Network Segmentation for stronger, smarter security

Segment your network to strengthen security, reduce risk, and support compliance efforts

  • Restrict access so users can reach only required resources
  • Prevent attackers from moving laterally across your network
  • Simplify compliance with regulatory standards

OVERVIEW

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation means subdividing your network into areas with access permissions assigned to specific teams and employees. Unique security controls and network security policies limit lateral movement and unauthorized access to create a more secure and less risky environment. You can use network segmentation solutions to ensure employees, team members, and contractors access only the tools and resources they need to do their jobs, nothing else.

benefits

The benefits of Network Segmentation

Improve network efficiency

Segmentation reduces network traffic congestion by separating and managing traffic flows more effectively, helping devices stay responsive and ensuring optimal performance across all areas of the network.

Stop cyberattacks spreading

Segmenting separate areas also reduces your attack surface and limits the scale of attacks should they occur. This means any potential malware infection is restricted to just one segment and cannot spread to other parts of your network.

Secure every device

Harmful internet traffic can easily infiltrate network device, particularly those with weak defenses. Segmentation restricts movement across your network connections and can prevent malicious traffic from ever reaching these devices.

Make compliance simpler

Many frameworks like PCI DSS, ISO 27001 or HIPAA expect or recommend segmentation to protect sensitive data. Separating your networks makes it easier to meet requirements, prepare for audits, and avoid crippling non-compliance fines.

Seamless protection

All your security layers, finally working together

NordLayer connects cutting-edge features into one simple platform. That means less system switching. Less time wasted. Just world-class security that works from day one.

NordLayer seamless security dashboard with gateway management, threat protection, and active session monitoring

Smarter security starts with Network Segmentation

BEHIND THE SOLUTION

How Network Segmentation works

Network segmentation means dividing your infrastructure into smaller, isolated sections with controlled access. With NordLayer, you can set up segmentation easily, either by creating multiple Virtual Private Gateways for different teams or applying Cloud Firewall rules to define custom policies. This flexible approach helps you limit the lateral movement of threats and tailor security to your organization’s specific needs.

etwork segmentation diagram with firewall dividing internal network into isolated team sub-networks

examples

Network Segmentation examples

Unsegmented network diagram showing all teams connected directly to all offices without access restrictions

Without Network Segmentation

  • Data accessibility for unauthorized users
  • Increased risk of data breach
  • Reduced visibility and monitoring
NordLayer network segmentation diagram: teams accessing designated offices through secure private gateways

With Network Segmentation

  • Protect endpoint devices
  • Reduced attack surface area
  • Improve network performance

use cases

Network Segmentation use-cases

Understanding your organization’s needs is the first step toward implementing effective segmentation. Consider the data or resources you’re protecting, your users, and who needs access to them, as well as the security policies that will govern how each segment is controlled.

Ensuring your users have the correct access permissions is imperative to the success of network segmentation. It’s best practice to conduct a review of user needs. The privileges each have provided a directory of user roles, segments they require access to, and who is assigned full access rights—for example, your admins. Adding multi-factor authentication further strengthens security by verifying user identities before granting access. This practice applies to your whole network.

OUR SOLUTION

Segment your network with NordLayer

You can choose between two flexible approaches: create multiple Virtual Private Gateways, each with a server with a dedicated IP address, so every gateway acts as a separate segment, or use our advanced Cloud Firewall to set multiple segmentation rules within a single Virtual Private Gateway.

  1. Log in to the Control Panel

    Access your NordLayer account to start configuring your network segmentation settings.

  2. Create a Virtual Private Gateway

    Set up a secure gateway with a server with a dedicated IP address to serve as your network segment.

  3. Define firewall rules

    Add custom firewall rules to segment access within the gateway, creating separate policies for different teams or users.

Additional info

Frequently asked questions

Network segmentation prevents lateral movement across your infrastructure, reducing the risk of accidental data leaks from the inside and limiting damage if an external breach occurs.