What is the role of policy segmentation in network security?

The role of policy segmentation in network security primarily focuses on limiting attackers' movement within the network, making it much harder for them to access and compromise additional systems after breaching one part of the network. This strategy involves dividing the network into distinct segments or zones, each with its own specific security policies and controls.

By implementing policy segmentation, even if an attacker manages to infiltrate one segment, they encounter barriers that restrict their ability to navigate and exploit other areas. It enhances the security posture of the organization by confining potential threats and spreading risk across controlled segments rather than allowing unrestricted access to the entire network.

This approach effectively mitigates the impact of a breach, as each segment can have tailored defenses, monitoring, and response procedures adapted to its specific operational needs and threat profile. Thus, it helps in containing incidents and protecting sensitive data more effectively.