Advanced Micro-segmentation with Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
Published: 2024-05-07 12:42:20


In the realm of industrial cybersecurity, micro-segmentation has emerged as a crucial strategy for navigating the complexities of modern networks. By dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments, organizations can better protect their assets from lateral movement and reduce the attack surface. However, implementing micro-segmentation in industrial networks can be challenging due to the diversity of legacy and modern systems, operational disruption, resource constraints, scalability, and interconnectivity requirements.

[Platform Engineering](www.platformengineers.io) and Micro-segmentation: To overcome these challenges, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach that involves thorough planning, pilot projects, collaboration between IT and OT teams, training and skill development, automation, regular monitoring and testing, risk assessment, and communication with vendors. This approach requires a deep understanding of the network architecture and the ability to navigate the intricacies of industrial networks.

## Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Micro-segmentation

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is a key technology that can enhance micro-segmentation by providing a software-based approach to network segmentation. NFV allows organizations to create virtual network functions (VNFs) that can be easily deployed, managed, and scaled. By combining NFV with micro-segmentation, organizations can create a more agile and flexible security architecture that can adapt to the changing needs of the network.

## VMware NSX and Micro-segmentation

VMware NSX is a leading platform for network and micro-segmentation that provides a software-based approach to security. NSX allows organizations to easily segment their network and isolate applications without requiring changes to the underlying network infrastructure. With NSX, organizations can gain visibility into traffic, create network segmentation, and prevent lateral movement with granular segmentation. NSX also provides automated policy recommendation, security as code, stateful Layer 7 security, and an agentless architecture that eliminates agent fatigue and operational overhead.

## Juniper Networks and Micro-segmentation

Juniper Networks provides a comprehensive approach to micro-segmentation using Group Based Policy (GBP) in a VXLAN architecture. GBP leverages underlying VXLAN technology to provide location-agnostic endpoint access control, allowing organizations to implement consistent security policies across the enterprise network domains. GBP blocks lateral threats by ensuring consistent application of security group policies throughout the network, regardless of the location of endpoints or users.

## Configuration Example

Here is an example of configuring VXLAN-GBP based segmentation on a Juniper EX4400 switch:

set firewall family ethernet-switching filter name term name from source-mac-address MAC-Addr
set firewall family ethernet-switching filter name term name then gbp-src-tag PE-GRP

This configuration enables the EX4400 switch to select traffic based on the 802.1X authentication or MAC address and assigns a group tag to matching frames.

## Conclusion

Advanced micro-segmentation with NFV is a critical strategy for industrial cybersecurity. By combining micro-segmentation with NFV, organizations can create a more agile and flexible security architecture that can adapt to the changing needs of the network. Platforms like VMware NSX and Juniper Networks provide comprehensive solutions for micro-segmentation, enabling organizations to protect their assets from lateral movement and reduce the attack surface. As the industrial sector continues to evolve, the importance of micro-segmentation and NFV will only continue to grow.