Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a fundamental step in improving your network’s security. In fact, it’s the absolute best and most cost-effective step you can take when it comes to securing operational technology (OT).

Network segmentation involves dividing a large network into smaller, isolated networks with controlled access.

By segmenting your network, you minimize the impact of threats to specific areas, reduce unnecessary network traffic and prevent threats from spreading across the entire network.

Where Armexa Comes In

Defining your industrial control system zones and conduits is a critical step for understanding OT cybersecurity risk and achieving network segmentation. Armexa can help you transition from a flat network to an industry best practice design that follows the ISA/IEC 62443 zones and conduit model.

What Network Segmentation Typically Consists Of

1. Defining Zones & Conduits

This step can be a standalone service that can be used to create a High-Level Design when considering a larger network segmentation project.

This provides companies with information and documentation to help them understand scoping and budgeting around executing a full network segmentation project.

Armexa starts by clearly defining zones, which helps us organize where and how information travels. Every device on a network has a unique address, so we set up these addresses (IP Address Subnets) and also give each network area a label (VLAN IDs) for easy identification.

From there, we plan and document how data moves in and out and within your network, making sure only the right information goes to the right places.

2. Creating a Low-Level Design

The Low-Level Design is a detailed plan that lists all the changes we need to make to your network. The goal is to provide a blueprint that guides the implementation process, ensuring that all technical requirements are met and the network segmentation aligns with the overall OT security strategy.

3. Implementing the Changes

We’ll implement necessary changes step-by-step. This phase involves careful coordination to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.

4. Performing Site Acceptance Testing

This testing typically includes functional testing, performance testing and security testing to ensure the network segmentation works as intended. This is a crucial step to confirm that the network is ready for production use.

5. Outlining Rollback Procedures

We’ll outline steps to be taken in case things don’t go as planned and includes step-by-step instructions to revert the network to its previous, stable state. This procedure ensures the network can be quickly restored to a safe state should issues arise during implementation.

Armexa’s approach to network segmentation is thorough, meticulous and tailored to meet the specific needs of your operational technology (OT) environment. From the initial step of defining zones and conduits to the detailed planning and execution of changes, our expertise ensures a seamless transition to a segmented network that is secure and optimized for performance and resilience.

Enhance Your Network Security

Ensure your network is not just segmented, but also strategically aligned with industry best practices.

Contact Armexa for expert guidance in shaping a more secure, efficient and resilient network infrastructure for your operations today.