Network segmentation is an architectural approach that separates a computer network into smaller sections to improve security and overall performance. For healthcare organizations, which often deal with complex IT environments and heightened cyber risk, network segmentation can be a valuable tool to mitigate risk and lessen the negative effects of a cyberattack.
HHS underscored the importance of network segmentation by suggesting that HIPAA-covered entities be required to implement it as part of the department's proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule.
What is network segmentation? Network segmentation divides a network into subnets, with each subnet working as an independent network. From a cybersecurity perspective, separating a large network into smaller sections has clear benefits. If cyberthreat actors target one segment, the attack can be contained.
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