Network Segmentation Policy Scoring for Exposure Risk Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no objective and standardized approach for measuring or predicting the effectiveness of network segmentation policies in enterprise networks, which affects the security and performance of network operations.
Innovation Solution
A scoring system is developed to determine the effectiveness of network segmentation policies by analyzing network traffic data, identifying applications, their dependencies, and exposure risks, and providing a score based on source and destination exposure risk and security posture, allowing for policy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network segmentation policies are implemented to improve security, then network security is improved, but there is no objective measurement approach available to evaluate policy effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual evaluation methods with an automated computational scoring system that objectively measures network segmentation policy effectiveness. The system uses algorithms to calculate effectiveness scores based on multiple factors including exposure risk, traffic patterns, and policy compliance, substituting human judgment with systematic computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where effectiveness scores are continuously calculated and provided to operators. This feedback loop enables operators to assess current policy performance and make data-driven adjustments to improve network security, creating a closed-loop system for ongoing policy optimization.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive network monitoring is implemented to measure policy effectiveness, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional scoring system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: measuring policy effectiveness, assessing exposure risk, analyzing traffic patterns, and providing compliance evaluation. This universal system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate monitoring tools into a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complexity of network monitoring into manageable components by calculating effectiveness scores at granular levels (individual policies, applications, network segments). This segmentation allows the system to handle complex measurements through modular calculation units, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for scoring network segmentation policies in order to determine their effectiveness before, during and after enforcement. In one aspect, a method includes identifying one or more applications within an enterprise network; identifying at least one network security policy in association with the one or more applications within the enterprise network; determining a score of the network security policy based on information corresponding to exposure of each of the one or more applications within the enterprise network; and executing the network security policy based on the score.