The Advent of Local Area Networks (LANs)
During the 1970s, the field of Local Area Network (LAN) technologies saw a surge of experimental and initial commercial development. One of the significant inventions of this time was Ethernet, which came to life between 1973 and 1974 at Xerox PARC. Concurrently, Cambridge University began working on the Cambridge Ring, with development starting in 1974. Meanwhile, Datapoint Corporation undertook the creation of ARCNET in 1976, officially announcing it to the world in 1977. These innovations laid the foundation for modern networking and continue to influence current technology.
- Growing Complexity Introduction of LANs: The 1980s brought the explosion of Local Area Networks, enabling connections within a limited geographic area. Remember after-work LAN parties?
- Security as an Afterthought: LANs improved connectivity and increased exposure to risks. Security was often tacked on later rather than built into the design.
Segmenting With Bridges
- The Birth of Bridges: Network engineers realized that breaking down a network could improve security and efficiency. Bridges started being used to divide LANs into segments.
- Still Room for Improvement: Though bridges added a level of security, there were still challenges in managing traffic and controlling access.
In 1989, a British scientist based at CERN, Tim Berners-Lee, said, “This is for everyone,” and moved the goalposts forever. In mid-November ‘89, he implemented the first successful communication between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and server via the Internet.
The Rise of Routers and Firewalls
Routers and firewalls have played crucial roles in the development of network security and internet architecture. The concept of routing, directing data packets between different networks, dates back to the early days of the ARPANET in the late 1960s. Routers evolved to become more sophisticated, enabling the complex web of interconnected networks we use today. Firewalls, introduced in the late 1980s, provided a new layer of security by controlling inbound and outbound network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They acted as barriers to keep destructive forces at bay, much like their architectural namesake. Together, routers and firewalls have shaped the way we securely navigate and interact with the digital world, making both our personal and professional online experiences more protected and efficient.
Next-Level Segmentation
- The Router Revolution: In the 1990s, routers became common, providing more effective segmentation by controlling traffic between different subnets.
- Firewall Integration: Firewalls added another layer of security, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
VLANs and the Dawn of Modern Segmentation Security
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) marked a significant turning point in the field of network segmentation. Emerging in the early 1990s, VLANs provided a way to logically separate different segments of a network without the need for physical separation. This technology allowed devices in the same physical location but different logical networks to communicate as if they were on separate physical networks. The dawn of VLANs revolutionized network design by offering increased flexibility, scalability, and security. By controlling traffic flow between different segments, VLANs contributed to the reduction of congestion, enhanced privacy, and allowed administrators to apply specific policies to different groups. The advent of VLANs can be seen as the beginning of modern network segmentation, providing a blueprint for the complex, multi-faceted network structures that are now commonplace in today’s connected world.
The VLAN Innovation
- Virtual LANs (VLANs): With VLANs, network segmentation took a virtual turn. It allowed networks to be segmented without physical separation.
- Dynamic Management: This period saw the evolution of more dynamic and flexible network management tools. Network admins could now change segmentation rules without touching physical hardware.
The Age of Zero Trust and Microsegmentation
Zero Trust Architecture
With growing awareness of the inherent vulnerabilities in traditional perimeter-based security models, network segmentation security began to shift towards the model we see today. In these legacy systems, once an attacker breached the outer defenses, they often had relatively unrestricted access to the internal network. This “trust but verify” approach, which allowed extensive trust inside the security perimeter, was increasingly exploited by cybercriminals. The realization of these weaknesses led to the development of the zero trust model, coined by John Kindervag of Forrester in 2010, where the philosophy is “never trust, always verify.”
Unlike the legacy approach, zero trust doesn’t automatically trust anything inside or outside the network. Instead, it requires continuous verification of credentials and adherence to policy, regardless of the user’s location or device. This shift in mindset was a direct response to the growing sophistication of attacks and the fragmentation of the network as cloud computing, remote work, and mobile devices became more prevalent. By focusing on robust identity verification and least-privilege access, zero trust has risen to prominence as a more nuanced and effective approach to network security.
- No Trust by Default: The Zero Trust model assumes that no user or system is trustworthy by default, even if inside the network.
- Strong Access Control: By employing strict authentication, the model added a new layer of security to network segmentation.
The Era of Microsegmentation
As virtualization technology developed and cloud computing became more prevalent, the need for more granular control within the network grew apparent. Microsegmentation emerged as a solution to this problem, providing a way to divide the network into smaller, isolated segments, each with its own security policies. This architecture greatly reduces the attack surface and limits an attacker’s ability to move laterally within the network. The rise of microsegmentation was driven by these technological advancements, coupled with the realization that legacy security models were insufficient in the face of increasingly sophisticated and targeted cyber threats. By allowing organizations to apply precise security controls to individual workloads and processes, microsegmentation has become a critical tool in modern network segmentation security strategies.
- Finer Control: Microsegmentation allows for detailed control over how different network parts interact, critically including application behavior.
- Tailored Policies: Security policies could be tailored to individual workloads or even single devices, providing precise security control.
During the 2010s, the major banks became prime targets for cyber attackers hungry for valuable data. TrueFort’s co-founders were in the trenches, combating high-level attacks while overseeing security and IT at global banking giants Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. Despite having invested hundreds of millions in security software, these incidents laid bare the vulnerabilities in an ‘infrastructure-centric’ approach to security. The tools and methods were found wanting, unable to fully shield the essential applications upon which these prominent financial establishments depended. It’s here, born out of necessity and a critical gap in the protection landscape, that our own microsegmentation network security solution was born.
Future Trends: Automation, AI, and Beyond
- Machine Learning and AI Automated Security: With the integration of AI, network segmentation can now be automated, adapting to threats in real-time.
- Predictive Analysis: Using machine learning, networks can predict possible vulnerabilities and take preemptive measures.
Lessons from the Past, Guidance for the Future
Network segmentation security has come a long way from its inception. The ongoing battle between security professionals and cybercriminals has shaped its evolution. Let’s wrap up with some key takeaways – because history is a lesson from the past, after all:
- Never Underestimate the Basics: Segmentation started with simple bridges and has evolved into highly complex systems. The fundamentals, however, remain crucial.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: The history of network segmentation shows that adaptation and forward-thinking are vital. New threats require new defenses.
- Embrace Innovation but Beware of Complexity: While innovations like AI and microsegmentation are powerful, they also bring complexity. Balancing innovation with manageability is key.
Network Segmentation Security Evolution
The history of network segmentation security is a tale of adaptation, innovation, and resilience. It reflects humanity’s endless quest for connectivity paired with the sobering reality of cybersecurity threats.
As technology continues to evolve, so will the methods to secure it. Understanding the history of network segmentation gives us some insight into why it is vital and how it might develop in the future. A wise old colleague and network administrator once said, “Segmentation is like an onion; it’s all about layers, and sometimes it makes you cry.” However, as we continue to refine these layers, we get closer to a tear-free, more secure networking world.
