What advantage does network segmentation provide in terms of security?

The advantage of network segmentation in terms of security primarily lies in its ability to limit access and reduce the attack surface. By dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments, organizations can control traffic flow between these segments. This means that if a breach occurs in one segment, the attacker is confined to that area, preventing them from easily moving laterally across the entire network. This limitation helps protect sensitive data and critical systems from unauthorized access.

In addition to enhancing security, segmentation allows for more granular control of policies and monitoring, making it easier to enforce security measures specific to different parts of the organization. For example, a segment that handles sensitive financial data can have stricter access controls compared to a segment dedicated to guest users, thus bolstering the organization’s overall security posture.

Other choices, while they may have merit in a broader networking context, do not directly pertain to the specific security advantages brought by network segmentation. Bandwidth management, simplification of network management, and improvements in speed are secondary benefits that might occur in well-implemented segmented networks, but they are not the primary security advantage that segmentation provides.